Settlers Hospitality to Host Chili & Wing Cookoff Return It’s the hottest ticket in town! The Chili and Wing Cookoff returns to Silver Birches in Hawley on Sunday March 3, 2024. The event, hosted by Settlers Hospitality, brings together over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations as well as talented home cooks. Contestants vie for the title of Best Chili and Best Wings during a heated competition at the Waterfront at Silver Birches. The action begins at noon with the awards presentation slated for between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Contestants include local favorites such as Runaway Train Brewery, Draft’s Bar & Grill, Gresham’s Chophouse, The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hop Baron’s and Paupack Watering Hole. A panel of guest judges will select the winners. In addition to bragging rights, first place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a trophy. Second and third place winners also take home a trophy. Everyone who attends gets a ballot for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to vote for their favorite dishes. The coveted title also brings a $100 cash prize for the winners plus trophies for first, second and third place. A ticket entitles guests to sample each of the wing and chili offerings. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for children ages 5-10. Silver Birches not only hosts the tasty competition, but also supplies each participant with 80 pounds of wings and all the cups, plates, spoons, napkins, and wet naps necessary for service, at no charge. All proceeds from the Cookoff benefit the Settlers Cares Foundation, which aids local hospitality employees in times of crisis. “Chili and Wing Cookoff is a signature event for us. We are delighted to host this fun, community gathering and be able to support a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts,” states Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO Justin Genzlinger. Attendees may buy a chance for a 50/50 raffle, which will also aid the hospitality employee crisis fund. Settlers Hospitality, Bold Gold Media Group, and Runaway Train Brewery sponsor the Chili and Wing Cookoff. Tickets are $30 and are available at the door. Call 570-226-4388 for more information or visit SilverBirchesResortPA.com
America250PA Announces Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, announced today that it will place a bronze, permanent Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill later in the Fall of 2024, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. America250PA staff; Settlers Hospitality founders, the Genzlinger family; and special guests, including Congressman Matt Cartwright, Drew Popish from the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, PA State Senator Lisa Baker, PA State Representative Joseph Adams, and Wayne County Commissioner James Shook, attended the announcement today in celebration of the upcoming bell installation later this year. “The America250PA Semiquincentennial Bells will lift up the stories of communities that have been untold or not widely known yet shaped the history here in the Commonwealth,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “America250PA is so excited to be dedicating its second Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill this fall to highlight the remarkable work of the individuals—immigrants, primarily women—who helped forge this great nation during the Industrial Revolution right here in Pennsylvania.” Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality—the presenting sponsor of the Semiquincentennial Bell—shared his thoughts on the importance of the bell: “The Semiquincentennial Bell at the site of the Hawley Silk Mill will herald the story of immigrant labor that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution,” he said. “We’re proud to honor their place in history and preserve that legacy for their descendants who continue to call this community home. We look forward to this becoming another important destination along Pennsylvania’s Route 6 that will enrich the cultural experience for residents and visitors to the Pocono Mountains Lake Region.” The Semiquincentennial Bell will include an inscription reading, “In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hawley Silk Mill, located in the scenic Pocono Mountains, has been a vital part of the region since 1880. Originally known as the Bellemonte Silk Mill, this beautiful landmark is still preserved today through the generous support of The Settlers Hospitality Group and includes two additional properties, the Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery, originally constructed for silk storage, and the J.S. O’Connor American Rich Cut Glassware Factory (now Ledges Hotel), a technological marvel of its time as one of the first in the nation to be powered by water and lit by electricity generated from its own electrical plant. Both are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hawley Silk Mill is architecturally as impressive today as it was in 1880, constructed by hand with primarily immigrant labor in the High Victorian Gothic style, and believed to be the largest Bluestone building in the world. It also remains a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit, grit and determination of the early settlers and immigrants, primarily young women, whose hard work ushered in the Industrial Revolution. This region is well known as the beginning of the labor movement, which included championing safer working conditions, child labor laws, and mandatory public education. The young female immigrants employed at the Hawley Silk Mill played a significant role in shaping the workplace safety and benefits that we all enjoy today. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson will design the Semiquincentennial Bell site at the Hawley Silk Mill campus. The Wilkes-Barre, PA, based firm was the architect for the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia and designed the plan to repurpose the Hawley Silk Mill into the vibrant lifestyle center that it is today. For more information about America250PA and the Semiquincentennial Bell project, visit: https://america250pa.org/. For more information about the Settlers Hospitality, visit: https://settlershospitality.com/. For more information about the Hawley Silk Mill, visit: https://hawleysilkmill.com/.
