Happy New Year! This month on the January edition of Pocono Mountains Magazine: PTN hosts Brianna Strunk, James Hamill and Deanna Fontanez look back on the exciting experiences they shared with viewers in 2025. From plane rides to snow tubing, Bri and Dee embarked on a wide range of memorable adventures, while Jim explored eight state parks in the Poconos, highlighting the many unique features each has to offer. Moving into 2026, we head to downtown Stroudsburg for the return of the Snowmen of Stroudsburg annual art display and discover what's new for this year’s Winterfest, happening February 14. Next, learn about the impact of tourism in 2025 and meet some of the dedicated hospitality workers who help make it all possible. Plus, get an inside look at the recent presidential visit to Mount Airy Casino Resort.Ski mountains across the region are open for the season and making snow! Hit the slopes at Blue Mountain Resort, a pioneer in snow making technology, and check out delicious dishes in Chefs of the Poconos, a culinary series that debuted in 2025. We conclude this episode with a brand new Pocono Showcase segment, the first of 2026, featuring folk musician Cass Noelle.
Season 5, Episode 34 - Flashback to the top 4 episodes of 2025.
Back on Episode 40 of Season 4, we started our journey to eight state parks in the Poconos. From Beltzville to Prompton, Promised Land to Tobyhanna and each has its own unique beauty, amenities and is rich with history. Starting with Hickory Run State Park -- it's so diverse in its offerings including a national natural landmark at Boulder Field as well as Hawk Falls, Shades of Death Trail and a one-of-a-kind visitors center new in 2020.
Jim Hamill visits the park and meets the people who spend their lives preserving it and sharing it with the public!
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 33 - Flashback to the top 4 episodes of 2025.
Back on Episode 18 - PTN visited Ellday Farm in Pleasant Mount, Wayne County. The dairy farm is where Ellis Dix has been farming since 1961 and over the years his granddaughter Ashley, along with many other family members, have joined him in that effort.
A lot has changed in those years, but the lessons Ellis Dix has learned along the way have contributed to the AgroLegacy of the Northern Poconos.
AgroLegacy of the Northern Poconos certifies the food and farm products you buy with the AgroLegacy symbol are grown or produced right in Wayne County and support farms like Ellday Farm.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 32 - Flashback to the top 4 episodes of 2025.
Back on episode 19, we took you to the summit of one of the region’s most iconic peaks—Big Pocono State Park. With panoramic views stretching across the Pocono Mountains and beyond, this park offers a thrilling experience for those who don’t mind heights and love rugged trails.
Jim is joined by environmental educator Stephanie Sherman, who shares fascinating insights into the park’s unique geological features and rich natural history. Plus, hear from Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation, as he discusses the importance of outdoor spaces like Big Pocono in shaping the future of recreation in the state.
This episode is part of a special 8-part series exploring state parks in the Poconos.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: Shawnee Mountain prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of skiing, snowboarding, and family-friendly mountain fun. Shop 'til you drop with Jim Hamill as he stops at some of the best spots in the Poconos to grab gifts for the holidays, supporting small business this season and beyond. Join Brianna Strunk for a first look inside The Frogtown Tavern, a brand new venue by the owners of The Frogtown Chophouse, now part of Settlers Hospitality. Looking for speed and excitement, Deanna Fontanez takes us for a ride at S&S Speedways for the ultimate indoor go-kart experience. Experience the beauty of nature at Browning Beaver Meadow Sanctuary, an ideal place for hiking and birdwatching! Next, learn how Monroe Career & Technical Institute (MCTI) can help start and shape a rewarding career in the Poconos hospitality industry, no matter where you are in your professional journey.Get festive with Bri & Dee as they find and chop down the perfect Christmas tree at Walker's Tree Farm, a multi-generational family farm in Lehighton. Finally, watch the newest Chefs of the Poconos segment featuring Bill Seitzinger, a chef who gardens with the seasons and cooks with intention. His pursuit of soulful, health-forward cuisine has garnered rave reviews for TREE, located at Woodloch Resort, where a forest and an on-site farm shape every plate.
Season 5, Episode 31 - Flashback to the top 4 episodes of 2025.
Back on Episode 27, we dove into what makes Here & Now Brewing Company so good.
