Pocono Mountains Podcast

Season 5, Episode 35 - The Pocono Mountains have long been a four‑season destination, and winter brings some of the region’s most beloved traditions—especially skiing. From its first chairlift to today’s bustling slopes, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area has been creating winter memories for generations. With a special anniversary event planned for January 31st, Deanna recently visited the mountain to dis...

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 eac...

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 landm...

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 t...

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 Sh...

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...

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 2...

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...

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 ti...

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 Managemen...

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 stor...

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 destina...

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...

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 accessibl...

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 a...

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’...

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 destinat...

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...

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 Milfo...

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 destinat...

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...

Season 5, Episode 19 - We take 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 ge...

Season 5, 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 Pocono...

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: join Bri & Dee on the Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Trolley, a unique and worry-free way to explore the Pocono Beverage Trail and beyond! Watch Jim tee off with some golfing buddies at Woodloch Springs, where guests will find beautiful scenery and a family-first approach to hospitality across the resort properties. Come along with Deanna as she visits Magnolia St...

People have been camping in the Poconos for a VERY long time. There are campgrounds all over the map and campsites at state parks and other spots where you can park a camper or pitch a tent. Recently, Brianna Strunk visited Pocono Camp and Glamp in the Jim Thorpe area and learned how glamping in addition to horseback rides resulted from a former YMCA camp for teens from Philly. The former summer c...