Ana’s Pocono Mountains Ski Weekend

Day 1: The only people in my family who are into winter sports are my 11 year old niece, Abigail, her father Jose, my brother-in-law, and myself. The three of us jumped into a Jeep Wrangler on Friday noon to start our Pocono Mountain Ski Weekend. We did catch more traffic as usual due to the snowstorm the week prior.  In about 4 hours we arrived at the Split Rock Resort where we checked into our fully equipped suite with a kitchen, small dining table, living room, a small balcony and a huge whirlpool in the bathroom!

After unpacking we drove back to the main complex to explore the amenities of the Split Rock Resort. The main attraction is H2Oooohh!, the indoor water park  with slides, hot tubs, a wave pool, swimming pool and you can try your balancing skills on a water board. The water park is for sure fun for the whole family.

We had dinner at the SRG -Split Rock Grill which is  inside the main complex. We started with their BBQ Buffalo wings as appetizers – really good! Jose and I had their Mapled Glazed Salmon Fillet as main entree and it was just the right size dish, a bit sweet, but contrasted with the taste of potatoes made a good balance. Abigail had the All American Burger which was a pretty big burger.

After dinner we stayed in the main complex as entertainment was underway with a turtle race. Small live turtles were placed in the middle of a large round shaped cloth by Turtle Jockeys (really, not making that up!) and people cheered for the turtle they bet on that try to be the first one to go beyond the edge of the cloth. The winner took resort money good for use in amenities in the complex. I have to say that the most entertaining part was when the turtles were placed to race to be the last one to leave the round shaped cloth. I swear, a few of those turtles that raced to leave the circle just stood in the middle with the neck up waiting for the other to make a move. It was certainly different and I am not sure what to think about it.

Day 2:  Our Pocono Mountain ski weekend officially begins… We drove to the hotel’s main complex. Their breakfast buffet offered scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, pastries and freshly made omelets, mini pancakes and waffles. I think the omelet station was the best and certainly a good way to start a day filled of winter sports.  The restaurant is very spacious but could use some color on the walls.

Jack Frost Mountain ski area lets skiers and snowboarders start right at the top of the mountain as they arrive in the resort which is different than other ski resorts where your starting point is at the bottom of the mountain. It was a nice a sunny day but still windy cold. The process of getting the gear is simple: skiers grab their boots on their own and head on to the ski station to request their skis. Snowboarders head on to a different station to request their boot size and the boards. Abigail and Jose are skiers but this time they wanted to try snowboarding and signed up for discovery lessons. I have snowboarded before and during the first half of the day I explored the trails on my own. The green and blue trails were really busy with people exhibiting different skill levels, especially the green which was surprising to me since those with more experience tend to hit the blue, red or black slopes. But I have to say that the green slope was steep in certain parts and it was a pretty good run. The lifts chairs were two seaters and frankly not suitable for the number of people lining up to go back to the top of the mountain.

I stopped by the ski school area and Abigail looked like she was tired of dragging the board as she went up the small hill to try to board down again. The ski school offers the Snow Monsters program for children under 9 years only and they learn in a separate area than the rest. It is amazing to see children ski down a slope with no poles or board with absolute ease. I wish I would have learned when I was younger but then again I lived in the tropics then so that was impossible.

It was time for lunch and the lodge was packed. The line was long to order hamburgers so I headed for pizza. A slice and a large fountain soda cost me $9! It was so warm in the lodge I just went outside and found a bench in the sun. I later found Abigail and Jose and managed to grab a table as a large family with 5 small children was leaving – all skiers.  A father and son who joined our table,  shared their snowboarding experiences and knowledge of the ski area. Jack Frost Mountain and Big Boulder are sister ski areas and while they preferred Jack Frost they did think that Big Boulder is easier since it is less crowed.

After lunch we headed back to the slopes. Abigail and Jose enjoyed the lessons they had in the morning and were really eager to take on the slopes a few times. Abigail opted for throwing herself on the snow as she felt she could not control her speed. Jose simply continued until he would fall.  In general they did great for the first time and with just one lesson.  After three hours or so on the slopes we called it a day.  A few falls here and there can really test your muscles.  A dip in the pool was enticing at this point.

Before heading back to the resort we decided to go snow tubing, a first time really. It is a short walk from the skiing area. We picked up the tubes and lined up to go up. A staff member hooks the lead attached to the tube to pull people up. I literally just dropped down on the tube which was not a good idea as I felt the hard snowy ground. I thought it was going to be cushioned.

I did get anxious as we were getting closer to our turn to slide down. We decided to go together and Jose was going to film as we snow tubed down the mountain. As I prepared to go down, I told myself I was not doing it again. Abigail and I screamed a lot but I still went for a second round. This time, I went down by myself and my tube swirled around at high speed.

