The Woodlands, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Penns Peak Theater
This past Friday I was invited to do a sight inspection in Wilkes-Barre, PA which was arranged by Janet Allen Hall of the Luzerne County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
I had the great fortune to stay at the The Woodlands Inn & Resort who hosted our overnight accommodations. Donna Keyes, Sales Manager, was so accommodating and supplied our small group with van service for the entire evening.
The Woodlands Inn & Resort, a three star hotel located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, at the foothills of the Pocono mountains is Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier hotel and resort. The hotel is situated along the beautiful Laurel Run Stream on 40 wooded Pocono acres. The Woodlands Inn and Resort is a AAA three star hotel with the facilities for exquisite wedding receptions featuring streamside outdoor cocktail locations, upscale accommodations and is located a short distance to the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
We were transported to the new Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs. Here we were greeted by Mindy Weiss of Mohegan Sun and Lynn Stelling of Penns Peak. We were given a tour of this wonderful facility. I was amazed at how nice this property has become in the last year. It offers many different dining options that include Italian, Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse, Sushi and a food court that includes Johnny Rocket’s and Wolfgang Pucks.
We had the pleasure to dine at the Rustic Kitchen. While every restaurant seeks to be unique, the 260 seat Tuscan Villa themed Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar actually earns the distinction. This new Bistro & Bar offers an Italian Mediterranean influenced menu. The authentic interior displays handcrafted relics & artifacts representing a Tuscan Villa and allows guests the option of an intimate dining experience in one of the main dining room’s private booths, or a quick pizza from its wood burning oven in the Bar/Café. Rustic Kitchen has received numerous honors, including recognition as Boston Magazines “Best of Boston” and designation of the “Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator the last 3 years.
It’s most innovative component is a state of the art, broadcast ready, television studio kitchen with live cooking shows that is the focal point inside of the restaurant. Daily cooking shows called “In the Kitchen” will occur for patrons to dine and learn in a highly entertaining yet intimate atmosphere. Mountain Top, PA native and cooking show celebrity chef, Kate Gabriele will be the Headline Host. “In the Kitchen” will also host events that spotlight local restaurants, area chefs, industry suppliers, & farmers.
I started the dinner with Crispy Fried Calamari served with toasted pine nuts, jalepenos peppers and a delicious lemon pepper aioli. The calamari was perfectly cooked and although it was served with a lemon pepper sauce and jalepenos it was not over spiced. For my entree I enjoyed the Seafood Fradiavolo which had crab, shrimp, scallops and lobster in a spicy red sauce. I have had this in many restaurants and find it sometimes over spiced but this one was perfect.
What a nice start to an evening. I forgot to mention, I also won $380 playing their slot machines.
Following dinner we were transported to Penn’s Peak Theater and Dance Hall. Penn’s Peak is a cozy venue located in Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania that can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers with its spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, twin bars and restaurant. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian mountains.
We were treated to a Super Box by our hostess, Lynn. We enjoyed an open bar and more food, like we needed that after dinner. The show was awesome as I picked this one to see.
Donna Jean & The Tricksters opened the show. Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay was born to sing, and over the course of time she’s done so with people like Elvis Presley, Percy Sledge, Boz Scaggs, and Jerry Garcia. Now she has a new band that she’s quite certain is on a creative par with anything she’s ever done. “This band is a perfect fit for me as a singer/songwriter,” she said recently, “and I hope to be doing this for a long time to come. We’re having so much fun with this music!” The Grateful Dead alumna has joined up with six members of the next musical generation – Mookie Siegel (David Nelson Band; formerly Phil & Friends, RatDog), Wendy Lanter (Hope in Time), and Jeff Mattson, Tom Circosta, Klyph Black and Dave Diamond (Zen Tricksters) to form Donna Jean and the Tricksters. Look out! Things have come full circle and anything’s possible. What a jam session that included songs from her band and some old favorites of the Dead.
Next came the New Riders of the Purple Sage. The band was formed by David Nelson and Jerry Garcia. The band is back since 2006 with a revived and inspired lineup, bringing the songs of John Dawson back to the ears of adoring crowds nationwide as well as taking those songs to places they’ve never been before musically. Led by David Nelson and Buddy Cage, the current touring lineup includes Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) on guitar and vocals, Ronnie Penque on bass and vocals and Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried) on drums and vocals. John Dawson remains retired in Mexico and has given the guys his blessing and sends his best to all his fans out there and thanks you all for continuing to enjoy his songs.
The show included all of the old favorites as well as a great version of Deep Ellum Blues and a jam session with Donna Jean and The Tricksters.
Penn’s Peak not only offers great evening headline shows but great luncheon shows for motorcoach groups that include Jimmy Dorsey among many other great senior type entertainment. Also you do not want to forget the unbeleivable view.
If you are not visiting this area you are missing out.
I just want to thank Janet, Cindy, Mindy and Donna for opening our eyes to this wonderful area and we hope to be coming back with many groups in the future.
Tags: Mohgan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs, motorcoach tours, Penn's Peak, Woodlands