Visit the

Maybe you've heard... "It's TIME for the Pocono Mountains!" According to the New York Daily News, "a wind of change and an influx of mon-ied investors has seen a crop of new developments that is putting the Poconos back on the map." One visit by your group will explain why. Come take a first-hand look at the region's natural beauty, its bustling local scene, seasonally focused dining and welcoming accommodations. It's no wonder then that -- now, more than ever - "It's TIME for the Pocono Mountains." The Pocono region is enjoying a renaissance with an influx of investment in new resorts, luxurious spas and attractions. In an era when time has become one of the most precious commodities, the Pocono Mountains region has be-come an invaluable resource for world-weary vacationers who find comfort in knowing that there is a place that's both nearby and near perfect for any kind of escape experience. Famous for its breathtaking views and rushing waterfalls, the Pocono Moun-tains are a year-round vacation spot. For a fun-filled Poconos experience in the winter, ski the slopes, ride a snowmobile or mush your own dogsled team. En-joy the laurel blossoms that bloom in the spring or shop at the outlets or spe-cialty stores. Orienteer your way through the mountains on horseback or by bike in the Pocono Mountains this summer. Tee off at a golf course or sample a micro-brew this fall. Choose any, or all, of these activities for your perfect Poconos escape.

Pocono Mountains

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. We are committed to supporting the Group Tour Planner in every way possible. Please call the Group Tour Department at 570-424-9444 or 800-722-9199, email at tourismsales@poconos.org or visit us online at 800poconos.com/tour.

Group Tour

Rely on the Pocono Mountains CVB to help you design a thrilling tour of the four-county Pocono Mountains region that practically sells itself. Use our resources to put together a world-class Pocono travel package or motorcoach tour, tapping into the very best the area has to offer. With numerous popular attractions, shopping malls and outlets, enticing res-taurants and group-friendly dining options, as well as the outdoors, the Pocono Mountains offers something for everyone year-round. Tour leaders, groups and individual travelers look to you to help them navigate the vast amount of Pocono information available. In turn, we invite you to depend on us for diverse Pocono Mountains travel informa-tion – everything from sample itineraries to the perfect lodging solutions.

Introduce them to the timeless history and modern charm of the Pocono Region, which make the area so easy to love. The Pocono Mountains central location and interstate access combine to make it a great destination that is easy to reach and easy to tour. http://www.800poconos.com/group-tour/

Attractions The Pocono Mountains has exciting attractions, recreational activities, historic sites and natu-ral wonders year-round that make for a great tour of the region. Complementing the scenic views, glistening lakes and lush forests are a multitude of entertaining attractions. Experience golf on more than 35 magnificent courses; fish the many lakes or rivers; kayak, canoe, raft or tube the afternoon away; hike, bike and sightsee to their hearts’ content; take a shot with sporting clays or skirmish; or make splashes at one of the region’s indoor or outdoor water parks. Other attractions include a 2,000-seat country western showplace and restaurant, a shopping outlet complex with over 100 name brand stores, waterfalls, the great outdoors, watersports, motorsports and more. Guests also have the opportunity to enjoy the heritage of the down-town districts and the ever-growing artistic prevalence displayed throughout the Pocono Mountains, especially in the art galleries of the historic towns of Stroudsburg, Milford, Jim Thorpe and Honesdale. http://www.800poconos.com/group-tour/group-attractions/

Sample Itineraries Our four distinct seasons offer activities year- round, so anytime is the perfect time to visit. Day packages and overnight itineraries with a variety of lodging options are available. Below are just a few sample itineraries your group could be enjoying soon: http://www.800poconos.com/group-tour/itineraries/

Girls Getaways • Luxurious Spas-Forbes Top 10

Destination Spa • The Crossings Premium Outlets • Cherry Valley Vineyard • Recreational Cooking Schools • Selection of Dinner Theaters History and Heritage • Dorflinger Glass Museum • Grey Towers • Zane Grey Museum • The Columns - Home of the

Lincoln Flag • Explore the Homeland of the

American Railroad

GETTING HERE

Unique Towns • Historic Jim Thorpe • Downtown Stroudsburg • Hawley - Antiques & Cuisine • Honesdale - Birthplace of the American Railroad • Milford - Arts, Antiques & Fine Dining Guys Gone Wild • Championship Golf Courses • NASCAR • Whitewater Rafting • Barley Creek Micro-Brewing Company • Sporting Clays

