As I shared a few days ago, Jeff took me to the Poconos for a couple of days. We stayed at a beautiful stone lodge that was built on 5500 acres in the 1920’s – Skytop.
I loved getting to know a bit about the history of the place. The architecture and intact original details were beautiful.
…and it was fun looking at pictures taken over the years…
The service and food were spectacular. Since I’m a vegetarian, it can be a little tricky sometimes when I eat out if I want more than a salad or a plate of mushrooms, but they were so accommodating. The chef made a dish for me of a cheesy risotto with fresh vegetables. It was delicious and the food altogether was a highlight.
Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, misty and foggy, so we didn’t get to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that were available…lawn bowling, archery, tennis, croquet and, what I wanted to do most, a geocaching treasure hunt. We decided that we would go on a hike, despite the weather and the fact that we forgot our rain gear. So, we donned $2.00 ponchos bought at the gift shop and set out.
You can see how foggy it was. There were times when we could only see a few yards in any direction.
There was one point that we couldn’t even see across the lake as we hiked around it! We didn’t get to see the mountains at all, which was a bummer.
Despite the weather, though, the hikes were really pretty. We did the Lake Hike, which is a 2.5 mile flat hike around the lake and the Leavitt Falls hike, which was a bit more challenging, especially since it was wet. All of the rocks were very slick and we really had to watch our step.
The area was so beautiful…
(I loved watching the ducks “waterski” before landing in the water.)
…as was the lodge…
I was so in love with these doors…
We also checked out the observation deck on the roof. I’m sure the view is spectacular when it’s clear! We could see a hazy outline of the mountains and Jeff spotted the Delaware river gap, so it wasn’t a total loss. You could also really appreciate the grounds and gardens from above.
After the hike, we set out to a few more antique stores. We went to the Olde Engine Works in Stroudsburg, PA and the Hawley Antique Exchange. Olde Engine Works is in the coolest old building with brick walls and beautiful windows. It’s a collection of antique booths and has a pretty good variety. I would say Hawley Antique Exchange was a bit higher end, but I still picked up some great pieces.
I found some pretty forks…
…and beautiful ironstone compote with blue flowers…
…two gorgeous blue & white plates that were so striking, I had to pick them up…
…a beautiful old ironstone coffee pot from a child’s tea set…
…two matching ironstone pitchers that are huge! They are also some of the heaviest ironstone pitchers I’ve ever found…
… two other smaller ironstone pitchers…
Jeff found this sugar jar…
…and one of my favorite finds was this tureen…
So, all in all, it was a great shopping trip and so fun for me to do it with Jeff. He was so cute picking up white dishes, looking at the bottom to see if it was ironstone. It would probably be similar to me trying to sort out a fly rod. He did a very good job spotting pieces for someone who doesn’t really shop for antiques very often. I guess he’s surrounded by enough ironstone to pick something up, though! He also helped me look for 78s for my victrola and we did find a few records.
Some of these pieces will be going into the online shop, soon, and some of the pieces are for me to keep…at least for a while.
Speaking of the online shop, Kriste, who was one of my helpers at Lucketts, is going to start managing my online shop for me! I have a big shelf full of Lucketts leftovers and things I’ve bought since that need to be listed and sold, so that’ll be happening very soon (she starts tomorrow.)
Anyway, the trip was a nice chance to get away from the house and work for a rest. I find that stepping back for a few days makes me more eager to get to work.
That being said, I’m off to paint some chairs!
21 Responses
Even if the weather wasn’t great, your pictures of your hike are beautiful.
I’ll have to put Skytop on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
What a great getaway, you deserved it! I’m in love with your twin ironstone pitchers. I love the subtle detail on the rim. And Jeff’s sugar jar is great! The handles are adorable.
Love Skytop Lodge, too bad the weather didn’t cooperate. Just now getting into ironstone, so I enjoy your finds.
