The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Ever since the launch of the heart-shaped tubs, the Poconos has been a hot mountain vacation destination. One of the older resorts dating from the early 1900s, the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, has over the years, hosted a number of celebrities including Lucille Ball, Art Carney, Perry Como, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Arnold Palmer.

The original hotel has been updated but those who haven't visited here in years, will easily relate. What is new and exciting are the Legacy Collection accommodations. Charles and Virginia Kirkwood who have owned Shawnee for more than 30 years, have embarked on a renaissance of this historic resort.

The luxurious new rooms and suites in cottage-style buildings near the main hotel, encompass an old world Arts & Crafts style and offer amenities expected in an opulent destination including large kitchens with granite countertops, huge bathrooms, fireplaces and high-end bedding.

Also new is an on-site micro brewery. It's just getting under way, but already producing some fine beer indeed. We loved their dark rich Porter and theirpumpkin beer, made from pumpkins from their own organic gardens.

With a a longing for authenticity, the brewery and organic gardens are helping the Kirkwoods carry out their desire to provide guests with a sense of place.Also furniture is made by local Amish craftsman and even the wrought iron door hinges are made by an area blacksmith.

Spa
The Spa Shawnee and Salon’s menu rolls out a number of golf-specific treatments. For example, Gleason’s Glow Golf Wrap is named for the famous entertainer, Jackie Gleason who learned to play golf at the Inn.

A mask is applied over your entire body, relaxing your tense muscles. While you are cocooned in a thermal blanket, you receive a dry scalp and foot reflexology massage leaving you ready for another 18.

Other golf spa indulgences include The Eagles Glory Massage which focuses on hard to reach places with individually prepared warm oils and a soothing warm golf ball rolling technique and the Shawnee Signature Mixology Facial using  Éminence products made with organic fruits and vegetables including a mineral sun protection to revitalize your face to give your skin a boost.

Golf
Set mostly on an island on the rolling Delaware, each nine of the Tillianghast Approach Course’s 27 holes is a par 36. The first design of famed architect A.W. Tilliinghast, find tree-lined fairways and undulating greens enhanced by a scenic mountain backdrop.

Constructed in 1911, many famous golfers came here to play and compete. In 1938 the Inn hosted the historic PGA Championship where Paul Runyan defeated the Inn's resident golf pro, Sam Snead.

And there is something else new on the scene: night golf. The nine holes which were originally designed by Tillinghast, the Tillinghast Approach Course (TAGC), recently opened as the first course to be lighted in the Pocono golf cooperative. Each of the nine holes is modeled after the greens and bunkering from other famous Tillinghast designs including Winged Foot, Baltusrol and San Francisco Golf Club.www.shawneeinn.com

Skytop Lodge, Pa: Sitting on the crest of hill like a castle in the Poconos, with the golf course spreading out around, Skytop Lodge has long been known as not only a great resort destination, but a popular convention and meeting place as well. Not only does it have a world-class track, located on the 5,500 acre estate is a fine spa, fitness center and great places to eat and drink.

Skytop has a lot of history going for it. It is here Arnold Palmer met his first wife, Winnie, and it is here Masters champ, Art Wall, was born. His son is now the pro. The course is a delight to play with some spectacular elevations and views of the mountains. The first drive is over water, but no worries: it's not as far as it looks.

In addition to the main Lodge, next to the golf course is the 18-room Inn, a boutique hotel with interconnecting rooms with fireplaces, fridges and balconies. And a good choice for families and groups are the cottages, each with four interconnecting bedrooms.

On site you'll also find activities like target shooting, kayaking, tennis and hiking. The Skyview Spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, wraps and manicures.

The Windsor Dining Room provides an elegant end to a day on the course. Although ties are optional, people dress up for dinner. For more casual fare you can head to the Tea Room or Tap Room or try the Lake View Dining Room. In other words, you have choices

Popular with leisure guests, Skytop is coveted as a convention and meeting destination. the pro staff are experts at setting up golf tournaments.

Double Eagle Golf Package: From $188 per person includes accommodations, unlimited golf with cart, meals and use of driving range. www.skytop,com

The Inn at Pocono Manor: One of the oldest Pocono resorts, this resort has been welcoming guests like Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Tommy Bolt and Gene Littler since the turn of the century. Donald Ross’ Pocono Manor East Course (1912) plays through dense stands of trees over rolling hills while the George Fazio-designed West Course (1965) adds more length and a tad more drama.

Although the hotel has been updated with the most notable change in the lobby, guest rooms evoke an earlier era with mahogany furniture, period wallpaper and fabrics and old prints.

On-site amenities include the Laurel Spa, horseback riding, hiking trails, indoor and outdoor pools and and a movie theater.

www.poconomanor.com