If you are looking for a cheap vacation spot to share with a large group of friends, rent a lake house in the Poconos! The neighborhood surrounding Lake Harmony is full of huge lodge style houses which sleep anywhere from 10 to 20 people (depending on how close you are with your family). Some are pet friendly! Along with the house you get a lake pass for the small beach at the end of the road. 15 minute drive away from grocery store and Dunkin Donuts. Check out Vacation Rentals By Owner, a great website my family has used multiple times.
The wood cabin house was cozy and relaxing. A hot tub and pool table in the lower level, televisions with cable, a fire pit for roasting s’mores, and deer right in your backyard! The big dining room table is perfect for family dinners or spreading out to play some Jenga. At night, you can gaze up at the stars or take a walk down to the water for some midnight swimming.
Walking distance down the road is the Split Rock resort with indoor water park movie theater, mini golf and more! The attractions are open to the public for a $1 parking fee.
15 minutes away from multiple parks including Hickory Run State Park where you can find a larger beach and endless hiking trails.
Along the streets of Lake Harmony you can find Piggy’s Restaurant right next to Hog Heaven ice cream. Nick’s Lake House is always busy, as is Shenanigans later in the evening. Friday and Saturday they advertise karaoke.
Tuesday night special, enjoy a crab leg dinner at the Boulder View Tavern, just down the road.
If you feel like working for your dinner, you can hit the lake with your fishing pole! Bass and catfish are practically jumping onto the hooks, ready to be caught and fried.
Saturday morning relax with a walk around the enormous Blakeslee flea market. I bought a number of items including my new favorite purse! Or if you need some serious shopping, take a 30 minute drive to The Crossings outlet mall.
Take a drive 17 miles to historic Jim Thorpe. You will find a groovy town filled with used books stores, coffee shops, and tie dye clothing.
Doggy spotty: Helga! The friendly next door neighbor dog
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The vacation was fun for everyone. Our dogs came home exhausted! And even if it rains (like it did 75% of our trip) there are many great things to do with whole family.
MICHELLE PAULETTE 