Jack Frost National
Blakeslee, PA
2006, Terry LaGreene
7200, 72
'06 Fees: $39-$69
T&L Golf Review: Jack Frost National Golf Club, Blakeslee (semiprivate).
Rather than the canted variety common to the many vintage courses in the Pocono Mountains, the fairways here are recessed into broad U-shaped channels bordered by white birch, pine and walnut trees. The holes rise and fall across a tilted plateau and are Pennsylvania's first to be planted with Kentucky low-mow bluegrass.
ARCHITECT: Terry LaGree. YARDAGE: 7,200. PAR: 72. GREENS FEES: $39–$69. TEE TIMES: 866-268-5503.
Best Bar Nearby: While there's no clubhouse at Jack Frost National as of 2010, they do have a serviceable grill room for breakfast or sandwiches, but no booze.
Every year on my buddy Pat's annual Poconos winter boys' weekend, those who don't stay at the rented house for 'Gay Night In' like to hit a nearby club called Shenanigan's (www.shenanigansoflakeharmony.com). Their slogan is, "Eventually everyone ends up at Shenanigan's." It's just one of those kinds of places. The restaurant/bar out front hosts Karaoke, and Baby Boomer's Club in the back is dead early but starts to fill up by 9:30. They get good DJ's from NYC on slow winter Gotham weekends, and there's usually a surprising amount of talent among an eclectic, mixed-age crowd.
Near the resort, the cozy Boulder View Tavern (www.boulderviewtavern.com, open 11AM weekends, 4PM weeknights) features views of Big Boulder Mountain across Big Boulder Lake. Hit Monday wing night, or try the house specialty ribs at their lakeside outdoor tables. Live music most weekends.
Or, www.PoconosDining.com recommends The Blakslee Inn (Rt. 115, 570-643-6000). Live jazz & Blues every Friday, and their martini bar serves fondues and sates.
And finally, how can you not hit a joint called Hanna's Ugly Mug (Main St, White Haven, 570-443-7141). No idea what it's like, but you gotta go just for the t-shirt.