MOUNT AIRY CASINO RESORT

Summer calls for Rosé, sun and of course the perfect weekend getaway.  Give us mountain air, a short drive and a 90’s throwback concert and you guessed it, we were in like Flynn.

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Having grown up on the non-stop Mount Airy Lodge commercial repeating on TV pretty much every single year of my childhood ( you know it, “At the beautiful Mount Airy Lodge” ), you better believe when I scored an invite to the resort,  I couldn’t wait to finally check out those 70’s style champagne glass Jacuzzi’s that you had to climb into. Me, wine, and a jacuzzi… it was going to be a throwback getaway for sure.

Yes, we hit up a rocking 90’s Salt-N-Pepa concert which is part of the hotel’s new Summer Concert series, but an outdated throwback experience it was not. The “TV” lodge I thought I was heading to was actually no more. In its place, right there in the beautiful Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains, was the new and improved picturesque AAA Four Diamond Award winning, Mount Airy Casino Resort.  This adult playground, just a couple of hours away from the city, boasts the ultimate casino gaming against the backdrop of the gorgeous green mountains. You get all the rustic comforts with modern amenities and let’s face it, who doesn’t love that?  This resort serves all their guests needs with 188 upscale rooms and suites, which is the perfect place to rest your head after exploring a variety of signature restaurants, luxurious pampering in the spa, dip in the pool and enjoying world-class entertainment in the newly unveiled outdoor stage.  You’ll get to play, unwind, and live it up for a legendary weekend.

And ready to live it up we were! After a scenic drive and welcoming check in, we headed right to Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen for lunch. With an exciting menu and delicious offerings, the restaurant reflects Fieri’s signature style of authentic home-style classics.  From award winning “Hall of Fame” BBQ to perfected all-American bites, you’ll find beloved comfort food with a spin only Guy could whip up. Satisfied and ready to relax, it was off to the GET WET ULTRA POOL for a lil’ sunshine, swim and continuous cocktail fueled conversations with other eager concert goers. Hours later with new friends in tow, it was the moment we had all been waiting for- I love the 90s Tour, where a few hundred of us danced and sang our hearts out to Rose Base, Ton Loc and hip hop queens Salt-N-Pepa,. Talk about a night well spent. With aching feet, hoarse voices and smiling faces, we made our way back completely smitten with the 2017 version of our girls Salt-N- Pepa. Sure, we didn’t get to meet them, but even though they didn’t know it, they were our new best friends in our head.

Following a night of good vibes and shooping it up, the next morning’s full on pampering session was well deserved.  After a morning hike and a light breakfast, it was off for a signature massage at the 16,000 square-foot oasis that is The Spa at Mount Airy. It was exactly what the doctor ordered and who are we not to comply? The Spa at Mount Airy offers the ultimate chill vibes with a relaxation room and great sauna. From body wraps and massages to a pedicure or even a new hairstyle, you can’t go wrong spending a luxurious day here.

Later in the afternoon, it was off to The Blue Ridge Winery for an encounter that brought our wine tasting experience to new depths.  Located in Pocono wine country, the Blue Ridge Winery is nestled in the country side of Saylorsburg. The wrap around porch overlooks the Vineyards and a beautiful valley view of a Christmas tree farm.  The Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania has become a destination for wine lovers seeking unique and original taste and experiences and I couldn’t wait to take all of this in. They craft the finest wines from dry Bordeaux varietals to sweet American hybrids and all are just simply superb.

But what really makes this vineyard extra special is the VIP underground experience tour.  We love us some glamour and glamour it delivered. The Underground Room, which you enter through a brilliant crystal chandelier stairway leading you down a 14 foot decent, is a luxe jet-black room with gold trim and a long custom table for tasting and pairing. Overhead is a willow tree turned custom LED chandelier which provides a magical atmosphere and serene glow. Hosted by the delightful owner and winemaker Randy Detrick, we sampled brilliant wines paired lite bites as Randy told fantastical stories of how this winery would come to be. It was an experience I would recommend to anyone as it’s rare to find such a hidden jewel like this.

Saving the best for last, for dinner we dined at Bistecca by Il Mulino. The most upscale of the resort’s restaurants, II Mulino offers hand-crafted pasta,  local seafood and farm-fresh vegetables. All are prepared in the classic fashion of Abruzzo’s cuisine with the comforts of a modern steakhouse. The most perfect seared Spanish octopus, Angus filet mignon and creamy mashed potatoes, followed by a decadent torta di cioccolato were the flawless ending to this perfect day.

Located less than 90 minutes from New York City, Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey, Mount Airy Casino awaits. If you’re looking to trade in the city skyline for scenic mountains views, then head over to the Mount Airy Casino Resort and be sure to check out their outdoor summer concert series and more. This summer’s line-up includes artists such as Huey Lewis & the News, Earth Wind & Fire and Brian Wilson.

A full-service resort destination, Mount Airy Casino Resort boasts the ultimate gaming experience with over 1,800 slot machines and 80 table games, lakefront 18-hole golf course, spa and salon, indoor/outdoor pool and entertainment complex. Rooms start at just $199.00 per night. Get there! https://mountairycasino.com/

By Gwen Wunderlich