How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we stumbled upon the Poconos, Pennsylvania, a peaceful mountain retreat offering a variety of entertainment and fun for the entire family.
THE POCONOS, PENNSYLVANIA
SPLIT ROCK RESORTwww.splitrockresort.com
"This was a very different vacation for us," writes Carol Grassi, of Franklin Square, New York. "We're used to driving to our destination, then doing day trips. But Split Rock was different." How, exactly? Carol's family--husband Gino; Evan, three; and Kiera, 17 months—had nearly all their fun right at the all-season family resort in Pennsylvania's Pocono mountains. "It has bowling, bumper bowling, bumper boats, indoor and outdoor pools, a movie theater, an ice-cream parlor, miniature golf and pontoon rides," Carol writes. "We saved money by staying in a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, a microwave and a dishwasher." A two-bedroom suite at Split Rock starts at $259 nightly (plus $45 per night for kids ages 5 to 15). Call 800-255-7625.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
