Hotel at a Glance: Pocono Manor Resort & Spa

Since 1902, Pocono Manor Resort & Spa has welcomed guests to its 3,000-acre plot of woodland in the Pocono Mountains. Many of the rooms look out on the surrounding mountain peaks, which you can explore no matter the season. Take advantage of trap shooting, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing in the winter.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms feature mahogany furniture, cable TV, and complimentary WiFi
• Historic roots: The resort—often referred to as the “Grand Lady of the Mountains” by locals—is on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Road trip: The resort is located within two hours of New York City and Philadelphia.
• Relax at the on-site Laurel Spa, a full-service facility with 9 treatment rooms.
• Fuel up at the onsite restaurants.

Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains: Downhill Skiing and 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 more than 25 million annual visitors, thanks to year-round recreational opportunities and spectacular natural scenery.

In winter, locals often make weekend trips from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and DC for one reason: skiing. One ski spot that’s particularly popular is Camelback Mountain Resort, which sits atop one of the region’s tallest mountains and boasts 160 acres of skiable terrain. For an extended run, head to the Nile Mile, which drops 800 feet vertically over the course of a mile-long descent. The resort is also amply lit for night skiing, and is the only place in the Poconos with a halfpipe. After you’re done hitting the slopes, take time to explore the handful of little towns nestled in the mountains. You’ll find boutique wine galleries and historical mansions, including the late 19th-century Asa Packer Mansion.