Ben Cooper, Allaina Propst and their team are constantly evolving their menu, drawing inspiration from local farmers, fellow chefs, and even casual conversations over beers and pizza.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 30 - We have met many Pocono People along the way, Francesca with Fusia Center for the Arts is a lifelong local who turned her passion for dance into a thriving arts community. From humble beginnings to creating a space where creativity and self-expression flourish, her story is all about following your calling and building something that brings people together.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 29 - We’re kicking off the Behind the Maker series where we pull back the curtain and dive into the stories of the people behind some of the incredible things created right here in the Poconos.
If you’ve ever been to Barley Creek Brewing, you know it’s more than just a place to grab a pint — it’s a community hub, a gathering spot, and a name that’s become synonymous with good times in the mountains. And at the heart of it all? The beer. Deanna sat down with the guy who’s been shaping that experience for over fourteen years: Matt Doughty, Head Brewer at Barley Creek.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 28 - We just wrapped up our eight-part journey Exploring State Parks of the Poconos and capped it off with a deep dive into one of the region's most expansive and awe-inspiring natural treasures: the Delaware State Forest.
Nestled across Pike and Monroe counties, this forest spans over 80,000 acres of wild beauty—trails, lakes, streams, and now a brand-new Resource Management Center built in 2025. From the Thunder Swamp Trail to the historic High Knob Fire Tower, and hidden gems like Camp William Penn, we're exploring the heart and soul of this forest and the passionate people who keep it thriving.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: join Brianna Strunk for a look at the recent press conference announcing a new, exciting chapter at The Sherman Theater in downtown Stroudsburg. Perfect for a cold or rainy day, take aim at Pocono Axe Works with Bri & Dee for some indoor fun. Next, dive into what drives a maker’s passion as the Head Brewer at Barley Creek Brewing Company shares his story.See how the new Narrow Valley Sportsplex and its neighbor, the Reading & Northern Rail Station, are helping to revitalize Nesquehoning in Carbon County. Explore the Delaware State Forest with Jim Hamill and discover 80,000+ acres of trails, lakes and streams plus a new Resource Management Center.As we give thanks this month for our community and all those who are part of it, meet some of the dedicated volunteers doing important work at The Salvation Army in East Stroudsburg. Learn how the art of dance goes beyond entertainment to empower and connect the community as Deanna Fontanez visits Fusia Center for the Arts. We conclude this episode with the latest Pocono Showcase featuring Keith Kenny, a veteran, New Jersey-based band-of-one.
Season 5, Episode 27 - With Taste of the Poconos Restaurant Week just around the corner—November 9th - 14th—we're diving into what makes Here & Now Brewing Company so good.
Ben Cooper, Allaina Propst and their team are constantly evolving their menu, drawing inspiration from local farmers, fellow chefs, and even casual conversations over beers and pizza.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 26 - We’re heading to the heart of the Pocono Mountains to meet Justin Pittman, owner of Precision Fly and Tackle — a business built on passion, patience, and purpose. From humble beginnings in 2018 to four thriving locations across Pennsylvania,
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 2,400 square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 25 (Flashback to Season 4, Episode 25) - It has been six years (seven in 2025) since George W. Childs Park has been open to the public. In 2024, the favorite of so many locals and visitors reopened after the National Park Service worked to restore the park’s trails and platforms following a destructive winter storm in 2018.
The newly updated Childs Park is even more accessible protecting nature and giving folks a whole new way to experience the waterfalls and beauty that surrounds visitors.
Chris and Deanna also celebrate the start of train excursions from Nesquehoning - watch for a story on the November Pocono Mountains Magazine in 2025 for that!
