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Archives for November 2019

Winter Escape | 5 Ways to Stay Warm | Woodloch Resort

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5 Ways to Stay Warm During Your Poconos Winter Escape

While we’re rapidly approaching autumn’s peak here in the serene Pocono Mountains, millions of families are turning their attention to the coziest season of the year: winter. For those who’re already planning that well-deserved, long-awaited winter escape to Woodloch Resort, we’ve pieced together five unique ways to stay warm during your stay. Yes, you and your kids will undoubtedly want to fill the days with snow tubing, ice skating, and Winter Olympics, but sometimes nothing tops a warm, relaxing mid-day activity on a brisk afternoon. We remain one of the top-rated long-stay winter vacations near New York City (as well as the number one family resort in the United States) thanks to our countless on-site amenities, world-class hospitality, and the surrounding natural beauty.

1. Jacuzzi, Sauna, and Hot Tub Relaxation

Perhaps the best way to thaw out during your highly-anticipated winter escape is by hopping into one of our soothing Jacuzzis, steamy saunas, or our 12-person outdoor hot tub. There are several pool facilities to choose from, including Woodloch Springs’ Sports Complex and our newly-renovated indoor pool. If the kids get antsy, they can go for a dip in the main pool, which is set at a balmy temperature during the winter months.

2. Woodloch’s Indoor Forest Playground

The easiest way to stay warm on a particularly crisp winter afternoon is by staying active. The whole family can choose between indoor games, bumper cars, scavenger hunts, and so much more! But Woodloch’s Indoor Forest Playground is a hit for children between the ages of 3-12. There’s no better way to get the blood flowing than sliding, crawling, and climbing inside this state-of-the-art play place.

3. A Delicious Warm Meal

Woodloch Resort wouldn’t be one of the premier all-inclusive winter vacations on the East Coast without our family-style dining. Most families choose our inclusive meal plans because they’re tasty, economical, and stress-free. The menus rotate and change to ensure that return guests don’t savor the same meal twice. Some of the entrees that we’ve served recently include stuffed chicken breast, roast prime rib, jumbo crab cakes, and peppered Chilean sea bass.

4. A Trip to the Game Room

Every Pocono Mountains winter escape should include a full day of snowshoeing, skiing, and forest bathing, but make sure to treat the kids to a couple of hours inside in one of our game rooms. Nothing quite brings life into a child’s eye than a dazzling colorful arcade. We’ve fully stocked these rooms with classic arcade games, air hockey tables, pinball machines, ping pong, shuffleboards, racing simulators, and so many more exhilarating surprises.

5. Gigi’s Coffee House

You’ll always be a hop, skip, and a jump from Gigi’s Coffee House when you stay at Woodloch Resort, even during a mid-winter escape. The cafe is located on Woodloch Pines’ front lawn, just steps from the Main Lodge. This two-year-old coffee shop is an ode to an important member of the Kiesendahl family: Grandma Mould (affectionately known as “Gigi”). Adults love the signature and seasonally-inspired lattes while the kiddos cannot deny the allure of a good, old-fashioned hot cocoa!

Best Destinations in December: A Winter Escape to Woodloch

We’re proud to be one of the best-reviewed East Coast winter getaways. Whether you’re planning a snow trip, annual family vacation, or romantic spa getaway, you’ll never forget your winter escape into the snow-capped Pocono Mountains. Many of the best winter road trips run through our delightful, snowy wonderland—we’re a short drive from Lake Wallenpaupack, Bushkill Falls, Promised Land State Park, and so many more natural marvels. For even more quintessential Poconos winter activities and trip ideas, please visit our fun blog page!

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: , ,

Deeper Connections While On Vacation | Woodloch Resort

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Deeper Connections While on Vacation

Traveling with the whole family can be stressful. Children have different temperments, and they are interested in different things at different ages. It’s basically rocket science trying to perfect a family trip.

So, let’s all accept that we are not all rocket scientists and realize that being perfect isn’t all it’s cut out to be. Sometimes bumps and hiccups are what makes a trip memorable and also what leads to the best laughs. Below are some quick tips to make your next trip the best one yet!

SCHEDULE PLENTY OF FREE TIME

When traveling with your family, realize that pretty much everything will take longer than planned. Keeping your schedule loose and leaving time for adjustment will make the occasional lost toy, meltdown, or hungry fury a bit less stressful.

At the moment, it may seem like a good idea to schedule a non-stop fun-filled day, but realistically this isn’t easily accomplished with kids of any age.
Instead plan a few specific things per day, but leave free time for naps and other things that may pop up. You also may discover other activities that your family loves that you never even considered!

