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.

Settlers Hospitality Announces New Talent

Settlers Hospitality recently announced the hiring of personnel for two key roles. James Kelly came on board as Corporate Executive Chef and Hannah Stachlewitz will serve as Executive Pastry Chef.

Since he launched his culinary career 15 years ago at The Settlers Inn, James Kelly’s position as Corporate Executive Chef is a homecoming of sorts. He credits the experience with not only developing a passion for creating and executing high quality meals, but also for teaching and mentoring young cooks. He honed his skills in State College and Pittsburgh before taking a position at the acclaimed New York City restaurant, Babbo. There he helped the team reclaim their reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, even earning a Michelin Star. Kelly’s love for Italian cuisine grew with chef positions at In Vino and Danny Meyer’s Maialino. That work laid the foundation for his success as Executive Chef at Babbo’s sister restaurant, Lupa Osteria Romana. Under his tenure, Lupa became a mainstay for pasta-focused Roman food, and was recognized by the New York Post and Eater. His renown even gained the attention of the Food Network, which provided the opportunity for Kelly to compete on the popular series, “Chopped.” In his role as Corporate Executive Chef, Kelly will lead a team of executive chefs to craft menus and oversee operations at all Settlers Hospitality restaurants and special events.

Hannah Stachlewitz joins the Settlers Hospitality team after working in some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in the Pacific Northwest. Most recently she served as Pastry Chef for Kingtide Fish and Shell in Portland. Stachlewitz hails from Ann Arbor Michigan and earned a Certificate in Baking and Pastry Arts from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. As Executive Pastry Chef, Hannah will create desserts, pastries, and breads for all the restaurants within the collection of Settlers Hospitality properties as well as custom order celebration and wedding cakes.

“We are thrilled to add this depth and breadth of talent to our team at Settlers Hospitality,” explained CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger. “In their respective roles James and Hannah will carry on the tradition of high quality and elevated cuisine people expect from us, while adding their own unique flavor. We’re excited about what they’ll bring to the table.”

Settlers Hospitality Open House Offers a Flavor of What’s Available

Take the grand tour of the properties of Settlers Hospitality during the first-ever Open House on Sunday, March 27. The inaugural event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more.

“For those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding, this is really a must-attend event,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s the first time we’re throwing open the doors to all of our Hawley properties to showcase the wide-range of opportunities available. We’re also thrilled to provide an avenue to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.”

Guests may check-in at The Waterfront at Silver Birches to begin the journey of checking out all the offerings. 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 newly renovated spaces including The Waterfront at Silver Birches and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel. It may also serve as an introduction to the recently opened Gorgeous Floral. The retail shop and floral design business launched late last year.

“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 Nancy Harvey, Settlers Hospitality 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 to Host Wally Wine Fest

One of the most anticipated rites of spring in the Pocono Mountains returns to Lake Wallenpaupack, April 8-10. Wally Wine Fest spotlights a multitude of domestic and international brands from wine regions around the world. Festivities kick off on Friday, April 8 as The Settlers Inn hosts a Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines. On Saturday and Sunday, Silver Birches overflows with wine tastings, food pairings, seminars and a marketplace.

Purchase tickets for one of three seated wine tastings 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 chose the featured wines, which include domestic and international labels. Tastings are scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. each day.

A Bubbly Brunch at The Settlers Inn on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. adds a bit of sparkle to the festival. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Wine seminars all weekend let attendees delve into pours from across the globe. The schedule includes sessions such as Explore High Altitude Wines with Argentina’s Capeta Zapata, Debate the King of Italian Reds: Brunello vs Super Tuscans and Australia vs California Challenge. Seminars are scheduled for Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sessions range from $35- $50 per person.

“We pour our hearts and souls into Wally Wine Fest each year to make it dynamic and engaging for visitors,” states Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “It’s gratifying to see the way people have embraced the event and anticipate its arrival every spring. We are thrilled to present such high caliber wineries and make these fabulous vintages accessible to both the novice wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.”

