POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa. � Autumn in the Pocono Mountains offers visitors dazzling shows of color and the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is proud to announce the top 10 reasons why it�s time to visit the region:

� Three Zones of Coloration- Because the four-county region stretches 2,400 square miles, three vibrant color zones are present. This allows visitors to witness peak colors not only once, but three times a year. To learn exactly when and where to catch peak foliage colors, call the Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Hotline at 570.421.5565 through November 2. www.800poconos.com/visitors/fall-foliage-reports

� Special Offers- Leaf-peepers heading to the region can save money by browsing a rainbow of special offers. Various offers include one night free, outdoor, girlfriend getaway and fairs/festivals. www.800poconos.com/visitors/special-offers

� Fall Foliage Weekends- The weekends of October 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25 transform the downtown of Jim Thorpe into a fall paradise. These fun-filled weekends consist of arts and crafts vendors, music, shopping, dining and more, all in the midst of a vibrant backdrop. www.800poconos.com/visitors/calendar-of-events

� Agritourism � In the heart of harvest time, the region�s fare comes alive on your plate. Whether it is at a farm-to-table restaurant, farmers market, pumpkin patch, orchard or festival, the freshness of the local crops burst with flavor. New this season, experience Restaurant Week Along the Delaware and take advantage of three-course pre-fixe dining for under $32. www.800poconos.com/visitors/restaurants-and-dining

� Harvest & Heritage Days- Historic Honesdale comes alive for its Harvest & Heritage Fest on October 10-11. The annual festival features street music, craft vendors, old-fashioned horse-drawn hay rides and delectable food. www.800poconos.com/visitors/calendar-of-events

� Scenic Drives- Take in the stunning colors of fall while traveling in our region. Be sure to take Route 209 from Bushkill up to Milford and then Route 6 over to Honesdale. Along the way, you will pass the colorful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, striking Lake Wallenpaupack and picturesque downtowns. www.800poconos.com/visitors/maps-and-transportation

� Annual Black Bear Film Festival- The Milford Theater presents their 10th annual Black Bear Film Festival. The renowned festivities feature extraordinary selections of full-length independent films, short films and lectures, in addition to the infamous life-sized painted bear sculptures. www.blackbearfilm.com

� Antiquing- Find that one-of-a-kind piece while in the region. There is no better time than the majestic season of fall to take a stroll in one of our downtowns where the streets are lined with antique shops. www.800poconos.com/things-to-do/shopping

� Timber and Balloon Festival- On October 16-18, enjoy the sight of spectacular hot air balloons soaring high above Shawnee Mountain into the beautiful fall sky. This unique festival also features, scenic chairlift rides, pig races, chainsaw sculptures and the IRONJACK Timber Team Lumberjack shows consisting log rolling, pole climbing, ax and chainsaw competitions, buck sawing and more. www.shawneemt.com/s_timberballoonfestival.html

� Outdoor Recreation- Embark on a fall excursion in the midst of Mother Nature�s palate. For the adventurous souls, raft or kayak down one of our numerous rivers and streams or take advantage of the rugged terrain by rock climbing or zip lining. For those who prefer a relaxing day, take a leisurely horseback ride, afternoon hike or play a round of golf on one of our over 35 courses. www.800poconos.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure

�Within such close proximity to major metropolitan areas and six interstate highways, the Pocono Mountains is the perfect option for a fall getaway,� said Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the PMVB. �Visitors can conveniently experience the awe-inspiring colors and myriad of outdoor activities at an ideal price.

For more information on fall in the Pocono Mountains or to plan your next getaway, visit 800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS.

About the Pocono Mountains With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania�s Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities. This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains.

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow @PoconoTourism on Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Media Contact: Alicia M. Quinn alicia@poconos.org (570) 421-5791