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Woodloch Pines
R.R. #1, Box 280
Hawley, PA 18428
Tel: 570-685-8000
Tel: 1-800-572-6658 (for reservations only)
Website: www.woodloch.com
Overall Impression: 
Following an easy 2 ½ hour drive from New York (Queens), we came upon the beautiful expanse of Woodloch Pines. We were welcomed by the resort’s gracious marketing director, Laurie McEvoy (above), who gave us an overview of the facilities, an historical perspective and shared with us some of the new ideas that were in the hopper. Off we went to register. We parked our car, went to our room to unpack and already felt that we were in for a memorable family stay.
1) Physical Plant -
The original owners, the Lochwoods, named the estate "Woodloch Pines." In 1946 it was sold and turned into a boarding house, catering mostly to people of Scandinavian descent. It was fate that brought Mary and Harry Kiesendahl back to Woodloch Pines. Mary had visited Lake Teedyuskung when she was 12 and fell in love with the lake and the woodlands surrounding it. Never did she think that she and her husband would own this vast property. In 1958, Mary, Harry and their three young children assumed ownership, which at that time consisted of 12 acres, that included 200 feet of lake frontage, a main lodge, annex and two cottages, all of which accommodated 40 guests, for the sum of – are you ready? -$45,000. What may have seemed a “lick and a promise” to an ice cream man (Harry owned a thriving chain of parfait parlors) turned out to be a bonanza. In 1959, Harry’s best friend, Don Kranich and his wife, May, and their two children became partners in the Woodloch property. Like Abou Ben Adhem, their tribe steadily increased, with people bearing the Kiesendahl and Kranich surnames making valuable contributions to the sustained growth of the resort. As the resort expanded, it extended its season from summer through Thanksgiving. Sixteen acres were acquired and built on, and beginning in 1978, Woodloch was selected as a perennial top-10 travel destination. The original 12 acres have now increased to 1000 with the expansion of Woodloch Pines and the addition of Woodland Springs with its 400 exquisitely detailed homes (50 of which are available for guests) and a golf community. Woodloch Pines has 163 rooms and can accommodate about 1000 guests on any given weekend. It includes a meeting facility, which has 60 two-five bedroom accommodations. Here business can be pleasure! In 1981 John and Steve Kiesendahl took over the helm of Woodloch and today the family tradition continues into the fourth generation.
2) Accommodations
As we opened the door to our large, double Queen-size bedded room we looked straight through to our terrace and the most beautiful view of the lake. There standing in front of our terrace was a deer. Had we been suburban home owners, we might have taken umbrage at his presence. That not being the case, we viewed him as an enhancement to the pastoral provenance of the setting.
The rooms are generously sized, nicely decorated with plenty of dresser space. Our twin nine-year-old grandchildren and their parents had an elaborate suite. The other set of grandchildren, slept in the same room as their parents, as one needed a crib. The bathrooms were large, modernized, with two vanity sinks and appropriate amenities (shampoo, lotion, hairdryer). Also, not to forget – the delicious box of mints to welcome us! There are mid-week special packages, weekend packages, senior packages, day trips, business packages. Anything can be arranged, even wedding parties.
3) Dining -
At Woodloch, you are encouraged to eat with the children. No special dining area, or prescribed time for the youngsters. As you enter the very spacious Dining Room, John and Steve and at times, even Mary and Harry, are there to welcome you. And a warm welcome it is! Everyone is smiling and you smile too. In addition to the family and various staff, there are costumed characters bringing smiles and grins to the children, and the adults also. One evening there was a parade, which included Elmo, Spiderman, The Pink Panther, Eeyore, Puss n’ Boots and more.
The Dining Room is a sea of happy families … parents, grandparents, relatives and lots of children. Servers cater to your every need. We were ten at our table. The waiter/waitress with not a pen or paper in hand, managed to bring everyone exactly what he or she ordered! Your hearty meat or fish dish is served individually and the tasty side dishes were served family style. The children's menu is equally delicious, nutritious and varied.Two or three meals are included in your tariff. The views are extraordinary, with large glass windows looking out on the beautiful lake.
On Friday evening the entertainment was Woodloch’s traditional horse racing games, followed by a Karaoke party. This was enjoyed by the young as well as the older guests. On Saturday evening, babysitters are suggested for the younger children, as the show is geared more to the older children and adults (jackets are requested for the men).
4) Recreation -
Although tennis is our sport, we would be remiss in not extolling the resort’s breathtaking, par-72, 6,579-ft. championship golf course. Where else to begin? There is something for everyone of every age. Since our visit was in June, we were able to avail ourselves of all outdoor activities, even when it drizzled.
The following day we started off with the bumper cars. Oh, what fun! It was a magnificent day and off we went to the lake. The activities that were available were endless. There was a huge slide into the lake, paddle boats, water skiing, canoeing, bumper boats, kayaks, sailboats, boat trips. And on land – tennis, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, miniature golf. Towards the end of the weekend, we were already discussing when we would come back!
If you just wanted to take an old-fashioned walk, there is a wonderful nature trail. The grounds themselves are breathtaking. Each turn presents another unique view, whether of the lake, the pools or the lush grounds.
Nearby, you can avail yourself of mountain bike trails, fishing adventures and additional nature trails, or beautiful drives around.
If you are searching for a resort in the winter,
summer, spring or fall
For a family gathering,
where you’ll have a ball.
You have found the place,
it’s not far away,
It’s Woodloch Pines,
in Hawley, PA.
Have fun. We did. Eva and Hal Lilienfeld
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