Better In The Poconos

When Antoine Dutot opened the Kittatinny Hotel&—the first tourist hotel in the Poconos&—in 1829, little did he know that he was a pioneer in what would become one of the largest and most diverse tourist and recreation areas on the East Coast. Although his initial venture failed, the tourist industry of the Poconos has been a long-term success, evolving and adapting to change. Better in the Poconos tells the story of Pennsylvania&’s premier vacationland from its earliest days to the present. The flourishing tourist and resort industry in the Poconos can be attributed, in part, to the area&’s splendid mountains, streams, and forests. But the timeless appeal of nature was matched, and even surpassed, by the resorts&’ ability to redefine themselves. In the mid-nineteenth century, William Cullen Bryant depicted the Pocono region as a hunter&’s delight, describing abundant game and sublime landscapes. The Victorian era, however, brought genteel carriage rides and croquet; later, specialized ethnic resorts catered to the minority populations of Philadelphia and New York; and in the 1940s and 1950s, the Poconos earned its reputation as a honeymoon paradise. This evolution continues today: the land of romance has given way to the ski resorts and water slides enjoyed by today&’s vacationing families. Poconos resort owners and innkeepers have long recognized the cutthroat competition inherent in the vacation business. Early on, they realized that they were vying not only with each other but also with other resorts&—first in the Catskills and on the New Jersey shore, and then in Florida, in the Caribbean, and even in Europe. Better in the Poconos illustrates the strategies by which resorts in northeastern Pennsylvania responded to these market forces. They were compelled to provide superior service and amenities as well as novel amusements and activities for their guests. In the latter half of the twentieth century, for example, &"super-resorts&" started to supplant the old hotels: the new resorts could offer year-round activities, thanks to the invention of artificial snow. Similarly, honeymoon hotels declined as couples resorts&—retreats that boasted such innovations as the heart-shaped bathtub and the Jacuzzi in the shape of a tall champagne glass&—emerged on the Poconos scene. Better in the Poconos recreates that scene and the people who brought it to life&—not only the innkeepers, souvenir sellers, laborers, and service workers, but also the community leaders and visionaries who promoted the vacation economy and sought to guide it. The proper Victorians, the devoted sportsmen, the young newlyweds, the families and singles, the staid ladies of the Women&’s Christian Temperance Union (and the sinners whose vices they wished to temper), the members of the Ku Klux Klan, the rich Quakers, the Jewish socialists, and the immigrants&—all these, and more, make up the humanly rich mosaic of the Poconos.

Hiking guide to the state's biggest tourist area. Varied hikes are appropriate for all abilities.

The angler's dream of fishing pristine waters in unspoiled country for sleek, healthy trout has turned fishing into a form of theater. It is a manufactured experienceÑmuch to the detriment of our rivers and streams. AmericansÕ love of trout has reached a level of fervor that borders on the religious. Federal and state agencies, as well as nongovernmental lobbying groups, invest billions of dollars on river restoration projects and fish-stocking programs. Yet, their decisions are based on faulty logic and risk destroying species they are tasked with protecting. River ecosystems are modified with engineered structures to improve fishing, native species that compete with trout are eradicated, and nonnative invasive game fish are indiscriminately introduced, genetically modified, and selectively bred to produce more appealing targets for anglersÑincluding the freakishly contrived "golden trout." The Quest for the Golden Trout is about looking at our nationÕs rivers with a more critical eyeÑand asking more questions about both historic and current practices in fisheries management.

The Poconos, a rich plateau nestled in northeastern Pennsylvania between the Delaware River and the Moosic Mountains, encompass a variety of alluring features. The perfect reference for amateur naturalists, outdoor enthusiasts, tourists, and others who wish to explore the area, this classic guide clearly explains the unique geographic characteristics, animal habits and habitats, climate, geology, and vegetation of the area. The authors trace the region from its beginnings millions of years ago as part of a shallow sea, through the reshaping forces of great glaciers, to today's roadways and turnpikes. This revised and expanded edition also includes brief profiles of individuals who played significant roles in the preservation or understanding of the area's ecology. Chapters provide a general survey of the area, including its history and places to be explored and observed, information on forest types, wildlife, and aquatic habitats, updated facts and figures on animal populations, as well as new details on invasive species. Throughout the book, numerous boxes direct readers to observatory points for specific birds, ecosystems, vegetation types, and geological features, while maps, tables, original pen-and-ink illustrations, and a select list of field guides and other references enhance the book's appeal. An indispensable companion for visitors as well as residents, The Poconos is a must-read for everyone who wants to discover or better understand the beauty and natural history of this unique region.

Publisher Description

Finding Forgiveness As the Red Wolf Pack's Marshall, Ben Malone can feel the physical well-being of his entire Pack, including his mate's recurring hangovers. He'll never claim Dave. He can't. He'd rather be alone than be with someone who lives inside a bottle. Unknown to Ben, Dave Maldonado has suffered from agonizing migraines for years. He can't understand why Ben rejects him at every turn, but he's had enough of longing for someone he can't have. When Ben learns the truth, it might be too late to gain the forgiveness of his long-suffering mate. Caution: This book contains Male/Male (M/M) love scenes. Mr. Red Riding Hoode Steven Hoode has arrived at the Red Wolf Lodge to celebrate the wedding of his best friend to the man of his dreams. If he happens to have a good time with some lovely snow bunnies during his month-long vacation, who is he to complain? Graciela Mendoza is the Omega of the Poconos Pack... and Steve is her destined mate. He knows nothing of Pack life, so she wants to break things to him gently. But things never go the way you expect in life, and Steve accidentally sees the Pack shift, sending him running. Unfortunately for him, wolves love playing chase... Sorry, Charlie Charlie Lowe is going crazy. Why does her mate run from her? Is it the fact that she's a Lion to his Wolf? Her insane love affair with makeup? Or could it be her family connections that are driving her mate away? Ted Pedrozo loves his fiery Lioness with his whole being but mating the sister of the Leo is a big, hairy deal. He's terrified that the Leo will find him wanting, or worse-Charlie will. So what's a dork in wolf's clothing supposed to do when the perfect woman is his mate? Simple. He steers clear of her until she makes it impossible for him to do so.