Although  every season has something to offer our guests, summer brings an exciting energy to the longer days with a wonderful playground just outside our door. There are golf courses, horse stables,movie theaters, summer theater, dancing, fishing, hiking and all the scenic wonders of the lovely, ever popular Pocono mountains.

     On the Woodfield Manor property , our heated pool is a favorite daytime social center but we’ll soon have a outdoor game area with badminton and horseshoes for our guests and their family to enjoy. Our next project, is to improve the seating and ambiance of our outdoor fireplace so our guests can stay out late enjoying a glass of wine or an ice tea while stargazing near their own “summer campfire”. We might even have to break out the marshmallows and hotdogs.

     We can’t forget our fine dining restaurant and the wonderfully creative drinks, dinners, desserts, as well as the great service of our chef and staff. We at the Chophouse are excited to announce a new service of “Afternoon Tea” which will be held Sundays 1-3pm. Our first ”Sunday Tea” is June 14th and will be served in 4 courses which includes fine premium tea, freshly baked scones and tea breads, soup, salad, or mini quiche, finely cut tea sandwiches and a trio of delicate desserts. We are presently accepting advanced seating reservations for this “lovely full tea experience.” To make a reservation or ask about more details call 895-4460. Come visit and celebrate your special occasion with us.

One of the best things about our job is meeting interesting people. Recently we had the pleasure of speaking with two very active guests who certainly enjoyed the great outdoors in the Poconos. Besides being out and about with their kayak they were avid birdwatchers and they happily shared their knowledge with us.Being a gardner, I spend alot of time outdoors and was very aware of our bird population but it wasn’t until we spoke with the Martyns did I realize just how varied our bird population was. They told us  in just 4 days they recognized by sight and sound a total of 60 species of bird.

      The short list includes Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles, Magnolia Warblers, Black Poll Warblers,Spotted Sandpipers, Eastern Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, Redstarts, Goldfinch and Downy, Hairy, Red Belly and Pileated Woodpeckers. They explained that the large line of trees across the road by our pool  appears to be “bird central”. So, future guests, come with eyes and ears open as you sit by the pool enjoying the warmer weather, or walking the property, because you just might spot some of our wonderful winged friends.

     As the weather warms everyday we’re beginning to see and hear the first signs of life at Woodfield Manor. The winter crows (which I love) are still present but returning robins, sparrows, and bluebirds add to the activity by calling their mates and making nests. I’ve seen increased movement of turkey around the property as well as deer inching their way back to our greening lawns and we consider ourselves lucky to sneak a peek at them down by the pool at dusk.

     The landscape around Woodfield changes from cut lawn to untamed overgrowth as it meets the woods. An early spring walk can reveal nature’s treasures. A closer look at the forest floor which is covered with mulch and dried leaves hides a secret world of insects and still emerging spring plants. But as the woods and overgrowth act as “a backdrop of wildness” to the propery, any good gardner knows there are always small pockets of wildness that long to be tamed into unexpected beauty for me as well as my guests.

     So that said, Keith and I are trying to steal snippets of time to start new small gardens at Woodfield. Last year we planted our cutting garden which supplied the dining rooms with cut flowers for most of the summer into the fall. This year I’d like to add a shaded garden with seating and a scented herb garden. George, our maintenance engineer, has promised to make nesting houses for our bird population as well as helping us improve our outdoor fireplace for our guests to enjoy summer stargazing and conversation.

     As beautiful as winter is at Woodfield Manor, I think we’re all excited to see spring and summer return.

    The winter weather continues here in the Pocono mountains, more snow is on the way, and cold temperatures hold fast.  For the outdoor enthusiast this is heaven.  Skiing, snow boarding and tubing are all the rage.   But what to do after a day enjoying nature’s wonderland?  We at the Woodfield Manor Chophouse Restaurant have just the answer.  Delicious food, hearty wine, and good company.  It’s time for another of the Chophouses’ much anticipated “Wine Tasting” events.  This time we’re going Italian, Five courses of devine Italian food, soup, salad, appitizer, entree and dessert, all served with a appropriate Italian wine.  Talk about a way to spend a cold winters night!  The Wine Tasting will be held at our Chophouse Restaurant on Swiftwater Road, Swiftwater, on Wednesday, February 25th., at 7:00pm.  Space is limited and reservations are a definite.  Call us at 570-895-4460 to reserve your seat.  Your wine expert for the evening will be Tom Rogari.  He will making the wine presentations and is ready to help make this another night to remember at the Chophouse Restaurant at Woodfield Manor.

   A bright spot in our winter season is fast approaching.   Saturday is Valentines Day, that special 24 hours in which we  try to demonstrate our love and affection to that one person that means so much.  All lovers, young and old, married or single, it’s time to show that you know how to plan a good time.  Put on your warm coats, get in the car, and drive to nature’s winter wonderland: The Pocono Mountains.   The air is crisp and clean, the newly fallen snow crunches under your feet, and the night sky is full of stars.  Now,  how to cap a beautiful day with the one you love.   It’s easy, come to the Woodfield Manor Chophouse Restaurant for a culinary experience that will say “I Love You”.   Whether it’s a regular menu item or one of our special holiday additions, what says romance more than spectacular food served in an atmoshere of quiet elegance.   Show that Valentine just how much you care….The Chophouse Restaurant at Woodfield Manor, only the best will do!

