A Weekend Get-A-Way to the Poconos
- Written by Jason Feinberg
- Published in Travel Articles
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As soon as I say the name, the jingle from the past is going to start playing in your head. “The Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge”.
Ok, so lets just get that out of the way because what you’re about to read is the furthest thing from that 80’s era love spot with heart shaped Jacuzzis and champagne bathtubs. No, that is a thing of the past, in fact, its long gone.
Mount Airy’s history dates back to 1898 as an eight-room inn and was re-constructed in the 1950s’ eventually becoming the largest resort in the area. But we all remember that jingle from the resorts heyday but what you may not know that in 2001 Mount Airy lodge closed and was eventually demolished.
Today, the Mount Airy resort is not a simple resurrection but an entirely new, modern luxury hotel and casino that sites on its predecessor’s site, surrounded by a lush green golf course and rolling hills.
The lobby entrance is a wide-open space with relaxing seating areas with glass artwork that mimics a large fireplace. Just past the lobby is the hotels casino with plenty of gaming that will hopefully make you and not break you.
Beyond the casino are four restaurants. On my first night, I ate at Red Steakhouse. Two words…Surf & Turf. I’m not sure if this was a regular feature of the menu but the menu does have different choices of steaks and choices of domestic cold water Lobster Tail or South African Lobster Tail. Accompanied by a nice glass of wine, you can’t go wrong.
The resorts Italian restaurant, Le Sorelle Cucina, is located next to red. The restaurant serves up local classic Italian dishes as well as some Mediterranean cuisine. While I opted for the Halibut Oreganato, a fine choice by the way, with so many choices on the menu it did take me awhile to finally decide.
For breakfast or just a quick bite to eat, step back in time to Betty’s Diner. The only thing missing are the cut up hot rods and waitresses on roller skates. The diner is a retro Americana classic with all of your typical diner foods especially great breakfasts 24 hours a day!
Two other restaurants that are located next to Betty’s are the Noodle Bar and The Buffet. The Noodle Bar serves up Pan-Asian delicacies with traditional recipes with, of course, noodles! What casino wouldn’t be complete with a Buffet? Here you can find all your favorite foods.
One thing I see people forgetting to do when they visit a casino, even for just the day, is to sign up for the rewards card programs. It’s not about how much you play but how long. Here you can get some great rewards. Check out the Mount Airy Casino’s website for more details.
At night Mount Airy keeps the upstate resort tradition alive by booking some big named talents music and comedians as well as their nightclub.
If you feel the need to get out and explore, the area is filled with activities. The resort has a beautiful 18-hole golf course. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous just 30 minutes away is White Water Rafting.
Now, this isn’t like the Colorado River but for first timers, it’s a great way to start. Located in Jim Thorpe PA is Pocono Whitewater. This family style activity is a great way to cool off in the summer months. The journey includes a mostly leisurely rafting experience with the occasional adrenaline pumping rapids over a four to six hour journey with a break for lunch. Yes, you will most likely get a little white. In fact, they do offer super soakers for those who want to wage war on their neighboring rafters.
In the fall months they offer skirmish. This is your opportunity to experience urban warfare at its fullest with some of the most untrained enemy combatants in the world. This is paintball on steroids folks. It is by far one of the best times you and your friends can have.
Of course in the winter months, the lodge can help you arrange that old tradition, ah yes, skiing. Camelback, Jack Frost and Blue Mountain ski areas are all near by.
Mount Airy Resort and Casino offers a number of packages perfect for a great weekend get-a-way and the best part, its close by and great for any time of the year.
Check it out today! For more information please visit mountairycasino.com
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