EXPLAIN THE TRIP

Introduce your kids to the trip ahead of time. This will make them excited and also let them know what to expect. Oftentimes when kids feel uncomfortable they are not happy; many unknown factors can take away from the trip’s enjoyment. Imagine a kid going to breakfast at Disney with all the characters without ever seeing pictures of life-sized Goofy? They may get freaked out, but if you introduce them to it prior, they may go right up to Goofy and give him a hug.

This is also a good time to go over your expectations with your children about their behavior on the trip. Inevitably there will be meltdowns from sheer exhaustion, and not everyone will be able to get what they want at all times. Having this discussion with your kids will at least let them know the consequences for unruly behavior.

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

When traveling with kids we cannot emphasize this enough: things will go wrong. Lost phones, detours, missed busses, unexpected hiccups are unavoidable, and the sooner we all accept this, the better your vacation will be. There is beauty in imperfection, and usually a good story comes out of it. Keep in mind that traveling with your family is an adventure, and the memories are irreplaceable.

TRAVEL WITH ENTERTAINMENT

Keeping your kids entertained while traveling is crucial for your sanity. Long, grueling plane or car rides can be less than pleasant with bored kids. Bring books, toys, and electronic devices to keep them happy and entertained while trying to get from here to there. Don’t overdo it on the entertainment you chose to bring, but a few small items really can make everyone’s lives much easier.

Fun tip: Disposable cameras are a great gift to give children that are old enough. They can document the trip through their viewpoint and when you get home, it will bring them joy to develop the film and reminisce about the trip.

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT TO PACK

It may seem like a hassle to make a list of what to pack prior to your trip, but it is a lifesaver. This way you can visually see everything you need and prevent yourself from overpacking or forgetting key items. For some reason, it always seems to happen that we pack things we never even touch and forget the most important stuff.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: , , , ,

Woodloch's Islands of the World | Woodloch Resort

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Woodloch’s “Islands of the World”

Come “sail away” with us and our 2020 Broadway-style Theme Show!

The smell of salt lingers in the air, the sound of seagulls cries in the distance, the sunshine warms your shoulders, and the ocean breeze gently tossles your hair. You’re on a beautiful tropical ISLAND… if only in your mind!

One can’t deny the gusto of island life, especially set to music! That’s why we are charting the course for a very special theme show in 2020 as Woodloch presents “Islands of the World!”

“2020’s show echoes our very first theme night, which paid homage to our 50th state, Hawaii,” says show producer. “That was 1967, it’s safe to say things have changed a little bit since then! Still, this is a nice little tribute to those days for some of our guests who will remember!”

The night begins with a scrumptious 4-course dinner as you are greeted in our dining room by an eccentric cast of costumed characters. A star-studded parade and photo op precedes dancing in our Heritage Club before the curtain rises on our show! That’s when a fresh musical production featuring plenty of tropical flair delights all ages. Calypso and reggae music, a twist of country, and a few Broadway musical numbers coupled with professional singers, dancers, pyrotechnics and a 22-foot LED screen make for a truly memorable production!

“Every year as our current show draws to an end, we work diligently to ensure that next year’s production raises the bar,” says Brad Kiesendahl, owner. “I can say for sure that we are very excited to bring new thrills and smiles to our guests this year!”

Woodloch’s 2020 Theme Show will premiere during our Christmas / New Year’s package and run throughout the year.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , , ,

Woodloch Weddings: A Guide to Holiday Proposals | Woodloch Resort

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Woodloch Weddings: A Guide to Holiday Proposals

I think Billy Squier said it best: “Christmas is the time to say I LOVE YOU.”

Come November 1st, most of us tend to pack up the hokey spookiness of Halloween (I’m a huge fan) and slowly but surely start gearing up our houses for “the most WONDERFUL time of the year- the holidays!

It’s true- after we’re finished with the screaming and the maniacal laughter of All-Hallow’s Eve, our hearts maybe get just a little bit lighter. The holidays bring families and friends together across state lines, under the glow of beautiful lights, and maybe just for one brief moment, all is right in the world (until we get our credit card statements in January).

Perhaps this perfect atmosphere of family and love make it just about the perfect time for marriage proposals.

If it sounds all too perfect, maybe because it is. The two most popular days for engagements are Christmas and New Year’s. But perhaps it might even be wise to use the benefits of the holiday SEASON as a whole to surprise your soon-to-hopefully-be-your-fiancée with a proposal!

