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

Tattoo Picture Day

Tattoos are popular amongst all age groups, many people have gotten tattoos, especially East Stroudsburg University students and find there irresistible. They are literally works of art with hidden meanings and serve as symbols for people who choose to get them. For those students who have tattoos they like to share them with other people, Bartonsville is home to a very popular tattoo shop called Funhouse Tattoos hosting a picture day.

Funhouse Tattoos is located on Route 611 in Bartonsville in the Pocono Peddler's Village about 10 minutes outside of Stroudsburg. It’s extremely easy to get to and the artists are very talented. I’ve lived here in this area my entire life and cannot count on my hands how many of my friends and family members have gone to Funhouse to get their tattoos.

Picture day will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27. People with tattoos who are interested can come to the store and have their tattoo photographs taken by photographer, Tobias Hibbs. The photos will be included in the Funhouse portfolios and may even earn a special place on the walls of the Funhouse Tattoo shop. The event and picture are free. 

If you and your friends or family members who have matching tattoos, Hibbs will be available to take group photos. If you have a picture of your child, friend or family members feel free to bring them along to pose in the photo. 

Take a look at Funhouse’s Facebook Page, some of Hibb’s photography or the Funhouse Website.

Harvest Block Party in East Stroudsburg

The Pocono area, especially Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, are perfect places to throw festivals. In fact, there are various festivals for almost every occasion all year round. Festivals in the Poconos range from Stroudfest to Garlic Festivals and Wing-Offs, Balloon Festivals and Seasonal Festivals. Because Halloween is right around the corner, the East Stroudsburg Community Alliance is throwing a block party for Harvest season right in the back yard of East Stroudsburg University.

The Old-Fashioned Harvest Block Party will be from 11 a.m. to dusk on Saturday, Oct. 23, on Crystal Street and Miller Park in East Stroudsburg. A rain date is scheduled for October 24.

A long list of activities is scheduled for the entire day for all ages to enjoy. In Miller Park there will be: relay races, push-the-bale strength competitions, make your own apple cider, pumpkin painting, kite building and candle dipping. Head over to Crystal Street for a craft fair, live music and entertainment, children’s games, sidewalk sales, scarecrow building, Halloween costume parade and a “Thriller” competition at 1 p.m.

Admission is FREE!

Participants are asked to bring non-perishable items for donations to the Follow-me-Foundation to help families in need.

More information about the block party can be found by e-mailing EastBurgInfo@gmail.com or by calling 570-424-7540. You can also visit the East Stroudsburg Community Alliance Facebook page.

Beltzville State Park...with Beach!

The Poconos is about two hours from any substantial beach area, so townies usually have to settle for swimming pools or a trip to the lake. Beltzville Lake located in Leighton is a great way to lie out in the sun and at least pretend you’re next to the ocean, and they even offer some winter activities.

Beltville is a 3,002 acre Pennsylvania State Park fed by the Pohopco Creek. Some recreational activities patrons can enjoy include: fishing, boating, hiking, boating, water skiing and camping. Ice fishing, ice boating and cross-country skiing is even permitted in the winter!

Beltville is different from most parks in Pennsylvania because of its scenic beach area. If you don’t feel like getting sandy you can always choose to lie in the grass. There is also a large picnic pavilion, play area for children and a little ice cream parlor with food and snacks if you get hungry.

If you have some extra cash patrons may rent a boat for the day. The boat rental concession is only open during the summer months but offers kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, rowboats, pontoons and small motor boats. 

A complete list of winter and summer recreational activities can be found on their website at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/beltzville.aspx#directions

James and I enjoying Beltzville Lake

Take a Stroll Through Nearby Parks

You’re never too old to grab some friends and head to the park for a picnic, or a session on the swings. There are several parks in Monroe County designated for having picnics and fun on the outdoor equipment. Luckily, these parks are located within a short walk from campus or a short drive down Route 80. My two favorite parks in the area are Dansbury Park and Mountain View Park.

