Map Your Activies Outside ESU

As a conclusion to my blog, "Things to Do Outside ESU" I've mapped out every location I've written about in my posts in a Google Map. Readers can use this map to track down activities and locations for more ideas on things to do around the Pocono area. 

View Things To Do Outside ESU in a larger map

Try a New (Sexy) Workout at Sensual Fitness

Sensual Fitness located underneath Risk-K Lingerie on Main Street in Stroudsburg offers all kinds of fun, sexy workout programs for women. This may not apply so much to males, but I’m sure you’ll be pleased with your girlfriend’s new moves.

It’s becoming somewhat of a trend for women to enjoy working out by entering sexy fitness programs like bellydancing, hula hooping, zumba, strippercise and pole dancing. Sensual Fitness offers all of these classes and more and is taught by trained professionals. The best part: they really work. 

Different classes are held throughout the day everyday Monday through Saturday. You can even mix and match aerobics classes for an additional fee. 

All of the classes with their prices are available on the Sensual Fitness website. All beginner classes including beginner pole dance, strip aerobics, hoop dancing and belly dancing are all $60 for several weeks of classes. Beginner strip tease is only $20.

You can view all classes, prices and even sign-up and make your payment for classes online.

You can learn how to do this and more at Sensual Fitness

Barley Creek Beer Anyone?

One thing I’ve always wanted to do, but have never had the time, is go tour a brewery. If you have some off time in your day and have a ride to Tannersville you could take the opportunity to go tour the Barley Creek Brewing Company. 

Barley Creek is a popular hangout for townies and tourists alike, but the beer they make and sell is the icing on the cake. Tours are ongoing everyday starting at 12:30 p.m. and if you’re 21 include free tastings at the end, however you need not be 21 to take the tour. If you're planning ontaking a large group of friends it is suggested that you call ahead in advance, you might even get some special offerings.

You’ll get a chance to see how Barley Creek creates their signature beers including: “The Navigator,” golden brown ale; “Angler” black lager; “Antler” brown ale; “Rescue” Indian Pale Ale; and many more. 

Best of all…the tours are free. Visit the Barley Creek website for more information and directions on how to become a guest on their tours.

Do This, Not That at Camelback

One of the most obvious things to do outside ESU is grab a pair of skis or a snowboard and head to one of the local mountains. Although the Poconos has become a touristy place in part because of these mountains, there are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to hitting the slopes in the Poconos. Take it from me, someone who’s been snowboarding since fifth grade and worked as an instructor at Camelback Ski Area for six loooong years.

• DO try a new sport
• DON’T learn a new sport from a friend or boyfriend.

You both think it’ll be a great time, take an hour to learn the basics and get to the top of the mountain. NO. If you’ve never been on skis or snowboard using your boyfriend or best friend as a coach is the worst thing you could do. Nine times out of ten they will leave you stranded due to high levels of frustration. It’s best to just pay for a lesson. Lessons at Camelback cost about $30 for adults and last an hour and a half. It’s a small price to pay to keep your sanity and trust me it’ll be worth it.

• DO dress for the weather
• DON’T wear jeans.

Jeans aren’t even warm in the winter, especially in the snow. It doesn’t help that you can barely move in them. Borrow a pair of snow pants from a friend or family member. Save yourself from looking stupid and stay warm.

• DO rent skis or a snowboard
• DON’T ride them down the mountain like a sled

It just makes people angry, especially those who work there. It’s hard enough teaching a lesson or using time to leisurely ride with thousands of people losing control around you standing up. It’s a lot worse when people are out of control at high speeds sitting down. In addition to angry people, you’ll have your lift ticket revoked.

• DO follow your normal routine for going out in public
• DON’T go overboard to look cute.

We get it there are a lot of cute boys around on the mountain. You really don’t have to go out of your way to do your hair and makeup to go snowboarding, especially if you’re just learning. It’ll never stay put once you’ve fallen 100 times. The tighter your clothes are the more trouble you’re going to have trying to stand up and the more uncomfortable and cold you’ll be.

Follow these simple rules of the local ski and snowboards and you’ll fit in in no time at all! You might think these rules are common sense, but you would be surprised. 