Settlers Hospitality Announces Holiday Events There’s no place like Settlers Hospitality for the holidays. Celebrations at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches, the Hawley Silk Mill and Hotel Anthracite help make the season merry and bright. Candlelight Christmas, December 1 through 3, at The Settlers Inn ushers in the most wonderful time of the year. The annual event is a signature celebration and an eagerly anticipated festivity in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region. Guests are greeted with live music and décor that features natural greens, artisanal and handcrafted decorations and an offering of mulled wine or syllabub. Horse and carriage rides plus an oversized gingerbread replica of The Settlers Inn enhance the festive atmosphere. A lavish holiday meal features entrees such as braised short ribs, grilled pork tenderloin and prime rib. Indulgent dessert choices include peppermint pillow ice cream, Buche de Noel and English toffee pudding. Christmas Tea is an elegant new addition to the festivities at The Settlers Inn. Every Thursday in December from 2-4 p.m. guests may delight in the Inn’s holiday finery while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea. Visitors may savor freshly brewed teas, finger sandwiches and decadent desserts surrounded by fresh greens, twinkling lights and a crackling fire. Winterfest Brunch at The Settlers Inn on December 9 and 10 features live music by harpist Kristy Chmura accompanied by a prix fixe menu of holiday inspired fare. Guests may enjoy the celebration from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day. It’s the fun of holiday baking with none of the at home clean-up. Make and take home four types of cookies during a Holiday Cookie Baking Class in the Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill on December 7 and 14. The class from 4:30-8 p.m. will have attendees ready for holiday gatherings with eight dozen cookies. A Buche de Noel Baking Class on December 21 offers a hands-on lesson in wowing guests with a traditional yule log dessert. Gorgeous Floral’s Oh! Christmas Trees Sip and Snip on December 7 and 14 takes holiday decorating to a new level. Attendees create their own miniature boxwood Christmas Tree. The fun evening event includes a cocktail or mocktail. A Chocolate and Coffee Tasting at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery on December 8 is a delicious way to warm up. Moka Origins will offer samplings of its award-winning craft chocolate and coffee from 1-3 p.m. Distinctive gift ideas from a collection of curated vendors await shoppers at the Winterfest Artisan Fair at the Hawley Silk Mill. The marketplace is open December 9 and 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitors may soak in the holiday spirit at The Waterfront at Silver Birches on December 9. Breakfast with Santa features a bountiful meal, the chance to take photos with Santa Claus, gingerbread cookie decorating and more merriment. The Jolly Old Elf also makes a special appearance at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale on December 10. Families are invited to Brunch with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a festive meal and an opportunity to take photos with Santa Claus. New Year’s Eve celebrations run the gamut from elegant and intimate to laid-back and lively. The Settlers Inn offers a holiday dinner from 5:30-10 p.m. accompanied by live piano music from Dan Bradley. Ring in 2024 in the Pioneer City with a New Year’s Ball. Hotel Anthracite hosts the party in Gravity Hall complete with live entertainment, food stations throughout the night and more. There is also a New Year’s Eve Bash at The Waterfront at Silver Birches. A buffet meal, DJ music and dancing lead up to a midnight champagne toast and noisemakers to welcome 2024. Celebrate early or late at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen. Enjoy early seating from 5-7 p.m. and late seating after 8 p.m. Festivities include live music and a special tasting menu. Spend the first day of 2024 at The Settlers Inn’s New Year’s Day Brunch. The holiday meal features a prix fixe menu and live piano music. Settlers Hospitality has December stacked end to end with holiday cheer, anticipated tastes, enchanting scenes and plenty of merry making. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
