Girls Weekend in the Poconos for Endless Fun

The writer was hosted.

The Poconos once promoted honeymoon hotels and an adult atmosphere. But lazy rivers replaced the heart shaped tubs and now grown up can pursue more wholesome activities.

And not just grown-ups, of course. The Poconos, a vast mountainous area (bigger than the entire state of Delaware!) is family friendly too. But over a couple of days, in the Poconos and Montgomery County (near Philly) I got to play like a child.

Ski Like a Baby

You're never to old to learn to snowboard — Snowboarding 101. Photo credit: Judy Antell

The Camelback Resort, in Tannersville, has lessons for first time skiers or snowboarders designed for fun. Since I have skied downhill – but not for many years – I decided I wasn’t a true beginner. But I was on a snowboard.

My friendly, encouraging instructor, the age of one of my daughters, made me feel like a star kindergartner in our private lesson. He celebrated my accomplishments – turning, stopping, not falling, patiently and cheerfully.

And although I never fell, I still spent significant time on my butt. The only way for a first-time boarder to strap in is to plop down on the snow and stick her feet into the bindings. I wish I could say I had the core strength to stand up unassisted, but Mike had to pull me to my feet every time. Baby steps.

If you are experiencing a second (or third) childhood, Camelback lift tickets are just $10 for ages 70 and up. They are also free for kids under age five, so multi gen vacationers can get discounted skiing at both ends.

Sliding Downhill

Camelback Resort is the center of fun — Camelback Resort’s rooms let you access the waterpark, arcade and restaurants without putting on a coat. Photo credit: Judy Antell

I was too cold to go snow tubing, but this is also a fun, low barrier way to enjoy the snow. Camelback’s snow tubing park, which carries the surprisingly heavy tubes uphill via a magic carpet, lets adults (and kids) enjoy speeding downhill with no risk of crashing or injury. OK, some risk – you do have to sign a waiver.

What’s even cooler about these outdoor activities as an adult is that you can get your hot chocolate spiked with schnapps. At Trail’s End, Camelback Resort’s main restaurant, you can eat outside around a fire pit, and make your own s’mores dessert.

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Apres Ski

A swim up bar in the enclosed waterpark, for adults only — The swim up, adults-only bar at Aquatopia. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Camelback has a giant indoor waterpark, Aquatopia, open year round. It is truly adult acting like kid friendly, with a 21+ swim up bar, and huge indoor/outdoor hot tub, and a Flow Rider surfboard simulator and long lazy river ride that are equally welcoming to those without adult teeth to those with dentures.

In warmer weather, Camelback has the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania. And the indoor park remains open year round, so nothing feels too crowded.

Local Brewery Fun

Unique winter fun at Barley Creek Brewery: curling with beer kegs — Firkin’ Curling at Barley Creek. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Barley Creek Brewing Company, just down the road from Camelback, is a restaurant, brewery, distillery and more.

In winter, you can play Firkin’ Curling. Firkins are small beer kegs, and you use a stick to try to push the keg to a bullseye. On ice. With no ice skates. If you get cold, there are plenty of fire pits and heaters to warm you up. Plus hot toddies. Or you can double down and drink one of the excellent beers on tap – an outdoor bar is open. You can also eat outside during winter, with a reservation at one of the private campsites.

There are brewery tours (with samples, of course) and, in warmer weather, a wiffle ball field (the aptly named Pint SizePark). If you have major league aspirations, the owner, Trip Ruvane, has seats from Shea Stadium, former home of the NY Mets.

Food at Barley Creek Brewery — Nachos and giant pretzel, perfect accompaniments to beer. Photo credit: Judy Antell

The brewery has pizzas, burgers, (including a veggie burger) salads and other pub classics like a giant Bavarian pretzel with spicy mustard and cheese sauce.

In addition to beer on tap, you can have well crafted cocktails. I really enjoyed an excellent smoked old fashioned, made with Barley Creek’s whiskey.

Small Town Girls

See the colorful snowmen in Stroudsburg — Snowcat in Stroudsburg, with historic buildings across the street. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Stroudsburg, a quintessential small town, has galleries, boutiques year round farmers market and an annual Snowmen of Stroudsburg event every November – February. Lifesize snowmen and women – and animals – decorate the historic streets downtown. The snowmen I made as a child wouldn’t hold a candle to these.

The Cure Cafe has elevated diner food — The Cure Cafe in Stroudsburg has delicious food. Photo credit: Judy Antell

The town has tons of parades year round, and a WinterFest featuring ice sculptures and live ice carving. But any time you plan a trip to Stroudsburg, be sure to stop by The Cure Cafe. The breakfast and lunch spot has a vegan breakfast bowl with homemade seitan, avocado, greens and a hash brown mix of potatoes, onions and peppers. A filling and healthy way to start the day.

Valley Forge: an Ax to Grind

Axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet — Learning how to throw an axe (and a hatchet) at Bury the Hatchet. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Unless you are a professional athlete, you rarely throw things as an adult. But at Bury the Hatchet, anyone 16 and up can learn how to throw an axe, or a hatchet, spear, or other sharp object, at a target. We visited the King of Prussia location, which also has an escape room. Our axe master encouraged us to make teams so we could compete against each other, and to play a giant Connect 4 game while throwing, using the target points as a way to place our large colored discs. It was really a blast.

Checking out the Wienermobile — We relished the opportunity to pose with the Oscar Mayer wienermobile. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Snowy Valley Forge — Valley Forge in winter. Photo credit: Judy Antell

This site, from the Revolutionary War, combines history with activities. You can snowshoe or cross country ski here in winter, and bike, run or hike in warmer weather. We drove through the wintry landscape to admire the historic landmarks. The visitors center has a free small museum and short film about the Valley Forge encampment in the winter of 1777-78.

Waxing and Wicking

Choosing the scent for making your own candles — Choose your own scents to make candles at Cord & Candles. Photo credit: Judy Antell

As a kid, I made candles at camp where we dipped wicks into tubs of wax. At the upscale Cork & Candles in King of Prussia, you can bring your own wine and make luxury candles with your bunkmates – er, friends.

The shop makes flatbreads so you can have a snack while you create. And there are elaborate candles for sale if you need more gifts.

Suburban Splendor

The Alloy, a boutique hotel outside Philadelphia — The lobby at The Alloy.

The Alloy, a newly renovated boutique hotel close to Valley Forge and the King of Prussia Mall, has a beautiful industrial lobby with comfortable spaces to sit or grab a drink. There’s a free shuttle if you want to go out, very quiet, well designed rooms, and a large gym with several Peloton bikes. And The Alloy is dog friendly!

WinterFest in Philly

Ice skating at WinterFest. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Every winter, the Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia hosts WinterFest, with ice skating, heated cozy cabins, a Ferris Wheel and arcade games. There are also food stands, fire pits and hot drinks, beer and cocktails.