Blue Ridge Winery, Saylorsburg & Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, Blakeslee, PA

Blue Ridge Winery is voted as one of the best wineries in the US! After visiting, I can see why. This beautiful winery is not far from the Pocono Raceway. The road leading to the winery overlooks large hills of budding Christmas tree farms. This place is brimming with action and entertainment and serves a wide variety of great wine. Food trucks on the premises cook up spicy bbq pulled pork, pizza and cheese platter items. There is live music Thursday through Sunday. It's a great afternoon to sit, enjoy the music, sip delicious wine while soaking in the gorgeous view. Little tables are placed among the rows of vineyards with clusters of grapes hanging off the vine. It's secluded so it's perfect for a romantic date. Tents are also set up for shade and it is pet friendly as long as dogs are on leashes. Wow, this could easily be California. It's such a great place to visit. After sampling the wines at the winery, we stopped by Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area in Blakesless for a quick hike. This fairly short hike runs along a river where you can easy walk to and dip your toes. The trail is full of tall, tall pine trees blocking the sun and providing shade on a hot day. Just looking up and seeing how high these trees are is something to enjoy. Because of all the trees, there are many roots you need to navigate, not easy after drinking wine. There are also tree stumps leading over a few muddy areas. At the end of the trail is a small waterfall where you can find people wading and cooling off on a hot day. Yes, a good day indeed.