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Pocono Golf Courses | Woodloch Springs | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

The Top 3 Pocono Golf Courses

As we swiftly approach summer’s emergence here at Woodloch Resort, we cannot help but daydream of golden days spent surveying the prettiest Pocono golf courses. Whether you make a habit of sinking birdie putts or you often shriek, “Fore,” seconds after each drive, you’ll undoubtedly find something to love about the rolling forestry of the Pocono Mountains during your stay. It’s only a matter of weeks before the top-rated Pocono golf courses gleefully open their doors, effectively ushering in thousands of golfers, many of which from nearby New York City and Philadelphia.

Find Your Swing at These 3 Pocono Golf Courses

While we’re certainly biased toward the sprawling, awe-inspiring course design at Woodloch Springs, we also appreciate the fine work from several of the area’s premier country clubs. Our growing team of golf professionals has played 18 holes at each of the most popular Pocono golf courses, and we believe that these three options truly encapsulate the visual allure of the region.

Woodloch Springs

Because Woodloch was recently named USA Today’s “Best Family Resort in America,” it’s easy to overlook the fact that we also boast the top-reviewed 18-hole course in the region. This 1992 Rocky Roquemore design is equally a visual delight and a smile-inducing challenge. Woodloch Springs holds a 4.8 rating on Golf Advisor and a near-perfect overall recommendation grade. Golfers love this award-winning, 6,600-yard marvel because it snakes through the heart of the Poconos. The layout features upland meadows, pristine wetlands, and towering pines along with immaculate greens and fairways.

Lords Valley Country Club

Lords Valley Country Club is, as you might expect, a private institution. That being said, seemingly every golfer in the area knows someone with a membership. Not a far drive from Woodloch Springs, it is especially nice to play during autumn’s peak. What was once known as “Camp Hemlock” in the 1920s is now a scenic, 18-hole course that spans 145 wooded and waterfront acres.

Honesdale Golf Club

Honesdale Golf Club remains one of the more underrated Pocono golf courses because it doesn’t sit at the foothills of gently rolling mountains. However, Honesdale is one of the oldest clubs in Pennsylvania; they’re set to celebrate 120 years this summer. The course’s history seeps through every acre, and the pace of play is idyllic. Again, membership is required so don’t forget to reach out to your network of golfers to book a tee time.

Pocono Mountain Resorts

After quelling 18 holes at one of the best Pocono golf courses, enjoy a gourmet dinner inside The Grille Room and return to your course-side vacation rental for a few hours of late-night relaxation. Woodloch Resort, in combination with its sister property The Lodge at Woodloch, is one of the premier four-season destinations in North America. To learn more about our “stay and play” Pocono golf packages, please visit us online at Woodloch.com.

Filed Under: community, golf, reunions, Summer Tagged With:

Things to Do in the Poconos: 30 Fun Activities | Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

30 Fun Things to Do in the Poconos

There’s no off-season for adventure here in the awe-inspiring Pocono Mountains. Regardless of the season, the Poconos allure travelers of all kinds to enjoy the region’s many perks, such as seemingly endless outdoor adventures, historic boroughs, and, of course, the top-rated family resort in the United States. Woodloch Resort is not only centrally located near the area’s most popular attractions, lakes, and outfitters, but guests can partake in as many as three dozen activities on a given day (as seen on the daily activity sheet). 

With so many fun things to do in the Poconos throughout the year, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of exciting activities. Luckily for you and your family, we’ve pieced together 30 of the best things to do in the Poconos, ranging from bass fishing on Lake Wallenpaupack to backpacking along the Delaware Water Gap.

The Top Things to Do in the Poconos

As one of the premier all-inclusive resorts in Pennsylvania (and the country), we’re committed to providing each and every guest with the experience of a lifetime. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without the hard work from our small village of employees—it also wouldn’t be necessary without adventurous families, such as yourselves. To ensure that your next visit to Hawley, PA, is nothing short of spectacular, we’ve compiled a list of 30 fun things to do in the Poconos. Click the links below to learn more about each activity and destination.

