This month on Eye on the Poconos, we travel to East Stroudsburg to spotlight The Gathering Grove, a small business born from friendship, creativity, and community. Four friends combined their individual talents to transform a once-decaying building into a much-needed event space for the area. Now a warm, welcoming blank canvas—complete with inviting tones, a cozy fireplace, and surrounding green space—The Gathering Grove stands as a true community effort.
Kicking off 2026, Eye on the Poconos spotlights wellness and community at Hot Yoga Pocono in Mount Pocono. The area’s first hot yoga studio was founded by Alex, who moved to the Poconos from Russia with her family in 2019. Open for just a few months, the studio has grown from her unique journey as a financial advisor by day and yoga instructor by passion. Encouraged to bring hot yoga to the region, Alex now offers classes for all levels and abilities—creating a welcoming space.
On this month’s on Eye on the Poconos, we spotlight Rare & Rye Steakhouse in East Stroudsburg—one of the region’s premier upscale dining destinations. Celebrating its second anniversary, Rare & Rye brings refined cuisine, signature cocktails, and a swanky atmosphere to the historic Lackawanna Hotel, complemented perfectly by a sophisticated cigar bar next door. Make a reservation for a great night out in the Poconos!
On this month's Eye on the Poconos, Dr. Cassandra Thomas makes her debut with a fun-filled visit to Mountain View Vineyard in Stroudsburg. This local success story has grown for a few vines planted along a driveway and has blossomed into a thriving vineyard, distillary, brewery and restaurant. Whether sipping wine on the patio, enjoying a meal with friends, or taking in the scenic Pocono views, visitors come year-round to experience the welcoming charm of Mountain View Vineyard.
This month's Eye on the Poconos spotlights Crafting Creations in Stroudsburg, a vibrant marketplace where creativity thrives. Home to around 40 small crafters all under one roof, the shop offers a unique selection of handmade treasures, from home decor to one of a kind gifts. Many of the talented artisans also share their skills through hands on classes making Crafting Creations not just a place to shop, but a hub for learning, community and inspiration. Join us for a look around!
Adorable kitties without homes is a big problem just about everywhere. On this month's Eye on the Poconos, Dr. Belanger visits Cozy Kitty Cafe in Stroudsburg - the very first cat cafe in the Poconos. In just a few short weeks in business, Cozy Kitty Cafe has connected nearly 40 cats with their forever homes. Although adoption is the primary mission here, a cat cafe brings so much more to the community. Join us for a visit as we explore this unique Pocono business.
Women in the Poconos have a new place to explore. On this month's Eye on the Poconos, Dr. Belanger does a little shopping at Dot + Jo Boutique on Crystal St. in East Stroudsburg. This upscale shop prides itself in offering something for everyone (even men) at tremendous prices. It's a big city look without the cost and that works just fine in this ever growing shopping district in E'burg.
This is a story about a business that found the Poconos in a very unusual way. On the next Eye on the Poconos, we visit Kettle Creek Pottery in historic Snydersville. A simple internet search brought a Virginia artist and her family to perhaps the most perfect place. The result is a enthusiastic vibe that has welcomed scores of inspiring artists of all types to this bustling community that just celebrated one year in business. It's really quite amazing and we welcome you for a visit - coming up
On this month's Eye on the Poconos, we celebrate the beginning of the summer season at a relaxing day spa in Stroudsburg. Liviana Kathleen's Beauty Studio offers a variety of beauty treatments from facials to massages. Named after owner Tonya's daughter, this modern studio is perhaps best known for their diva spa parties and fairy themed celebrations for their younger clients. We took a peak at one of these popular parties specially created for a room of giggling eight year old girls.
A husband and wife made their dreams come true by opening a business to give people in the Poconos a unique place to hang out and "play". On the next Eye on the Poconos, we visit Pocono Play in Pocono Summit, where customers can try their luck at a variety of PA skills games. There is also a pool table, indoor corn hole and a variety of themed nights that have people coming together and having a blast. A wall of television screens in the sports lounge has all the big games on all year.
Got Cookies? Well, if you are driving near Pocono Summit, you can answer that question with an emphatic yes! On this month's Eye on the Poconos, Dr. McCall finds out that this cute cookie shop creatively named Got Cookies? is making its name with customers who love the product and the welcoming atmosphere. Owner Deatra is one half of an amazing husband and wife entrepreneurial team in the Poconos. Find out her delicious recipe to success - coming up!
On this month's Eye on the Poconos, Dr. McCall visits a Jim Thorpe business with an amazing history. Big Creek Vineyard has been a staple in this tourist town for twenty years now. It all started for a close knit family nearly a century ago on a wonderful Pocono parcel that brought peace and tranquility to this family from New York City. That parcel became a very unique vineyard that produces tens of thousands of bottles of wine which are sold at its Jim Thorpe wine bar.
If you are looking for a side of energy with your Alberto's Cuban, then get ready for our next visit on Eye on the Poconos. Dr. McCall checks out Nick's Big Belly Deli in Scotrun. Owner Nick is part personality but 100% deli aficionado. That fancy word means a person who is enthusiastic. He is that and more! He always wanted to own a deli and now that he does its the Nick's Big Belly Deli way - all the time. Get ready for a fun menu, conversation, lots of motion and emotion and great food.