     Winter evenings at Woodfield have been clear, frosty and filled with starry skies. The fields lay frozen and silent as moonlight illuminates the white pines and the dark firs heavy with snow and ice. Smoke pours from nearby chimneys and scents the air. Away from the main roads, Woodfield is the place to experience the timeless beauty of winter in the country.  So bundle up, brave the chill and take a walk around Horseshoe Drive or better yet take time to sit by our outdoor chimney fireplace and count the stars. At dusk you may be lucky to see whitetail deer making their way across the property to the woods beyond. Are you cold yet? Come inside to our bar and warm up with an Irish coffee, some fine wine or one of Judy’s winter martinis.

     During the day, the crisp air invites you to visit a nearby stable to horseback ride, walk the trails of Tobyhanna State Park, or ski and snowtube at Camelback Mt. This is the place to be outdoors.  As the day winds down, come sit by the fireplace, tell us of your experiences and prepare for tomorrows adventure.

   The Holidays are breaking out all over at Woodfield Manor.   The decorations, the music, the snowy winter weather, a combination just made for good times and fond memories.  The Chophouse Restaurant at Woodfield was alive with guests enjoying fine food and a respite from the hustle and bustle.  The diners were also treated to something very special on Christmas Eve.   One of our hotel guests turned out to be a concert violinist looking for a place to play.  Miss Catherine Boyd and her boyfriend Steve Kuzma were spending the week with us, and once we learned of her musical talents, it wasn’t long before we convinced Christine to play for our guests in the Chophouse on Christmas Eve.  She stolled through the dining room taking requests and played magnificently.  From light hearted Carols to serious Mozart,  smiles and some tears were evoked by this talented musician.  She even was able to get our Manor Bar patrons toe tapping and clapping to a lively set of Irish Jigs.  At the end of the evening it was our pleasure to treat our young couple to some Chophouse specialties.  Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be very, very special.  Only thing, how are we going to top this next year?  We’re working on it, stop by see how we do.

   Yesterday, December 14th., the staff of Woodfield Manor Chophouse Restaurant welcome nearly 200 area guests to our “Holiday House”.  The reason for the visit was the “Country Inns of the Poconos Tour”.  This annual holiday event is sponsored by the Barrett Township Business Association.  Ticketed guests are able to visit nearly a dozen of the areas finest Inns and Restaurants to view the holiday decorations and tour the hosts facilities.  Refreshments were offered by the Inns to make the guests feel at home.  The Chefs’ at Woodfield Chophouse recieved rave reviews as they served up some real cold day comfort food.  Two hot soups, Yankee Bean with Ham and Cream of Turkey were served by our staff in the Manor Bar.  Hotel staff also conducted tours of the Dining Rooms and two of the Manor’s nineteen suites.   Guests, most of whom were area residents, were amazed at the transformation the Manor has undergone in recent times.  Many of the visitors had fond memories of our property from the many years of prior operation, but few were prepared for the new look of Woodfield Manor and it’s Chophouse Restaurant.  We hope to make this an annual holiday event and look forward to making more new Pocono friends.

     You know Christmas has really begun when boxes of ornaments, garlands, trimmings and natural accents come together as decorations for the holidays. This is Woodfield Manor’s first Christmas season and we’re looking forward to celebrating with guests, family and friends. Garlands of greenery, lush red florals, wooden beads,berries and seasonal fruits cloak our two fireplace mantals. Small gilded birds and minature sleigh finish the look of our “Country Christmas Inn”. Other decor. no less beautiful, include sparkling snowflakes in windows and a table-top tree in the guest reception area. The amber glow and warmth of our fireplaces adds a special touch to the long winter evenings and draws our gusts together for great food and drink.

     Last, but not least is our grand tree. Laden with natural accents of pine cones, berries, bright ornaments and white lights it stands floor to ceiling in a corner of our “wee bar” waiting for admirers and lots of presents. All this and more awaits guests as well as those taking part in the “Country Inns of our Mountain Villages” tour sponsored by the Barrett-Paradise Business Association on December 14th starting at 1pm. This tour includes 11 destinations such as inns, lodges,family resorts, restaurants, churches, an historical association and a railroad station decorated for the season and offering refreshments as well. Pre-sale tickets are $10.00/day of event $12.00. We’re very excited to be a part of this event and think it’s a wonderful way to meet and greet old and new friends.

                “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.”   

                                                                            … Ben Franklin

     Mr. Franklin was so right. Wine is meant to be enjoyed, shared, and celebrated and we at Woodfield Chophouse are very happy with the success of our first wine and food pairing event. It was held on Nov. 6th with Tom Rogari as our wine merchant. With both grace and humor he guided our guests through the process. Guests were greeted and seated in our lovely front room which made for a warm intimate setting; a place for quiet conversations and opinions shared. The evening provided our chefs with the opportunity to introduce guests to ingredients of dishes as well as identifying the elements of flavor in the wine which  made for an enjoyable and memorable experience. Our guests enjoyed 5 food coarses, each paired with an appropriate wine selection.  

     Following the evening’s event many of our guests moved to our “wee” bar to continue conversations and ask the question… “when’s the next wine event”? All said and done, it was a great evening!