Sometimes a girl just needs to get away, and the more than 2,000 miles of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region holds plenty of options. Hit the slopes and its more than 160 ski trails, traverse its woods and rivers or stay inside and explore the Dorflinger Glass Museum or take in a performance at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Other relaxing options, such as spa visits or shopping, are also plentiful.
Relax at the Spa
- Make the most of your trip to the Poconos by staying at a resort that offers comfortable accommodations, fine dining and a variety of activities ranging from spa treatments to cooking classes. The French Manor Inn and Spa (thefrenchmanor.com) in South Sterling offers several getaway packages that include one- or two-night accommodations; treatments at the Le Spa Foret include pedicures and massages, plus gourmet breakfasts. The guest rooms feature private baths, free Wi-Fi and upscale décor, while the French Manor dining room specializes in gourmet French cuisine. The Lodge at Woodloch (thelodgeatwoodloch.com) in Hawley offers getaway packages for groups of six that include spa treatments, cooking demos and lectures, exercise classes, gourmet meals and access to the spa and gym. The lodge offers guest rooms with secluded verandas and views of the lake and waterfall.
Get Your Blood Racing
- Whether it's hunting for bargains or tackling the raging rivers, the Chateau Resort and Conference Center (chateauresort.com) in Tannersville has a package for you. If hunting for bargains appeals to you, opt for the “shop and stay” package that includes accommodations, breakfasts, snacks and a gift card to the nearby Crossings Premium Outlets (premiumoutlets.com). However, if you have the urge to get wet, try the “Pocono Whitewater Rafting Adventure” package that, in addition to two-night accommodations, breakfast and lunch, also includes three to four hours of rafting on the nearby Lehigh River. The resort offers guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and amenities such as swimming pools, sauna and whirlpool.
Tempt Fate
- See if Lady Luck will smile on you and your friends at the Mount Airy Casino (mountairycasino.com) in Mount Pocono. Choose the “play” package, which includes bonus money that can be used at either the slot machines or game tables. If relaxation is on the menu, choose the “escape” package that includes dining credits, coupon book to be used at the Crossings Premium Outlets and bonus cash for the slot machines. Each package includes one- or two-night accommodations with features such as flat-screen TVs, spa-like bath products and pillow-top beds. Dining options at the casino range from comfort food at Betty's Diner to Italian meals at Le Sorelle Cucina.
Get Outside
- The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort (shawneeinn.com) in Shawnee offers a variety of stay-and-play packages. The “fall foliage package” includes meals, a hayride and a hike, or you can choose packages that combine lodging, meals and time on either the golf course or the ski trails of nearby Shawnee Mountain. Other activities at the resort include treatments at the Spa Shawnee, sampling ShawneeCraft Beer at the brewpub and touring its brewery, lounging in the piano bar or mountain biking along the Shawnee River.
