Pocono Mountains Podcast

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine, step back in time with the Jim Thorpe Trolley Company and join Bri & Dee for a Ghosts & Graveyards Tour - just in time for spooky season. Autumn has arrived in the Poconos! Brianna Strunk shares some tips and tricks for planning the ultimate fall getaway this month, with help from the online Fall Foliage Forecast on PoconoMountains.com.Step inside Milford's hidden gem, The Columns Museum, and uncover fascinating stories and treasures tucked inside its historic walls. There's plenty to explore around every corner.About 30 million people visit the Poconos each year. Jim Hamill follows the revenue brought into the region by these vacations and learns how tourism supports making the Pocono Mountains “More than a Destination.” Plus, hundreds of volunteers turned out for the annual Day of Caring last month including the signature project, Pocono Hospitality Gives Back, which made 60,000 meals at Kalahari for those in need across the region.Learn about how you can stay overnight in a cozy cabin during any season while supporting animals in need at Sugar Mutts Rescue in Greentown, not far from Lake Wallenpaupack and surrounding attractions.Join Deanna Fontanez as she brings us along to meet Regenia, a woman whose passion for hospitality is all about creating meaningful moments for every guest. We'll discover how her personal journey and genuine care turn a stay at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions into cherished memories.Lastly, we offer an inside look at East Stroudsburg University's Hospitality Management program which offers students immersive, hands-on industry experience through its live-learning laboratory, P&J's Restaurant.

Season 6, Episode 24 - Millions of visitors come to the Pocono Mountains each year for outdoor adventure, family fun, and memorable getaways. But what happens after they check out of a hotel, dine at a local restaurant, or go to a show or event? Jim Hamill sits down with Monroe County Treasurer Ira Jolley to explore how tourism dollars flow through the local economy and the impact they have on communities across the region.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 23 - Step inside Milford's historic Columns Museum for a fascinating conversation with longtime director Lori, whose passion for preserving local history has helped bring some of Pike County's most remarkable stories to life. This episode explores the nationally significant Lincoln Flag, hidden artifacts, local legends, and the people who shaped the region's past. Join us as we uncover why this unique museum remains one of the Pocono Mountains' most treasured historical destinations.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 22 - What happens when a weekend getaway helps rescue animals in need? In this episode of the Pocono Mountains Podcast, we visit Sugar Mutts Rescue and Sky Meadow Farm Sanctuary in Greentown, where founders Amy and Patty share how their passion for animal welfare grew from a Brooklyn dog rescue into a thriving 35-acre sanctuary. Discover inspiring rescue stories, unique farm stay experiences, and how visitors can make a meaningful impact while enjoying one of the Pocono Mountains' most unforgettable destinations.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine, learn how tourism has helped to shape our region's economy, identity, landscape, and way of life. Jim Hamill explores the Poconos history as more than a destination, featuring the story of Cindy Knecht whose family moved to the Poconos after vacationing here. Get an exclusive first look at the new Swiftwater Conference & Events Center and see how this exciting expansion will bring new opportunities to the region while building on the experience guests already love at The Swiftwater. Chris Barrett sits down with Bill Colavito who shares his firsthand experience with the September 11 terrorist attacks, how this historic event profoundly changed his perspective on life and set him on a new path, and how it ultimately led him down a new path dedicated to inspiring others. The Weatherly Hillclimb, taking place in September, is more than a race: it’s a generations-old tradition that brings the community together. Deanna Fontanez speaks with two Weatherly natives about the memories, people and passion that keep this tradition alive year after year.Brianna Strunk highlights the stories of four non-profits being honored for their life-changing work this month at the 23rd annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, held at Mount Airy Casino Resort. In this month's Pocono Showcase, we feature Clodagh Conboy, a young, local college student who sings, writes music and plays the acoustic guitar.

Season 6, Episode 21 - Bill Colavito, General Manager of Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains, discusses his remarkable journey from family-owned businesses and a career with Marriott International to becoming one of the region's most respected hospitality leaders.

Bill reflects on his firsthand connection to September 11, 2001, sharing how that experience reshaped his outlook on leadership, gratitude, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.

The conversation explores the power of hospitality, the value of mentorship, the impact leaders can have on future generations, and why creating meaningful family memories has become such a central part of Bill's mission. From building teams and developing future general managers to helping thousands of families create traditions in the Pocono Mountains, Bill offers an inspiring perspective on service, resilience, and finding purpose in people.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 20 - For years, this podcast has explored the people, businesses, and stories shaping one of America's most iconic four-season destinations. In this episode of our special series, The Pocono Mountains: More Than a Destination, Cindy Knecht shares her journey from family vacationer to lifelong resident, business owner, and community leader. Discover how tourism, local entrepreneurship, and a strong sense of community continue to make the Pocono Mountains a place where people don't just visit, they belong.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 19 - PTN's Deanna Fontanez sits down with longtime racer and Weatherly native Ray to explore the history, family traditions, and community spirit behind the iconic Weatherly Hillclimb. From childhood memories on the mountain to becoming one of the event's most recognizable competitors, Ray shares how the hillclimb has shaped his life and inspired the next generation of racers.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 18 (Season 3, Episode 15) - We have no shortage of camps throughout the Pocono Mountains. There are a few dozen in Wayne County alone and in Pike County, quite a few draw kids from all over the map year after year.. and in ⁠Camp Oneka’s⁠ case that’s been a tradition 115 years strong this year. 1908 is when the camp on the shores of Fairview Lake near Lake Wallenpaupack got its start and has led to 3rd and 4th and 5th generation campers and one very well known alumna – Grace Kelly. PTN's Jim Hamill sits down for a chat with the owners for this episode.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠ or watch ⁠Pocono Television Network⁠ streaming live 24/7.

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine, join us for a new series as we go Chasing Waterfalls. First stop, George W. Childs Park in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area!Explore Lake Wallenpaupack by paddle board with Bri & Dee, an adventure open to everyone thanks to seasonal rentals from Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours.Brianna Strunk shows us around the Skytop Butterfly House, where guests staying overnight at Skytop Lodge can learn about, and interact with, butterflies select times between July and early September.Jim Hamill shows us how the future of a historic Pocono town is looking bright as a revitalization effort kicks off to attract downtown investment and make Honesdale more walkable and safe. Next, Deanna Fontanez takes us to Mount Airy Casino for the ultimate girls golf getaway.As a local TV meteorologist prepares for a family getaway to the Poconos, Members 1st Federal Credit Union provides helpful ways to save and plan financially.Watch as Yenser's Tree Farm gears up to carve family memories during their annual Fall Fest, one of the many events offered throughout the year at this fourth generation farm in Lehighton, PA. Don't forget to visit their popular Sunflower Festival the first two weekends of August!Finally, hear a story driven by a shared longing for hard work and purpose. Britt, a veterinarian raised on a Pennsylvania homestead, and Kelly, a weary West Coast utility worker, leave their former lives behind to restore a historic 1850s property along Wallenpaupack Creek.