I started my summer off right with a fabulous 4th of July at Skytop Lodge. From the moment our car rolled up to the top of the historic Pocono Mountains resort with its beautiful, stone lodge, I knew we were going to have a fantastic time. The majestic 5,500-acre estate, centered on Skytop Lake, soon became my personal outdoor playground.
Skytop, an all-inclusive and family-centric resort, had a robust schedule of incredible activities to keep the entire family happy. Starting with the massive lawn outfitted with playgrounds, lawn games, mini golf, and more and ending up at the lake and pool, there was excitement at every corner whether on land or in water. I enjoyed an estate tour hayride around the extensive property to get my bearings and then I was off and running (literally!).
First we got settled in our own cottage. I immediately made myself at home. For this little city girl, the cottage was just the right balance of old world charm and new world comforts. And the cottage was perfectly situated so that we could easily stroll to the main lodge, lake, or playground (or if I was too tired from all the endless entertainment, I could call a shuttle to shuttle me wherever this little lady needed to be). It became my home sweet home away from home.
While there were endless amusements at Skytop, I did stop occasionally but only to refuel and eat. I loved the daily breakfast buffet at the Windsor Dining Room and laid back meals at the Tap Room with casual family fare and my personal favorite, the Tea Room, with the biggest, baddest milkshakes for a complete meal! And I loved taking the old-fashioned elevator everywhere within the lodge. But most of all I loved the nightly campfire and marshmallows on the lawn. I wish I could do that every night!
The July 4th holiday highlights were too many to list but I will try. Live music filled the air as family festivities were underway, from Summer Olympic Games to water balloon golf clinics and from tie-dye Skytop T-shirt-making to face painting and pie eating contests. For the special holiday festivities, Skytop was adorned with red, white, and blue accents everywhere. Flags and ribbons were on every lamp post, tree trunk, picnic table and in all places you looked. There were 4th of July picnics complete with home-style BBQ and delicious desserts. But the best and most magical part of the celebration was easily the fireworks!
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I could not wait to see my first 4th of July fireworks display. There were glow sticks lighting the night as we eagerly waited for the main attraction. I was busy playing with my new Skytop friends and we all enjoyed the carnival setting with ice cream stands, jumbo pretzels, delish snacks and a full bar for mommies and daddies. Soon it was the moment we were all waiting for: the fireworks show began and it was a Skytop Spectacular! The sky filled with beautiful color bursts that amazed my eyes. My first fireworks were sensational and so special. I loved sharing the experience with my whole family. I was really happy that daddy was there to cover my ears because they were as loud as they were beautiful. And they were so very beautiful. All I could say over and over was: “Wow!
After an enchanted evening and good night’s rest, this fearless little femme headed straight for adventure. My first stop was to visit Skytop Stables where my sister and I visited the animals and had pony rides! Next I was off to the Adventure Center to explore treetop adventures, paintball, archery and more. For my choose my own adventure, it was me versus the rock climbing wall. With ease, I scaled the level one rock climbing wall, scaling the 30+ foot wall like it was my business. I stood up at the top and waved hello to all the little people below who helped. Then it was on to level two which I rocked as well. Pun intended! I made it up to the top with some effort and proudly rang the bell to let everyone know how big and strong I am! And I can’t wait until I am a little bit taller and can try the zip lining.
After a good adventure, I needed to cool down so turned to the indoor and outdoor pools and the swimming lake and its beach. I loved swimming like a fish then a mermaid and then a dolphin with my newfound besties in all the pools. We went from the indoor to the outdoor to the kiddie pool and back and around again. And I made sure not to miss the water activities and water sports on the lake and around Skytop. I was happy as a clam and having a ball.
Skytop had infinite fun and endless things to do for everyone. The excitement was nonstop!
There were all sorts of amazing amusements around the property. I had so much fun memory-making and can’t wait to come back with my family like so many do each summer for a special family tradition. The sky was the limit at Skytop!
To learn more about Skytop, visit skytop.com!
Elle Belle is an adorable toddler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad, and baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com.
