It is no secret how much the family and I love Camelback. We have enjoyed the Camelbeach, outdoor waterpark in the summer, Aquatopia, the indoor water park, Galactic Snow Tubing and we have played on the mountain and learned to snowboard. I thought we have had a chance to experience everything Camelback has to offer, until this year. I never knew that Camelback turned into Monster Mountain for October, and I am so glad that we have had a chance to check out the Camelback Haunted Houses and other fright night events.
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A Taste Of Camelback
At the end of September, Camelback had an open to the public event that was a fun night of tasting the food from the menus of the Berrelli’s, the new ski in/ ski out restaurant and Katrite’s Summit House, the highest mountaintop restaurant in the Poconos.
We started the night at Kartrite’s Summit House because it was just at sunset. I wanted to be sure to soak up the view with the sun going down.
The Kartrite’s Summit House, at the top of the mountain, offers amazing views. The Ski in/ski out restaurant located in the Big Pocono State Park, at an elevation of 2,133 feet, is open year round, and you do not need to a guest at the lodge or skiing to enjoy the food. It offers Contemporary American fare, craft drinks, and an exquisite environment.
I am truly impressed by how delicious the food was, not that I am really surprised. I tried several dishes on the night of the tasting, including a Camelback Mule. A delicious mixture of carrot juice, ginger beer, and vodka, with a simple syrup this is a drink that will have to be tried to be believed. Another great option was the lobster mac and cheese. This dish featured large chunks of lobster, which would make any lobster fan smile. A full serving of this dish would be rich, creamy and filling.
One of the other dishes, I tried was the short rib pappardelle. This is another great tasting dish. The short ribs were so tender and falling apart. While I am not a fan of mushrooms, I still enjoyed the dish and just moved the mushroom out of my way.
The Katrite’s Summit House, also, makes the perfect place to have a wedding reception, after using the mountain-top for your wedding. Kartrite’s Summit House is currently open for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm and will offer Sunday brunch starting on October 14th. Before we left the top of the mountain to see the Monster Mountain activities, I had to walk around and get another shot of the sunset.
Monster Mountain at Camelback
There are several scary attraction going on at Camelback. In addition to 3 three haunted houses, Monster Mountain features the famous Mountain Coaster and the 1000 ft zip line. What makes these two different than what you experience during the day is that it is all done in the dark. While, it doesn’t sound like much, being in the dark takes the experience to a whole new level.
Monster Coaster
As you climb up the mountain on the steel track, you get ready for the downward ride. As you start on the 4500′ long ride, you head down the mountain on the coaster. You are in complete control on how fast you go but racing down the mountain in the dark adds a level of fun and excitement to this already fun ride. ZOOM past the phantoms of the forest with ghouls, specters & things that go bump in the night.
Lights Out Zipline
Race down the 1000 ft zip line in the dark. Race your friends to see who gets to the end faster. With the area not being lit, you are heading down the finish line in the dark towards the torches.
3 Haunted House to Get Your Scare On
These haunted houses are together in one place and lead from one to another.
Kartrite’s Kurse: Features 10 rooms of doom where the perilous adventures of the great explorer Kartrite are monumented. Dodge zombie explorers, mummies and a 15 ft. bear! Conquer the Egyptian ruins if you can – and exit through the spinning time warp, into The Pit…
The Pit:What lies in the dark? Is the question you’ll ponder as you crawl through a deep, dark hole and into The Pit. The same pit where the great explorer, Kartrite discovered an underground ‘ghost town’ inhabited with pirates, skeletons and creatures from beyond the grave. If you make it through the 2nd house, you’ll find safety at Kartrite’s campsite – but not for long as the 3rd house awaits…
Pocono Point: Where their history is to “Die For”. Explore this cursed land protected by giant creatures: 18’ windego, wild boar, demonic scare crow and possessed trees, but use caution when leaving. The train doesn’t stop for just anyone…
Family Style Italian Restaurant in the Poconos
After visiting the Kartrites Kurse Haunted Houses, we headed to Berrelli’s, the only family-style Italian restaurant in the Poconos, to try the items on their tasting menu. Berrelli’s is the newest eating option at Camelback and features their renowned ski in/ ski out options, but it is open to everyone, all year round whether you are staying at the lodge or visiting one of the activities.
Berrelli’s features Traditional and Contemporary Fare. They serve olde world favorites like Zuppa di Mussels, Pasta with Sausage & Peppers and Chicken Parmigiana. There are also New World favorites like Clams Vongole, Lump Crab & Pappardelle Pasta, and a Grilled New York Strip Steak served with Broccoli Rabe. To go with your amazing dinner, there is a carefully curated wine list that includes Italian wines as well as some lighter bodied California wines served from a temperature-controlled Wine Room or enjoy some of the wines that are on tap for at the Wine Bar. If you would like something other than wine, there is a large selection of Italian spirits in the lift bar with full dining options.
While visiting Berrelli’s, we were excited to try several of their tasting menu options. Of course, I have to try the Caesar salad. Next, I tried the Capellini Margherita. I have never had it before but it will be on my mind the next time we go to dinner.
Of course, what would an Italian dinner be without cannolis? I have a serious weakness for cannolis and I order them whenever I can. I have to say, I am still thinking about them and I can not wait to get some more.
Whether you are visiting the Poconos or live nearby, if you want a great dinner I recommend visiting one of these two restaurants. If you want some Halloween fun, visit Kartite’s Haunted Houses and Monster Mountain.
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