Located in a picturesque area well away from any strip malls or outlet stores, Split Rock is spread over a 30,000 acre area of forests, lakes and streams in the hills. All this enables a wide array of activities. Not to mention that indoors there's plenty more that nature can't provide--from movies to sports to bowling.

Sleeping & Eating

Visitors have a range of accommodations to choose from. There's a rustic lodge on the lake that would be right at home in New England: beamed ceilings and a warm fireplace complete the ambiance. The Galleria offers more standard hotel rooms and suites, with easy access to indoor activities. Large families or couples vacationing together have the option of renting spacious villas with kitchens. In all cases, conveniences such as cable TV, phones, and air conditioning are standard.

Diners can choose from several snack bars, a cozy restaurant at the lodge, or the large, comfortable restaurant in the Galleria building. At the latter there's a salad bar at dinner and a brunch buffet on Sunday. Even the most finicky eaters will find something on the menu to tempt them. This includes picky kids, who can find reliable standards such as hot dogs, mini-pizzas, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on their own menu.

Summer Fun in the Sun

The resort's lake is a beehive of activity in the warm months. The sandy swimming beach is only a start. You can try water skiing, windsurfing, or sailing if you're adventurous or hop into a paddle boat if you'd like to navigate in a simpler fashion. Or, you can go out on a rowboat and teach everyone a thing or two about reeling in the big one. There is also an 18 hole golf course and an attractively-landscaped putt-putt course. You can ride horses through the woods (horses for rent are available nearby), go hiking in the hills, or rent bikes to explore the area. A daily organized schedule puts groups together for volleyball, basketball, softball, or archery--a great way for the teens to mingle. Horseshoes and shuffleboard are also set up outside.

No Winter Blahs

The winter time is no off-season here, however. For downhill skiing, the resort features its own lifts and trails, with most slopes being good confidence-builders for beginners. The hotshot skiers in your family need only travel ten minutes to reach the major skiing centers of Big Boulder and Jack Frost, where Split Rock guests get a deep discount. An outdoor ice skating rink, cross-country skiing trails, and snowmobile rentals are available and one part of the mountain is even set aside for sledding.

"Dad, we're cold!" No problem here. Head inside the huge Galleria complex where another world of entertainment awaits. The kids can splash in the large indoor pool or go crazy in the arcade. They'll also find billiards, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley.

While the kids are spending your money, you can get some exercise. Apart from a gym, Split Rock boasts an impressive indoor tennis center and racquetball courts. Afterwards, you can soak in a hot whirlpool or relax with a drink by the lounge fireplace.

Business & Pleasure

With what are arguably the most ample convention facilities in Pennsylvania, the resort does a brisk meetings business as well. Conference and banquet facilities are plentiful and team activity possibilities are nearly endless in this environment: there's even white water rafting and paintball nearby!

In fact, the area is so popular that it occasionally seems to be a victim of its own success. When the dining room is packed and children are circling the tables like speedy planets around the sun, the staff could use some more help or some better track shoes. Same goes for checkout on a weekend, where you'd better leave time to spare. However, the individual staff members do their best to remain in good humor and to make your stay an enjoyable one. I must especially commend housekeeping: when I stupidly left some articles in my room, they shipped them to me the next day after one phone call.

So take the family to Split Rock. Then all you'll hear is, "Mom, are we coming here next week too?"

Practical Info on Split Rock Resort