Camelback Ski Area is located in Tannersville and opens tomorrow, December 9th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and opens on a normal schedule next Friday. 

Ticket prices vary, from December 9^th through 16^th all day tickets are $40; night tickets are $25. Once they open on a normal schedule open to close lift tickets are $45. Ladies are offered a Wednesday BOGO sale. Buy one ticket for $48 on a Wednesday and receive a free left ticket (must be two women).

Portland Bridge: Visit at Own Risk

Those who grew up in the Pocono area are more than familiar with the Portland Bridge. This abandoned bridge has been around for decades and lies near the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the heart of the Delaware Water Gap.
The disclaimer in the title is necessary mostly because it’s abandoned, BUT it hasn’t stopped hundreds of thousands of people from visiting there, especially in warmer months. Even though it’s a little creepy, if you can handle it you can even crawl down the man holes and into the arches…the only problem is you’re trespassing on private property. The good news is I’ve been there more times than I can count and I’ve never been caught. It's such a great spot to go to that offer views of the entire Gap, so travel at your own risk!

In the arches of the Portland Bridge

One of my friends peeking down the manhole

A view from the top of the bridge

Grab Your Bowling Balls...

Bowling may not be a strong suit for most people. In fact bowling and I don’t get along period. However, if you have a good group of friends cheering you on it’s a pretty good time especially when there’s just nothing else to do.

Sky Lanes at the Eagle Valley Complex located in East Stroudsburg is about a five minute drive from campus, which means if you’re a student with no means of transportation it’s a cheap cab or bus ride away.

When I searched Sky Lanes on Google it told me that the bowling alley was “outdated,” but aren’t they all? If you’re desperate for something to do you’re standards are low anyway, especially as a college student in a small town.

Sky Lanes also has billiards, games, food and of course, bowling.

If you’re not into American food like burgers, fries and pizza, there are other cheap restaurants located in the complex like Chinese food.

For more information, call Sky Lanes at 570-421-7680

Who Wouldn't Love Live Music and Beer at Sarah Street Grill?

Stroudsburg (as many may already be aware) is a hub for live music. There are always a few bands playing on Main Street on any given night whether it’s at the Sherman Theater or a bar. Unfortunately, this post is more for those who are old enough to enjoy a beer at a bar or restaurant.

Sarah Street Grill is a great place to sit down and enjoy great food, or you can just go for the beer and live music. Those who are under 21 are still allowed in if they want to listen to a band after 8 p.m., but owners suggest they remain in the seating area. If you are under the age it is also suggested that you go to Sarah Street before 8 p.m. and have dinner first, this way they’re less likely to give you a hard time.

Every night Sarah Street has a different event scheduled. I’ve already written about Sarah Street’s game nights on Mondays and they entertain guests with open mic nights every Wednesday. On other nights they book bands to play live. Sarah Street Grill has a website where patrons can view which bands are playing there throughout the month.

This week’s scheduled bands are:

• Friday: Dream of Fire
• Saturday: Mystery Fyre
• Sunday: Pocono Duo
• Tuesday: Zac Lawless and Sideshow Skip

My friends and I enjoying some Magic Hat #9's and Liquid Sunshine at Sarah Street Grill

Winning Entertainment at Mount Airy Casino Resort

Recently, a lot of new attractions have been added to the Poconos area. Because East Stroudsburg University is located in such a touristy area, students have a number of resources for fun at their fingertips.

Mount Airy Casino Resort is a new addition and the area’s first casino. For those who have never gone all the way to Atlantic City to try their luck, Mount Airy is a casino on a smaller, simpler scale. The casino has just been given the go-ahead to include card games to their initial repertoire of slot machines. Of course, students who are 21 may only take advantage of the games but students who are under 21 can still check out what the casino has to offer.

The casino also offers some dining including Red Steakhouse, Le Sorelle Cusina, Betty’s Diner and The Buffet at Mount Airy. Keep in mind that some of these restaurants are more expensive than others, but the buffet has an affordable seafood fest from 5 to 10 p.m. every Friday for $19.99.