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 2,400 square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: the eighth and final state park in our series boasts a river, a railroad, a rail trail and lots of history! Don’t miss a visit to Lehigh Gorge State Park with Jim Hamill. Join Bri & Dee for a sky-high adventure with Moyer Aviation, offering year-round air tours including flights for the upcoming fall foliage.Head out on the water with Deanna Fontanez and Precision Fly and Tackle as she learns to cast a line and discovers the importance of sustainable fishing. See what's abuzz at the apiary and garden at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, giving guests a true farm-to-fork experience. Plus, meet Jamie, the award winning manager of a popular gem in the Poconos, the Gem & Keystone Tavern, and find out how you can launch a similar career! Come along with Brianna Strunk as she gets a behind-the-scenes look at how apple cider is made at Heckman Orchards, a beloved three-generation farm providing homegrown produce and pick-your-own experiences throughout the year. Next, explore PEEC, Pocono Environmental Education Center, a place to learn, explore and connect with nature.We conclude this month's episode by introducing you to Carbon County’s Open Space Advisory Board which serves to guide the voter-approved $10M Open Space Grant Program. The county’s expert panel vets proposals and recommends funding to protect water, farms, habits, and open space - already achieving a 72-acre conservation in June 2025.
Season 5, Episode 24 - We’re celebrating the heart and soul of hospitality in the Pocono Mountains. Meet Jamie Maher, General Manager of the Gem & Keystone Tavern at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, and the recipient of the Spirit of Hospitality Award for Manager of the Year from the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Jamie isn’t just a manager — she’s a mentor, a leader, and a beloved presence who makes every guest feel like family. From her dedication to her team to the unforgettable experiences she helps create, Jamie exemplifies what it means to lead with heart.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 23 - We’ve reached the finish line of our special 8-part series exploring state parks in the Poconos. In this final episode, we venture into the quintessential Pocono park—Lehigh Gorge State Park. With its steep-walled gorge, rushing river, and Instagram-worthy views, Lehigh Gorge is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and history lovers alike.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 22 - We take you to the banks of the Delaware River to explore the historic and ever-evolving Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. In this episode, we uncover the sweet side of Shawnee—literally! With an on-site apiary buzzing with activity, the resort’s beekeepers are crafting honey that finds its way into delicious dishes and craft brews served on the property.
From golf greens to a brand-new pool, Shawnee is blending tradition with innovation. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in next month’s Pocono Mountains Magazine, where Brianna dives deeper into the resort’s vibrant food scene and the buzz around their bees.
The Pocono Mountains region is a year-round destination for over 30 million visitors, offering 2,400 square miles of natural beauty, charming towns, and iconic family resorts. Whether you're planning your next adventure or just want to stay in the loop, visit PoconoMountains.com or tune into PTN – Pocono Television Network on cable, broadcast, and streaming.
Stay tuned for a future episode featuring an award-winning manager from the Gem and Keystone Tavern—but for now, enjoy this sweet story from Shawnee!
On this episode of Pocono Mountains Magazine we’re celebrating adventure, culture, and community across the Poconos! Here’s what’s waiting for you on this episode:
Explore Big Pocono State Park with Jim Hamill — hike, zip line, and take in the fall foliage.
All aboard! Ride the Stourbridge Line in Honesdale and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe with Bri & Dee.
Step inside the Milford Theater revival with Deanna Fontanez — a story of creativity and vision.
Discover the AgroLegacy of the Northern Poconos with a multigenerational dairy farm keeping Wayne County’s heritage alive.
Enjoy live music & food with sweeping views at Penn’s Peak. Celebrate community heroes as Brianna Strunk highlights four inspiring nonprofits at the 22nd Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser.
Catch the new Pocono Showcase featuring local talent: Little Bird and the Bad Eggs.
Tune in and experience the best of the Poconos... from trails to theaters, farms to fundraisers!
Stream PTN or download our app! https://poconomountains.pulse.ly/dsmd8deafj
Season 5, Episode 21 - Take a journey through the Pocono Mountains aboard two iconic passenger trains: the Stourbridge Line in Honesdale and the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe. These railways offer breathtaking views of the region’s rivers, vibrant fall foliage, and abundant wildlife—all while sharing the rich history of the Pocono rail corridor.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.
Season 5, Episode 20 - Some places were made for more than just watching movies. We head to the heart of Milford, where the historic Milford Theater has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began five years ago as a series of screenings has blossomed into a vibrant cultural revival, thanks to the vision and investment of the Milford Hospitality Group.
From major upgrades to hosting events like the Black Bear Film Festival, the theater’s marquee now shines bright with creativity and community spirit.
The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on PoconoMountains.com or watch Pocono Television Network streaming live 24/7.