Poconos, Pennsylvania

Poconos

Once known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” and still known regionally and across the country for its spectacular natural beauty and friendly communities, the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania offer a perfect getaway for Royal Holiday members. Located only hours away from the U.S. capital and many of the biggest cities on the East Coast, the Poconos have been a vacation hotspot since the Quakers of Philadelphia established resorts for city folk looking to escape the summer heat on the coast. Today, Royal Holiday members will find local charm and scenic beauty, as well as modern entertainment options.

Located in historic Hawley, Pennsylvania, the Royal Holiday affiliate Tanglwood Resorts offers a comfortable condominium community, with free WiFi, completely equipped kitchens, and flexible options designed to meet any vacationers’ needs. With Presidential accommodations suitable for up to six adults, it’s the perfect resort for a big group of skiers or whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Meanwhile, nearby attractions such as Lake Wallenpaupack or the local golf course provide easy access to four-season fun, making it a wonderful choice for those looking to get away any time of year.

Like the 19th century tourists looking to beat the heat, many Royal Holiday members travel to the Poconos to relax and unwind, and the region supports this mission through a number of relaxing options. The day spas and destination spas in the area help weary travelers relax with the full range of massage therapy services and body-pampering wraps and scrubs, as well as newer therapies such as in-water acupressure.

Other Royal Holiday members may want to tour the many historic and quaint towns in the Poconos, such as Hawley or surrounding communities like Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg. Featuring some of the best antique stores in the country, the Poconos may well be one of the top vacation spots for those looking to bring home unusual and beautiful treasures. Others might wish to explore the painstakingly maintained downtowns of these towns, as well as the area’s excellent museums and cultural attractions, from the Dorflinger Glass Museum to the Ritz Company Playhouse. In addition, agritourism has increased in response to visitors’ interest in the fruits, vegetables, meats, and crafts produced by the many small farms and artisans in the countryside.

As befits a region dominated by 2,400 square miles of mountainous and wooded terrain, however, the main draw of the Poconos is the opportunity for outdoor adventures. In the winter, more than 185 trails for skiing and snowboarding line the surrounding mountains; those looking for more reasonable downhill speeds can take in the natural beauty from horseback or on a sleigh ride. In addition, Royal Holiday members interested in camping will find several parks and preserves in the mountains, while anglers can fish for striped bass, perch, and other species in the region’s many lakes and streams.