Mount Airy also offers entertainment for all ages. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing in the Gypsies Nightclub and Lounge at 8 p.m. on December 4. Tickets for the event are only $15. For a full list of headlining performers visit the Mount Airy website. The Casino also offers special events and a resort matinee series.

Take a (Day) Trip With Martz

If you’re itching to get out of the East Stroudsburg area and you have no means of transportation, taking a day trip to New York City may be easier than you think. Because the Poconos is a short distance right into the heart of the city there are various park and ride stations throughout the East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg and Brodheadsville areas. The East Stroudsburg park and ride is located about seven minutes from campus within a reasonable taxi ride distance on Independence Road. A round-trip ticket to New York City and back is $58.

If New York City isn’t your thing and you’d still like to leave the area for a few hours there are a number of places you could visit. Philadelphia is another option with round trip tickets for only $31.

For more information on local fares and locations visit the Martz Trailways website.

Shop at The Crossings

Any resident living in the tri-state area is aware that the The Crossings Factory Stores lies right off exit 209 in Tannersville (it’s the same exit as Camelback). It’s a great place to find bargain prices on name brand prices, some of which are really well known.

The Crossings has been around for years and has exchanged some stores for others, but recently they have been upping the ante on name brands. Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Juicy Coutore and Cole Haan have all been added to the shopping list, stores that you would find on some of the most expensive streets in New York or Los Angeles.

In fact, until recently The Crossings has never served alcohol or had an actual sit-down restaurant with servers. The Log Cabin Bar and Grille opened in March and has taken major steps to be a top-seller of food in outlet stores. Soon, they will even have their liquor license making it the first establishment in the stores to sell alcohol, which should make husbands carrying shopping bags a little less anxious to visit The Crossings in the future.

A Waterfall at Your Fingertips: Sylvan Cascades

A great scenic spot to visit is the Sylvan Cascades located in Tannersville, about 20 minutes from campus. It’s waaayyy under the radar, even for residents that have lived here for years. Actually, it’s not a park of any kind. Sylvan Cascades lies on private property but the owner is aware of its beauty and lets visitors check out the falls (as long as you clean up after yourself). On a sunny day you can catch people jumping and swimming throughout the small waterfalls and pools of water. On a cooler day some people will start a small fire in the designated fire pit.

A friend and I visited the cascades in March one year and there was still much to be seen, even with snow covering the ground.

 Sylvan Cascades is a pretty easy spot to get to if you know your way around at least a little bit. Take Route 80 to Route 715 to Route 611 and at the first light make a left onto Route 715 North. Go all the way up until the road splits and bear right. The pull off and driveway for the Cascades are on your left about two minutes down the road.

Old School Movie Charm: Pocono Community Theater

The Pocono Community Theater has been a great asset to East Stroudsburg and its residents. The quaint theater was closed for a short period of time and was bought and re-opened due to popular demand. The theater is so close to campus it is a convenient past-time for students to grab a cup of coffee and watch a movie with friends.

The Pocono Community Theater is a non-profit organization, so they offer cheap tickets to seniors and students with ID.

The theater only has a few rooms for viewings so their list of movies is small, but it doesn’t deter costumers. Viewings being shown right now are: It’s Kind of A Funny Story, Life as we Know It, You Will Meet a Tall, Dark Stranger and The Social Network.

A list of movies showings and their times can be viewed on their website or by calling 570-420-FILM. 

The theater also hosts a number of special events that can also be viewed on their website.

Tickets for movies are available to students with a valid ID for $8.

Jam Out at the Sherman Theater

The Sherman Theater on Main Street in Stroudsburg is a great spot for East Stroudsburg University students to get off campus and have some fun. The theater has been recently remodeled and has different concerts and shows every weekend ranging from comedians to popular signers and groups to orchestras and movie premieres.

As most students already know, Ke$ha will be preforming at the Sherman Theater on October 28. The show is sold out, but students were given the opportunity to buy cheap tickets through student services at campus.

