Kicking off the summer festival season in the Poconos, the

Now in its sixth year, this fun-filled festival features Celtic food and craft vendors, family-friendly entertainment and non-stop music on three stages!

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, festival guests will enjoy exciting entertainment from Scottish and Irish dancers, working sheep dogs, woodturning artists and other great performers. Renowned acts Seven Nations, Seamus Kennedy and Burning Bridget Cleary will take the Main Stage, and more than 30 vendors from near and far will offer great food, drinks and Celtic crafts.

Additional highlights include a Bagpipers’ Parade, juggling shows, children’s activities and a Celtic farm animal petting zoo.

The Shawnee Celtic Festival will be held through rain or shine. Advance tickets are on sale now. One and two-day tickets are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.shawneemt.com or call (570) 421-7231.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is located on Hollow Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania.

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Art, music and merriment will abound in Downtown Stroudsburg as the PoconoArts Council and the Jacob Stroud Corporation present the annual 

A free community festival, Art on Main is a visual and performing arts celebration for which local artists and businesses unite. The beloved annual event brings displays, performances and special events to the streets and storefronts of Downtown Stroudsburg from 3 to 8 p.m.

This year’s festivities will include the Seventh Annual PoconoArts Parking Meter “Fine Art” Competition, PoconoArts Squared Craftman’s Marketplace, PoconoArts Members’ Exhibition, Go Dance Walking/Flash Mob and more fun for all!

Experience Art on Main! Downtown parking will be free from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact the PoconoArts Council at (570) 476-4460 or www.poconoarts.org.

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Learn about this early form of “texting,” and see fine Victorian fashions during the upcoming Victorian Fashion Show at Eckley Miners’ Village! This exciting, interactive event will take place at the Village’s Sharpe House on Saturday, May 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Queen Victoria’s Court will present Edwardian-Era clothing, including fine combinations of lace, adornments and fabrics. The period-perfect presentation will feature expertly-replicated ensembles, including everything from strategically-tilted hats to Victorian-Era hairstyles and the essential handheld fans.

Admission to the Victorian Fashion Show costs $10 per guest. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased from the Museum in advance or on the day of the event while supplies last. Complimentary tea and cookies will be served after the show, and the Hazleton Garden Club will offer herbs and plants for sale.

Eckley Miners’ Village Museum is located three miles south of Route 940 in Luzerne County. For more information, visit www.eckleyminersvillagemuseum.com or call (570) 636-2070.

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Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

This popular spring program is a wonderful way to get close to baby animals, enjoy traditional activities and learn about life on the farm.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays, join the fun as Quiet Valley celebrates the birth of adorable baby animals!

See lambs, kid goats, bunnies, piglets and ducklings, and watch as chicks hatch from their eggs! All are welcome to meet the baby animals and their mothers and learn about the important roles they play on the farmstead.

In addition to the farm animal fun, there will be children’s shows, old-fashioned games, hay jumping, educational presentations, horse-drawn wagon rides, great food and more! This year’s festival features special activities in honor of Farm Animal Frolic’s 25th anniversary and Quiet Valley’s 50th anniversary.

On Saturday, May 18, see live sheep shearing demonstrations and watch as the wool is spun into yarn! Spinning demonstrations will be featured on both Saturdays of the festival.

Kathy Uhler from the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will present local wildlife shows on Saturday, May 25, and there will be special programs in the One-Room Schoolhouse on Sundays.

The 25th Annual Farm Animal Frolic will be held through rain or shine. Admission costs $8 for adults and $5 for children ages three through 12.

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is located on Quiet Valley Road in Stroudsburg. For more information, call (570) 992-6161 or visit www.quietvalley.org.

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 Interested in fishing without all the fuss? Sink a line at

Three large ponds on ten scenic acres are stocked weekly with trout and bass, and on-site amenities include everything you need to get started and have a great time! Pole rentals, bait and tackle, ice, snacks and fish processing services are all available at Big Brown, and picnic tables and park benches add to the property’s welcoming atmosphere. It’s easy, affordable and fun for all! Fishing licenses are not required, and children 12 and under enter free.