Bottles of every wine featured will be 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.

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 Tuscan Dinner featuring Banfi Wines at The Settlers Inn on April 8. For $125, guests may attend the Tuscan 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, E. & J. Gallo Winery and Bold Gold Media Group, as well as Cabernet Level sponsors, AM Skier Insurance. Organizers also acknowledge the participation of Rose Level sponsorsThe Dime Bank, Wayne Bank, Chant Realtors and Lighthouse Harbor Marina. Settlers Hospitality would also like to thank local sponsors Moka Origins, Lake Region IGA and Adams Outdoor.

Settlers Hospitality Open House Offers a Flavor of What’s Available

Take the grand tour of the properties of Settlers Hospitality during the first-ever Open House on Sunday, March 27. The inaugural event from noon-4 p.m. features guided tours of five sites in Hawley, PA, food and drink tastings, music, prizes and more.

“For those planning a special occasion, meeting or wedding, this is really a must-attend event,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality. “It’s the first time we’re throwing open the doors to all of our Hawley properties to showcase the wide-range of opportunities available. We’re also thrilled to provide an avenue to highlight so many fellow small-business owners as vendors.”

Guests may check-in at The Waterfront at Silver Birches to begin the journey of checking out all the offerings. 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 newly renovated spaces including The Waterfront at Silver Birches and Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel. It may also serve as an introduction to the recently opened Gorgeous Floral. The retail shop and floral design business launched late last year.

“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 Nancy Harvey, Settlers Hospitality 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

The Holiday Season Shines at Settlers Hospitality

Settlers Hospitality helps light up the holidays with a host of festivities that capture the magic of the season. Celebrations at The Settlers Inn, Ledges Hotel, Silver Birches, the Hawley Silk Mill and Hotel Anthracite deliver the quintessential traditions, flavors and entertainment of Christmastime in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Candlelight Christmas, December 3 through 5, 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 entree such as sirloin au poivre and garlic and thyme braised lamb shank among other delectable options. Indulgent dessert choices include peppermint pillow baked Alaska, chocolate yule log and English toffee pudding.

There are two weekends to enjoy the festivities and fineries of Winterfest Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The event December 4-5 and 11-12 features live music by Julie Eschler and 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.

Shoppers to the Winterfest Artisan Fair on December 11 and 12 can wrap up their gift list with the purchase of distinctive finds. Vendors fill the Hawley Silk Mill offering fine artisanal goods and unique gifts. The marketplace operates from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. An outdoor ice bar at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery will help get visitors in the holiday spirit. From December 10 through 12 order specialty cocktails served on a High Noon ice bar handcrafted by Sculpted Ice Works.

Set a course for The Waterfront at Silver Birches on December 12 to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. Savor a bountiful meal, take photos with Santa Claus and soak in the merriment. Purchase a gingerbread house and spend some time creating your masterpiece.

The Jolly Old Elf also makes a special appearance at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale on December 12. 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. There are two ways to send off 2021 at The Settlers Inn. The Undercroft provides a cozy setting for a Masquerade Ball from 8-11:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy an elaborate farm to table meal and live music. Upstairs in the dining room, guests may linger over a special holiday menu while listening to live piano music by Dan Bradley.

Ring in 2022 in the Pioneer City. New Year’s Eve Dinner at Kōl Steakhouse features a delectable prix fixe menu from 5-10 p.m.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Bash at The Waterfront at Silver Birches. A buffet meal, DJ music and dancing lead up to a balloon drop at midnight and champagne to toast the start of  2022. 

New Year’s Eve at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen is cool and casual. Festivities include live music by Eric Rudy, hors d’oeuvres, champagne and a special tasting menu. Enjoy early seating until 7 p.m. and late seatings after 8 p.m.

Welcome the first day of 2022 with a New Year’s Day Brunch at The Settlers Inn. The holiday meal features a prix fixe menu, live piano music and bottomless mimosas.

Beloved traditions and time-honored tastes ensure the merry making goes on this holiday season. For more information, visit settlershospitality.com