Matt's Pocono Blog!

Springtime in the Poconos
By : Matthew Cordisco

There is something special about seeing and feeling the Sun after such a long, snowy season down the last stretch of winter here in the beautiful Pocono Mountains.  I step outside and take a deep breath.  This is the kind of weather that prepares you for the heat of the summer.  It’s still brisk at night and the highs don’t really get that high, but when you live in the Poconos during the long winter season a 50 degree day can be tee-shirt weather.  I actually saw a few pairs of flip-flops in Blakeslee at Ahart’s Market a couple of days ago. 

Springtime in the Poconos is when you first start seeing all the critters of the woods again.  I saw a raccoon the other day that was literally as tall on two feet as my two year old daughter.  He stopped by my back porch to eat some of my cat’s leftover food.  Leftover cat food really brings in some animals.  Besides all the abandoned kittens who also hang out in my neck of the woods and eat the superfluous amounts of cat food I leave in multiple dishes for my one cat, Miss Pooh, I have seen birds during the day swoop in for a few bites and come evening time I always keep my eyes peeled for raccoons, skunks, and (though significantly less frequent than those already acknowledged) possums.  The animals never seem to mean harm, they just want to eat some of that yummy (I guess…) cat food. 

Living about 100 yards or so from Lackawanna State Forest, I am right on the border of Human territory and Animal territory.  There are always deer, turkeys, foxes.  There is bear too though I haven’t seen as many in Thornhurst as I did when I was in Arrowhead Lakes! 

Driving down the streets of Thornhurst Country Club Estates you can see all the makings of a wonderful community - kids playing together, families walking around enjoying the weather, others are working around their yard, some are cleaning their cars, neighbors are walking their dogs.  Everybody waves when you drive passed.  We all have the same feeling.  Still waiting for the heat of the Summertime, but it won’t get here without Springtime first.  So enjoy every second of this transformation from cold, inhospitable weather to the welcoming beauty of Summer!  Because before you know it, winter will be upon us again.

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Greenwood Acres is a private Pocono “Lake Community” in Blakeslee, PA located right in town on route 940.  Within the community itself Greenwood Acres has a beautiful lake, Lake Sinca (30 acres), which is complete with a beach and picnic area.  Greenwood Acres also has a playground area with a basketball net! 

Another great feature of Greenwood Acres is the location of the community itself!  Greenwood Acres is right in the small town of Blakeslee, PA yet it still maintains a secluded atmosphere inside the community.  For winter sports enthusiasts, Greenwood Acres is just 2.5 miles from Jack Frost Ski Resort.  It is also only a 5-10 minute drive to Big Boulder Ski Resort!  Also, if you work in Northern NJ or NY, Greenwood Acres is 5 minutes from I-80, I-476, and the Martz Bus Station on 940 (at Harmony Beverage).  Come check out Greenwood Acres in Blakeslee, PA today!

Brier Crest Woods – Blakeslee, PA

Brier Crest Woods is a private, rustic Pocono “Lake Community” located in Blakeslee, PA (Monroe County).  This beautiful community boasts a 43 acre lake, Lake Shangri La, complete with a relaxing sandy beach.  Within the community are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground and picnic area. Furthermore, Brier Crest Woods is surrounded by Pennsylvania State Game Lands.  So not only do you get a very “woodsy” feeling at your house as a homeowner in Brier Crest Woods, but if you enjoy hunting you don’t have very far to go at all! 

Speaking of location to great outdoor activities, Brier Crest Woods is only 2.5 miles to Big Boulder Ski Resort! 

If you are looking for a beautiful, rustic community that gives you the feeling of secluded tranquility but it still a 5-10 minute drive to civilization, check out Brier Crest Woods today! 