Family-Friendly Pocono Mountain Resorts

It’s worth noting that the majority of these adventurous, undeniably fun things to do in the Poconos are offered right here on Woodloch Resort’s 1,200-acre woodland haven. As winter transforms into spring, we welcome thousands of families who are in desperate need of a break from log-jammed streets, blustery dog walks, and early-morning car-starts. To learn more about a potential mid-spring escape, please visit our packages page. You’ll notice that we cover everything from Mother’s Day to Peter Cottontail. Give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562 to speak with a friendly member of our team about available rooms and dates!

Filed Under: community, golf, Summer, Winter

A “Course” in Excellence

A “Course” in Excellence

The Pocono Mountains course you’ve never heard of may be the best around…

TEE IT UP

In 1989, the grand plans were set to expand the Woodloch footprint. Based on years of requests from guests, the need for a golf course was apparent. It was to be an extension of the Woodloch brand–quality facilities, unrivaled service, a sense of family, and a tradition of excellence. Rocky Roquemore, a prolific award-winning international course architect was chosen to sculpt the mountain links, and in three short years the course at Woodloch Springs was ready. The project was not exclusively to serve as an amenity of the resort, but to thrive as its own destination and ultimately as a private community.

UNPARALLELED GOLF

Amidst a challenging mountainous backdrop, this course meanders its 18 championship style holes through 6,579 yards of fern-carpeted forest providing a unique playing experience darted with inspirational views. It’s also a challenge. Golf wouldn’t really be that special if it were easy, right?

The signature hole remains the 14th, a lengthy, challenging par five, which should be a six, that features a dramatic 220-yard carry across “Hells Gate Gorge.” It also has several elevation and route changes along its 577 u-shaped yards. However it is hole three which poses the most challenges with a 190 yard layup to the edge of a 45 foot drop off with a two-tier undulating green still 250 more yards away. Luckily, you’re rewarded with an arrow-straight, wide-green par three as your next stop.

THE GOLF ACADEMY

In concert with the Woodloch Sports Complex, the Woodloch Golf Performance Academy will help any golfer explore and understand the athletic relationship between their golf bodies and their swing (just like the pros) while maximizing their swing’s efficiency, mental performance, equipment setup and golf fitness. The PGA and certified fitness instructors and biomechanics coaches assess your game, develop a custom practice programfor you and unlock your potential as a player. Regardless of your goals or skill level, your team of coaches wants to help you understand and enjoy the game of golf to the fullest.

TIME TO DINE

There are two splendid dining options within steps of Woodloch Springs’ 18th hole: The Overlook Restaurant and The Grille Room.

The Overlook has floor-to-ceiling windows that peer toward the scenic 18th hole. Treat yourself to a center cut eight-ounce fi let mignon, lamb chops, or Icelandic cod after a particularly terrific round of Poconos golf. The Grille Room, utilizes the same farm-to-table menu, but the dining experience itself is more casual. The culinary team at Woodloch Springs also makes a delicious chicken cordon bleu sandwich, tuna poke salad, and weekend prime rib. And if you didn’t hear, after your round, your first beer is only a buck!

IT’S STILL ABOUT FAMILY

Home to one of US Kids Golf Top 50 Professionals, the course is designed for the avid golfer yet very accommodating to little beginners. With family friendly
golf carts available, kids tees, an excellent line of kids equipment and apparel, the standout is the kids golf clinic which takes young learners on a fun and interactive golf journey.

A Taste of Woodloch Summer Recipes from The Woodloch Cookbook

A Taste of Woodloch” – Summer Recipes from The Woodloch Cookbook

Summer is a season of welcoming; inviting warmth and of course, beautiful colors. Chef George from our Woodloch Pines Kitchen has created the following
recipes for you and your family to enjoy. From our kitchen to yours, we invite you to celebrate the arrival of SUMMER with these refreshing creations!