What are the benefits of this? Well, The Woodloch Weddings Team is glad that you asked!

WHY A HOLIDAY PROPOSAL?

THE SCENERY

It all starts with THE SCENERY. Where were you when this happened? With beautiful decorations just about everywhere during the holiday season, there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops for your proposal! Think of marquee locations like the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York or Washington DC. But best of all? Even your own backyard becomes a magical locale with a little bit of snow and some Christmas lights! Throw in a couple of flurries and all of the sudden, you’re in a fairy tale.

THE FAM

Other than your hubby, nobody will be more excited to hear about your engagement than your family! So instead of informing them via Facebook/text/snapchat/whateveryoukidsareusingthese days, how wonderful would it be to break the news to EVERYONE in person? Holiday gatherings make that a cinch!

THE SALES

Let’s get real for a moment- we aren’t all made of money, and very few things in this world feel as good as landing a sweet deal. And just like blenders and those beautiful 4K televisions that will be on sale at big box retailers, so will engagement rings at select jewelers! Save yourself a few bucks and get a great deal on a beautiful ring that the love of your life will cherish. (You could always try the “buy and hide” tactic, but what are the chances that SOMEBODY might go snooping?)

THE OPPORTUNITIES

Not everyone is the hopeless romantic type, but if you can’t find a subtle cute way to pop the question during the holidays, well… you might be just plain hopeless.

A memorable walk through a lights display. A special ornament on a tree. Counting down to New Year’s on one knee. You get it. There are so many sweet yet subtle ways to propose that it almost seems like a wasted opportunity if you don’t.

THE BRIDAL SHOWS

It’s not a coincidence that there are so many holiday proposals- as we’ve discussed, it’s a great way to make it memorable! With that being said, many Bridal Showcases are held right after New Year’s. If you haven’t attended one, they are a great way to meet with venues and vendors and get many of your wedding details ironed out in one fell swoop!

THE LOVE

Yes, back to where it all began… LOVE. Love brought you to where you are, and the world just seems to glow a little bit brighter during the holidays. Who are we to deny what we’re feeling? Roll with that emotion, and let everything fall into place…

Just like flakes of snow.

Man proposing to woman at the Rockafeller Center ice rink.
Wedding proposal ornament. Text: Jenna, All I want for Christmas is for you to be my wife. Will you marry me?
Man holding up his fiance, who is pointing to an engagement ring.

Filed Under: holiday, Weddings, Winter Tagged With:

Poconos Christmas Vacation | Feliz Navidad! | Woodloch Resort

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Feliz Navidad! A Poconos Christmas Vacation for the Ages

With autumn officially in the rearview mirror, it’s time to turn our attention to the most popular holiday in North America: Christmas. As we near 2020, more and more families are choosing to spend the holiday season away from home. And the best Christmas gift, after all, is a family vacation to a dazzling winter wonderland! Every winter, Woodloch Resort’s employees and guests are filled with the holiday spirit thanks to the countless Christmas-themed activities, the Festival of Lights, and, of course, the arrival of ole Kris Kringle himself. Don’t forget that our all-inclusive, Poconos Christmas vacation packages include family-style dining, modern accommodations, nightly entertainment, and over 30 daily on-site activities and amenities. Keep reading to learn more about our particularly beautiful property in the Pocono Mountains, which was recently named the top-rated family resort in the U.S.

A Christmas to Remember in Hawley, PA

No Poconos Christmas vacation is complete without a visit from Santa Claus, caroling under falling snow, and a traditional yule log hunt. But there are literally dozens of homegrown, holiday-themed activities ongoing on our sprawling, 135-acre campus. To ensure that your late December escape to Woodloch Resort is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled ten of our favorite Christmastime traditions. Many of these activities occur in the outdoors, which is often glossy and white thanks to our good friend, Old Man Winter. Guests can look forward to:

The Festival of Lights

Besides a visit from Santa Claus and his faithful reindeer, the on-site attraction that most guests look forward to is our annual Festival of Lights. This dazzling display of light, sound, and pyrotechnics is a visual treat for elves of all ages. For a peek at last year’s grand finale, please visit our website. All guests have the exclusive privilege to hop aboard a wagon ride through our wilderness trail where a lengthy, colorful display ensues. We’re continuously upping the ante and adding new state-of-the-art lighting and decor. After the wagon ride, retreat indoors to meet Santa Claus, sip on eggnog, and devour a plate of Christmas cookies. This short video gives you a glimpse of what to expect this December during the Festival of Lights.

