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When I searched Sky Lanes on Google it told me that the bowling alley was “outdated,” but aren’t they all?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.