Girlfriend getaways in the Poconos

The scenery is beautiful, the accommodations luxurious, the welcome warm and friendly. Browse, gossip, be pampered, even enjoy the great outdoors on a woodland trail.

Rather than a large city, the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania have a cluster of small towns worth visiting.

Milford, Jim Thorpe and Honesdale each have a lot of charm. Dating back over 200 years, they’re filled with Victorian and Colonial-era buildings. Many of the houses are inns and B&Bs. Hawley, in particular, has a two-mile stroll along a river and through the downtown that is particularly nice on a spring day.

Pennsylvania has no sales tax on clothing. That’s an excuse (if you need one) to browse through the boutiques, but don’t miss the galleries and specialty stores in the towns. If name brands are your passion, head for The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville (www.premiumoutlets.com). Over 100 major clothing and accessory outlets stores are there. Check the website for monthly in-store promotions. Antique lovers can explore treasure troves of collectibles and rarities at antique barns and malls.

Pampering is high on any “to do” list of girlfriend getaways. Local spas offer every possible treatment – from exotic wraps and scrubs to all-natural body conditioning. You can choose from day spas to destination spa/resorts.

For dining, it’s a matter of what sounds good tonight. The area is remarkably diverse, with Thai and Japanese restaurants, Irish pubs, and French bistros, along with farm-to-table and casual American menus.

If you are too frazzled to deal with planning, many resorts and inns offer packages that include accommodations, discounts for dining and shopping, spa treatments, and welcome gifts.

The Poconos website (www.800poconos.com) is very comprehensive and easy to navigate and has information on spas, accommodations, and more.

For more travel advice, go to www.insightguides.com.