PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2018 | Page 46

IMAGINE visiting a place where you’ll be surrounded with both urban and rural delights. Whether it’s a breathtaking view from a skyscraper or from a majes- tic mountaintop, Eastern PA has it all! Including the Pocono, Endless Mountains and Philadelphia and its Countryside/Lehigh Val- ley, this region invites you to discover its beauty, history, and endless activity. Breathe in the mountain air as you ski down a blanket of freshly fallen snow. When spring arrives, the fun continues with hiking, biking, trails and loads of outdoor fun. Cool things off with a whitewater adventure down the Lehigh River Gorge. Then things start to heat up when you visit Philadel- phia, offering you brotherly love, the vibrant city nightlife, numerous historic sites and of course, hot delicious cheesesteaks. FOCUS ON EASTERN PA upstate pennsylvania | pocono mountains | philadelphia & it’s countryside | lehigh valley UPSTATE PA/ POCONO MOUNTAINS ATTRACTIONS Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville Family water park set amid the beautiful scenery of the Poconos. More than 30 water rides, plus rock-climbing a mountain coaster, ziplines, and other adventures for every age (Open May-Sep). Info: 570.629.1662, www. camelbeach.com Carousel Water & Fun Park, Beach Lake This self-described “big little” amusement park packs hours of family fun into a small package. Miniature golf, go-carts, water slides, and more (Open May-Sep). Info: 570.729.7532, www.carousel-park.com Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park, Lake Ariel Get up close and personal with alligators, deer, parrots and more than 120 other animals at this petting zoo and animal park. Daily shows are offered as well as the opportunity to feed and interact with some of the animals. Info: 570.698.6154, www.clawsnpaws.com Costa’s Family Fun Park, Hawley A family destination featuring a range of fun rides, from bumper boats to batting cages, water slide to driving ranges. Free admission (Open Jun-Oct). Info: 570.226.8585, www.costasfamilyfunpark.com The Crossings Premium Outlets, Tannsville Save on upscale name-brand and premium products at 100 outlet stores. Many stores offer discounts up to 65%. Info: 570.629.4650, www.premiumoutlets.com/ thecrossings Hickory Run State Park, White Haven Home to Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. This 16,000-acre park offers 44 miles of hiking, plus 46. EXPLORE PA 2018 hunting grounds. Numerous fishing and camping spots, and a disc gold course. Orienteering courses are also provided, as well as numerous geocaches. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are available in the winter. Info: 570.443.0400, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ findapark/hickoryrun/index.htm Jack Frost Mountain, Blakeslee With 21 trails (and a total vertical drop of 600 ft.) Jack Frost offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing opportunities for all skill levels. The mountain is part of a joint resort with nearby Big Boulder Ski Area, which has devoted 50% of its area to terrain parks. Info: 570.433.8425. www.jfbb.com Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley Built as a hydroelectric project, this 13-mile long lake offers fishing, boating, and picnic areas on its four islands. Hiking and camping areas are available on the lake’s 52-mile shore. Info: 570.226.3191, www. hawleywallenpaupack-cc.com Lehigh Gorge State Park, White Haven In a deep gorge caved by a river, visitors will find 30 miles of hiking and biking trails along an abandoned railroad grade, as well as hunting and fishing areas. The river itself boasts class II and III whitewater rapids. Info: 570.433.0400, www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ findapark/lehighgorge/index.htm Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre Whatever your game is, you can find it at Mohegan Sun, including nearly 2,300 slot machines and electronic games, plus blackjack, roulette, craps, and the annual Breeders Crown horse race. Also home to shopping, weekly live entertainment, and a luxury hotel. Info: 800. WIN.IN.PA, www.mohegansunpocono.com Pocono Environmental Education Center, Dingmans Ferry Nature park devoted to promoting holistic understanding of the natural world through educational programs and hands-on learning in a “200,000 acre classroom.” Special programs available for families and other group. Info: 570.828.2310, www.peec.org Pocono Snake and Animal Farm, East Stroudburg Home to a variety of animals, from a 150-year old snapping turtle, to Blackbeary, a very friendly black bear. Children and adults can interact with and even feed many of the exotic and unusual animals. Info: 570.223.8653, www.poconoanimals.com Skytop lodge, Skytop Located at the base of West Mountain, this beautiful 5,500-acre resort offers a range of exciting experiences. It is home to both an outdoor adventure center and several world-class restaurants, a place where visitors can bask in the beauty of the Poconos from poolside, or take a peaceful hike around the historic grounds. Info: 855.345.7759, www.skytop.com Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville Tour the country’s oldest operating brewery, and see the original caves used to keep the fermenting beer cool in the days before refrigeration. Learn about the history of this family-owned and –operated business and then enjoy one of their delicious brews. Info: 570.622.4141, www. yuengling.com/breweries/pottsville MUSEUMS Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery, Delaware Water Gap Art gallery and history museum housed in a 19th century schoolhouse. Historical exhibits focus on local history. Info: 570.476.4240, www.dutotmuseum.com Dorflinger-Suydamn Wildlife Sanctuary and Glass Museum, White Mills A 600-acre wooded wildlife preserve, with miles of hiking/ cross-country skiing trails. The Sanctuary is home to the Dorflinger Glass Museum, which preservers more than 900 glass artifacts created in White Mills, and EXPLORE PA 2017 | 45.