Big Brown is located on Route 115 in Effort. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. For more information, visit www.bigbrownfish.com or call (570) 629-0427.

In Paradise Valley, visit the Paradise Fishing Preserve on Route 191. The beautiful waters are fully stocked with trout and bass, and the preserve features all of the amenities necessary for a memorable fishing experience—no licenses required!

Offering “Quality since 1902,” Paradise Fishing Preserve is a great place to go for family fun. Children 12 and under enter free. Call (570) 629-0422 or visit www.paradisetrout.com to learn more.

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On Sunday, May 26, wing in to the annual

Open to the public from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., this family-friendly festival will feature displays, demonstrations, great food and fun for all! Highlights include a Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast, an open house event, antique exhibits, classic cars, military displays and more!

All are welcome to snap a photo with the Pocono Raceway Pace Car and take flight during exciting airplane and helicopter rides! Kids ages eight to 17 can enjoy free airplane rides from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. courtesy of the Young Eagles EAA Program.

The annual Aviation Day event is sponsored by the Mount Pocono Rotary Club, The Original Bailey’s Rib & Steakhouse, and Smuggler’s Cove. Major proceeds will benefit Rotary causes such as the Pocono Mountain Public Library and PolioPlus.

Breakfast will be served through rain or shine. Fees apply to certain activities.

For more information, contact the Pocono Mountains Airport Authority at (570) 839-6080, or visit www.mpoairport.com.

The Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport is located on Route 611 in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.

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Country Kettle offers a large selection of beautiful collectibles including Lenox Classics, Disney Classics, Willow Tree Angels, Snowbabies and more. The home decor section presents unique tapestries and wall hangings crafted by manual weavers and woodworkers, and the jewelry department sparkles with precious creations from Swarovski, Annaleece and John Medeiros. The store also features a large selection of candles, gifts and seasonal accents.

Home to hundreds of barrels of sweets and treats, Country Kettle’s candy shop is a popular stop in the Poconos. The shop offers everything from delicious Pocono Mountain fudge to rare, “old fashioned candy at old fashioned prices.” Enjoy sugar-free selections, generous samples and much more.

Country Kettle is located minutes off Interstate 80 on Milford Road near East Stroudsburg. Hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call (877) 553-8853 or visit www.country-kettle.com.

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This year-round attraction is one of less than ten Mountain Coasters in the country, and is both eco and user-friendly. Gravity pulls the two-seater car down the 4500′ track, but the driver controls the speed up to 30 miles per hour.

At its peak, the ride towers 38′ above the scenic slopes of Camelback Mountain, providing riders with breathtaking views of the parks’ seasonal activities. The coaster also features an automatic brake system for user protection.

The Mountain Coaster joins CBK Mountain Adventures’ Twin Zip-Flyers as a new 2012 attraction, part of a three million dollar expansion to the ever-growing adventure park.  This expansion comes just after last year’s equally valued addition to Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, and along with news of the anticipated Camelback Mountain Resort Hotel.

Plans for the 453-room hotel, complete with 120,000 square foot indoor waterpark will be revealed in the winter of 2012-2013.  For more information on the Mountain Coaster or any other Camelback Mountain Resort attraction, visit www.cbkmountainadventures.com or call (570) 629-1661.

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On Saturdays and Sundays from January through mid-March, the Eagle Institute in Lackawaxen and various outdoor clubs—including the Pennsylvania Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MEEC) and the Pennsylvania Audubon Society—sponsor Eagle Watching excursions.

To strike out on your own, be sure to consult the Eagle Institute for tips. Also, check out the Coming Events listings in this magazine for guided eagle watching excursions, and contact the organizations below:

Eagle Institute Winter Field Office
176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen
(570) 685-5960; (845) 557-6162

www.eagleinstitute.org

MCEEC
Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
near Bartonsville
(570) 629-3061
www.mcconservation.org

PEEC
538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry
(570) 828-2319
www.peec.org

Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
126 PPL Drive, Hawley
(570) 253-7001
pplpreserves@pplweb.com.

