Twelve Gallon Dreams

Twelve Gallon Dreams

By

Mark T. Bond

On a tree-lined stretch of seemingly endless interstate, exit 20, off I 84 differs little from the previous exits you’ve passed.  By making the decision to detour, whether intentionally or by accident, your northward journey will provide ample bragging fodder on Monday.

Having not succumbed to the digitally enhanced marketing of our South-Pocono cousins, the Wallenpaupack region relies primarily on local advertising to post her calendar of events.  Of course you can log-on to Chamber we-sites like: www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com for an itinerary, but it’s an academic exercise from your inner-city flat.  If you’ve topped off the tank and headed west, s quick stop in any of the numerous eateries along Wallenpaupack’s Southern coast, you’ll find, tacked to corkboards, a vast array of entertaining possibilities.

If you’ve come for the water, it’s a 5700 acre dream-come-true.  Boating rentals, sunset cruises, paddling and swimming are only a few.  Should you crave an authentic adventure and bold-faced bragging rights, weigh anchor with Captain Art Philipp at the Pocono School of Sailing to become certified in keelboat navigation.  Imagine leaving the desk on Friday a landlubber; returning to the boardroom on Monday, standing a bit taller with a misty gleam in your eye and wind-blown hair.  www.poconosail.com.

Dotting the shoreline of Wallenpaupack are numerous restaurants and cafés offering an equally diverse ambiance and cuisine.  While a few sports bars boast big screens, live bands and dancing, other establishments like Ehrhardts and The Boat House offer fine dining amidst candlelight and sunsets.

Just off the lake, yet close enough to feel her breath, you’ll discover all manner of activities that celebrate the native lore; Chicken BBQs, Firemen’s Picnics, Parades, Car Shows, Fireworks Displays, All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffets and Clam Bakes.

Lake Ariel & Hawley & Honesdale, sponsor throughout the season, Summer Festival of Park events including arts and crafts, Roots and Rhythm Music and a social occasion Norman Rockwell would have loved to capture.

The 26^th Annual Audubon Arts & Crafts Festival is being held at the Wallenpaupack School complex in July where local artisans and nationally renowned painters display their creations in all mediums.

The Delaware Opera, Bethel Woods Center and the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain serve-up acts to liven any evening; Reo Speed wagon, Styx, Rascal Flatts, Def Leopard, Cheap Trick, Dave Matthew’s Band, James Taylor & Tobey Keith…all on the same tank of gas.

Hiking, biking and sightseeing abound, sure to rekindle the romantic flame, just about anywhere you find yourselves within our boundaries.  If however, you left the babysitter cowering after her last session with your children and they’re clawing at the car’s interior in a hyperglycemic state, a short drive from the lake will welcome you to Costa’s Family Fun Park.  Acres & acres of water slides & rides, golf, batting cages and adolescent release. www.costasfamilyfunpark.com.

Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park, located just south of 590 in Lake Ariel on Ledgedale Rd. have been entertaining and educating crowds for 36 years with over 120 wild and exotic animals, petting zoos, animal demonstrations; lions and tigers and bears, oh my.  Allowing the kids to hand feed the parrots, mine for gemstones or dirty the knees in the Dino Dig, it’s sure to be a hit…still on the same tank of gas.  www.clawsnpaws.com.

Don’t worry if you find yourself off the beaten path.  Besides out BBQs and parades, we’re also famous for our fence-side chats.  Anyone leaning on a shovel, painting a house or tending a garden will be happy to point you in the direction of civilization and your next adventure………As for dreams, we look forward to seeing you next weekend.