Looking for a Last Minute Getaway this Weekend? Follow your Spirit of Wanderlust to this Quaint Mountain Town

It’s the beginning of June and summer is upon us—that means time to plan the last minute getaways! For those of you who may be local to the PA, MD, NY, NJ area, I will be sharing my experiences in a scenic little mountain town called Hawley, PA. Hawley is located in the Northern part of the Pocono Mountains and boasts stunning views, a refurbished Silk Mill (which is now home to a bevy of eclectic little shops) and charming places to stay.

If you are whisking your kids away on an impromptu family vacation, there is no better place to awaken your children’s excitement than Woodloch Resort. Woodloch is a sprawling, all-inclusive,

family-friendly resort that is so large it should have its’ own zip code. As you pass through the impressive tree-lined entrance, you will see a variety of lodging options, on-campus restaurants, snowtubing hills, lakes, archery stations, playgrounds, indoor fun-rooms and your favorite TV characters nonchalantly strolling along the wooded paths (Sponge Bob, Scooby Doo, Cookie Monster, Dora the Explorer, etc.). 

Upon check-in, the concierge gives you a colored rubber bracelet which will grant you access into any of their impressive facilities. You can choose from magic shows, indoor playgrounds, lakeside games, water parks, the list goes on and on. The bracelet will also make you an honored guest at one of their all-you-can-eat dinner services (they determine which dining hall you will attend based on the location of your lodging so that it doesn’t get too crowded). The dinners are themed so the characters will make a special appearance mid-way! Rylan’s favorite part of the dining experience was seeing “Bob Bob Pants” (Sponge Bob Square Pants) and eating 3 different kinds of dessert. If you partake in too many activities and would prefer to lounge in the comfort of your spacious guest room (many with lake-front balconies), Woodloch Resort has convenient store options that sell fresh cheese, upscale/healthy snacks, milk and other beverages and souvenirs. 

Every detail is covered at Woodloch and you won’t need to leave the campus for any reason. They even have convenient shuttles that come around every few minutes and take you to your desired location (trust me, the place is HUGE—there is no way it is entirely walkable). Not only do they have amazing amenities and cheerful concierge, but it is completely affordable! My mom, Rylan and I snagged a February special of a gorgeous guestroom for 2 nights, all-inclusive (dining as well) for around $160/night. This includes the kid-friendly activities! And for the exhausted adults who may need a minute to yourselves, Woodloch does offer a few nightlife options as well (though I’m sure you won’t get to see Sponge Bob). 

Hawley is not just a town with giddy children running amuck, though. Hawley is also home to the most charming, cozy Bed & Breakfast, the Settlers Inn. This little mountain inn is located on somewhat of a centralized, main road, but you still get the benefit of the breathtaking mountainous views, while having proximity to the Wine & Beverage store. In all honesty, with the Inn’s elegant and rustic breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, you may not need to venture out at all! 

Even the way the Settler’s Inn smells is beyond delightful. When you walk in the ornate front doors, you are greeted with the oaky musk of the grand fireplace and the sweet floral scent of the soaps in the gift shop (their heavenly hand soap smells like someone bottled clean mountain air and fresh flowers). On the left of you, their cozy Victorian dining room is bustling with relaxed guests and hospitable staff. Every table is full of house-made breads and butter florets, and decadently plated and inventive cuisine. My breakfast experience was pumpkin waffles with a blackberry reduction, topped with curried ricotta and candied nuts. It was a new level of ecstasy. My lunch rivaled my lavish breakfast with a simple shrimp flatbread topped with drizzled balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and artisan greens from their outdoor garden.

   The rooms embrace a vintage Arts & Crafts style décor and are adorned with luxurious sheets, fluffy down comforters and delicate artwork. The color schemes are tranquil and inviting, and the bathrooms are clean and airy with a lavish whirlpool tub, stand up shower and high-end soaps. Although the rooms sit atop the restaurant and main area downstairs, you can’t hear any of the background noise. 

Whether you are traveling with the whole family or looking for a romantic rendez-vous, Hawley has just the right amount of charm and clean mountain air to refresh your spirit. If you find yourself venturing up that way, feel free to contact me and I can give you some pointers on places to go for hikes, kayaking, dining, or shopping. Happy travels, friends!