Visit our blog for more recipes and don’t forget to tag us on social media with the hashtag #ATasteOfWoodloch so we can check out your delicious dishes!

Artichoke Hummus

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (12-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, marinating liquid drained and reserved
  • 1 small garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Combine chickpeas, artichoke hearts, garlic, and 2 tablespoons artichoke marinating liquid in a food processor. Discard remaining marinating liquid. Process until smooth, about 1 minute and 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. With processor running, slowly pour oil through food chute until incorporated, about 20 seconds. Scrape mixture into a medium bowl, and season with salt and pepper; drizzle with oil. Serve hummus with crudités, pita chips, toasted bread, or crackers.

Grilled Pineapple Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces fresh pineapple, sliced
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (4 large lemons)

Steps:

Step 1 – Heat a grill over medium-high. Add pineapple slices in a single layer, and cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until dark char marks appear. Set grilled pineapple slices aside to cool. *A grill pan can be used for grilling, but for best results, grill over charcoal or wood.

Step 2 – Combine 4 cups hot water and sugar in a large pitcher, and stir with a whisk until sugar is dissolved.

Step 3 – Process pineapple and lemon juice in a blender until relatively smooth.

Step 4 – Pour pineapple mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher with sugar mixture; discard solids. Stir well until fully blended. Serve over ice.
Bartender Tip – For a boozy spin add a splash of silver rum or tequila.

by

Filed Under: Cooking, Fine Dining, Summer Tagged With: , , , ,

Lake Resorts in PA – Top 5 Summer Beach Activities at Lake Teedyuskung

Woodloch’s Blog

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Top 5 Summer Beach Activities at Lake Teedyuskung

The unofficial start of summer is rapidly approaching with Memorial Day weekend just around the corner. Every summer, families from across the East Coast flock to Woodloch Resort to spend several days swimming, splashing, and paddling in the sapphire blue water of Lake Teedyuskung. While your family will have the rare opportunity to participate in dozens of exciting homegrown activities here at one of the top-rated lake resorts in PA, you’ll likely want to spend as much time as possible in the soothing water of a private lake. And don’t forget to take a short break from Lake Teedyuskung to try out any or all of these five beach activities!

5 Summer Beach Activities at Woodloch Resort

If you take a glance at our daily activity sheet, you’ll quickly notice that you and your family can participate in a vast array of activities ranging from bumper boats to archery. But there’s nothing quite like water skiing, swimming, and sunbathing under the warm summer sun, which is why we compiled five free and easy beach activities to try this summer here at Woodloch, one of the best lake resorts in PA.

  • Sand volleyball – Challenge another family or let the kids make new friends with a rousing match of sand volleyball along the edge of our private Lake Teedyuskung beach. Perhaps you have the next Kerri Walsh or Misty May in the family!
  • Built a sandcastle – Build a sandcastle with the entire family, and let everyone’s imagination run wild! If you’re planning on creating something special, remember to bring along a starter sand-sculpting kit. Use moist sand found below the tide line, add water periodically, and start at the bottom to ensure that your castle doesn’t fall.
  • Read a book – While the kids build a sandcastle, fly kites, and splash in the lake, dust off that summer beach read you’ve been dying to finish. For a list of the hottest beach reads, visit The Oprah Magazine’s website.
  • Sunbathing – Woodloch Resort wouldn’t be one of premier lake resorts in PA if we didn’t provide parents with a fleet of ultra-comfortable chaise lounges along the edge of our exclusive beach. Whether you’re hoping to work on your tan or just aching to soak up the summer sun, there’s no better place than our kid-friendly, lakefront beach area.
  • Fly a kite – The art of kite-flying is somewhat of a science as you’ll need ideal wind conditions to successfully fly a colorful kite. Most kites fly in light-to-medium winds, ranging from six to 15 miles per hour. The beach’s location along the northeast edge of Lake Teedyuskung is a quality spot for an afternoon of kite-flying!

