Skytop Lodge- Skytop, PA

Nestled in the fabled Poconos, Skytop Lodge is very reminiscent of the resort in Dirty Dancing. In addition to a heavy dose of nostalgia, it offers a lake, a lodge, cabins, and a wide variety of wholesome activities. And while the heyday of the Poconos has long past, Skytop Lodge retains the charm of what made the area so popular in the first place.

There once was a time when the Delaware Water Gap region was considered THE place to vacation for many. The area was touted as one of the most scenic in the United States, and it was easily accessible via railroad from several East Coast cities. Starting in the mid 1800s, large resorts were built, promising a respite from filthy city living. Unfortunately, many of these grand resorts were wood framed, and have long since burned down.

For those that survived bad wiring and errant cigarettes, a slower death blow was dealt in the form of changing travel habits. The Poconos lost their luster as people found it easier to move about the country. A trip to the nearby mountains no longer felt like a vacation to many now that more exotic options were available. Fortunately, some of these grand resorts survived, and are having a revival of sorts. Skytop is one of the lucky few; opened continuously since 1928, it was able to weather the stock market crash, World War II, and cheap airfare.

Skytop Lodge dates back to the roaring twenties, when four businessman conceived the idea of a grand mountain resort and golf course overlooking Skytop Lake. Unlike many grand hotels of the time, Skytop had no millionaire backer, and was funded by stocks and borrowed capital. Investors were hopeful however, and upon finding the perfect parcel, the Olmsted Group was retained to design the gardens and situate the lodge. New York architect John Muller designed the Dutch Colonial hotel, using native field stone to connect the building to the landscape. Noted golf course architect Robert White, native of St. Andrews and founder of the PGA, was hired to design the golf course. Golf course construction began in March 1926, with the lodge following in 1927; both opened on June 16, 1928.

The early days were filled with golf, swimming, hiking to the area’s waterfalls, and horseback riding. Nights were passed dining, listening to Big Bands and dancing. Cards were also very popular- so much so, two card rooms were built to accommodate bridge players. Dancing and cards were prohibited at nearby Quaker owned resorts, which no doubt helped boost Skytop’s occupancy rates. The lodge was also the site of musical reviews, dog shows, polo matches and beauty pageants. Golf lessons where offered by head pro Harold Callaway, a member of the storied clan of golf professionals.

Following Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, an aviation craze swept the country, prompting an airport to be built at Skytop. Soon, guests could fly from New York for only $15 dollars, $28 if you wanted a closed cockpit. Biplanes landed on the front lawn, scenic tours were offered to guests, and air shows were added to the entertainment schedule.

In the winter, ice skating on the lake, dog sleds and skiing reigned supreme, while waiters on skates would service tables out on the ice. Tobogganing was wildly popular, with elevated runs propelling guests across the frozen lake at up to 30 MPH. Surprisingly, this is still offered at the resort when the lake is solidly frozen.

During the early days of the lodge, a large emphasis was placed on the health benefits of mountain air and sunshine, with an official “Maintain your Health Program,” that capitalized on this notion. In fact, a resident doctor and nurse were still employed at the resort well into the 1980s. A solarium was located on the fifth floor, while in the winter the south porch was enclosed in Vita Glass, allowing patrons to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, inside.

Today there are no biplane shows, polo matches, or shuttles from the train station. However, much about the resort remains the same. Most of the outdoor recreational activities remain, and although updated, the hotel retains the charm of an earlier era. The Tea Room in the basement appears virtually unchanged. The Pine Room not only boasts some original furnishings, but continues to host Big Bands on Saturday nights.

The rooms have been updated, and don’t retain a lot of historic features. Most do however have great views. The common areas have been beautifully restored, and the original woodwork shines. The grounds still reflect the ideals of the Olmsted’s, and it is still a magnificent place for outdoor pursuits.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.