By: Emily Whalen

Presidents’ Day Weekend in the Poconos means winter thrills, delicious dining, adventures for adults and fun events for the whole family. Take advantage of the extra vacation time and treat yourself to a refreshing getaway, the perfect cure for the winter blues.

Not sure where to start when planning your Poconos Presidents’ Day itinerary? We’ve got you covered! Discover the many beautiful sites and exciting attractions throughout the region during a four-day weekend escape. Choose your favorites from the itinerary suggestions below to build the perfect winter vacation in the Pocono Mountains.

 Warm Up with Winter Thrills

Take your adrenaline to the next level with Skirmish Paintball . Try to hit some targets at one of the world’s premier paintball facilities or grab a group and battle it out on the frosty terrain. This is a whole new way to appreciate the winter landscape!

Drive into elegant Jim Thorpe to check out the 30th Annual Jim Thorpe Winterfest  celebration happening February 17 through 19. This year’s theme is “fire and ice.” Enjoy the luminaries, admire the ice carvings, take in live entertainment and sample food and drink specials. Finish off the fun with a Saturday or Sunday scenic train excursion aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway .

When it’s time to eat, you have plenty of options both in downtown Jim Thorpe and in the surrounding area. Treat yourself to home-style dishes and delectable drinks in a throwback atmosphere at The 80’s Bar in Lansford, or savor made-from-scratch meals, with gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, at The Gorge Eatery in Weissport.

How about some nighttime snow tubing? It’s an easy and exciting way for everyone to enjoy the slopes! Blue Mountain offers twilight tubing as late as 9 p.m., and with newly-added lanes this season, their snow tubing park is now the biggest in the country. With magic carpet lifts taking you to the top, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is sliding down the lanes as many times as possible.

Immerse yourself in the history of the area at charming accommodations in Jim Thorpe such as Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed and Breakfast , The Bella Victoria Bed and Breakfast , High Street Guesthouse , and Trail’s End Bed and Breakfast .

Frosty Fun for All

Skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are calling! From first chair to night skiing, Monroe County’s Shawnee Mountain  has something for all abilities including world-class learning programs – the perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills or learn skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Bring your friends and family along for a group lesson! You’ll find special ski and stay packages in the Poconos as well as a variety of ski events. Shawnee Mountain will be hosting a Paint the Mountain Pink event during Presidents’ Day Weekend this year, with freebies for the first 200 guests to arrive on Saturday morning.

Spend Saturday afternoon strolling through town while enjoying WinterFest in Downtown Stroudsburg  on February 18! View spectacular illuminated ice sculptures in Courthouse Square and in front of local shops and restaurants. This year’s theme is “Cartoons Frozen in Time.” Spot your favorite vintage and modern animated characters around town, and don’t forget to scavenge for the striking Snowmen of Stroudsburg , a set of life-size snowmen statues painted by local artists. Feeling hungry? The Monroe Winter Farmers Market   takes over Courthouse Square every Saturday. Browse the stalls to stock up on fresh goods from local growers.

From stately Courthouse Square to modern, colorful murals, from cupcake bakeries like Sonia’s Sweet Inspirations  to wine bars like Tolino Vineyards , there’s so much to discover in Stroudsburg. Shop for new decor or supplies for your next crafting project at American Ribbon Craft and Fabric  or stop by the elegant lounge at Matador Cigars . Explore even more local things to do, including yoga, axe throwing and escape rooms.

Take some time to soak in the natural beauty of Monroe County. Follow the winding roads north for a rejuvenating hike in the fresh air on Cresco Heights , and stop by the charming small shops you pass like the Poe and Raven Gallery , which specializes in paintings, glass and jewelry. For a view of the Delaware River, travel into Delaware Water Gap to ascend Mount Minsi along the famed Appalachian Trail. The borough of is full of atmospheric restaurants where you can warm up afterwards such as the Sycamore Grille .

Looking for warmer temperatures? No worries! It’s always 84 degrees in our indoor waterpark resorts. Book an overnight stay to slide, splash, relax in a cabana, enjoy a beverage at a swim-up bar or ride the waves in a wave pool; your summer in the middle of winter is waiting!

Outdoor & Indoor Action

Start the day with a peaceful horseback ride through the pristine fields and forests. Local stables like Happy Trails Stables  in Waymart offer guided rides and are perfect for first-timers ready to take the reins. If there’s snow on the ground, you can even take a sleigh ride!

Refuel with a special Presidents’ Weekend Brunch at The Settlers Inn  on Sunday, February 19, 2023! Enjoy live music and farm-to-table dishes in the bright, craftsman-style dining space. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.

A downtown stroll is the perfect way to stretch your legs after a delicious meal. Both set along the winding Lackawaxen River, the quaint towns of Hawley and Honesdale are waiting to be explored. Dive into the region’s past at museums and historic sites or do some antique shopping and find treasures to take home.

If you’ve been missing golf this winter, there’s no reason to wait for warmer weather to get some time on the links. Book a tee time at The Wake Zone Indoor Golf & Taproom in Tafton, open until 9 p.m., to take advantage of indoor virtual golf simulators. Golf is just one of many simulator games that visitors can try, and this family-friendly spot also features hockey, soccer, frisbee, bowling and more.

Find cozy accommodations in the area and settle down for a relaxing evening! Stay on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack at Silver Birches Resort or East Shore Lodging , which is offering a Presidents’ Day special offer . Check out even more welcoming hotels and inns around Honesdale like Hotel Darby and Wonder Honesdale.

(PoconoMountains.com)