The Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania is well known as an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, but it also can be a haven for meeting planners. From its 150 lakes and nine state parks to its charming small towns and luxurious resorts, the four-county area has a little something for everyone.
Vibe: “The overall vibe of the Pocono Mountains is relaxed and inviting,” says Leigh Velez, regional sales manager of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “The atmosphere of the Poconos fosters a sense of tranquility, allowing attendees to focus and become energized and engaged in their event.” Quaint towns like Hawley and opportunities for outdoor recreation abound—the popular Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides 70,000 acres of natural beauty along the winding Delaware River, offering plenty for attendees to do post-meeting.
Transportation: “Our destination is just a short drive from New York City and Philly, plus it’s easily accessible to visitors from New England or Washington, D.C.,” Velez says. For folks flying in, Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh County is about a 40-minute drive from the region’s largest town of East Stroudsburg—Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey is just over an hour’s drive away.
Venues: The area has a wide range of event venues, from spaces at luxurious resorts to those at charming inns. Kalahari Pocono Mountains in Pocono Manor has over 200,000 square feet of space, making it a great option for larger conferences. Historic properties like Skytop Lodge in Skytop and The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort in East Stroudsburg are each set amid picturesque grounds with golf on-site. For those looking for an upscale retreat venue, Velez notes The French Manor Inn in Newfoundland and The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley both provide a refined atmosphere.
Restaurants: The Frogtown Chophouse in Cresco and Double Cut Steakhouse, located inside Kalahari Pocono Mountains, are both great options if you are looking for an excellent steak,” Velez notes. She also mentions scenic eateries like The Dock at Wallenpaupack, which she says is an ideal spot to enjoy a delicious meal and a beautiful sunset over Lake Wallenpaupack. For more stunning views, bring the group for a meal at Trails End Pub & Grille within Camelback Resort in Tannersville, or to Hawley for cocktails at Glass–Wine. Bar. Kitchen.
Must-Sees and -Dos: The Pocono Mountains region has a wide range of both laid-back and adventurous activities for large groups, with options like fishing, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and driving stock cars on the iconic track at Pocono Raceway. It also has wellness actvities like yoga, naturalist tours, and cooking demonstrations with locally sourced produce from area farms like Pocono Organics. Velez adds that in the Pocono Mountains region, “Attendees from urban and suburban areas can sprawl and relax in nature at world-class resorts with refreshing outdoor activities that they can experience in each of the four seasons.”