Settlers Hospitality Makes It a November to Remember When the calendar turns to November, Settlers Hospitality responds with a collection of special events that capture the essence of the season. The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, and Silver Birches deliver the flavors and festivities that make this a treasured time in the Pocono Mountains. A special salute to members of the armed forces commemorates Veterans Day. Veterans may enjoy a complimentary overnight stay on November 12 at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches or Hotel Anthracite. The Settlers Inn will also host a welcome wine and cheese on Sunday evening especially for service members along with a fireside chat by Steve Pratt and a photo exhibit in The Undercroft. Reservations are required for overnight accommodation. Guests to The Settlers Inn on November 17 will take a deep dive into the world of truffles. The Italian Wine Dinner boasts an elegant Italian menu of truffle inspired dishes expertly paired with cellar wines featuring Urbani Truffles and Pio Cesare Winery. The sumptuous menu includes dishes such as Truffle Whipped Mascarpone in a Phyllo Cup, Truffle Potato and Lukan’s Farm Egg Stuffed Raviolo with a White Truffle Butter Sauce as well as Creamy Ricotta Cheesecake with Pistachio and Truffle Honey Glaze. Kevin Gaudreau will serve as guest chef for the evening. The James Beard nominee is the owner of the renowned Beech Restaurant in Jamestown, RI. Reservations are required. Every Wednesday beginning November 1, guests to Glass-wine.bar.kitchen will enjoy a Taste of Tokyo. The restaurant located inside Ledges Hotel offers weekly authentic Izakaya style small plate and Japanese brew features. Gorgeous Floral has tablescapes covered for Turkey Day. Attend the Thanksgiving Centerpiece Sip and Snip on November 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. to create your own fresh floral bouquet for the dinner table. The light-hearted evening includes a mocktail or cocktail. Before the big feast, take part in Friendsgiving at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. The casual celebration on Thanksgiving Eve, November 22, features live music by John Curtin plus food specials. Gather for Thanksgiving in Hawley at the properties of Settlers Hospitality. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal of farm-to-table favorites, make a reservation for Thanksgiving Dinner at The Settlers Inn on November 23. Seating is available from noon-6:30 p.m. Celebrate lakeside with the Thanksgiving Buffet at The Waterfront at Silver Birches on November 23 from noon-5 p.m. You may also opt to stay home and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with none of the cooking. Both The Settlers Inn and The Dock on Wallenpaupack will offer Thanksgiving Dinner to Go featuring turkey and all the trimmings. Orders must be placed by November 21. Meals will be ready for pick up on November 23 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Settlers Cares Foundation helps usher in the holiday season with an Ugly Sweater Happy Hour on November 28. The evening will feature a crew of celebrity bartenders led by Pocono Travel Network’s Jim Hamill taking over the taps at Runaway Train in Brewery in Honesdale for a worthy cause. Whether it’s a relaxing getaway, memorable meal or unique special event, Settlers Hospitality crafts the finest offerings of the season into exceptional experiences.
Settlers Hospitality Private Social Club in Hawley Settlers Hospitality’s Vault 240 opens its doors to members on Friday, July 7 at 5 p.m. with a grand opening celebration featuring Great Gatsby Jazz music with Michelle Oram. Located in a refurbished 1920s bank building at the corner of Keystone Street and Main Avenue in Hawley PA, Vault 240 is the area’s first private social club. Members of Vault 240 will enjoy a jam-packed events calendar and concierge service, plus a bar and private dining catered by The Settlers Inn. The events calendar, which largely focuses on live music, includes weekly features ranging from jazz and classical, to decades night and even theme nights spotlighting showtunes and blues. The club will offer ticketed events for larger acts and arts and cultural events such as book signings, speakers, performing arts and major sporting event viewing parties. A speakeasy style game room offers a vintage bridge card set, checkers, chess and Yahtzee among others. Day spa services available to members include specialized massage such as Swedish, deep tissue, therapeutic and prenatal. Additional treatments range from aromatherapy and myofascial stretch to reiki, craniosacral therapy and sound healing. An onsite cobbler, haberdasher and tailor are among the other member privileges. Ceci Van Sickle will serve as Vault 240’s dedicated concierge. Members may utilize concierge services to make reservations, schedule services, arrange theater or concert tickets, arrange transportation or coordinate accommodations and travel agents. In addition to reciprocal use opportunities at affiliate clubs, members of Vault 240 will have exclusive access to Settlers Hospitality facilities and amenities including the pool and boat slips at Silver Birches as well as discounted membership to Lake Region Fitness and exclusive floral packages from Gorgeous Floral. Club members may take advantage of the elegant, curated spaces inside Vault 240 to host private celebrations and meetings or to entertain guests. A limited number of inaugural annual memberships are available. Those interested may choose from three tiers. For more information, call 570-576-0484 or email concierge@vault240.com.