Big Bass Lake – Gouldsboro, PA
Big Bass Lake is a private, gated Pocono “Lake Community” that spans across Lackawanna and Wayne counties in Gouldsboro, PA.  This beautiful community is packed with amenities and fun things to do – two beautiful Lakes with sections for swimming, fishing, canoeing; and the lakes are filled with largemouth bass and complete with sandy beaches, playgrounds and picnic areas.  Within Big Bass Lake there is also basketball courts, tennis courts, indoor swimming pool with snack bar/lounge, outdoor swimming pool with snack bar/lounge, and a private ski hill with lift (natural snow only – no snow making machines).
If you are somehow not impressed with all the activities available to Big Bass Lake homeowners without having to leave the community, then consider this :  Big Bass Lake is 30 minutes away to Jack Frost Ski Resort, Big Boulder Ski Resort, and Camelback Mountain – the 3 Major Skiing/Snowboarding/Tubing attractions in the Poconos!  Big Bass Lake is also about 20-25 minutes from The Crossings Premium Outlets, one of the most popular retail outlet centers in Pennsylvania! 
No matter the season, Big Bass Lake is a complete Pocono community, packed with fun things to do for all ages and set against a beautiful Pocono landscape! 

Thornhurst Country Club Estates - Thornhurst, PA

Thornhurst Country Club Estates (T.C.C.E.) is a private community located in Lackawanna County near the county lines for both Monroe and Luzerne Counties.  This community is open to all types of residency but most homeowners here are full-time residents.  There is a 9-hole golf course in T.C.C.E. that is open to the public and offered to homeowners who live in the community at a discounted rate.  T.C.C.E. also has a club house that is open during normal business hours and available to rent for a modest fee for special occasions.  The club house is also where the community holds its events, most notably its family focused events.  Within T.C.C.E. there is also a basketball court, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. 

Just outside of the community is more fun for outdoor adventure seekers.  Thornhurst is adjacent to the Lackawanna State Forest.  There is an organized trail system, The Pinchot Trails, that is a favorite amongst the local hikers.  Also, Thornhurst is only 25-30 minutes from Jack Frost/Big Boulder Ski Resort.  It is also the same distance from Wilkes-Barre and the Mohegan Sun Casino! 

All these amenities and geographic features are wonderful, but the true story about Thornhurst Country Club Estates is the secluded, tranquil feeling the community’s setting provides its homeowners.  It is far enough away from commercial development that you don’t get much traffic or noise.  I live in Thornhurst and have since 2009 and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.  I highly recommend this community to anybody who wants some peace and quiet while still living in a predominantly full-timer community. 

Arrowhead Lakes - Pocono Lake, PA

Arrowhead Lakes in Pocono Lake, PA is a private community in Monroe County that is made up of full time residents, part time residents, and vacationers.  Arrowhead’s two lakes (260 acres & 90 acres) are  utilized through 4 beaches (all with picnic area) and 5 boat launches.  There are 2 different sets of basketball courts within the community.  Also, there are 7 tennis courts.  Yep, 7.  Arrowhead Lakes also has 3 heated swimming pools, a volleyball court and 24/7 security and administration.  If all these amenities aren’t enough for you, I must point out how close Arrowhead is to Jack Frost/Big Boulder (15-20min) and also to Camelback (20-25min).  

The numbers are all there.  Arrowhead Lakes has a lot of amenities within the community.  There is surely something to do for anybody who is looking for something to do. 

HOWEVER.

The real selling point for Arrowhead Lakes is the serenity in this community.  I lived there for 5 years and I loved every minute of it.  The scenery is beautiful regardless of what season it is and the wildlife is abundant!  Deer, fox, turtles, bear, raccoons, chipmunks, turkeys.  Any wild animal that you would expect to see in the Poconos can be found wandering peacefully around Arrowhead Lakes.  I personally recommend this community if you enjoy secluded, natural beauty! 

Towamensing Trails is a private community in Albrightsville, PA.  Within the community, Towamensing Trails has its own lake (190 acre), beach, pool, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, ball field, clubhouse with game room, and Towamensing Trails also has its own private Restaurant and bar. 

Whether you enjoy summer activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, basketball, tennis, etc. or you enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and tubing Towamensing Trails is a great spot for it all.  Towamensing Trails is minutes away from Big Boulder Ski Resort for all your winter time fun and minutes away from Hickory Run State Park for summer time nature lovers! 

Homeowners in Towamensing Trails are also cared for by 24 hour security, a full time maintenance crew and administration staff, and 5 day trash pickup.

Towamensing Trails is a great Pocono Community to live in whether you are looking for a full time home or a vacation home here in the beautiful Pocono Mountains.