DNC Getaway Guide: Escape To Northeastern Pa.
The Democratic National Convention is coming to Philadelphia July 25-28 which may be the perfect time to take a little mid-week excursion to the northeastern Pennsylvania suburbs.
Penn's Peak
325 Maury Rd
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Phone: (610) 826-9000
How does dining and live music all on the side of a mountain sound? Penn's Peak has an open-air deck for casual live entertainment, as well as a concert hall that can fit up to 1800. Checking out the venue during the week of the DNC might just make you want to come back for a concert. Blues Traveler, Joan Jett and Trace Adkins are just a few of the performers on the schedule this summer. Click here to for a full list of events.
Kalahari Resort
250 Kalahari Blvd
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
Phone: (570) 580-6000
Before you even head inside, the giant elephant statues guarding the outdoor pool area may catch your eye. But that's not the main attraction. In the summer the outdoor pool meets the indoor water park with the help a retractable roof. Combined there's over 100,000 square feet of water fun to be had for the kids and adults too who might like the Thirsty Turtle, swim-up bar. Day passes to the park are free when you book a room.
Great Wolf Lodge
1 Great Wolf Dr
Scotrun, PA 18355
Phone: (800) 768-9653
Feel like camping? Maybe your kids do! Great Wolf offers themed rooms which make the kids feel like they're sleeping in a tent, tree or even a "wolf's den." But this place is more than just a place to stay. The resort features a mini bowling alley, outdoor ropes course and indoor water park, complete with thrill water slides, as well as a lazy river and hot tubs for when it's time to relax.
Knoebels
391 Knoebels Blvd
Elysburg, PA 17824
Phone: (570) 672-2572
For real camping, families can stay at the Knoebels Park Campground and be within walking distance of the amusement park which was recently named "favorite traditional amusement park." The Twister roller coaster is definitely a fan favorite as well as the Sklooosh, named for the "skloosh" your shoes will make after you get soaked on the park's wettest attraction. Try drying off on Scenic Skyway, a 14-minute chairlift ride.
Blue Mountain Resort
1660 Blue Mountain Dr
Palmerton, PA 18071
Phone: (610) 826-7700
More adventures await at Blue Mountain Resort. An outdoor patio and fire pit give way to some pretty amazing views of the mountain. No snow to ski in July but zip-lining is still an option at the resort's Summit Aerial Park as well as laser tagging at one of three outdoor battlefields.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
Phone: 570-588-6682
Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," this is a must stop for any outdoor enthusiast. The series of eight waterfalls afford plenty of places for a photo op so make sure you have your smartphone handy. Besides the beautiful views and hiking trails, there's miniature golf, paddle boats and a mining maze for kids.