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Purveyor of the hip contemporary Pandora bracelets and charms, American Candle offers the perfect choice of romantic gifts for Valentine’s Day. Valentine-themed charms include a red enamel bead decorated with hearts, beads that say, “I love you,” a flower bouquet bead inscribed with “love” and a heart with key bead. When you spend $150 or more on Pandora jewelry before February 14th, you’ll receive a free leather heart-shaped jewelry box, while supplies last.

Other Valentine’s themed gifts include a red and pink paisley print Vera Bradley bag and, of course, candles galore to help create a romantic mood.

American Candle and Pandora make gift-giving easy beyond Valentine’s Day, featuring charms that allow you to build memories for every occasion in a woman’s life. Pandora bracelets start at $40 for leather and $65 sterling silver. Valentine charms start at $25.

Visit American Candle on Route 611 in Bartonsville or online: www.american-candle.com.

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During winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the Poconos, joining the abundant population of resident eagles. On weekends from January through mid-March, the Eagle Institute and various outdoor clubs—including the Pennsylvania Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) and the Pennsylvania Audubon Society—sponsor Eagle Watching excursions.

To strike out on your own, be sure to consult the Eagle Institute for sighting tips and etiquette.

Eagle Institute Winter Field Office
176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen
(570) 685-5960; (845) 557-6162
www.eagleinstitute.org

MCEEC
Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
near Bartonsville
(570) 629-3061
www.mcconservation.org

PEEC
538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry
(570) 828-2319
www.peec.org

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Big Pocono State Park, Camelback Road, Tannersville—Steep and rough grades are appropriate for experienced, physically fit hikers.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, River Road, Bushkill—40 miles of the Delaware River roar within the park that is a sanctuary for eagles, bears and rattlesnakes, among other wildlife species. After your hike, stop by the Shawnee Gallery in nearby Shawnee-on-Delaware for paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more from local artists.

Raymondskill Falls at Dingmans Falls Visitors Center, 224 Dingmans Falls Road, Dingmans Ferry—The tallest waterfall in the state, Raymondskill measures a mere four feet shorter than Niagara.

Gouldsboro State Park, Route 507, Tobyhanna—Rugged terrain makes hiking in this Northern Pocono park challenging, but fun.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park, 625 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe—Try the Switchback Trail and walk among towering Hemlock, White Pine and American Beech trees.

Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg—This center sponsors numerous year-round activities, including guided hikes, within its Kettle Creek wildlife sanctuary.

Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry—Located within the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area, PEEC offers six trails for every fitness level. Some trails afford splendid views of the Kittatinny Mountains across the river.

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CRESCENT LODGE is an elegant country inn resort on Route 191 in Paradise Valley. Enjoy exceptional food, with dinner music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays by blues/jazz piano of Michael Fossa. He has performed with The Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, among other legends. Known for a refined atmosphere of leisure and fun; ask about lodging packages. Spas, championship golf, horseback riding, outlet shopping, outdoor adventure park, indoor water park, and a casino are nearby. Call (570) 595-7486 or (800) 392-9400; visit www.crescentlodge.com.

EHRHARDT’S RESORT & RESTAURANT features live music on Friday nights. The lineup includes Rich Horvath on January 27, Abbey Road on February 3 and 30 Pack Light on February 10. 205 Route 507; (570) 226-4388; www.ehrhardts.com.

FERNWOOD HOTEL & RESORT on Route 209 in Bushkill offers luxury rooms and villas, food court, sports pub, and Tuscan Grille. In Wintergreens, Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Brain Freeze Trivia team trivia game for ages 21+, hosted by Gary “Big Brain” in the Morning. Enjoy Karaoke on the weekends. Live bands perform every weekend at the Trolley Stop Pub. Astor Room features well-known performers. Entertainment and many amenities are open to the public, as well as to guests of the resort. (570) 588-9500, and see www.fernwoodhotel.com.

