Franklin Dean
The Poconos, nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, was once known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World. Its popularity as a honeymoon destination began in the 1940s and 50s, with the opening of plush resorts like The Farm on the Hill, and continued into the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. However, in the 1990s, several well-known honeymoon resorts closed down, and today, the area is dotted with abandoned resorts. So, what happened to the famous honeymoon suites in the Poconos?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The Poconos was known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" and was a popular honeymoon destination. |
| Location | The Poconos is nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania and encompasses 2,400 miles and four counties. |
| Resorts | Cove Haven Resort, Pocono Palace Resort, Skytop Lodge, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Penn Hills Resort, The Summit Resort, The Farm on the Hill, Caesars Cove Haven, and more. |
| Features | Heart-shaped hot tubs, whirlpool baths, wedding bell-shaped pools, rounded beds, mirrored rooms, log-burning fireplaces, and more. |
| Current Status | Many resorts are now abandoned or demolished, but some are still operational, such as Cove Haven Resort and Pocono Palace Resort. |
| Photography | Seph Lawless has photographed the abandoned resorts, capturing the "'hauntingly beautiful' remains of a bygone era. |
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What You'll Learn
The Poconos: once the Honeymoon Capital of the World
Nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains were once known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World". The area's romantic appeal was first recognised during World War II, when many GIs took their significant others and families to the Poconos. In the 1940s and 1950s, a number of plush resorts opened in the region, establishing a thriving resort business.
The first of these honeymoon resorts was called The Farm on the Hill. In 1963, Morris Wilkins, the owner of Cove Haven Resort, invented the heart-shaped hot tub, a kitsch feature that would become a staple of the Poconos honeymoon experience. Wilkins also invented the champagne glass-shaped whirlpool. In 1971, a feature on the heart-shaped Jacuzzis in Life Magazine cemented the resort's romantic reputation.
In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, resorts with sexy suites, heart-shaped tubs, and disco-era kitsch sprang up across the Pocono Mountains. The Summit Resort in the Tannersville section of Pocono Township opened in 1967 and closed in 2002. The 400-room hotel in Barrett Township, Monroe County, closed in 1991. The Penn Hills Resort, which operated from 1944 until 2009, billed itself as a "Paradise of Pocono Pleasure". It closed after the owner died at the age of 102.
Despite the closure of many well-regarded honeymoon resorts in the 1990s, a few resorts remain open. The Pocono Palace Resort, part of the Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, includes two other properties: Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville and Paradise Stream Resort in Mount Pocono. All three resorts feature all-inclusive options with luxurious suites, dining, nightlife, year-round recreation, skiing, golf, horseback riding, relaxing spas, and live entertainment. The Cove Haven Resort, which first opened exclusively for honeymooners, has loosened its restrictions but retains its old-school kitsch.
The Poconos continue to offer a variety of romantic locations that are perfect for a honeymoon, from the historic Skytop Lodge to the picturesque Bushkill Falls. Couples can enjoy activities like stargazing, boating, fishing, romantic picnics, and cooking classes, as well as the thriving arts scene, with local galleries, live music performances, and cultural events.
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The decline of honeymoon resorts in the Poconos
The Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania used to be known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World". The area was a popular honeymoon destination for young people and honeymooners, with its rolling mountain terrain, breathtaking views, and waterfalls. The first honeymoon resort in the Poconos was called The Farm on the Hill, and it opened its doors in the 1940s. More plush resorts followed in the 1950s, and by the 1960s, the heart-shaped tubs were introduced at Caesars Cove Haven in Lakeville.
However, by the 1990s, several well-regarded honeymoon resorts in the Poconos had closed, signalling the decline of honeymoon resorts in the region. One reason for the decline could be the changing preferences of couples. While the kitsch of the resorts, including heart-shaped hot tubs, wedding bell-shaped outdoor pools, and rounded beds, may have been appealing to some, others may have found it outdated or tacky. In addition, the Poconos faced increasing competition from other destinations, both domestically and internationally, as couples sought more unique and exotic locations for their honeymoons.
Furthermore, the rise of online travel agencies and review platforms may have also contributed to the decline. Couples planning their honeymoons had easier access to information and a wider range of options, allowing them to compare prices, read reviews, and make informed decisions. This may have led to a shift in demand away from the Poconos towards other destinations that offered better value or more exclusive experiences.
Economic factors may have also played a role. The maintenance and operation of large honeymoon resorts can be costly, and with changing travel patterns and increasing competition, some resorts may have struggled to remain profitable. This could have resulted in a decrease in the quality of the resorts, further driving away potential guests. Additionally, the Poconos area may have experienced a general decline in tourism, impacting the viability of the resorts.
Despite the decline, there are still a few honeymoon resorts in the Poconos that are operational. Cove Haven Resort, known for its heart-shaped hot tubs, is one of the few resorts that is still open. Pocono Palace Resort, part of the Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts, is another resort that continues to cater to couples seeking a romantic getaway. These resorts have loosened their restrictions and no longer require a marriage certificate for reservations, adapting to changing trends and demands.
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The kitsch appeal of Poconos' honeymoon suites
The Poconos, nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, was once known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World". Its rolling mountain terrain, breathtaking views, and waterfalls set the stage for a romantic getaway. However, today, the area is dotted with abandoned resorts, left to decay as love faded away from these honeymoon havens. Despite their current state, these resorts still hold a certain kitsch appeal that captivates those who stumble upon them.
