est. 2023
The Gathering Place at Pocono Lake
The Pocono Experience
Whether it's a day trip to historic Jim Thorpe or a breakfast at one of our favorite local spots on your way home, below you will find just a few of the "must do" items in the local Pocono Lake/Blakeslee area.
Favorite places to eat
Chat N Chew
(1.9 Miles) Similar to a NJ diner but with Pocono charm!! Serving breakfast and lunch with menu items known as the Messy Mike, this quickly became one of our favorite spots!
Murph's Hideaway
(1.3 miles) Serving a little bit of everything, this pub offers comfort food with an Irish atmosphere (bag pippers and irish step dancers do make appearances!). Can't miss the giant pretzel and disco fries!
Jubilee's
(7.7 miles) Everyone familiar with this area knows of this Pocono staple! Another pub style restaurant, this is a favorite amongst our group for the variety and overall selection. The Supper Sandwich is a must...think Pot Roast Meal between two pieces of grilled sourdough. Yes please!
Murphy's Loft
(4.1 miles) Another local staple, Murphy's is not only know for the food and overall good local vibe, they have an great outdoor patio area with plenty of seating, and large bar area and great music.
Piggy's
(8.1 miles) Located in Lake Harmony, this tiny eclectic joint serves breakfast and lunch every day. They are known for their Batter French Toast - think amazing french test with a light pancake batter coating. Worth a try!
Barley Creek Brewing Co.
(16.2 miles) Well known for their selection of home-brewed beers, Barley Creek needs to be a stop on your travels to/from the Outlets or after a day at Camelback or Aquatopia. And oh yeah, the food is REALLY good too!
Nick's Lake House
(8.2 miles) Another Lake Harmony gem, Nick's is perfectly located at the end of the lake, allowing for a beautiful setting whether you sit inside or outside. And according to this group, they serve the best Cheese Steak in the area.
Powerhouse Eatery
(14.3 miles) When you are looking for something more than tasty pub food, this place is worth the ride! The power-plant-turned-restaurant interior lends for a great date night, with some pretty amazing choices on the menu like Confit Duck and Street Corn Ravioli.
Did somebody say...Ice Cream???
Joanie and Pete's Dairy King
(2.4 miles) Located at the 940 Golf n' Fun center, this place serves up 18 different flavors of Jack and Jill Ice Cream in every type of cone and sundae variety you can imagine. One of our favorite spots!
The Junction
(7 miles) Another area staple, The Junction has been known for it's great ice cream for many years. Serving 14 different types of ice cream along with your usual hot food options (dogs, burgers, chicken tenders), this is another great option for a sweet treat!
Sweet Cravings
(3.4 miles) Another hidden gem we almost never found, this place offers the most bang for your buck from an ice cream to cost ratio. Great variety and BIG scoops!
Tutrone's
(10 miles) Conveniently located just minutes off of 380 on your way up or your way home, this place offers a great selection, along with some of the best Banana Splits we have had in a long time!
Ski Resorts/Waterparks
Jack Frost
(6.2 miles) Jack Frost has 9 lifts accessing 20 runs, along with a tubing hill. Also part of the Epic Pass for those with a Epic Season Pass!
Big Boulder
(8.6 miles) Big Boulder is just on the other side of Lake Harmony, and features 18 trails and 7 lifts, in addition to a tubing hill. Big Boulder is also part of the Epic Pass!
CamelbackAquatopia
(17.3 miles) No matter the season, Camelback has something for everyone. As one of the largest ski mountains in the area, it offers 39 trails accessible by 12 lifts. It also has the 2nd largest snow tubing hill in the area with 42 lanes (and nightime tubing as well!). Camelback also offers an indoor water park - Aquatopia - as well as an outdoor one - Camelbeach - all within just 20 miles from the house!
Kalahari
(12.7 miles) Kalahari is the newest and largest of the Pocono area waterparks and is just 20 minutes down the road from the house. In addition to having both an indoor and outdoor waterpark, Kalahari has 4 restaurants to choose from after a day in the water. Planning a relaxing weekend at the house? Take advantage of the Kalahari Spa for a couple hours to add even more relaxation to your trip!
Golf Courses
Jack Frost National
(5.3 miles) Jack Frost National Golf Club - located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains - designed by Terry LaGree, is unique to Northeastern Pennsylvania and has all the features you would want in a mountain course and none of the shortfalls.
Blue Ridge Trail GC
(30.6 mile) Blue Ridge Trail was thoughtfully carved out of the woods and valleys in the rolling hills of Northeastern, PA. The result is a course with a private feel and breathtaking scenery. 27 holes. Worth the ride!
Split Rock Golf Club
(7.1 miles) Split Rock offers 27-holes of traditional golf and 18 holes of Footgolf to the public. It's majestic 585-yard 11th hole claims one of the most spectacular views in the entire Northeast!
Mini Golf!
There are 2 local choices for mini golf...940 Golf N' Fun (2.4 miles) not only has mini golf but also has a driving range, mini-arcade and most importantly, Ice Cream. Kahalari (12.7 miles) has a jungle themed 36 hole mini golf course, along with a ropes course for those more adventurous.
State Parks/Hiking
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area
(2.4 miles) Easily one of our favorite spots to "hike" and one of the reasons we picked this location for our home. In addition to how close it is to the house, these trails offer you everything you could want in a "hike"...beautiful towering pines, close proximity to the river, fun stepping stones for the kids, and a surprise or two along the way (think year round Christmas tree). Definitely worth a visit!
Hickory Run State Park
(16 miles) Covering almost 16,000 acres, Hickory Run State Park has a little bit of something for everyone. With 40 miles of trails, you will find quick east trails that lead to waterfall views to 6 mile trails that lead you to their famed Boulder Field. In addition, the park offers multiple picnic spots and a great disc golf course.
Bear Creek Reserve
(15 miles) This spot quickly turned into one of our favorites, as it offers a variety of trails to enjoy for all levels of hikers. Many of the trails here will bring you across man-made wooden bridges to cross different creeks and rivers...something everyone will enjoy!
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
(30 miles) If you are coming from NJ, it will be hard to miss the majestic beauty of the gap as you drive into PA. Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. While some of the hiking here can be challenging, the views from the summit are breath-taking. Worth the trip!
Additional Things to Do:
Pocono Whitewhater Rafting
(15 miles) From easy family friend float trips to more exciting dam release whitewater, there are plenty of options to enjoy some time on the Lehigh River, including half day and full day trips.
Paintball
(12.3 miles) With 50 fields on over 750 acres, there's no question as to why Skirmish Paintball is considered to be one of the best places to play in the east, never mind the Poconos!
Mohegan Pennsylvania
(22 miles) For something a little less outdoorsy, a 30 minute trip to Wilkes Barre will have you enjoying everything Mohegan an offers - night clubs, the casino, the spa, and much more. Always worth the ride!
Jim Thorpe, PA
(26.7 miles) Offering both the charms of a European village and the thrills of a mountain sports destination, this historic town nestled in Lehigh Gorge in Carbon County is one of the great gems of the Poconos. Whether it's dining at one of the great restaurants in town or taking in the sights during the Fall Foliage Festival, there's so much to enjoy in this historic town it will be worth a couple of visits!