Family-Friendly Lake Resorts in PA

Treat the whole family to the extended weekend getaway that they deserve this summer right here at Woodloch Resort. We’re not only one of the top-rated Pocono Mountains resorts, but our award-winning, family-friendly destination is within two hours of lively New York City! Your family can bond through a wide variety of homegrown activities, such as summer Olympics, Bakery Wars, and the Amazing Race. To learn more about a potential mid-summer Poconos getaway, please visit us online at Woodloch.com, or give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562.

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Poconos Getaway – The Best Times to Visit Woodloch Resort

Woodloch’s Blog

Keep up-to-date with all things Woodloch on our blog featuring exclusive recipes, heartwarming stories, lifestyle content, contests and more.

Top-Rated Poconos Getaway: The Best Times to Visit Woodloch

There’s never an offseason for good, old-fashioned family fun in the Pocono Mountains, especially here at Woodloch Resort, which is conveniently located only two hours from Manhattan. Regardless of the season, Woodloch provides every family with a one-of-a-kind Poconos getaway. Splash in Lake Teedyuskung under the warm Pennsylvania sunshine, hike through our pristine wilderness during autumn’s peak, and ski down the slopes at Masthope Mountain – the choice is yours! While it was challenging to choose just four of our favorite times to visit Woodloch, these specific occasions certainly stood out.

Autumn Midweeks

A Poconos getaway during autumn’s peak should be on everyone’s bucket list, which is why we urge families to avoid weekends during the leaf-peeping season’s pinnacle. Not only will you get to enjoy some of the most colorful foliage on the planet, but the roads will be practically empty. Autumn Midweeks are also one of the best deals on the East Coast as we offer outrageous savings for children six and under as well as teenagers. You’ll be able to combine fun Halloween-themed games and seemingly endless homegrown activities while appreciating the glorious combination of tiger orange, marigold, Tuscan yellow, and emerald in our lush forestry.

poconos getaway

July & August

There’s no secret that July & August are the most popular months here at Woodloch Resort, as thousands of families from New York City flock to Hawley, PA, for a well-deserved, summertime, Poconos getaway. Many of our homegrown activities are centered around water during the summer months. Splash in one of our pristine pools, explore Lake Teedyuskung in a family-sized rowboat, and enroll in the Summer Olympics. One of the biggest perks of a midsummer Poconos getaway is that you can do just about anything!

Spooktacular Weekends

During select weekends in October, we transform our family resort into a Halloween-themed wonderland – we call them Spooktacular Weekends! Not only is the surrounding wilderness a colorful natural painting, but your family can hop aboard the world-famous Haunted Hayride, show off their costumes in the Halloween Parade, and even go trick or treating. Autumn is especially fantastic because you can still partake in home-grown outdoor activities but also enjoy the splendors of fall: leaf-peeping, s’mores, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and cozy sweater weather!

Ski & Stay

Earlier this winter, we detailed the incredible savings and value that comes with the Ski & Stay packages here at Woodloch Resort. There isn’t a better mid-week, wintertime, Poconos getaway available. With the Ski & Stay package, families can enjoy unlimited skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Ski Big Bear as well as two meals daily, countless on-site activities, and nightly live entertainment. Take a break from the slopes with ice skating, and the Winter Olympics. Woodloch is one of the best family resorts in North America because our team is dedicated to creating a warm, friendly, and exciting atmosphere which pairs perfectly with the Pocono Mountains’ beauty.

To plan a well-deserved Poconos getaway to Woodloch Resort, please give us a call today at 1-800-966-3562, or browse through our packages online. We cannot wait to see all of your smiling faces this year here at Woodloch!

Filed Under: fall, spring, Summer, Travel, Winter Tagged With: , , , , ,