All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
One of my favorite things about living so close to New York City is ironically how easy it is to escape to somewhere else. Dozens of exciting destinations are just a short drive away from the Big Apple—meaning I'm always planning my next fun weekend away. There are no travel experiences quite as stress-free as the ones where all I need to do is pack up my car, drive, and arrive. That's what I was looking for when I planned my most recent NYC getaway: somewhere that was easy to get to and somewhere I could truly unwind for a few days.
I realized one of those great places nearby that I hadn't yet ticked off my list was the Poconos. The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are home to open trails, forested peaks, gorgeous lakes, valleys, waterfalls, and so much more for travelers to explore. It's the perfect location for any type of traveler to visit, whether you're an adventure seeker planning to hike the trails, a family excited to kayak on nearby lakes, or a couple seeking total relaxation with cozy cabin vibes. I was part of the last group—my partner and I wanted to stay somewhere warm and inviting with all the perks of staying in a lakeside town without any of the fuss. And while there are plenty of hotels in the Poconos, when I want something that actually feels like home, I turn to Airbnb.
After we decided on the Poconos for a quick winter retreat, it didn't take much convincing for me to book The Love Shack, a quaint, yet spacious home that is run by a Superhost with rave reviews and 4.91 stars. It's also been crowned a Guest Favorite, meaning it earned stellar reviews from previous guests and is among Airbnb's very best stays. Situated in Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania, this newly-renovated cottage is the perfect blend of mid-century modern chic and classic woodsy cabin. When we arrived, after only a short two-hour drive from NYC, I was pleased to see the rental looked exactly like all the pictures on Airbnb's site.
Something that drew me to The Love Shack right away was its beautiful exterior—sleek, black siding and exposed beams with a charming front porch that was hard to resist. The two-bedroom cottage has enough space for six guests, with two bedrooms, three beds, and two bathrooms. I adored staying in the primary bedroom, which offers a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, room-darkening blinds, and a Smart TV for some late-night movie watching. The guest bedroom has a queen bed and a ridiculously cool floating full-size bed (I can only imagine the excitement kids would have staying in this room.) Given the floating bed, I'd recommend this Airbnb to families with kids old enough to safely sleep on it or to couples looking for a romantic weekend stay who would only be using the primary bedroom.
My partner and I spent most of our time in the living room which housed plenty of books and a record player, which truly gave all the cozy vibes we could hope for. The large living space boasts gorgeous high ceilings, lots of natural light from the many large windows, and a stone fireplace (which was easy to turn on and off with a remote) that I simply adored. When we weren't watching Christmas movies by the fire or sipping coffee on the front porch, we were taking full advantage of the game room. There's a shuffleboard table, a giant Connect4 game, and a two-person arcade table. We also enjoyed the outdoor hot tub and firepit—which were both lovely amenities for a cold December evening. And come dinner time, I more than loved cooking in this home's stainless steel kitchen with a farm-style sink and all the appliances I could ask for (stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine). There's also a six-person dining room table and a Mad Men-inspired cocktail bar, perfect for making old-fashioneds or a good ole' espresso martini.
As much as I loved the cottage's cool exterior, I equally appreciated its modern decor inside. There's art showing off icons like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Johnny Cash and lots of fun statement pieces throughout the home, like a pink fuzzy lamp in the bedroom and guitars hanging on the walls. Between the game room, hot tub, and fireplace, there's plenty to do to stay entertained at The Love Shack. But there's also no shortage of fun nearby: you're a block away from Split Rock Resort and its indoor waterpark, a quick walk to kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Harmony, and not far from the Jack Frost Big Boulder ski resort, as well as bars, restaurants, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
I loved that The Love Shack gave all the serene, woodsy vibes of a cabin while still offering the homey feel that comes with having neighbors and resorts around. Small details like the home's history book detailing its renovations and the journal that past guests have signed before departing made this place feel extra special. This cottage encompassed everything I wanted for a perfect weekend away. My only regret: not staying longer.
.jpg)
