Here's where to eat, stay and have fun in the Poconos

The Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania have long been a popular tourist destination. The area dates back to the early 20th century as a place for vacationers, and boasts grand hotels, casinos, resorts and B&B’s.

With roughly 170 miles of waterways (including the Delaware River, Lehigh River and Lackawaxen River), the Delaware State Forest, seven state parks and a national park (The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area) there is something to engage every type of outdoor enthusiast.

If auto racing is your thing, check out The Pocono Raceway in Long Pond (poconoraceway.com), which hosts both the Pocono 400 in June and the Pennsylvania 400 in August, making it the closest NASCAR track to Philadelphia and New York.

Gambling more up your alley? Mount Airy Casino Resort (Mountairycasino.com) and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (mohegansunpocono.com) both have full-service gaming.

Summertime concerts as well as year-round events with big acts can be enjoyed at East Stroudsburg’s Sherman Theater (shermantheater.com).

Hiking and mountain climbing aficionados will enjoy North Knob in Elk Hill, which boasts the area’s highest summit at 2,693 feet. Also check out the southern Pocono area’s Blue Mountain Ridge, part of the Appalachian Trail.