Settlers Hospitality Raises over $5,000 for Foundation Settlers Hospitality hosted their annual Chili and Wing Cookoff at Silver Birches in March. The event drew over 300 people and raised more than $5,000 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. Over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations, as well as talented home cooks, dished out their best wing and chili recipes to be named tops in each category. Event goers sampled all the entries and voted for the People’s Choice Award. Ticket sales, along with a 50/50 raffle, netted $5,118 for the Settlers Cares Foundation. The newly formed non-profit provides short-term, emergency support to Settlers Hospitality employees and affiliates experiencing hardship. “This was our first fundraising endeavor and it’s incredibly gratifying that the community came out and showed such amazing support,” states Janna Genzlinger, Settlers Cares Foundation Executive Director. “We’re honored and humbled by the success of the event, which will enable us to assist our co-workers and affiliate employees in their darkest hour.” The Foundation provides tax-free grants to eligible workers in need due to an unexpected life event such as natural disaster, illness or death. Upcoming fundraisers benefitting Settlers Cares Foundation include a Tent Sale on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Settlers Inn featuring upcycled goods. A gala is also slated for November and a concert in December. For more information, visit SettlersCares.org
Settler’s Hospitality to Host 7th Annual Wally Wine Fest Settler’s Hospitality invites you to Sip back and relax! Visitors to The Waterfront at Silver Birches, April 14-16, will enjoy three days devoted to all things wine. Wally Wine Fest features a variety of domestic and international brands from wine regions across the globe. A Slab and Cab Wine Dinner on Friday, April 14 at The Settlers Inn kicks off the event. On Saturday and Sunday festival goers can drink in all the festivities from wine tastings and food pairings to a marketplace all offered lakeside at Silver Birches. There are two seated wine tastings scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. During the two-hour sessions, attendees will be seated at communal tables to enjoy four small plate tasting courses accompanied by three wine samples per tasting. Ticket holders will select their top three sampling choices from eight different wines for each course. Settlers Hospitality Sommelier, Claude Briere personally chooses the featured wines, which include domestic and international labels. Tastings are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. Prices range from $10-$100. Fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers overflow at The Marketplace. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. The Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s fireworks display and features overnight stays at area accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Live entertainment rounds out the weekend-long festivities. Guests may bookend a Wally Wine Fest experience with the Bubbly Brunch offered at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. “Now that we’re seven years in, Wally Wine Fest is firmly established as spring’s hallmark event in the Lake Region. We relish the opportunity to showcase world-class wines to novice and connoisseurs alike,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “It’s a real privilege to witness the outpouring of enthusiasm for the festival, and welcome thousands of visitors to the Pocono Mountains. The fact that it helps support a beloved tradition at Lake Wallenpaupack like the Independence Day fireworks, make it all the sweeter.” Everyone who attends the festival at Silver Birches receives a commemorative wine glass. General admission is $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Designated drivers may attend for $30. A $200 platinum ticket includes the Slab and Cab Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on April 14. For $125, guests may attend the Slab and Cab Wine Dinner only. Visit wallywinefest.com to purchase tickets. Visitors may opt to stay over and take advantage of a $199 Sunday Night Lodging Special offered at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality. Special thanks to Champagne Level event sponsors Silver Birches Resort, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and E. & J. Gallo Winery as well as Cabernet Level sponsors, AM Skier Insurance and Chant Realtors. Organizers also acknowledge the participation of Sauvignon Blanc Level sponsor, Comprehensive Physical Therapy and Rose Level sponsors Dime Bank, Lighthouse Harbor Marina and Wayne Bank. Settlers Hospitality would also like to thank Media and In Kind Sponsors Moka Origins, Lake Region IGA , Bold Gold Media Group and Adams Outdoor.