Culinary Experiences • Railroad and Wine • Smorgasbord Luncheon and

Dinner Show Packages • Wine Pairing Experiences • Recreational Cooking Schools

Six interstate highways, I-80, I-81, I-84, I-78, I-380 and I-476, make the Po-cono Mountains region quick and easy to reach. Taking the bus? Grey-hound and Martz Trailways have direct line services to the Pocono Mountains. How about a ride? Pocono Limousine will pick you up. A frequent visitor to the Pocono region? The Dela-ware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has information available on purchasing the E-ZPass. You'll also want to stay up-to-date on the Marshalls Creek Bypass (Routes 209 and 402) in Monroe County.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Pocono Mountains this Fall Autumn in the Pocono Mountains offers your group dazzling shows of color and the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is proud to announce the top 10 reasons why it's time to visit the region: Three Zones of Coloration- Because the four-county region stretches 2,400 square miles, three vibrant color zones are pre-sent. This allows visitors to witness peak colors not only once, but three times a year. To learn exactly when and where to catch peak foliage colors, call the Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Hot-line at 570.421.5565 through November 2. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/fall-foliage-reports Special Offers- Leaf-peepers heading to the region can save money by browsing a rainbow of special offers. Various offers include one night free, outdoor, girlfriend getaway and fairs/festivals. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/special-offers Fall Foliage Weekends- The weekends of October 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 transform the downtown of Jim Thorpe into a fall para-dise. These fun-filled weekends consist of arts and crafts ven-dors, music, shopping, dining and more, all in the midst of a vi-brant backdrop. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/calendar-of-events Agritourism- In the heart of harvest time, the region's fare comes alive on your plate. Whether it is at a farm-to-table restaurant, farmers market, pumpkin patch, orchard or festival, the freshness of the local crops burst with flavor. New this season, experience Restaurant Week, held October 19-November 1 along the Dela-ware and take advantage of three-course pre-fixed dining for un-der $32. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/restaurants-and-dining Harvest & Heritage Days- Historic Honesdale comes alive for its Harvest & Heritage Fest on October 10-11. The annual festival features street music, craft vendors, old-fashioned horse-drawn hay rides and delectable food. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/calendar-of-events Scenic Drives- Take in the stunning colors of fall while traveling in our region. Be sure to take Route 209 from Bushkill up to Mil-ford and then Route 6 over to Honesdale. Along the way, you will pass the colorful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, striking Lake Wallenpaupack and picturesque downtowns. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/maps-and-transportation Annual Black Bear Film Festival- The Milford Theater presents their 10th annual Black Bear Film Festival held October 16-18. The renowned festivities feature extraordinary selections of full-length independent films, short films and lectures, in addition to the infamous life-sized painted bear sculptures. http://www.blackbearfilm.com/ Cont...

POCONO FUN FACTS

• The word Delaware is referenced to the first Governor of the colony of Virginia, Governor De La Warr. The Delaware River flows through the Pocono Mountains.

• Pocono "Pocohanne" is a Native American word

meaning, “stream between two mountains.” The Dela-ware Water Gap is the true namesake, for the area where Delaware River cut a gap between two moun-tains and formed what is now known as the “Gateway to the Pocono Mountains.”

• Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe served as the

inspiration for what Disney World attraction? Haunted Mansion.

• What was the name of the first steam locomotive in

America, which made its trial run on the Gravity Rail-road in 1829 Wayne County? You can also experi-ence a great train robbery including masked maraud-ers ambushing you on horseback during the fall months? Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions in Hones-dale

• Where was the first Boy Scout camp in the United

States established? Lake Teedyuskung, Milford, Pike County.

• What is the name of the ancestral home of Gifford Pin-

chot, first Chief of the US Forest Service and twice Governor of Pennsylvania. Grey Towers National His-toric Site, Milford, Pike County

• In what Pike County town did Zane Grey, author of

“Riders of the Purple Sage” spend his summers? Lackawaxen

• Which state park in Carbon County contains a huge

boulder field located in the northeast corner? Hickory Run State Park

• Where can you see the mysteriously resilient 1879

handprint of an accused Molly Maguire? Old Jail Mu-seum, Jim Thorpe

Top 10 Reasons Cont... Antiquing- Find that one-of-a-kind piece while in the region. There is no better time than the majestic season of fall to take a stroll in one of our downtowns where the streets are lined with antique shops. http://www.800poconos.com/things-to-do/shopping Timber and Balloon Festival- On October 16-18, enjoy the sight of spectacular hot air balloons soaring high above Shawnee Mountain into the beautiful fall sky. This unique festival also features, scenic chairlift rides, pig races, chainsaw sculptures and the IRONJACK Timber Team Lumberjack shows consisting log rolling, pole climbing, ax and chainsaw competitions, buck sawing and more. http://www.shawneemt.com/s_timberballoonfestival.html Outdoor Recreation- Embark on a fall excursion in the midst of Mother ature's palate. For the adventurous souls, raft or kayak down one of our numerous rivers and streams or take advantage of the rugged terrain by rock climbing or zip lining. For those who prefer a relaxing day, take a leisurely horseback ride, afternoon hike or play a round of golf on one of our over 35 courses. http://www.800poconos.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure

Hotels & Resorts After a fun-filled day of touring, your group will need a place to rest and revitalize. The last thing you want is to hit the road tired and sleepy. Why not stay for a night or two and enjoy all the fun attractions and sights the Pocono Mountains has to offer? The Pocono Mountains offers something for every taste and budget - ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to an eclectic mix of beautiful boutique properties and quaint, historic bed and breakfasts. They provide an array of options and include beautiful views, amenities you expect to find and recreation nearby. While welcoming you to a destination of relaxation and solitude, your choice will make you feel as if you have really been somewhere special. http://www.800poconos.com/visitors/places-to-stay/

Tour Green The Pocono Mountains region values the preservation of its natural environment and encourages visitors to travel green. For guided walks, water trails, eco-friendly transportation providers, or farm to table dining options, the Pocono Mountains offer numerous options. http://www.800poconos.com/group-tour/tour-green/