Margaritaville in the Poconos? New plans are taking shape at Pocono Manor

And those RV suites? They'll also have their own golf carts, covered charging stations, hot tubs, hammocks, fire pits, Adirondack chairs and covered “lounges.”

The Tiny Homes Bungalows, “inspired by the historic rustic cabins found in the area,” will have their own stone hearths and patios, paying homage to the “ultimate mountain vibe.” The Townhomes location, which is within walking distance of the hotel, will cater to guests “staying for a week, a month or more”. On top of that, there will be around 1,000 'build to rent' cottages in the village.

And since the Poconos can't stand that soothing island sunshine and year-round warm weather, attractions like the LandShark Tube Slide Runs and License to Chill Ice Pond will be available when the chill sets in, offering an ice and coffee bar and hot chocolate stand. A winter market will surround the lake with stalls and shops filled with gifts, baked goods and crafts.

Barrett — who called the project “an incredible addition to the already strong line-up of attractions we already have” — noted that the establishment of the unique resort and its plethora of features is a testament to the area's versatility, which is being transformed by a world-renowned getaway honeymoon in a family vacation destination that appeals to everyone.

“If you look back over decades of history, you can see how the Poconos has always reinvented itself and become relevant to the millions of visitors that visit us every year,” Barrett said. “And we have 30 million visitors who visit us every year and provide $4.2 billion in economic benefit. That's an incredible number. This attraction will put us on the map in a big way because it's one of the first resorts to bring the titled 'Margaritaville''.

State Rep. Maureen Madden (D-115) said she was excited about the new resort attracting not only out-of-state visitors, but also local visitors looking for a weekend getaway and just about anyone else, including “the family that can afford budget $400 at $600 a night or the family that wants to take their RV, throw in their little hibachi and have a BBQ.”

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Plus, the resort could bring some extra attention to small businesses throughout the Poconos, Madden said, noting that “there's a great candy stand in the Kalahari, but there's also a fun little ice cream parlor not too far away.”

“Look at all the amenities we have: Not too far away is Pocono Raceway, where there's an organic regeneration farm and there's a cafe. We're just really making the Poconos appealing to all families,” Madden said. “We've gone from the honeymoon capital of the world to the water park capital of the world, now we're just becoming a family fun vacation destination.”

The CEO and President of JEMB Realty Corp. Morris Bailey said he is excited to see the two companies embrace a new and fresh concept in an area like northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Margaritaville and JEMB Realty have been great partners in Atlantic City since 2013 with Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar and Landshark Bar and Grill on the beach at Resorts Casino and Hotel,” Bailey said in a press release. “We look forward to bringing that same energy and excitement to the Poconos.”

Cartwright touted the Margaritaville announcement as a sign of growth to come, noting that the establishment of an Amtrak station on the grounds will play a central role in the next phase of Northeast Pennsylvania's tourism and hospitality economy.

Train to Margaritaville?

Officials did not specifically tie Margaritaville's future to whether the Scranton-NYC Amtrak route is approved, but “there's no question that (Amtrak) is a major driving influence of enthusiasm for this project,” Cartwright said.

Amtrak is conducting a ridership, revenue and infrastructure study that is due to be completed in August of this year, according to Larry Malsky, president of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad. The Federal Railroad Administration will announce in 2023 “which projects it favors” to be funded by the infrastructure law passed last year, Cartwright said.

“This is really recognition of the private sector's involvement in the Amtrak project,” Malski said, adding that he expects it to be “the first of many private sector involvements on this corridor.”

JEMB Realty plans to donate the land for the station to Amtrak.

The Scranton-NYC route would have an annual economic impact of $87 million, according to an analysis released last year by Amtrak.

“Today's announcement is a clear indication that this capability is already being recognized in the market,” said Cartwright. “Seeing a world-renowned name like Margaritaville invest in the Poconos sends an obvious message: Now is the time to connect the Poconos to New York and New Jersey and the greater world by rail.”

He noted the idea isn't new: Pocono Manor used to have a train station.

“I think the promise of passenger rail — even though it's not promised yet — and the excitement around it makes us more welcoming to resorts and investment because now there's a way for people who don't necessarily drive or come from New York to get here and I like the idea of ​​taking a train, a comfortable train, where you can sit and do work as opposed to the bus,” Madden said.

“It's no accident that we're seeing this,” Cartwright said. “I want to continue to see this kind of growth and investment in the coming months and years. It's something we need here in Northeastern Pennsylvania: more and better jobs, better paying jobs. And that's the kind of thing that comes from being better connected to the vast centers of economic trade'.

Neighbors are concerned about construction

As of 2019: Historic Pocono mansion goes up in flames

Fire crews from Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne and Lackawanna counties battled an early morning fire at the historic Pocono Manor Resort in 2019.

Micaela Hood and Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record

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In the Pocono Manor Resort area, homeowners in the tight-knit community (named Cottagers) expressed concern about the new development.

Walking distance from their homes (the inn and cottages were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997), the main inn (called the Great Lady of the Poconos) was known as a spot where employees and residents greeted each other by name as they took their mail, had drinks and dinner, and held other community-led social events.

John LeFante, president of the Pocono Manor Cottage League, said he hopes developers take the community's uniqueness into account.

“There needs to be an ongoing commitment to maintaining the charming character of the surrounding neighborhood while maintaining a link with the stewardship of the surrounding environment. As I am well aware, a community cannot remain static. From its humble beginnings in 1902 to this proposed development, there has been change throughout the Manor's long history. It would be my expectation that any development would be carefully planned so as to improve the environment for all community members and visitors. I sincerely hope the Pocono Manor development pays homage to the rich history of a place many of us call home. I'm sure the community will have more to say in the coming days as we work through the scope of this development,” LeFante wrote via email Monday.

Residents hope to discuss plans with developers before construction begins next year.

“Being a historically registered community in the Poconos, we are asking the developers and resort management to consider providing outreach to the Pocono Manor community. This would be a positive step in building a bridge to those whose impact will be greatest. Providing an open line of communication to the Cottage community is essential,” added LeFante.

Reporter Micaela Hood contributed to this report.