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Lake Ariel is the perfect setting for a Pennsylvania vacation. The lake is located in the Pocono Mountains, an area that has long been a vacation spot for those fleeing New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Once known as the "honeymoon capital of the world", the Poconos today are a great spot for anyone, including honeymooners, seeking a relaxing vacation in the Great Outdoors. The area has over 2400 square miles of lakes, rivers, mountains, streams, and forests that provide ample opportunity for active endeavors. A day in and around Lake Ariel can include hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, swimming, parasailing, fishing, sailing, snowmobiling, and bicycling.

   Lake Ariel has many activities to please the active vacationer. Fishing enthusiasts love the abundance of small mouth bass ("smallies"). Canoeing and kayaking are also popular pastimes. The lake is one of six lakes in the immediate area, and is a great place if you like your outdoor fun on the secluded side. Anglers and boaters have also discovered the bounty of Lake Wallenpaupack on the border of Wayne and Pike counties. The lake is the third largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. It has 52-miles of shoreline, making a day at the beach another option. The lake has six recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, walking trails, and boat slips.

   Winter enthusiasts flock to the Poconos for the excellent skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding opportunities. Camelback Ski Resort is the largest ski area in the region, and is located just outside of Tannersville. 12 ski lifts serve the mountain, whisking participants to 32 trails catering to all skill levels. There are learn-to-ski and rental packages available.
   Another popular winter playground is the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, located near the picturesque village of Shawnee-on-Delaware. There are 9 lifts and 23 trails. Snowboarders have their own half pipe and terrain park where they can practice their passion. Short lift lines and continuous snow production (if necessary) make Shawnee an excellent choice for alpine fun.
   Sno Mountain (Formerly Montage Mountain), another excellent choice, is only about 25 minutes away in Avoca.

   For something completely different, take a walk on the mysterious side as you visit the Harry Houdini Museum, located in nearby Scranton. The museum is the only facility in the world totally dedicated to the life's work of Harry Houdini, noted magician and escape artist. The museum has displays of Houdini's famous escapes, some of the equipment he used in performing them, and demonstrations about how the escapes worked. The guided tours of the museum come complete with a magic show. Houdini died in 1926. Although he was near death for days, he passed away on Halloween. Each year on the anniversary of his death the museum holds a seance in the hopes of contacting Houdini, who boasted that if anyone could escape from the great beyond, it would be him.

   Lake Ariel can serve as a starting off point for other Pocono attractions. Fishing enthusiasts may want to visit the Pennsylvania Fishing Museum in Dingmans Ferry. There are displays of fishing equipment from the 1700s through the 1950s. Literary buffs will want to visit the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, which pays tribute to Zane Grey, a prolific writer most noted for his contributions to the Western genre. Tours are given of the writer's former residence. Items on display include photographs, manuscripts, and first editions of all of Grey's books. Lovers of fine craftsmanship will want to visit the Dorflinger Glass Museum in White Mills. The museum pays tribute to Christian Dorflinger who produced fine crystal and leaded glass in the 19th century. If you are looking for a quiet vacation destination in the Poconos, Lake Ariel is just the place.