Dansbury Park is located in East Stroudsburg, about a five minute walk from campus on Day Street. Many students at ESU are aware of the amenities that Dansbury Park has to offer. It even doubles as a mini waterpark for kids and young adults in the summer with a pool open to all East Stroudsburg residents. The outdoor pool is only open from May to August, but there are plenty of fun activities to do in every season. Dansbury offers:

• ·         Regulation baseball, softball and tennis Courts
• ·         Soccer Fields
• ·         Skatecourt with ramps and rails open to skateboarders
• ·         Picnic Pavilions suitable for big parties of people

Mountain View Park located on Sullivan Trail in Tannersville has tons of amenities for people to enjoy.  It’s a little out of the way for student living in East Stroudsburg, but well worth the drive.  It is open almost all year round, excluding the winter months. A few of the things that Mountain View has to offer are:

• Regular soccer, baseball and basketball court 
• Full ropes courseHiking trails 
• Slides and swing sets suitable for kids of all ages
• Picnic pavilions with outdoor grills

Your never too old to play on the swings at Mountain View Park

Hidden Gem: Collumcile Megalith Park

Friends having Fun at Collumcile Megalith Park

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Pocono Mountains, especially in the East Stroudsburg area, is the easy access you have to the vast outdoor life. There is an abundance of outdoor activities anybody could enjoy, no matter the age, right outside your door. 

Almost every resident is aware or has taken advantage of the hiking trails, canoeing or kayaking, swimming, fishing and camping available at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Open any brochure for the Pocono area and the Delaware Water Gap will always be front and center next to Camelback Ski Area and Camelbeach Waterpark. For those reasons, I’m going to stray from the obvious and talk about one of my favorite outdoor places to visit. (You can view the website and things to do at www.nps.gov/dela/).

Columcille Megalith Park is located at 2155 Fox Gap Road in Bangor, just a short drive from the Delaware Water Gap and about ten minutes from downtown Stroudsburg. On their website they describe themselves as a privately owned park open to public use. Collumcile is truly a park out of the ordinary created as a place of sanctuary and relief for those interested in meditation and being at peace with nature. However, you need not be deep into meditation to enjoy its scenic features; there are also many hiking trails you can talk to simply meander around the forest. 

When you reach the gates of Collumcile visitors are greeted by a replica of the Stone Hedge rocks placed directly in the center of the open field. Activities are held here throughout the year like drum circles and celebrations, for instance, Collumcile is celebrating the Samhuinn Celtic New Year with a torchlight pageant at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. 

Visitors who come to wander around often times build small stone sculptures throughout the woods and leave keepsakes on trees and rocks behind. Deep in the woods, there is a tree covered in bracelets or trinkets people have left as a symbol of peace and understanding.

Collumcile is a non-profit organization that promotes inner and outer self work. They are open every day from dawn to dusk, but make sure you follow their only rule: “Come as you are, Respect the Land, Go in Peace.”

"You Get Free Cab Rides?"

For students who are 21 and older, living on or around campus and looking to enjoy the nightlife that Stroudsburg has to offer there is a cheap and easy way to get around…in fact, it’s free.

East Stroudsburg University and WGM Cab Company have teamed up to offer students who are 21 and older free cab rides from 12 to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. If you call for a cab before 2 a.m. WGM will drive you anywhere within an approximate 15 minute range.

To get free cab rides bring your student ID card to the third floor of the student union to the student senate office. There, they will place a sticker on the back of your ID card to show the cab driver. The contract between WGM and ESU was created in order to prevent students drunk driving.

Unfortunately, if you have friends with you and they do not have a sticker they will not receive a free cab ride. The ride will simply be split between the people who do not have stickers, but calling a cab is still far more responsible and safe than driving once you’ve been drinking.

Take the time to go grab a sticker, have a good night and call WGM at 570-223-9289

 A free cab ride is great after a Thursday night in Siamsa on Main Street in Stroudsburg