Settlers Hospitality to Host Open House Settlers Hospitality will throw open the doors to all its Hawley properties to welcome visitors to the second-annual Open House on Sunday, March 26. The event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more. “All are welcome, but the event is really geared for those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s an opportunity to show the public the variety of styles and amenities available. We’re also thrilled to provide a platform to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.” Guests will receive an email prior to the event with their starting location for the tour. A shuttle bus will transport passengers between properties including The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, The Boiler Room at the Hawley Silk Mill and Gorgeous Floral. Event planners, staff and preferred vendors will be available at each venue to greet visitors, give tours, provide consultations, and answer questions. Food and drink samplings give attendees a taste of the culinary options the chefs of Settlers Hospitality can craft. During the Open House, Settlers Hospitality will debut the recently opened Ruskin Room at The Settlers Inn for private dining events. “We’re excited to meet everyone and help them envision all that their event can be, whether it’s a lavish wedding, intimate party or dynamic conference,” says David Vipond, Settlers Hospitality’s Senior Director of Sales. “I think people will discover each venue has its own personality, from the lakeside setting of Silver Birches to the Arts and Crafts style charm of The Settlers Inn and dramatic backdrop of Ledges Hotel. Plus, there’s the cool, industrial feel of The Boiler Room and lush greenery of Gorgeous Floral.” Tickets are $20. Each person who attends will receive a swag bag. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com
Settlers Hospitality Launches Nonprofit In times of crisis, Settlers Hospitality employees and affiliates won’t have to look far for support. The company recently launched Settlers Cares Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit to provide short-term, emergency support to those experiencing hardship. The Foundation will provide a tax-free grant to eligible workers in need due to an unexpected life event such as natural disaster, illness or death. “Our mission is to lift people up and hopefully make a challenging time a little bit easier by helping to relieve the financial burden that often accompanies a crisis,” says Janna Genzlinger, Settlers Cares Foundation Executive Director. “We formed the foundation to provide practical support not only for Settlers Hospitality employees but also workers from our affiliated business partners.” The fund was designed to address immediate need in emergency situations such as flood, tornado, illness, injury or death as well as fire or domestic abuse. Workers may apply via the nonprofit’s website, www.SettlersCares.org, which will launch soon. As a nonprofit, Settlers Cares Foundation relies primarily on individual donations. Several fundraisers are planned throughout the year to directly benefit the Foundation including the Chili and Wing Cookoff at The Waterfront at Silver Birches on March 5. Also planned are a Tent Sale in June at The Settlers Inn, a Gala in November and a concert in December. In addition, a $1 charitable donation is added to each Settlers Hospitality hotel guest’s reservation to support Settlers Cares. Settlers Hospitality is one of the area’s leading employers with deep roots in the region. “Our commitment to our workforce has always been absolute. Establishing the Settlers Cares Foundation is another way we can be responsible stewards of our community. It’s simply neighbor looking out for neighbor,” explains Justin Genzlinger, Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner.
Settler’s Hospitality to Build in Lake Wallenpaupack A key gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack will soon have a fresh look. Settlers Hospitality is ready to break ground on a new building at the intersection of Routes 6 and 507 in Hawley. The structure will be home to three businesses including Pocono Region Vacation Rental (PRVR), a division of Settlers Hospitality, and Realty Executives. Measuring just over 3,000 square feet, the building will feature one and a half stories with the top-level offering lake views from a large observation deck. Settlers Hospitality enlisted JHA Companies to design a structure befitting the highly visible location. “Sense of place was paramount in developing the aesthetic of the building,” says Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “We’re not designing an office building as much as the first major landmark visitors will see as they approach the lake.” New Jersey based Realty Executives will also be headquartered in the space. Regional Branch Manager Nicole Monahan says the new location will be a game changer for the firm’s clients and agents. “We’re very excited to take up residence in this state-of-the art building, which will allow us to better serve everyone in the Lake Region,” states Monahan. The last remaining space, which is a prime office or retail location, will be available for lease in January. As the headquarters for PRVR, the new building will be the first stop for visitors who book a vacation getaway in the Lake Region. Settlers Hospitality offers a varied collection of long- and short-term vacation rentals through PRVR as well as management of vacation rentals for other property owners. The PRVR office will provide an easily accessible, highly visible, centralized location for guest check in and check out. Although the parcel of land has been dormant for some time, locals will remember its various incarnations as Chic’s Cozy Corner and later as a beer distributor. “We’re proud to breathe new life into this prime location at the gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack,” explains Genzlinger. “The thoughtful design of the building will give visitors an outstanding first impression and set the tone for the rest of their stay in the Lake Region.” The building will open for business by the end of 2023.
