Hotel at a Glance: Holiday Inn Wilkes Barre - East Mountain

With a scenic spot in Wilkes-Barrre—located on the edge of the Pocono Mountains—Holiday Inn Wilkes Barre - East Mountain makes sense for travelers looking to get out and roam amid Pennsylvania’s most scenic region. But it also makes sense for visitors staying in town, since the Mohegan Sun Poconos Casino is just two miles away, and options of this deal come with a $10 Mohegan Sun Casino Free Slot Play credit at the casino, with roundtrip shuttle, per person, per stay.

• Where you’ll stay: Recently renovated guest rooms have lovely views of the surrounding mountains or the valley, plus plush bedding.
• For extra room: Choose a king suite, which has a separate living room.
• Relax with a swim in the indoor pool or with time in the sauna and the hot tub.
• Stay connected with the complimentary WiFi.
• Casino package: For an extra fun, choose the option with the package, which includes daily breakfast and drinks.
• Less than an hour from Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh River Gorge State Park

Pocono Mountains: Hiking, Trout Fishing, and Quaint, Historical Towns

The Poconos region of northeastern Pennsylvania accounts for some 2,400 square miles of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. The area has been a popular vacation destination ever since Pennsylvania Quakers opened a hotel here on the Delaware River in 1829. Today, the Poconos draw nearly 24 million annual visitors, thanks to year-round recreational opportunities and stunning natural scenery.

The warmer months are a great time to explore the region’s lakes and wooded hills. For spectacular hikes, check out Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, where you can trek to dramatic waterfalls or follow a 27-mile section of the historic Appalachian Trail. Throughout the region are dozens of lakes and streams filled with bass and trout. Lake Wallenpaupack, located 30 miles east of Scranton, is one of the best fishing spots in the state.

There are diversions outside of hiking and fishing, too. A handful of quaint little towns full of antique shops and galleries nestle in the mountains. You’ll find boutique wine galleries and historical mansions tucked away on country roads, including the late 19th-century Asa Packer Mansion, which is open for tours, in the borough of Jim Thorpe.