One of my favorite things about living so close to New York City is ironically how easy it is to escape to somewhere else. Dozens of exciting destinations are just a short drive away from the Big Apple—meaning I’m always planning my next fun weekend away. There are no travel experiences quite as stress-free as the ones where all I need to do is pack up my car, drive, and arrive. That’s what I was looking for when I planned my most recent NYC getaway: somewhere that was easy to get to and somewhere I could truly unwind for a few days.
I realized one of those great places nearby that I hadn’t yet ticked off my list was the Poconos. The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are home to open trails, forested peaks, gorgeous lakes, valleys, waterfalls, and so much more for travelers to explore. It’s the perfect location for any type of traveler to visit, whether you’re an adventure seeker planning to hike the trails, a family excited to kayak on nearby lakes, or a couple seeking total relaxation with cozy cabin vibes. I was part of the last group—my partner and I wanted to stay somewhere warm and inviting with all the perks of staying in a lakeside town without any of the fuss. And while there are plenty of hotels in the Poconos, when I want something that actually feels like home, I turn to Airbnb.
After we decided on the Poconos for a quick winter retreat, it didn’t take much convincing for me to book The Love Shack, a quaint, yet spacious home that is run by a Superhost with rave reviews and 4.91 stars. It’s also been crowned a Guest Favorite, meaning it earned stellar reviews from previous guests and is among Airbnb’s very best stays. Situated in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, this newly-renovated cottage is the perfect blend of mid-century modern chic and classic woodsy cabin. When we arrived, after only a short two-hour drive from NYC, I was pleased to see the rental looked exactly like all the pictures on Airbnb’s site.
