The Poconos used to have a reputation for romance. Heart-shaped beds and champagne glass were the norm, and souvenir t-shirts loudly proclaimed that “The Poconos is for Lovers.” While the level of kitsch has changed, the Poconos is still a stellar place for a modern-day romantic getaway.
Get the Royal Treatment
Feel like a princess with romantic horse-drawn carriage rides and his-and-hers massages at Skytop Lodge this Valentine’s Day. Voted one of the most romantic resorts in Pennsylvania by Trips to Discover, the historic lodge is celebrating with a weekend of amorous activities for couples February 9-11, including a wine & painting class and a cocktail making workshop. If you and your partner appreciate the outdoors, there’s plenty to do on Skytop’s 5,500-acre property. Take a winter stroll through the Pennsylvania woods, or get cozy on the toboggan run.
Lodging options range from luxury rooms and suites to storybook cottages tucked into the trees. Stay at The Inn at Skytop and you’ll have a blazing fireplace to cuddle up next to, plus a refrigerator and private balcony (book an Executive Suite here and you’ll also score a Jacuzzi tub). For a little something extra, surprise your sweetie with a “Cupid’s Package” of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a dozen red roses, or spring for the all-inclusive Romance Package with all that plus overnight stay and breakfast for two in the Windsor Dining Room.
Stay Frosty
About 30 miles north of Skytop, visitors can explore a magical winter wonderland at the annual Crystal Cabin Fever. The top ice sculptors on the East Coast craft a miniature village entirely out of ice, complete with a usable slide and frozen thrones to sit on. It’s called the “greatest show on ice” for good reason, and the exhibits are even presented under a giant Big Top tent. While many families with kids are drawn here for the icy spectacle, Crystal Cabin Fever is also a great place to feed your inner child. Take pictures with the whimsical sculptures, then snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and your sweetheart. This year’s event runs Thursdays through Mondays, February 9-25, making it a great side trip for Valentine’s Day week.
Plan a Grape Escape
With its rolling hills and fertile soil, the Pocono Mountains region is a stellar place to plant grapevines. Taste the fruits of locale winemakers’ labors on a tour of the Poconos Wine Trail. Mountain View Vineyard offers an interactive map of wineries in the area, including Rowan Asher and Blue Ridge Estate. If you have a full day to spend in the Pennsylvania countryside, this is a great adventure for couples. Sip wine in the tasting rooms and enjoy light nibbles or live music along the way. You’ll have to travel a bit to visit all nine vineyards, so consider chartering a car or booking a private guided visit through Pocono Wine Tours. Mountain View also partners with local chocolate purveyors for a Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate event in February; look for details online early in the new year.
No matter what you choose to do on Valentine’s Day, the natural beauty of the Poconos will help make this special day magical. Book a room or suite at Skytop Lodge and enjoy cozy comforts including roaring fires, cuddle-worthy beds, leisure activities and on-site restaurants with views of the surrounding mountains. Call 855-345-7759 or book online today to start planning your romantic stay in the Pocono Mountains.