Wine, Weather, and the World Cup: Your Weekend Roadmap
Weekend Weather · Friday
86°High62°Low
Friday is the pick of the weekend, mostly sunny with a high near 86°F and a low around 62°F. Heads up, areas of smoke and haze are possible today, which could cut into visibility, so keep an eye on the sky if you are driving or planning to be outside most of the day. Saturday takes a hard turn, with thunderstorms most of the day (a 67 percent chance of rain) and a high of just 80°F. Plan your Saturday indoors. Sunday clears back out, partly cloudy with a high near 80°F. Great timing for anyone heading out to watch the World Cup Final.
Looking further out, Monday holds steady at 82°F and partly cloudy, but the thunderstorms come back Tuesday with a 76 percent chance of rain and a high of 80°F. Wednesday eases off to partly cloudy at 82°F, and by Thursday and Friday of next week we are back to sun, highs near 79 and 82°F.
Top story
Monroe Fifa Watch Parties
Spain and Argentina meet in the 2026 World Cup Final Sunday, July 19, kickoff at 3 p.m. Here is where Monroe County can watch it.
Barley Creek Brewing and Distilling Company in Tannersville is showing World Cup matches throughout the tournament alongside their usual house-brewed beer and spirits lineup, a safe bet for Sunday's Final too.
Pub 447 in East Stroudsburg has it on the TVs in the outdoor Tiki Bar. They have leaned into amazing new Mexican food, great specials, and servers who make you feel like family. Bring your friends, your kids, your dog. We have even seen a duck there.
Newberry's Yard of Ale in Stroudsburg has been promoting World Cup coverage all tournament. They have not confirmed the Final specifically, but given the pattern, we would bet on it.
Watching somewhere else? If your spot is showing the Final on Sunday, drop it in the comments below. Have fun and stay dry this weekend!
Fourteen of Monroe County's municipalities have now adopted their own data center zoning ordinances, one has a proposal in the works, and five have none planned, according to data from the Monroe County Planning Commission and the Pocono Record's own review of meeting minutes. The full township-by-township breakdown is worth a deep dive. But not on Friday.
Also in today’s Buzz
Five Best of MonroeWineries and Breweries›
Monroe County has quietly built itself a real wine, beer, and cider scene, five great destinations within a short drive, each offering something different: vineyard views, a downtown taproom, a working distillery, a wooded resort brewery, and a Tannersville institution that has been at it for three decades. Whichever direction you head this weekend, you are not settling. Star ratings below are Google Reviews, checked and confirmed by our editor as of noon today.
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery (4.8 Stars). This is a top-tier destination for a scenic afternoon. With panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains, it offers an elevated experience that feels a world away. If you are looking for an impressive Insta shot, this is it. It's arguably the most highly regarded winery in the region. Blue Ridge Winery buries their signature 'Underground' wine 5-6 feet deep for nine months (gestation period of a human being), letting the earth's constant, vibration-free stillness produce a truly unique, element-defying vintage. I didn't write that, but I have tried it and it is genuinely great. Check out the extensive tasting room and sprawling outdoor deck. It is the perfect spot to relax with a glass in hand.
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company (4.6 Stars). Located on the historic grounds of the Shawnee Inn, this spot leans into a rustic, wooded aesthetic that feels distinctly local. They are consistent favorites for their craft ales and lagers, often featuring live music and a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that makes it a go-to for a casual evening out.
Bovino's Brewery (4.6 Stars). A modern, approachable taproom situated right on Main Street in Stroudsburg. It has built a strong reputation for pushing brewing boundaries with experimental batches and a rotating tap list that keeps the local crowd coming back to see what is new. It's an ideal stop if you are looking to explore unique flavors in a convenient, downtown setting.
Mountain View Vineyard, Winery, Brewery and Distillery (4.5 Stars). A true one-stop-shop, this venue combines a winery, brewery, and distillery on a massive 100-acre farm, making it an excellent choice for groups with diverse drink preferences. Their ability to offer a full range of house-made beverages, from wine flights to craft spirits, plus a bistro dining menu, makes it a highly versatile local staple.
Barley Creek Brewing and Distilling Company (4.4 Stars). An institution in Tannersville, this is more than just a brewery, it is a full-scale social destination. Beyond their house-brewed beer and spirits, their outdoor area, featuring bocce, horseshoes, and Wiffle ball, is legendary for keeping the energy high, especially during the summer months.
One to watch. Brix Brewhouse in Brodheadsville, the craft brewery that opened inside the old West End firehouse we reported on, is already sitting at 4.6 stars on Google. That is technically high enough to outrank two spots on this list, but the rating is still resting on a small handful of reviews compared to a place like Barley Creek's thousands, so we are calling it out rather than ranking it. Worth a visit while it is still the new kid.
Friday. ShawneeCraft Brewing Company in Shawnee on Delaware hosts Deviant Saints from 7-10 p.m. as part of its Rhythm & Brews series. That is not only a really good name, but also a good excuse to catch the sun before Saturday's storms roll in. If a tribute band is more your speed, the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg has an 80s and 90s alternative tribute show.
Saturday. With thunderstorms most of the day, keep it indoors. Comedian Anthony Rodia plays Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono. Illusionist Jason Bishop brings his Straight Up Magic show to Camelback Resort in Tannersville. And the Monroe Farmers Market runs its regular Saturday hours, rain or shine, at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg, but I'd bring an umbrella.
Sunday. Skies clear back out. Catch the Gazebo Concert series in Delaware Water Gap, or head to Brix Brewhouse in Brodheadsville for live music with John Negron. Smuggler's Cove in Tannersville is running Smoker Sundays on the patio, a different smoked specialty featured each week as part of their summer lineup, worth a stop if you want something other than the usual seafood menu. Otherwise, check out the FIFA watch parties. On that note….
