Poconos History
Pocono is a Native American word meaning “stream between two mountains.” The Delaware Water Gap is the true namesake, for the Delaware River cut a gap between two mountains and formed what is now known as the “Gateway to the Pocono Mountains.”

The scenic Delaware Water Gap encompasses over 67,000 acres, 100 miles of trails (including 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail) and 40 miles of easy-paddling river in PA and NJ: Dingmans Falls PA

WHAT TO DO:
The Pocono Mountains are considered the southernmost extension of the Catskills of New York, but the region’s popularity as a vacation destination has given the region its own identity. Encompassing four counties and parts of three others, the Pocono’s provide a 2,400-square-mile area in stunning north-eastern Pennsylvania. With no major population centers the region is able to maintain a rural atmosphere, where small towns, farms, covered bridges, the Delaware State Forest, six designated natural areas, seven state parks and one national park preserve the wilderness.

The rivers and lakes of the area provide extensive water sport activities, primarily canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting, and fishing on the larger lakes that are able to accommodate speed boats. The Pocono Raceway at Long Pond hosts two NASCAR races in June and August.

Monroe County received approval to build a 5,000 slot machine casino at the former Mount Airy Lodge in Paradise Township with the first stage of construction due to complete in late 2007. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, and golf. Fall includes all of summer’s activities with the gorgeous autumn colors and also migratory bird
watching.

Winter is just as busy as summer with story-book snow-scapes as a backdrop for skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowshoeing and eagle watching.



Back To Destinations

WHERE TO STAY
There are many resorts, hotels, and bed and breakfasts in the area able to cater to all levels of comfort and convenience. Most offer convention and banquet halls with destination wedding programs. Caesars Pocono Resorts includes three separate resorts that cater specifically to couples and honeymooners: Paradise Stream, Cove Haven and Pocono Palace. Enjoy suites with private indoor pools, fireplaces for the romantic atmosphere the honeymoon getaway demands plus outdoor activities including nature trails, horseback riding, tennis, golf and even archery! Caesars Pocono Resort at Cove Haven features many venues of live entertainment with music to stand-up comics.

The Chateau Resort in Tannersville Pennsylvania, provides a list of ten different options available to customize your destination wedding. They offer special room rate packages for out-oftown guests and a complimentary room for the bride and groom with champagne breakfast. The vicinity around Chateau Resort has all the action famous for the area with skiing in the winter, golf, hiking, whitewater rafting, riding, and racing at Nazareth Speedway, and Pocono Downs.

For the truly intimate experience there are many Bed and Breakfasts which provide accommodations from the luxurious to cozy. The French Manor sits atop Huckleberry Mountain, with stone veranda and lawns that overlook the hillsides and landscapes. This B&B has suites and rooms available in their manor house, carriage house and new La Maisonneuve building. Here also you can host your getaway wedding and start your honeymoon.

In the Catskills
The sister to our classic honeymoon
destination is New York State’s famous Catskill Mountains. Long a retreat enjoyed. by New York City’s elite and artistic, the Catskills became famous in the early to mid-twentieth century, and offer numerous resorts, inns and vacation locations. Many musicians and entertainers got their start in show business working the venues created by vacation destinations in the Catskills. Since the Catskills are not technically a mountain range there is no clear cut beginning or end, just a general acceptance that it encompasses six counties 90-200 miles north of New York City. “When you have two rocks for every dirt, you are in the Catskills,” is the local adage. When you don’t have enough hours in the day or days of vacation to see everything, you’re also in the Catskills.