These days, most visitors to the Poconos are drawn by the area’s natural beauty, the great nature trails, the fantastic array of waterfalls, and the many winter skiing activities. The region’s history, however, goes back much farther than that. The original inhabitants were Native American tribes including Lenape, Paupack, Shawnee, Minisink, Delaware, and Iroquois.

There are two very different things that draw people to the Poconos region. It’s obvious that a lot of people come to the area because of the natural beauty. There are the mountains themselves, and then there are the many rivers and lakes. There are whole sections of the region devoted to exploring the natural wonders that dot the landscape here. If you enjoy hiking, click here for a post from The French Manor Inn and Spa in Newfoundland, PA that highlights four of the best Poconos hiking trails to explore.  There are also a multitude of State and National parks in the Poconos region. Click here for more information on Big Pocono State Park, Lake Wallenpaupack, Tobyhanna State Park, and many others.  

Large metropolitan areas such as New York and Philadelphia have a lot to offer. They have an abundance of culture, great shopping, fine dining, and nightlife. Plus they offer amenities that can be hard to come by in smaller, more remote areas.  And yet, increasing numbers of urban dwellers are opting to escape to the Poconos periodically for skiing in the winter or outdoor activities at other times of the year. A significant number of city dwellers, however, are taking things a few steps further. Some are purchasing vacation homes in the area that allow them to stay longer when they want. Others are moving to the region permanently—either to retire or simply to enjoy a different lifestyle. Here’s a look at why people are moving to the Poconos from New York and Philadelphia.

Igor Stravinski’s Rite of Spring almost caused a riot when it was first performed in Paris in 1913. It simply wasn’t what people were used to when they went to the opera. There’s another “rite of spring” that most of us are familiar with when it comes to springtime in our homes—and we pretty much know what to expect! Many of us perform the yearly ritual of Spring Cleaning after a long and cold winter. And while it’s an important thing to do (and by the way, here’s “The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist” to help you out), there are other spring tasks that are equally important to protect our homes after a long winter. Here’s a look at “How to prepare my Poconos home for spring.”

There’s no doubt about it that the Poconos Region is a great place to live. But even if you’re fortunate enough to live here you may still need to get away once in a while. Sometimes families want to escape from the constant crush of demands on their time (school, work, sports, activities) and just have some time together. Sometimes it’s the grownups that want to get away to enjoy some quiet time together and perhaps rekindle a spark in their relationship. But where can you get away to in the spring when the weather can be so unpredictable?

As cabin fever gives way to Spring fever, Poconos residents (and visitors) will be headed out to enjoy all that the region has to offer. There is always something going on in the Poconos—including events for kids, families, or adults. Here’s a look at just a few of the events coming up early this spring!

Chances are good that you've heard the phrase "Aging-in-Place" before. It's been a growing trend in the housing industry for a number of years. Or you may have heard of "Universal Design" which is a term that architects, designers, and builders often use to describe their approach to this phenomenon.  Let's examine the questions: What is aging-in-place and why it matters to you.

The Poconos region has become an increasingly popular retirement destination. Because so many retirees are much more active in retirement than their predecessors, the abundance of activities in the Poconos makes it an ideal retirement location. Many people, however, purchase their retirement home before they actually retire. Often they buy it as a vacation home which then becomes their retirement property. Frequently, they’ll purchase a two-story home because it affords more space for kids and guests. So how does that work when it becomes their retirement house? Here are 5 tips for retiring in a two-story home.

American baseball icon (and unintentional philosopher) Yogi Berra is credited with coining the phrase: “The future ain’t what it used to be!” That’s certainly true when it comes to retirement. Retirement used to be considered a time to slow down, kick back, and relax. These days, when people look forward to their future retirement, they still want to relax, but the “slow down” part has changed. If you’re thinking about retiring in the Poconos, here’s a look at 7 things to live near when you retire.

For decades, the Poconos region has been a popular vacation and “get-way” spot for East Coast residents. In recent years, however, the Poconos have increasingly become popular as a place for East Coasters to get away and live! Whether they are looking for a vacation home, a primary family home, or a place to which they can retire, people are looking at the Poconos as an ideal place to build a home. But before you pull up stakes where you are, there is some information you should be aware of. Let’s look at 8 things to know about the Poconos before your move there.