Tourist numbers rise in the region; autumn colors bursting early this season
(POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA.) – Tick, tick, tick. The clock is ticking away on golf season in the Northeast. The good news? Fall is one of the best times of the year to tee it up in the beautiful Pocono Mountains (www.800poconos.com), with brilliant fall color and some of the best rates of the year.
The region, within easy driving distance from New York City, features more than 35 courses of different price point and style from which to choose. Below please find just a few of the many value-laden deals available this fall. For information on all of the Pocono Mountains golf courses and stay-and-play packages, please visit www.poconosgolf.com.
The Inn at Pocono Manor: Play a pair of courses rich in golf history at The Inn at Pocono Manor, a 36-hole venue that has been home to the LPGA, several PGA Senior Events and has played host to the likes of Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Art Wall, Jr. The fall special stay-and-play package includes $20 rounds of golf (per person) and $89 overnight room rate for two people including breakfast, available now through the end of the season. Visit http://www.poconomanor.com for information.
Fernwood Hotel & Resort: This stunning 440-acre resort features a championship golf course with a dramatic autumn backdrop. Non-golfers can enjoy plenty of activities as well, such as live entertainment, restaurants, hiking, canoeing and more. Stay-and-play midweek for just $144 per person. Price includes two rounds of golf and accommodations. Call 1-888-FERNWOOD or visit http://www.fernwoodhotel.com
Split Rock Resort & Golf Club: Often referred to as one of the best-kept secrets in the Northeast, Split Rock Golf Club offers 27 holes of “thinking man’s golf.” Prepare to use every club in your bag, particularly at the majestic 585-yard 11th hole that provides one of the most spectacular views in the entire Northeast. Fall Stay-and-Play rates start at $134 and include a round of golf (with GPS), unlimited driving range time, overnight accommodations and dinner. Juniors and seniors can also play for $40 a day every Monday through Friday. Visit http://www.splitrockresort.com/golf.php for more information.
Pocono Mountains Summer Tourist Numbers Enjoy Steady Rise
Visitation to the Pocono Mountains continued to increase throughout the summer season, according to several stakeholders in the four-county region. Room revenues were up for the July and August months approximately 11 percent, in comparison to the same period last year. The bureau’s www.800poconos.com website traffic was up in terms of page views and time spent on the site.
“Consumers continue to shop for the best rate, but they have a higher propensity to travel this year,” said Carl Wilgus, president and chief executive officer of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB).
The sunny, warm weather in the Pocono Mountains, surrounded by the lush green forests and rushing water, welcomed the hot and humid city-dwellers as refreshing place to cool off as the majority come from nearby areas such as Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey. Outdoor activities such as golf, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding offered opportunities to shade the sun and still enjoy summer outdoors.
Fall Foliage Season on Fast Track in Pocono Mountains
The striking colors of fall are coming to the Pocono Mountains earlier than usual this season due to a dry and hot summer. In fact, that distinctive burnt orange and red color can already be seen in some spots. Now is the time to book your Fall Foliage Trip to one of the most colorful regions in the entire country.
East Shore Lodging: This charming venue on Lake Wallenpaupack offers a classic autumn getaway thanks to nearby farms featuring apple cider, pumpkins, hiking and horseback riding. Rates start at $195 per package (based on double occupancy) and include two nights lodging, continental breakfast and all taxes. Call 570-226-3293 or visit http://www.eastshorelodging.com/.
Autumn Timber Festival at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, Oct. 9-10: Get a bird’s-eye view of the autumn scene by taking a chairlift up the beautiful Shawnee Mountain. At the base of the hill the entire family will enjoy lumberjack demonstrations, chainsaw sculptures, live music, children’s activities and plenty of food and refreshments. For more information call 570-421-7231 or visit http://www.shawneemt.com/.
About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”
The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family-friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.
A venerable destination that has welcomed generations of travelers, the Pocono Mountains has undergone a renaissance over the last few years. While renovations have swept through stately and historic resorts, other properties have joined the mix. Gaming at Mount Airy Casino Resort and the award-winning Jack Frost National — named a “Best New” and “Best You Can Play” course by leading industry publications — are two of the many exciting additions.
Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:
• Home to more than 35 golf courses with hundreds of holes for beginners and avid golfers alike; close proximity gives golfers chance to play 36 in a day
• Two NASCAR races held annually
• Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
• Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
• Attractions, festivals and other special events
• Meeting and conference facilities
• Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
• Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
• Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues
Contact:
Janeen Driscoll
Buffalo Communications
910.690.9711
jdriscoll@buffalocommunications.com
www.twitter.com/PoconoTourism
Gary Trask
Buffalo Communications
978.228.0314
gtrask@buffalocommunications.com
www.BuffaloCommunications.com
