Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Honeymoon Ideas: The Poconos, America's Original Land of Love

Known exclusively for its heart shaped hot tubs and couples-only resorts, the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania are full of sites and activities for every honeymooning couple.

In the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania the Pocono Mountains are home to eight couples-only resorts, superb ski slopes, over 150 lakes, and are a favorite getaway location that attracts approximately 285,000 lovers every year.

In 1963 it all began when Life Magazine featured Morris B. Wilkins’ Cove Haven Resort on Lake Wallenpaupack and introduced the honeymoon suite with the heart shaped hot tub. Nearly 40 years later, Wilkins’ resort is now equipped with seven-foot- tall champagne glass hot tubs, wood burning fireplaces, and even personal heart shaped pools in most suites.

Four of the couples-only resorts in the Poconos are owned by Caesar’s Pocono Resorts and provide a wide array of activities and cozy suites that encourage a sense of romance in their all-inclusive packages. The most extravagant suites are equipped with the champagne glass hot tub for two, round king sized bed, and an in-suite pool that allows couples to enjoy their honeymoon without even leaving their suite. All-inclusive packages also include breakfast in bed and the opportunity to jump from resort to resort and enjoy activities like waterskiing, snow skiing, ice skating, and tennis, among others. At night, after a delectable dinner of steak and lobster tails, or any of the other wonderful dishes offered at the resorts, a couple can enjoy dancing, live comedy, and even games such as The XXX Newlywed Game.

Other than Caesar’s, there are a few other couples-only resorts that offer similar amenities and activities. For those who choose not to stay at an all-inclusive couples’ resort, the Poconos are also home to a number of quaint country inns and bed and breakfasts that cater specifically to honeymooners.

Outside resort grounds, the Poconos make a wonderful playground for just about any couple. For the adventurous, outdoorsy couple, there are numerous hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail as well as whitewater rafting in the Lehigh Valley Gorge. For those who like to sightsee, there are dozens of places to visit, like Bushkill Falls, known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Callie’s Candy Kitchen, home to some of the best chocolate confections, or Knoebel’s Groves, a family owned amusement park that has been around since the 1950’s. For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, there are chair lift rides, horseback riding, and fishing, activities that allow the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the Poconos.

No matter the season, the Pocono Mountains have dozens of activities for any couple. Whether its hiking through the fall foliage, water skiing on Lake Wallenpaupack in the summer, skiing down the slopes in the winter, or enjoying the blooms and scents of spring, the Poconos have a wealth of country charm and cozy havens of romance for every couple.

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