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