The photos are stunning Marion! Your husband is so sweet! My kind of getaway for sure! Let me know if you come to Raleigh-I will go treasure hunting with you!
By the way can I wash and dry those hemp fabric pieces I bought from you at lucketts?? I forgot to ask you!!
What a beautiful old Lodge filled with so much history! Sorry the weather didn’t cooperate but it looks like you two made the best of it anyway and you got in some great shopping as well.
We went to “The Homestead” in the mountains of VA a few years ago for our wedding anniversary and we loved walking the grand halls there looking at all the old pictures of presidents and dignitaries that had visited over the years.
Thanks for sharing! What a beautiful setting and love the history you were able to enjoy!!! This destination is going on my list. 🙂
Lovely photos!
I just love the misty ethereal quality of your photos, especially that stone stairway in the woods. So romantic and mysterious. Makes me want to plan a weekend getaway and hope for rainy weather!
oh mms I am so glad you are taking some time off. I have found when I was young I didn’t understand about the reset. So good for you and Jeff. oh btw loved his post 😉
What a thrill to read your blog yesterday!!! I live in Fl but back in the mid ’60’s I lived in Mt. Pocono! My dad was stationed at the Tobyhanna Army Depot and my family had a house there for about 5 years. I actually used to go swimming, when it was cold, at the Mt Airy Lodge!!! Exciting to read about the area. I’m sure many things have changed over the decades! Would love to visit that area again. I remember many happy times as a child there! Thanks for my trip down memory lane. BTW – I adore your blog!
The pattern of the forks is “Olive”. It made by many companies, in sterling, coin and silverplate, during the Victorian era. It’s a classic design and available on eBay.
Thanks for taking us along. Really enjoy seeing your “finds” when you go looking for antiques.
Looks like a lovely get-away and you took great pictures.
Oh I have never been to the Poconos…you have inspired to me put this on my travel list…the Skytop looks incredibly gorgeous…and what great finds!…so happy that you are starting an on-line shop!
Such great finds!!!
I grew up going to Skytop every summer with my grandparents and I have the best memories there! Looking at your pictures really pulled at my heart string because both my grandparents have passed away and some of my strongest (and fondest) memories are of our summers there. Thank you for the trip down memory lane!
Love your whole trip and experience. There is so much to see and explore out there, I feel I have not seen enough. My husband and I have been looking for an escape and go to Europe but considering the flight tickets which goes up to $15,000, it is worth it to check out this place. It is beautiful and can’t wait to show him all your blog.
Thanks for sharing and your picture are so beautiful!
Are those forks M F ? If so they are my initials! If so can I purchase them? Would love!
Thanks so much for sharing this post. My parents started going to Skytop in the 1920’s, every few years for an R&R away from the kids. I’ve never been there so it was so fun to see their playground!! And as always I never tire of seeing more and more Ironstone!! So glad you both had a good time!!
So beautiful! Thank you for posting the pictures, our family lived in Stroudsburg for 10 years! Way before the giant mall and all the fast food, only a McDonald’s and a KFC. I can tell you that I really couldn’t want for anything it was all in town! Orlando is great and all but I especially miss the antique shops! Thanks again!
I’ve never been to the Poconos, but if it looks that good in rainy weather, it must be spectacular always. I think it’s kind of nice when the weather is a bit funky, especially when your goal is downtime anyway. Glad you had a good time.
Marian, some of those pictures from your hike almost look like they could have been taken at the most beautiful place I’ve ever lived – Sitka, Alaska. The mist, the greenery, the wet hiking trail, and the body of water (well, not an ocean like in Sitka, but one can’t tell in the fog)…
Hi Marion,
Wow, that place is beautiful! It is only 45 minutes from my house and I didn’t even know it was there! I am looking forward to visiting soon. If you ever go back, you’ll have to check out “Grey Towers”. It is only about 20 minutes away and definately worth the trek! Home of Gifford Pinchot, America’s first forester and founder of the USDA Forrest Service. The grounds are beautiful!