JACK FROST BIG BOULDER offers extensive après-ski and an entertainment destination in its own right. Live music at Boulder View Tavern, Cantina, Tbar and E-2000 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Artists appearing include: High Strung: February 10; YMI: February 11, February 24 & 25; The Approach: February 11; AcoustiKatz: February 11, February 17; Mother Nature’s Sons: February 11, February 25; The Zone: February 18; Jim Roberti Band: February 18; Tribes: February 18 & 19; Mike Weyrauch: February 18; Fake Uncle Jack: February 19; Windfall: February 19, February 28; Pair of Nuts: February 19; UUU: February 25; Kartune: February 25. Check JFBB website for venues, performers, dates and times: www.jfbb.com/events/music. Big Boulder, 1 South Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, (570) 570-443-8425. Jack Frost, 1 Jack Frost Mountain Road, Blakeslee, (570) 443-8425.

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs features popular local bands and duos in two of its venues—Breaker’s and Bar Louie. Catch the stellar Marko Marcinko Trio Jazz Band every Friday (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) and Saturday (8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.) at Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Thursdays, the Steakhouse presents guitar trio The Blend. Highway 315 in Wilkes-Barre. (570) 831-2100.

SHAWNEE INN AND GOLF RESORT in Shawnee-on-Delaware. The River Room Piano Bar and Lounge is the perfect spot for great music. On Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 p.m. to midnight, the talented and versatile pianist Flo Powell—also known as Lady Flo—dazzles with her extensive repertoire, which includes the works of Duke Ellington, Gershwin, Louis Armstrong, Cole Porter, Barbra Streisand, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Bill Joel, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Billie Holliday and many more. Stools around the piano allow sing-a-long patrons to be close to the action. (570) 424-4000; (800) 742-9633.

THE INN AT POCONO MANOR—Lamplighter Lounge open from 11:30 a.m. and closing, as late as 2 a.m. Entertainment available Fridays & Saturdays. Route 314 and One Manor Drive. (570) 225-0167; (888) 374-1295.

THE SHAWNEE PLAYHOUSE on River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware presents Those Fantastic Forties! Show times: January 28 at 8 p.m. and January 29 at 2 p.m. Also on slate is Ken White’s Visions of Johanna, a wonderfully written full-length comedic winner of the 2011 Shawnee One Act Winner Series. This original play centers on Stuart, who has lost his purpose in life. But a knock on the door may propel him into a new reality of flying horses, southern cooking and, best of all, love. Show times: February 4 & 11: 8 p.m.; February 5, 10 & 12: 2 p.m. Tickets for all shows are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors and $10 for children under 12. Call (570) 421-5093, email shawneeplayhouse@hotmail.com

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Among Pennsylvania’s many splendors is its abundance of eagles that are attracted to the unspoiled nature of the Pocono Mountains.

During winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the Poconos, joining a thriving population of resident eagles. Not only are eagle sightings more abundant in winter, it’s also the most ecologically sound time of year to seek out these spectacular birds.

On Saturdays and Sundays from January through mid-March, the Eagle Institute in Lackawaxen and various outdoor clubs—including the Pennsylvania Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center, Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MEEC) and the Pennsylvania Audubon Society—sponsor Eagle Watching excursions.

For more a comprehensive listing of these Eagle-watching excursions, see the “Coming Events” listings in this magazine.

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Tom and his wife, Xian Wei Xian, create exquisite, one-of-a-kind lamps and lanterns that can be used as table lamps, post lamps and pendants. Everything they make is UL listed and approved, meaning the lamps meet internationally recognized standards for safety. Few artisans can claim this distinction.

Aside from selling to discerning local and internet customers as well as visitors to the Pocono Mountains, Hutton Metalcrafts works with architects, interior designers and real estate developers to shine light on large scale projects. In fact, Tom met his wife while on a business trip to China. Initially Wei acted as Tom’s interpreter; today she is his co-creator.

In addition to lamps, Hutton Metalcrafts offers sculptures, ornaments and other decorative arts. At Hutton, a beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation can be purchased for under $10.

Copper is among the oldest materials used by man. The ancients believed copper possesses mystical qualities, including the ability to heal the mind and body. Ancient Egyptians considered copper a lucky metal that brings health, love, luck, protection and prosperity. More than 5,000 years ago, the Pharaohs used copper to decorate their homes and help them attract positive energy. With a Hutton Metalcraft lamp, you can too.

Winter store hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call ahead—(570) 6346-7778. For more information: www.copperlamps.com.

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