By Amy Moyer and Lisa Ivan Century 21 Select Group Realtors
With all of the love in the air this month, it seems fitting that we should learn more about our beautiful area. We happily live in the Pocono Mountains which has been known as the honeymoon destination for many years. The Pocono Mountains are commonly called The Poconos. The name comes from the Munsee word Pokawachne, which means ‘Creek Between Two Hills’.
Our area is bordered by breathtaking sites on all sides. The hills it is nestled between are the Wyoming Valley on the west and the Delaware Water Gap to the East. The north is bordered by Lake Wallenpaupack and to the south is the Lehigh Valley. Our forested hills and valleys have been a popular recreation and vacation destination for many years. Since the Poconos is accessible within a 2-hour drive of many metropolitan areas, people travel here to escape the exhausting daily life and relax at one of our many resort hotels. This provides opportunity for tons of memories made during every month of the year, which is the very reason romantic resort getaways started popping up in this region.
In 1945, Rudolf Von Hoevenberg established Farm on the Hill on the west bank of the Delaware River. It was the very first honeymoon resort in The Poconos. By 1960 the word had spread, and unmarried couples wanted access to the recreation facilities. Before long, The Poconos region was nicknamed “The honeymoon capital of the world”.
It was in 1963 when the heart-shaped jacuzzi was first introduced at Caesar’s Cove Haven in Lakeville, Pennsylvania. This latest novelty caused couples to flock to the Poconos. Cove Haven Resort was originally the idea of Morris Wilkins, who’d served as an electrician on a submarine during World War II. In 1958, he partnered up with a friend to buy an 18-room hotel on Lake Wallenpaupack. At the time, it was named Hotel Pocopaupack. They then proceeded to convert it into Cove Haven, a couple’s resort with lots of new bells and whistles. They started the trend of private honeymoon resorts in this area.
In 1969, the owner decided to branch out. He went on to purchase Paradise Stream Resort in 1971 and Pocono Palace Resort in 1976. All three resorts are deemed to be adult-only. Pocono Palace Resort is located on Echo Lake in Marshalls Creek. During this time, they hung the sign that is still seen when entering the Pocono Palace. It reads, “You are entering the Land of Love.”
It was obvious that the resort spared no expense in creating that atmosphere! They built a 32,000 sq. foot sporting complex which greatly expanded the amenities. It was in 1984 that Wilkin’s first introduced the 7-foot-tall champagne glass Whirlpool tub-for-two at Cove Haven. The rooms were set up so guests could enjoy their own private heart-shaped pool, a large champagne glass jacuzzi, mood lighting, and even a starlit ceiling above their heart-shaped bed. They sprinkled the rooms with rose pedals and soft candles lead you to the upstairs bedroom. Romance everywhere!
Another largely popular resort destination of the time was The Honeymoon Hideaway located in Kresgeville. It was originally a honeymoon resort which opened in the early 1960s. The current owner, Joe Farda, bought the property in the mid-1980s and ran it as a honeymoon resort until 1991. With rolling mountain terrain and 300-plus acres, he saw the potential for an 18-hole championship golf course. Today it has morphed into a popular wedding venue and golfing resort.
Driving to the clubhouse through the oversized gates is like stepping back in time. It brings you to an era when romantic getaways thrived here. For those seeking a dose of nostalgia, there are still a few traditional honeymoon cabins clustered around the 18th fairway. The sprawling ballroom is surrounded by walls of windows overlooking the lush golf course, rolling hills, and Blue Mountain Ski Area in the distance. Over the years, it has transformed into a complete modern bridal facility that fits 200+ guests, while still holding on to its historic heritage. Sounds like all of the necessary conditions for love birds!
And let’s not forget that our valley town of Jim Thorpe is at the center of it all. It brings couples to the area all year with its festivals and fall foliage. The cafes and shops all making them feel like they stepped back into the old days. The Pocono Mountain region has a way of giving us all a sense of slowing down, enjoying life, and taking it all in. From the lake areas in the mountains to the rivers running through them, scenery and outdoor activities abound. We encourage everyone to open their hearts and discover some Pocono-themed Romance…every day of the year!
Born and raised in the Pocono area, you can visit Million Dollar Producer Amy Moyer at www.AmySellsPa.com.
A 21-year resident of Jim Thorpe, you can visit Multi-Million Dollar Producer Lisa Ivan at www.Mountain-Lifestyle.org.
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