Like so many travelers this year, our cruise we had scheduled to take last July was cancelled because of Covid. We thought we would just skip this summer for traveling and be thankful we went on a cruise in February before the pandemic hit us here. But, we couldn’t stay home. We searched for a place that complied with NYS guidelines and gave us a chance to make a quick trip that would be socially distant, safe and give us our own space so we didn’t have to constantly wear a mask. We found that at Woodloch Springs Resort which is located in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

Just a 2 1/2 hour drive from NYC, Woodloch Pines Resort is a family resort in the Poconos since 1958.  Just 2 miles away from the Pines is their golf community, Woodloch Springs. There you can rent homes instead of staying in their standard resort rooms or suites on the Pines’ grounds. We felt the house rental was a great option for us so that we can be in our own space and have less time in public spaces. Our town house was a 3 bedroom home with a full kitchen that also had a deck with a BBQ & washer & dryer. When staying at the resort your choice of packages includes either 2 or 3 meals. You can choose the same meal plans when renting a house but we opted for the no meal plan. With the no meal plan, we took advantage of the full kitchen in the town house and brought some groceries to make our own breakfast and snacks.  For lunch and dinner, if we didn’t want to cook or BBQ in our house, we were able to purchase food at many restaurants at both Woodloch Springs and Pines. Practicing social distancing, the restaurants offered a choice of take out, outdoor dining (when weather permitted) and even indoor dining as it is allowed in PA. Woodloch also has a market where you can purchase some groceries, deli items and even fill your car tank.

Staying in Woodloch Springs also allows you to use all of the amenities and participate in all of the activities and shows that are located in the Pines Resort. To control capacity and keep people socially distant, Woodloch utilized a reservation system for a lot of it’s outdoor activities and some indoor activities. There is something for everybody and at all ages at the resort. In just 3 short days, we were able to ride go karts, shoot archery, play in bumper boats & bumper cars, rock climbing wall, bocce, mini golf and then we were able to enjoy the lake with a relaxing boat ride around Lake Teedyusking and then paddle our boats around the same lake. They have trivia contests, competitions, and various entertaining shows.

When we arrived at the resort, we had to take a wellness check in. The resort was not at capacity and we truly never felt there was a lot of people around us at any given time. Whenever there was people around, everyone wore masks. The resort amenities was cleaned after every use and I found the entire resort and house to be very clean. For added protocols, they also changed the air filters in the house before every new family entered. I truly felt it was a safe, clean environment. It was also wonderful to get out of the area for a few days and do and see something new. Travel is so good for your mental health. Stay well and safe everyone.