6 Things to Do near Pocono Raceway

So it's race week at Pocono Raceway. But what do you do when there's no racing going on?

Have no fear. As a local, I can assure you there are things to do in the area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and fun things at that.

Here are six places you can go that are within an hour's drive of Pocono Raceway. The locations are in order of closest to farthest from the racetrack at Long Pond.

The Crossings Premium Outlets 
1000 Route 611, Tannersville

The Crossings offers 100 outlet stores, ranging from Adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap Outlet, Michael Kors and more. If you like to shop until you drop, this is the place for you.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 19 miles

For information: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=59

Mount Airy Casino Resort
44 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono

Located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Mount Airy has more than 2,200 slots machines and table games. The facility also includes a 188-room hotel, spa, 18-hole golf course, fine dining (led by red Steakhouse and Italian restaurant Le Sorelle Cucina) and two bars, The Glass Bar and red's bar. Mount Airy also offers top-quality entertainment at Gypsies Lounge & Nightclub, which showcases live entertainment on its state-of-the-art sound system.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 20 miles

For more information: http://www.mountairycasino.com/

Entrance to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
Credit: Rebecca Kivak
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs casino and racetrack
1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre

The casino, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, houses 2,500 slot machines and 84 table games. Mohegan Sun also has a harness racetrack, as well as a bevy of retail stores, 10 restaurants (including Ruth's Chris Steak House, Rustic Kitchen and Timber's Buffet) and two bars that feature live entertainment, Bar Louie and Breakers. The casino also hosts free concerts in what it calls its "Party on the Patio" every Thursday. This week (June 9): the cast of Beatlemania presents a tribute to The Beatles.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 26 miles

For more information: http://www.mohegansunpocono.com/index.html

Pocono Raceway Festival
Sherman Theater grounds, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg

The third annual event will be held at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on Saturday, June 11. The festival includes racecars on site, various NASCAR-themed displays and live entertainment. The concert headliner is legendary rock group Blue Oyster Cult. The event benefits the Sherman Theater. Admission is free.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 27 miles

For more information: Call the Sherman Theater at (570) 420-2808 or visit the Sherman online at www.shermantheater.com.

Old Forge - "The Pizza Capital of the World" 

There are hundreds of pizza shops in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but those in Old Forge are known for their special style of pizza, which has spawned the name "Old Forge-style." Having had it myself, I can tell you it's some of the best pizza I've ever tasted. Some of the most popular pizza places in Old Forge are Revello's, Salerno's, Ghigiarelli's and Arcaro & Genell.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 40 miles

For information: Click here for a list of pizza places in Old Forge

PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
Credit: Rebecca Kivak

PNC Field 
235 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic

PNC Field is the home of the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball team, the local triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. For four straight days, from Tuesday, June 7, to Friday, June 10, the SWB Yankees will play the Charlotte Knights. Games begin at 7:05 p.m. ET. Ticket prices start at $10. NASCAR drivers such as Kasey Kahne and Scott Wimmer have thrown the opening pitch during race week.

Distance from Pocono Raceway: 41 miles


For more information: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t531
6 Things to Do near Pocono Raceway 6 Things to Do near Pocono Raceway Reviewed by Rebecca Kivak on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 Rating: 5