Back at the Split Rock Resort, we took the shuttle from the Willowbrook to the main complex to go to the pool and dinner afterwards. The shuttle runs a regular schedule but guests can always call outside those hours for pick-up. Abigail enjoyed the pool as she made friends to hang out with. After dinner we checked out the bowling alley and it was a reasonable space but quite busy. The recommendation is to reserve ahead of time. In this side of the complex is the bowling alley, the arcade and along another corridor is the movie theater. The movie theater features family movies and aims to keep up with the latest releases.

Split Rock’s main complex is large but the halls that connect the main areas from the water park, the Galleria with the other areas of entertainment are long and bare. I understand that the resort is under new management and is addressing improvements.

Day 3: After breakfast we drove out to Lake Harmony which is only 3 minute drive from the main complex. There were people ice fishing on the frozen lake and Jose suggested to head out to them but I only managed to walk on it for about 10 steps from the shore. It was a beautiful sight, though, with the forest trees, the houses along the lake and white all around.

The area looks inviting and I can imagine that it may get quite lively in the spring and summer. Outside of the Split Rock Resort you can find small restaurants and the area offers summer activities such as hiking, canoeing and BMX biking on the mountain trails.

My verdict: We definitely enjoyed our Pocono Mountain Ski Weekend and think it is worth exploring it both in the winter and in the spring/summer (check out Jessica’s summer farm to table experience at Pocono Mountains).   The Split Rock Resort is more geared towards families who prefer the option of a resort filled with activities within its grounds for children of all ages. Couples or groups of friends seeking to do some winter activities can take advantage of the large suites as they are close to the ski areas. I do like Jack Frost Mountain as a ski /snowboarding destination and the four drive from the Washington, DC area is worth it.

Share with us your favorite winter sport activity and destination.

For more information on the amenities Split Rock Resort offers check out their website:

Split Rock Resort

Jack Frost Mountain

Pocono Mountains Tourism Board

Disclaimer:  Pocono Tourism facilitated our Pocono Mountains Ski Weekend, but as always, opinions are our own.. 

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All about our Natural Retreats getaway

Getting there:  We left Washington, DC on a Friday at 6pm.  We were a little nervous about hitting traffic, but thankfully, it was a painless and scenic route as we entered the Shenandoah Mountains.  It took us exactly four hours to arrive with very little traffic.  Thankfully my navigator, Carlis, and I were belting out old Luis Miguel sappy Spanish love songs and having fun.

The house:  We arrived late and tired but were quickly taken by the beautiful Natural Retreats house!  We decided to cook the night of arrival and took advantage of the large outdoor grill and the spacious kitchen which was a cook’s dream.  I had Korean beef ribs marinating in a cooler in the car, which was great as we just had to throw them on the grill.  We also grilled corn, made a salad loaded with veggies, and couscous as a side dish.  Dining Traveler Tip: opt for simple recipes when staying at a rental home.   

The house had three rooms which was perfect for our group of 5.  I loved that each room had its own bathroom, which is great for a large family or a group of friends.  My biggest takeaway from our Natural Retreats experience was that no detail was spared.  We were welcomed with local eggs and milk, the pantry was loaded with condiments, and a beautiful welcome basket.  Other great details include high speed wi-fi, great toiletries, and plenty of information on what to see and do in the area. Tip: The wine selection in the area is quite limited, if you have certain favorites, pick them up on your way to Hot Springs. 

What to do:  Although there is a beautiful golf course, hot springs, and a pool nearby, we were all pretty tried and decided to hang out at the house.  The one thing we did enjoy was going to the local farmer’s market.  The stands were lined with beautiful flowers, handmade soaps, fruits, and vegetables.   There was a local man playing the banjo in the background as locals mingled and chatted with one another.

Where to Eat:  We made all of our meals at home but decided to splurge on a dinner at Les Cochons d’Or, a quaint restaurant on the Main Street of Hot Springs, VA.  The restaurant is quite popular with the after-golf crowd, but the Natural Retreats concierge made sure we had a nice table.  It is owned by a husband and wife team who also happen to be a chef and sommelier, respectively.  We enjoyed a delicious french onion soup, followed by the ultimate indulgence: pancetta wrapped pork tenderloin. Delicious.  We culminated our dinner with a selection of local cheese paired with a homemade brittle. Great company, plenty of rosé, and beautiful atmosphere made for a gorgeous dinner.

Verdict:  For city dwellers like us, this is the ultimate escape.  Beautiful nature, gorgeous home, and a warm fire pit brings you back to basics.  This is one of those places which reminds you to take in the country air and allow room for new ideas to flow in without the distractions.  Beautiful house, impeccable service, and gorgeous views.  If you need a break from the city, this is a must.  Now hoping to find a way to one of the Natural Retreats properties in the Canary Islands or Ireland!

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6 Low Cost Airlines in Europe

Vueling Aircraft. Photo Courtesy of Aviation Corner

Photo Credit: Wizz Air Website

Photo Credit: German Wings Airlines

Photo Credit:  EasyJet Website

Photo Credit: RyanAir Website

One of my Favorite Weekend Destinations: Madrid

From Rotterdam to Budapest

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