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Guest Handbook

Welcome to Pond Hollow

Welcome to your peaceful mountain escape at Pond Hollow Retreat. Surrounded by scenic countryside,
lakes, hiking trails, golf courses, wineries, and ski mountains, Pond Hollow Retreat offers the perfect
balance of relaxation and adventure year-round.

Whether you’re here to unwind by the fire, soak in the hot tub, explore nearby trails, enjoy a golf getaway,
or simply relax in nature, we hope you feel right at home during your stay.

Below you will find information on local grocery and coffee shops, nearby entertainment and activities, Wi
Fi details, and instructions for using the AC/Heat units, fireplace, outdoor grill and hot tub. You’ll also find
important safety and emergency information to help make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as
possible.

  • Stay Connected

Wi-Fi Information

Network Name

MyOptimum b39c11

Password

coral-857-375

Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings, select “MyOptimum b39c11” from the available networks, and enter the password above when prompted. Your device should reconnect automatically throughout your stay.

  • Explore the Area

Local Favorites & Nearby Activities

Outdoor Adventures

  • Explore High Point State Park for hiking, scenic overlooks, lake activities, and breathtaking mountain views.
  • Spend the day at Mountain Creek Resort enjoying skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, the waterpark, and seasonal festivals year-round.
  • Visit Space Farms Zoo & Museum for a family-friendly local experience with wildlife exhibits and attractions.
  • Enjoy nearby wineries, apple orchards, farm markets, antique shops, and scenic country drives throughout Sussex County.

Crystal Springs Resort & Golf

Just a short drive away, Crystal Springs Resort is one of the Northeast’s premier resort destinations featuring luxury spas, pools, restaurants, wine cellars, and six award-winning golf courses — known for stunning mountain scenery and championship-level golf.

Nearby Golf Courses

Crystal Springs Golf Club

Signature championship course known for dramatic elevation changes and scenic mountain views.

Minerals Golf Club

Relaxed and approachable course great for casual rounds and families.

Ballyowen Golf Club

Award-winning Celtic links-style course frequently ranked among New Jersey’s top public golf experiences.

Black Bear Golf Club

Beautiful wooded course offering enjoyable play for all skill levels.

Wild Turkey Golf Club

Scenic championship course featuring dramatic terrain and panoramic mountain views.

Scenic Farms Golf Course

Local countryside golf course nearby in Pine Island, NY.

Warwick Valley Country Club

Historic and scenic country club located in nearby Warwick, NY.

  • Mornings

Coffee Shops & Cafés

The Daily Bean

Cozy farmhouse-style coffee shop known for handcrafted coffee, breakfast bites, and relaxing creek-side seating.

Birdie's Cafe

Great for breakfast, coffee, and casual lunches.

LiBre Dessert Cafe

Coffee, desserts, bubble tea, and sweet treats nearby.

The Crystal Cafe

A local favorite for breakfast and brunch with a cozy hometown feel.
  • Provisions

Grocery Stores & Markets

ShopRite of Warwick

Full grocery store with fresh produce, bakery, meats, and pantry essentials.

Green Valley Farms

Local farm market with fresh produce, homemade treats, and seasonal favorites.

Pochuck Valley Farm & Deli

Farm market and deli offering sandwiches, baked goods, and local produce.

Green Life Market

Organic groceries, smoothies, prepared foods, and healthy options.

Highland General Store

Convenient stop for essentials, snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.
  • Cozy Comforts

Indoor Fireplace Instructions

Please enjoy our cozy wood-burning fireplace during your stay. For safety and comfort, please follow the instructions below.

How to Use the Fireplace

  • Open the fireplace screen or doors carefully.
  • Make sure the flue/damper is OPEN before lighting a fire.
  • Place a fire starter or crumpled paper beneath dry firewood.
  • Light the fire starter and slowly add small logs as the fire builds.
  • Once the fire is established, larger logs may be added carefully.

