In the summer of 2014, a friend from high school sent me a message on Facebook suggesting that I should visit Birchwood Resort in the Poconos. Intrigued by his description of strange and fascinating sights, I quickly checked my calendar and realized I had a rare weekend off. Without wasting any time, I called my mom and asked if she’d be up for a spontaneous trip to the Poconos. And just like that, our adventure was set in motion.
Birchwood Resort, nestled in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, is an enchanting destination designed exclusively for couples. It offers all the amenities of a cruise on land: private cottages, serene ponds, picturesque footpaths, an indoor pool, a bowling alley, a cross-country skiing area, a roller skating rink, and nighttime entertainment. The resort boasts a captivating old-world charm that beckons guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the Poconos.
Growing up just 10 miles away from the resort, I had the opportunity to work there during my late teenage years. So, on July 4, 2014, my friend, who inspired this trip, and I reunited once again to explore the abandoned beauty of Birchwood.
As we ventured outside the resort, I couldn’t resist capturing the nostalgic essence of this once-thriving place. I photographed the entrance, the main lodge, and the cottages that were once bustling with employees and guests.
There’s something inexplicably captivating about abandoned places, and Birchwood Resort holds a special place in my heart. The wooden doors and fences that once stood tall are now weathered, covered in moss and ivy. It’s as if time has left its mark, telling stories of bygone days.
One of the most memorable encounters during our exploration was with Claude, the resort’s former maintenance man turned security guard. With a gun holstered on his hip, he shared stories of kids breaking into the buildings, and how the local police gave him permission to shoot, but not to kill. Claude even left a message in dust on a coffee table, adding an eerie touch to the abandoned ambiance.
The photographs I took that day captured the true essence of Birchwood Resort—frozen in time, untouched, and shrouded in a layer of dust. Each image tells a story, from the front desk where I once worked, to the scattered remnants of bowling shoes and skates in the activities area. It’s a poignant reminder of the memories and experiences that were once shared within these walls.
Throughout our exploration, we witnessed the gradual decay and abandonment of this beloved resort. But behind the peeling paint and cracked ceilings, there’s still a sense of beauty and history. It’s a testament to the importance of preserving moments frozen in time.
Though I held onto these photographs for some time, it’s finally time to share them. It’s worth noting that a few months after our visit, a nearly seven-week manhunt came to an end at Birchwood Resort, when the fugitive was found hiding in the airport hangar. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my camera to capture that particular moment. Lesson learned. However, I have heard that the new owners of the resort have plans to renovate and reopen in the coming years.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Birchwood Resort in its original state, frozen in time. It’s a place that holds personal significance for me, and I hope that through these photographs, others can also appreciate the beauty and allure of this abandoned gem in the heart of the Poconos.
xoxo… Ambassadeur Hotel
