The mountains’ majesties

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You can hear it now: horns honking, people yelling, trains rumbling by. Doors are slamming, crowds are rushing and the loud clammer of construction rings through the streets. They’re the sounds of the city, and they’re hard to escape.

Philadelphians are almost always in a hurry, and even when spring has finally seeped into the air, it’s difficult to take a step back and appreciate the soft sun that’s been hiding behind the hard gray of winter.

The good news is, in the midst of all the craziness, peaceful sounds of the great outdoors are only a few hours’ drive away. The Poconos have always been the coolest — and nearest — place to take in winter sports for Philadelphians, but this little mountain range can do more than just run chairlifts and rent snowboards. As March melts into April, the area blooms and emanates green, making way for long weekends perfect for city dwellers trying to find a haven from the urban madness.

Campsites and hiking trails for the outdoorsy types are nearly endless, honeymooners and romantics seeking a just-the-two-of-us weekend have their pick from dozens of B&Bs; (and yes, a few have the famous heart-shaped bathtubs) and families can jump from water parks to candy shops to go-kart tracks.

For those who have never been to the Poconos, the different resorts, towns and sites can seem a bit intimidating. Here’s a tip: start in Stroudsburg and work your way out to the surrounding areas. This quaint little town has a neighborhoody feel. Main Street is the place to be, with tons of events starting when the snow fades away. First Saturday Art Walks go on year-round, but, like Old City’s First Friday, the crowds emerge when the weather warms up. April 7, galleries and venues on Main open their doors and people can stroll passed antique shops and little restaurants, while checking out local artists’ works and crafts. If you didn’t get enough of Philly’s St. Paddy’s Day parade March 11, the Poconos holds its own March 18 (and it’s a chance to spread a little Irish cheer away from the city’s probably packed-to-the-brim Irish pubs). The longstanding tradition has bagpipers, bands and floats playing and dancing down Main all day.

Come May, Monroe Farmers Market opens Saturday mornings on the same street. Local growers and bakers sell everything from homemade pies to fresh veggies to bunches of flowers.

After a day of shopping, snag dinner at famous Alaska Pete’s down the road in Marshall’s Creek. Big swordfish hang on the restaurant’s walls, a stone fireplace looms above the tables and soft lamps give a homey glow to the lodgy rooms that are crammed with mountaineer knickknacks. With live music and a woman named Christine (who won 2006 bartender of the year on Poconosbest.com) making the drinks, it’s hard to go wrong.

After dinner, there’s plenty of options if you feel like going out. (Just because it’s the relaxing mountains, doesn’t mean these places don’t know how to party.) Barley Creek Brewing Company in Tannersville serves $2 pints while Caesar Paradise Stream off Route 940 offers a more clubby atmosphere. For late-night snacking, hit up Snydersville Diner, which is open — literally — 24/7.

Brunch in Stroudsburg belongs to Mollie’s. Melanie O’Reilly owns the cute little spot on Main where her husband Sean is the chef. "It has always been known for its home cooking and fresh food," Melanie said in a soft Irish accent, adding it’s constantly packed with regulars and visitors alike. Melanie insists the table wait is never more than five to 10 minutes — even on a Sunday. "The kitchen is very fast," she said.

If small-town atmosphere isn’t up your alley, venture into the Poconos’ wine country. About 15 minutes south along picturesque Route 33, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail begins with the Cherry Valley Winery. Across the street from its 13-acre vineyard, people can sit at romantic bistro tables and vine-covered cabanas while sipping wine and listening to live acoustic music from local performers.

"It definitely picks up in the spring," Cheryl Doll, director of marketing and events for the vineyard, said. "Once it gets warmer, people tend to come and sit around and have a glass or two of wine."

Family-owned and handed down from first-generation Italian Domenic Sorrenti to his sons, the vineyard doesn’t have the commercialized feel of most big vineyards, Doll said, adding residents from the nearby counties often mingle amongst those who are there escaping the city lights.

Wine tasting and art browsing are all good fun, but if you bring the kids (or want to satisfy the kid in you), something a little more high energy might be in order. The Poconos offer a long list of places that would evoke anyone’s sense of adventure. Skirmish Paint Ball in Jim Thorpe is like a giant obstacle course, complete with 44 playing fields. The mountains are a perfect place to get your paintball on and this spot has it all: giant castles with staircases and drawbridges, forts, tunnels and even a couple of helicopters.

Don’t feel like getting pummeled with paint? Carousel Water and Fun Park, which opens on the weekends starting in May, has everything from mini golf to go-karts to batting ranges and, of course, lots and lots of waterslides.

If looking for something a little out of the ordinary, the Poconos International Raceway in Long Pond hosts NASCAR races all spring and summer. Its most famous, the Pocono 500, hits the track June 8 to 10.

Hiking and camping are, of course, the Poconos’ fortes. Grounds for pitching a tent and doing some fishing span for miles and the trails at Bushkill Falls open March 30, weather permitting. Deemed the "Niagra of Pennsylvania," this open space offers winding paths, wildlife discussions, a local bluegrass band on the weekends and quirky workshops like how to make your own apple butter. A new program called Fitness at the Falls launches May 19 and will be held again June 2 in conjunction with the falls’ National Trail Day.

"We encourage people to be fit and walking is one of the best ways to stay fit." Diane Hannan, director of marketing for Bushkill, said. "We’ll be giving out pedometers and people can take them down to the falls and clock their steps. We’ll have a personal trainer talking about the importance of walking and fitness and dietary habits. People are being encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day and this is a great way to stay fit."

While spring in the Poconos offers a plethora of options — from relaxing to exciting — the many places to stay add to the getaway appeal. For a true mountain-esque experience, Crescent Lodge just outside of Stroudsburg sits majestically off of hiking and horse trails. Go a step further and rent a cabin or cottage that borders Mountain Springs Lake. For the romantics, Casear’s Cove Haven is hailed as one of the best resorts and promises to pamper couples with elegant rooms and live piano music in the lounge.

These what-to-dos and where-to-gos only scratch the surface of what’s happening in the Poconos during the warmer months. White-water rafting and bike trips, countless local bars and cute country B&Bs; also add to the options. No matter where you choose to stay and what you decide to do, one thing’s for sure: If it’s in the Poconos, it will be peaceful, laid-back and miles away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Now, how does that sound?