Hi Ho Pocono

Beat the heat this summer by taking a trip into the mountains! There’s so many great places to explore in this country that I can’t possibly list them all in one post. So let’s start on the East coast with the Pocono Mountains!

According to the official Pocono website:

“The Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, USA offer 2,400 square miles of wooded peaks and valleys with numerous sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, and some of the loveliest waterfalls in the east. In the midst of such natural beauty are literally hundreds of attractions and places to stay, making the Pocono Mountains the perfect place to vacation year-round. The Pocono Mountains region encompasses four separate counties: Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne. Each has its own special appeal for the perfect vacation spot.”

Summer is a great time to visit, what with all the lakes and rivers just waiting for boating, kayaking and swimming. There’s also museums, fairs and NASCAR racing at Pocono Raceway.

Going to be around this weekend? Saturday, June 21st is the 18th Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival at the Split Rock Resort.

“The two-day outdoor festival held on the grounds of Split Rock located in beautiful Lake Harmony will feature continuous musical entertainment on three separate stages, up to 30 of Pennsylvania’s finest wineries and a wide selection of food vendors to tempt your taste buds.  Educational Seminars will be held during the festival so check them out and learn some new things about wine.  Split Rock also offers a weekend package for our overnight guests.  Each festival attendee will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass.”

How fun! For more information about the festival, visit www.splitrockresort.com.

Lobsta!

If you haven’t made a trip to Maine you must take the opportunity this summer. Nothing screams New England as much as Maine sea air and a fresh lobster dinner. Or as they say in Maine, “Lobsta!”

Lobster From Maine.com has an entire page of recipes sure to make your stomach rumble. But if you want it the traditional Maine way, follow these simple steps:

- Select a pot big enough to cover the lobster completely with water.

- Bring water to a rolling boil and add 1tbs of salt per quart of water.

- Put lobsters in claws first and begin timing as soon as the water comes back up to a boil.

For 1 pound: 5 minutes
1 1/8 pounds: 6 minutes
1 1/4 pounds: 8 minutes
1 1/2 to 2 pounds: 8 to 10 minutes
more than 2 pounds : 12 minutes

Serve with a side of butter and lots of napkins!

(PS- if you’re looking for some Maine inspiration, check out the Maine Beach Tote. It comes with it’s own lobster bib!)

Escapes In Your Own Backyard — Florida

Residents of sunny Florida might be interested to know that the first weekend of May holds more than just the promise of summer.

It’s also the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival! Visit May 2-4 and see more than 300 Arts and Crafts exhibitors, more than 75 antique dealers, fun zone for kids, and shrimp! Don’t forget the shrimp!

The festival is home to dozens of food booths boasting shrimp specialties. Yum, yum!

The Festival is held in the Historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. Be sure the check out the website here for all the info!

Happy shrimping!