When Antoine Dutot opened the Kittatinny Hotel&—the first tourist hotel in the Poconos&—in 1829, little did he know that he was a pioneer in what would become one of the largest and most diverse tourist and recreation areas on the East Coast. Although his initial venture failed, the tourist industry of the Poconos has been a long-term success, evolving and adapting to change. Better in the Poconos tells the story of Pennsylvania&’s premier vacationland from its earliest days to the present. The flourishing tourist and resort industry in the Poconos can be attributed, in part, to the area&’s splendid mountains, streams, and forests. But the timeless appeal of nature was matched, and even surpassed, by the resorts&’ ability to redefine themselves. In the mid-nineteenth century, William Cullen Bryant depicted the Pocono region as a hunter&’s delight, describing abundant game and sublime landscapes. The Victorian era, however, brought genteel carriage rides and croquet; later, specialized ethnic resorts catered to the minority populations of Philadelphia and New York; and in the 1940s and 1950s, the Poconos earned its reputation as a honeymoon paradise. This evolution continues today: the land of romance has given way to the ski resorts and water slides enjoyed by today&’s vacationing families. Poconos resort owners and innkeepers have long recognized the cutthroat competition inherent in the vacation business. Early on, they realized that they were vying not only with each other but also with other resorts&—first in the Catskills and on the New Jersey shore, and then in Florida, in the Caribbean, and even in Europe. Better in the Poconos illustrates the strategies by which resorts in northeastern Pennsylvania responded to these market forces. They were compelled to provide superior service and amenities as well as novel amusements and activities for their guests. In the latter half of the twentieth century, for example, &"super-resorts&" started to supplant the old hotels: the new resorts could offer year-round activities, thanks to the invention of artificial snow. Similarly, honeymoon hotels declined as couples resorts&—retreats that boasted such innovations as the heart-shaped bathtub and the Jacuzzi in the shape of a tall champagne glass&—emerged on the Poconos scene. Better in the Poconos recreates that scene and the people who brought it to life&—not only the innkeepers, souvenir sellers, laborers, and service workers, but also the community leaders and visionaries who promoted the vacation economy and sought to guide it. The proper Victorians, the devoted sportsmen, the young newlyweds, the families and singles, the staid ladies of the Women&’s Christian Temperance Union (and the sinners whose vices they wished to temper), the members of the Ku Klux Klan, the rich Quakers, the Jewish socialists, and the immigrants&—all these, and more, make up the humanly rich mosaic of the Poconos.

The Poconos, a rich plateau nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania between the Delaware River and the Moosic Mountains, encompass a variety of alluring features. The perfect reference for amateur naturalists, outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and others who wish to explore the area, this classic guide clearly explains the unique geographic characteristics, animal habits and habitats, climate, geology, and vegetation of the area. The authors trace the region from its beginnings millions of years ago as part of a shallow sea, through the reshaping forces of great glaciers, to today's roadways and turnpikes. This revised and expanded edition also includes brief profiles of individuals who played significant roles in the preservation or understanding of the area's ecology. Chapters provide a general survey of the area, including its history and places to be explored and observed, information on forest types, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, updated facts and figures on animal populations, as well as new details on invasive species. Throughout the book, numerous boxes direct readers to observatory points for specific birds, ecosystems, vegetation types, and geological features, while maps, tables, original pen-and-ink illustrations, and a select list of field guides and other references enhance the book's appeal. An indispensable companion for visitors as well as residents, The Poconos is a must-read for everyone who wants to discover or better understand the beauty and natural history of this unique region.

Hiking guide to the state's biggest tourist area. Varied hikes are appropriate for all abilities.

The Poconos in the hills of picturesque Pennsylvania is home to beautiful resorts, lively casinos, and stunning waterfalls. Yet, stand in any one spot long enough and chills will run up your spine. Journey with paranormal investigator L Aura Hladik Hoffman to twenty haunted locations within this tourist mecca. Dine at Tannersville Inn with the ghost of Mabel or stay the night at The Shawnee Inn with a Lady in White. Discover the Pennsylvania Dutch beast Siwweyaeger or the phantom of the Poconos Cinema and Cultural Center as it "strikes again." The Hotel of Horror theater will challenge you to discern between actor and specter at every turn. Examine local legends, haunted artifacts and attractions, ghost photography, and more. Included is a directory of local paranormal organizations, researchers, and tours to plan your own investigations. It won't take long for you to discover that the ghosts of the Poconos are ever present, so join the hunt!"

The Poconos of northeastern Pennsylvania may get eight million visitors a year, but there are places there one can get lost—and would gladly be lost for a bit. From the iconic Dingmans Bridge spanning the Delaware, to the region's 150 lakes and forested mountains, Hiking the Poconos covers it all—with the added plus of listing a B&B, a campground, restaurant, local events, and more along with each hike description

The Poconos In B Flat shines a warm and loving light on the incredible jazz culture of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Through personal interviews, the book brings to life the unique insights, observations and motivations of a group of very talented musicians including acclaimed National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Phil Woods and David Liebman; Bob Dorough of Schoolhouse Rock! fame; and many others. This jazz microcosm is sure to have wide appeal outside its woodland borders, as the movers, shakers and future stars have already impacted the global community.