There's Plenty To Do In The Pocono Mountains
Traditionally the Pocono Mountains were seen as a rural escape for people wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But now there's so much to see and do there, you might need a vacation from your vacation to recover!
The mountains themselves rise up in Northeast Pennsylvania, but the region stretches into parts of New York and New Jersey. There's no way to see and do it all in just a short trip, but this list is a great start when planning your next Poconos adventure.
01Â Get a bird's eye view of the Poconos
Most people are amazed at what they see when they hike the Poconos' many trails. Now imagine what kind of view you'll get soaring above the spectacular scenery. Moyer Aviation pilots take guests year-round on aerial tours of the region.
The flights on small aircraft start at sunrise and wrap up at sundown and the flyover areas are passenger's choice. The trips are so unforgettable, they have been the location of many a marriage proposal.
02Â Go tubular with Galactic Snowtubing
Want a snowtubing experience that's out of this world? Check out Galactic Snowtubing down Camelback Mountain. Although racing down an icy mountain on a snow tube might sound intimidating, this family-friendly activity can be tons of fun.
More than forty lanes are splashed in the colorful glow of LED lights. Guests can go up and down the slop as much as they like in two-hour blocks, and the lanes are open all day into the night.
03Â Visit the Harry Houdini Museum
He was a magician, an escape artist, a performer, and an entertainer. And now you can enjoy the memorabilia of Harry Houdini at the Houdini Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Both Harry and his brother Hardeen had amazing audiences in the region, and Harry spent two seasons entertaining the crowds at the Welsh Brothers Circus.
The museum houses letters, artifacts, films, and mannequins of Houdini.
04Â All aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Take a ride you won't soon forget. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway takes visitors on a 16-mile excursion through the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The track follows the Lehigh River and the round-trip ride lasts about 70 minutes.
During the fall, viewers are treated to spectacular autumn foliage, and at Christmas, Santa Claus himself is known to make an appearance on the trains.
05Â Feel the need for speed at Pocono Raceway
To fans, it's known as the Tricky Triangle. Of course, we're talking about Pocono Raceway, a superspeedway used for both NASCAR and IndyCar races, as well as by other automotive organizations. When events aren't going on, fans have the opportunity to book a ride on the track with a professional racer or even take the wheel by themselves.
06Â Explore the Asa Packer Mansion
Asa Packer was a famous railroad magnet who lived in eastern Pennsylvania in the 18th century. He founded Lehigh University and helped build the Lehigh Valley railroad system.
The three-story Asa Packer Mansion was built over a cast iron frame and cost nearly $15,000 at the time. The home has 18 rooms as well as a two-story covered porch. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.
07Â Feel the fantasy at the Frazetta Art Museum
If you're a fan of comic book art then you'll want to take a trip to the Frazetta Art Museum in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Frank Frazetta is known as the Godfather of fantasy art and his works can be found on paintings, posters, comic books, and album covers.
The museum is Frazetta's former home and where he created some of his most iconic images. Today the museum is operated by Frazetta's children.
08Â Have a sip or seven at Mountain View Vineyards
You don't have to travel to Northern California to enjoy award-winning wines. The Mountain View Vineyard offers visitors drinks, food, and incredible views of the Poconos. On top of the vino made with grapes grown right there on the property, the family-owned and operated establishment also offers beer and liquor. Most weekends, you can also a enjoy live music event.
09Â Take "The Office" tour of Scranton
"The Office" was easily the most popular sitcom ever set in Scranton, Pennsylvania (and quite possibly the only one). Although most of the show was filmed in Southern California, the writers did reference a number of places that really do exist in the Electric City.
Whether you hire a local to show you the spots or go on a self-guided tour, be sure to visit the Mall at Steamtown, Lake Scranton, and Poor Richard's.
10Â Hike the Delaware Water Gap
If you love hiking, the Delaware Water Gap might be your happy place. The 70,000-acre national recreation area spans across both New Jersey and Pennsylvania around the middle portion of the Delaware River. After or instead of a turn around the place on foot, guests can camp, swim, take a ride on horseback, and do many other outdoor activities.
The Delaware Water Gap is also home to a number of Native American archaeological sites that are certainly worth seeing.
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