This was a hosted trip covered by Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
I don’t know about you, but when I think of the Poconos, I think heart-shaped beds and champagne flute bathtubs.
It is like the quintessential couples weekend getaway destination, with all of the mirrored ceiling clichés one can think of.
But, in reality, there is more to it than that.
Nestled in the Pennsylvania mountains, visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures year-round while also partaking in delicious culinary experiences, antique shopping trips, or a relaxing day at the spa, making as perfect a getaway for a group of your gal pals as it is for you and your significant other.
A Girls’ Getaway to the Poconos
Take a hike.
Real talk, I’m not much of a hiker—it’s cold, or hot, there might be bugs, snakes, or other wild creatures I don’t desire to encounter. My feet hurt, my back hurts, and I don’t like sweating. However, a nice fall hike along the easy trail at Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania’s Niagara Falls, is the perfect way to spend an early afternoon. The scenery is beautiful, it’s a serene place to enjoy the great outdoors, and you can choose your hiking path difficulty level.
Plus, when you’ve exhausted yourself on the trails and taken countless selfies with the falls in the background, you can do a little shopping in the gift shop and treat yourself to a piece of fudge at the treat shop.
Win.
Go biking.
It’s faster than hiking but just as fun. Rent a bike or bring your own to enjoy a bike trail in the Poconos Mountains area.
Try off-roading.
Even more fun than biking, head to an off road playground for some serious, off the beaten path fun. This is definitely on my list of to-dos when I go back with The Dudes in the spring.
Try all-year tubing.
Zip down the blue lightning tube at lightning speed no matter the season!
Visit a Winery.
Because wine with your girlfriends is always a great idea! We stopped in at Mountainview Winery our first night in the Poconos. It was a small venue with a beautiful mountain view—perfect for enjoying a relaxing drink on the veranda.
Go to the zoo.
Claws and Paws has over 100 different animals for you to enjoy.
Get Spooked at a Haunted House.
So, this, in my opinion, is the least fun way to spend an evening—getting scared out of your brain inside a hotel filled with horrors is just not my idea of a good time. But, good sport that I am, I tried it anyway. I regret it immensely, but that’s just because I injured my vocal chords screaming, twisted my ankle falling over my friend’s foot, sweated my favorite shirt see-through (I threw it away, it was ruined with fear funk), and peed myself, more than a little. If that is your idea of a good time, get yourself to the Hotel of Horror and have a scream or fifty.
It was truly the most frightening haunted house experience I have had in all of my 30-something years of life.
Go shopping.
The Poconos Mountains is filled with quaint towns where you can pick up one of a kind treasures and priceless antiques. But, don’t feel pressured to live that eclectic life, you can also head to an outlet mall where you can enjoy great savings on the brands you love.
Fill your belly.
There are countless places to grab a unique, tasty meal between excursions. Whether you’re looking for a fancy place to enjoy lunch (we tried Bar Louis at Hotel Fauchère) or a brewery to kick back and relax after a long day hiking at the falls (we also hit up Barley Creek Brewing Company) you’re bound to find something to wet your whistle and fill your belly.
Enjoy a festival.
Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy festivals in the Poconos Mountains. The annual Foliage Festival is one to catch if you enjoy perusing vendor booths filled with arts and crafts. For beer lovers, the Great Brews Beer Fest at Split Rock Resort is one to add to your calendar. In town for the winter holidays? Check out one of the old time Christmas celebrations planned around the area.
Need more ideas?
Check out the Pocono Mountains website to help you plan the perfect getaway to the Poconos!