All-Inclusive Poconos Christmas Vacation Packages

As we stated earlier, Woodloch Resort’s all-inclusive Poconos Christmas vacation packages include everything from decadent meals to a meet-and-greet with Saint Nick. We’ve evolved into one of the best Christmas vacations in the U.S., thanks to our never-ending pursuit of excellence. For couples looking for an adults-only, holiday-themed escape, we’re also home to a premier Pocono resort and spa: The Lodge at Woodloch. To book a long-overdue Poconos family Christmas vacation, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562. We’re happy to help piece together a package to perfectly suit your family’s size, style, and budget!

Filed Under: holiday, Uncategorized, Winter Tagged With: , , , ,

"The Winds of Winter" – Major Poconos Snowstorms through History | Woodloch Resort

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Woodloch Pines sign after snow storm.

“The Winds of Winter”

A brief history of major Pennsylvanian snow storms at our resort!

Love it or hate it, it’s “snow” secret that colder weather is moving in for the long haul!

Our corner of the Pocono Mountains is infamous for some mega winter storms! While it’s yet to be seen if 2023 will feature historic snowfall, let’s take a moment to reminisce about some of the more memorable blizzards of our past!

1958

Believe it or not, just a few short weeks before Woodloch was purchased, Northeastern Pennsylvania was hit by four nasty winter storms in succession between early February and March, with snow piling up well over 90 inches in spots. United States Marines were called in to help those perilously trapped. Helicopters were brought in to rescue those well out of reach of any help. Weeks later, as the snow melted, Harry and Mary Kiesendahl purchased what is now our resort for $45,000, and the era of Woodloch began!

1971

An enormous, early-season, coastal storm that brought rain and 63 mph wind gusts to New York City also happened to bring almost 2 feet of snow to the hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania… on Thanksgiving weekend, no less!

The snow was very heavy and caused several trees to come down on electrical lines, killing the power just as Woodloch began to prepare their Thanksgiving feasts for our guests.

In what forever after would be known as “The Thanksgiving of 22 Frozen Turkeys”, guests settled for bologna sandwiches while hanging by the fireplace with blankets to keep warm. Not ideal, but it certainly brought us all together, and for that, we were truly thankful!

FUN FACT: This storm prompted Woodloch to purchase a generator for our kitchen and Main Lobby! Lesson learned!

1993

They called it “The Storm of the Century,” “The Grandaddy of Them All” and of course, “The Blizzard of 1993.” This unprecedented storm wreaked havoc on the entire east coast of the United States, extending from Canada to Honduras. It even brought snow to regions like Georgia and Alabama.

Needless to say, Pennsylvania got hit HARD. Local snowfall totals exceeded 35 inches while winds swirled at upwards of 70 miles per hour, causing monumental snow drifts.

I was eight years old at the time. I remember wanting to sled through the powder but settled for just jumping off the side of the deck into huge piles of snow. Meanwhile, my dad (gung ho on making the 18 mile commute to work here at Woodloch) attempted to dig his truck out of our driveway manually, only to find our road closed… with plow trucks stuck themselves! Schools were closed for a full week. (ed.)

1996

After the catastrophic Great Storm of 1993, history simply couldn’t repeat itself… could it? It came very close.

In early January 1996, a coastal winter storm was followed up by an “Alberta Clipper” from Canada, providing a vicious one-two punch of walloping wintry weather. Snowfall totals eclipsed 20” from New York City all the way to the Poconos.

Even worse temperatures were warmer than usual for January and the melting snow created flooding problems region wide.

2017

Just as we thought winter was over, Mother Nature proved otherwise. The Blizzard of 2017 ended up dumping just about 30 inches of snow over our corner of the Poconos in mid-March. There were widespread power outages, impassible roads, National Guard dispatches and even suspension of postal service… yet Woodloch remained open. Even crazier, our president and CEO John was on vacation at the time, pushing the third generation of Kiesendahls to step up and manage the crisis.

With employees not being able to get to work or back home, many staff members were stuck here for several days “I still remember a group of eight staff members going around and shoveling each other’s cars out after being at Woodloch for 48 hours straight,” says Patrick Kiesendahl. “We even all rallied and pushed a car up a hill after we shoveled. That type of camaraderie and teamwork can only be found at Woodloch. It was a difficult time, but we came out feeling a lot of confidence about the future after that. We got together, figured out a game plan and then dispersed and handled our areas.”

Filed Under: History Tagged With: , ,