The decline of these resorts began in the 1990s when several well-known honeymoon resorts closed their doors. One notable example is the Penn Hills Resort, which operated from 1944 until 2009. In its heyday, it was a "Paradise of Pocono Pleasure", boasting rounded beds, wall-to-wall carpeting, heart-shaped jacuzzis, and an abundance of mirrors. Now, nature is reclaiming these resorts, with trees sprouting through tennis courts and graffiti covering the walls.
Photographer Seph Lawless captured the hauntingly beautiful remains of these once-luxurious destinations. In his images, he showcases the eerie and creepy vibe that now defines these abandoned resorts. From the wedding bell-shaped outdoor pool at Penn Hills Resort to the frozen-in-time bar at the Summit Resort, Lawless's work paints a picture of a bygone era.
Despite the closure of many resorts, the Poconos still offers romantic locations perfect for honeymoons. Resorts like Skytop Lodge, Cove Haven, and Pocono Palace continue to cater to couples seeking intimate escapes. These resorts feature heart-shaped whirlpool tubs, private pools, live entertainment, and spacious suites with log-burning fireplaces. The mix of modern and retro elements adds to the kitsch appeal that has drawn couples for decades.
The Poconos' kitsch appeal extends beyond its honeymoon suites. The region offers a thriving arts scene, farm-to-table dining, and unique local specialties. Couples can enjoy romantic picnics, stargazing, and kayaking, creating lasting memories together. The area's natural surroundings and year-round attractions, such as whitewater rafting and outlet shopping, contribute to its enduring popularity as a honeymoon destination.
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The Poconos' natural beauty and romantic activities
The Poconos, known as the "Switzerland of America", is a charming mix of natural beauty and small-town glamour. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forestry, and scenic mountains, it offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples. The region is easily accessible from major East Coast cities and is known for its natural grandeur and cultural heritage.
The Poconos offer a range of romantic activities and experiences for couples, from relaxing spas and elegant restaurants to outdoor adventures and cultural explorations. For nature lovers, the Pocono Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for horseback riding, hiking, and kayaking. The region is also home to several waterfalls, including the famous Bushkill Falls, the "Niagara of Pennsylvania". Couples can enjoy a leisurely walk by the falls or explore the numerous lakes and waterways.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the Poconos offer spa treatments, romantic dinners, and wine tastings at local vineyards. The historic Skytop Lodge provides a tranquil setting with beautiful gardens and a lake, while the Pocono Palace Resort features heart-shaped whirlpools and paddle boating. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, located along the Delaware River, offer a peaceful retreat with golf and river adventures.
The Poconos also have a thriving arts scene, with local galleries, live music performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Couples can explore museums such as the Asa Packer Mansion and the Old Jail Museum in Jim Thorpe. The charming small towns of Stroudsburg and Milford offer a mix of historic allure and modern appeal, with shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals.
In addition to its natural beauty and romantic activities, the Poconos were once famous for their honeymoon resorts. However, many of these resorts, such as the Summit Resort in Tannersville and the 400-room hotel in Barrett Township, have fallen into disrepair and been abandoned. Despite this, the Poconos remain a popular destination for couples seeking a romantic escape, with its natural beauty, charming towns, and variety of activities.
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The Poconos' thriving arts scene
The Poconos has a thriving arts scene, with local galleries, live music performances, and cultural events happening throughout the year. The region is alive with visual and performing arts, from classic plays and theatrical events to fine art exhibitions and sales.
The Gallery at 530 Main in Stroudsburg is a testament to the rebirth of the Poconos art scene. It opened its doors in December 2024, just three months after the Pocono Arts Council closed after nearly 50 years of operation due to financial struggles. The new gallery, with its inaugural "Artists of the Poconos" exhibition, aims to foster opportunities for local artists and inspire the next generation. This exhibition featured the best works of around 100 artists from across the Poconos.
The Pocono Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization, embodies the region's dedication to the visual and performing arts. It aims to inspire, educate, and enrich individuals through diverse and innovative collaborations in the arts, community engagement, and personal enrichment.
The Poconos also offer a multitude of romantic locations and activities for couples seeking a honeymoon or a romantic escape. From luxurious suites with heart-shaped tubs and whirlpools to serene natural settings, the region provides the perfect backdrop for couples to create lasting memories. Whether it's stargazing, boating, cultural explorations, or romantic picnics, the Poconos cater to various interests.
The Cove Pocono Resorts, for instance, feature spacious and unique suites with log-burning fireplaces, Champagne Tower baths, and round king-size beds, creating an ambiance of romance and intimacy. The historic Skytop Lodge offers a tranquil setting with beautiful gardens, a lake, and hiking trails, while the Cove Haven Resorts provide live entertainment alongside their romantic suites.
The Poconos truly come alive through their vibrant arts scene and diverse offerings for couples seeking a romantic getaway, ensuring that the region remains a desirable destination for those looking to explore their creative and romantic sides.
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Frequently asked questions
While the Poconos was once known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World", many honeymoon resorts in the area have since closed down and fallen into disrepair.
It is hard to pinpoint one exact cause, but it could be a combination of factors such as changing trends, competition from other destinations, and a shift in preferences towards more modern and luxurious accommodations.
Yes, while many have closed, there are still some resorts that cater to honeymooners in the Poconos. For example, the Cove Haven Resort, which invented the heart-shaped hot tub, is still open and running.
The suites were known for their kitsch and romantic features, including heart-shaped whirlpool tubs, private pools, log-burning fireplaces, and round king-size beds. They also offered activities like paddle boating, snowmobiling, and live entertainment.
Yes, photographer Seph Lawless has documented the abandoned resorts in a 16-minute YouTube video, and there are also several photos available online.