Students may not know that student services and Sherman Theater team up quite often to offer this service to students. All you need to do is bring your student ID and a credit card to purchase tickets. The student services center on the third floor of student union usually has a list of events where students can purchase cheaper tickets.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is also a traditional event held every Halloween at the Sherman Theater. Participants even dress up in their Halloween costumes for the viewing. A pre-party begins at 10 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 30, and includes live music from several local area bands. Admission is $12.

For a complete list of Sherman Theater events visit their website.

Halloween Costumes Galore

Something fun to do outside of the East Stroudsburg University campus to get into the Halloween spirit is to try on Halloween costumes, or even make your own with friends. As poor college students, it’s no secret that we don’t have a lot of money to spare on something you’ll wear one or two nights out of the year. Going to a costume or Halloween store is a great way to get a few ideas to get creative or just have some fun with friends. 

There are a few stores in the area where you can try on outfits:

Party City is located in Bartonsville off of Route 611 within the Target plaza. Party City has hundreds of Halloween costumes for men and women ranging from $30 to over $100. They even have accessories to go with outfits so you can make your own and buy the lower priced items to go along with your creation.

Spirit Halloween is located within the Stroud Mall in Stroudsburg. Spirit Halloween is only available to mall patrons from September to October. They have hundreds of Halloween costumes for any occasion. 

Frazetta’s on Courtland Street in East Stroudsburg is famous for the hundreds of Halloween costumes they have in stock and it’s been a staple within the community for years. The costumes at Frazetta’s can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget it’s definitely just a stop to get a few ideas.

Not For Your Typical Gamer: Game Nights in Town

If you are 21 and older there are some fun nights planned at local bars and pubs in the area. Many Stroudsburg bars designate certain week nights as “game nights” with trivia, board games, poker, karaoke and open mics. Trivia held at the bars is called “quizzmo,” a open ended answer trivia game you may choose to play with a team of friends. Prizes and gift cards are handed out at the end of the game.

Some of these establishments in downtown Stroudsburg and Bartonsville may even permit those who are under 21 (no drinking allowed).

A schedule of some of the bars in the area with game and karaoke nights is posted below:

MONDAY

·         Sarah Street Grill, 550 Quaker Alley, Stroudsburg: usually holds a game night on Monday nights during seasons where football is not broadcast.

·         The Original Pocono Pub, Route 611, Brodheadsville: karaoke night

·         Siamsa Irish Pub, Main Street, Stroudsburg: Quizzmo Trivia

TUESDAY

·         The Original Pocono Pub, Route 611, Brodheadsville: karaoke night

·         Trolley Stop Pub at Fernwood Resort and Hotel, Route 209, Bushkill: karaoke

·         Ned’s on 9^th, Route 611, Stroudsburg: karaoke

·         Jock N Jill’s and Grace O’Malleys, 700 Main St., Stroudsburg: trivia

WEDNESDAY

·         Wintergreen Patio Grill at Fernwood Hotel and Resort, Route 209, Bushkill: Brain Freeze Trivia

·         Hideaway Lounge, Main Street, Stroudsburg: Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments

·         My Place Bar & Grill, Milford Road, East Stroudsburg: Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments

·         Sarah Street Grill, 550 Quaker Alley, Stroudsburg: open mike night

THURSDAY

·         The Original Pocono Pub, Route 611, Bartonsville: karaoke

·         Blue Tequila, Route 209, East Stroudsburg: karaoke with Garyoke

FRIDAY

·         The Legendary Tannersville Inn, Route 611, Tannersville: comedy murder mystery night

·         Trolley Stop Pub at Fernwood Resort and Hotel, Route 209, Bushkill: karaoke

·         Ned’s on 9^th, Route 611, Stroudsburg: karaoke

SATURDAY

·         The Breeze Coffee House, Main Street, Stroudsburg: open mic karaoke 

        Big A Grillhouse and Tavern, Route 209, East Stroudsburg: karaoke

·         Wintergreen Patio Grill at Fernwood Hotel and Resort, Route 209, Bushkill: karao Trolley Stop Pub at Fernwood Resort and Hotel, Route 209, Bushkill: karaoke

SUNDAY

·         The Original Pocono Pub, Route 611, Bartonsville: karaoke