Fireplace Safety

  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Use only real wood — do not burn trash, cardboard, plastics, or paper products beyond starting the fire.
  • Keep the fireplace screen or doors closed while the fire is burning.
  • Do not place any flammable items near the fireplace.
  • Children should always be supervised around the fire.

Before Leaving or Sleeping

  • Allow the fire to burn down naturally.
  • Never leave the home or go to sleep with an active fire burning.
  • Ensure embers are fully extinguished before leaving the fireplace unattended.
  • Helpful Tip
A small amount of smoke when first lighting the fire can be normal until the chimney warms up and airflow improves.
  • Climate Control

TOSOT Mini Split AC & Heat

Each bedroom is equipped with its own TOSOT mini split unit for personalized comfort.

How to Use the Fireplace

Cool

Air Conditioning

Heat

Heating

Dry

Dehumidifier

Fan

Fan Only

Temperature Control

  • Use the ▲ / ▼ buttons on the remote to adjust the temperature.
  • Summer comfort range: 68–72°F.
  • Winter comfort range: 68–70°F.

Fan Speed

Press the FAN button to cycle through Low, Medium, High, and Auto.

Helpful Tips

  • Keep doors and windows closed while the units are running for best performance.
  • Allow a few minutes for the system to fully heat or cool the room.
  • Units operate most efficiently when left running consistently rather than frequently switched on and off.
  • Outdoor Dining

4-Burner Propane Grill

How to Use the Grill

  • Open the grill lid before lighting.
  • Turn on the propane tank valve slowly (located under or beside the grill).
  • Turn one burner knob to "Light" or "Start," then press the ignition button.
  • Once the first burner is lit, turn on additional burners as needed.
  • Adjust flame levels using the burner knobs for desired heat.

After Use

  • Turn all burner knobs to OFF.
  • Turn the propane tank valve OFF.
  • Allow the grill to fully cool before covering.

Safety Tips

  • Never leave the grill unattended while in use.
  • Keep children and flammable items away from the grill.
  • Do not use the grill indoors or in enclosed spaces.
  • Always ensure the lid is open when lighting.
  • Relax & Unwind

Hot Tub Operating Instructions

Opening the Hot Tub

  • Remove and fold back the cover carefully using the cover lift/handles.
  • Please do not drag the cover on the ground or place objects on top of it.

Turning On Jets

  • Use the control panel located on the top edge of the hot tub.
  • Press the "Jets" button once for low speed and again for high speed.
  • Jets will automatically shut off after a set period of time.

Temperature

  • The hot tub is preset to a comfortable temperature.
  • Please do not adjust the temperature settings unless necessary.
  • Recommended maximum temperature is 104°F.

Before Entering

  • Please shower before entering the hot tub.
  • Do not use oils, lotions, bath bombs, bubbles, or soaps in the water.
  • No glass containers in or around the hot tub area.

Children & Time Limits

  • Children must always be supervised by an adult.
  • Young children should limit time in the hot tub due to high water temperatures.
  • Recommended soak time is 15–20 minutes at a time.
  • Exit immediately if you feel dizzy, overheated, or uncomfortable.
  • Health & Safety Warning
Do not use the hot tub if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pregnant without consulting a doctor, or have heart conditions or serious medical concerns. Use at your own risk.

Closing Instructions

  • Turn off jets if still running.
  • Replace and fully secure the hot tub cover.
  • Make sure the cover is clipped/latched properly to retain heat and keep debris out.
  • Wildlife

Bear Safety

While bear sightings are not common, this is a natural wooded area and black bears may occasionally pass through the property. Please stay calm and follow these guidelines.

If You See a Bear

  • Do not approach or attempt to feed the bear.
  • Keep a safe distance and immediately bring pets and children indoors.
  • Make noise from a distance (speak firmly, clap) to encourage the bear to move along.
  • Slowly back away — do not run.
  • Important Property Safety Feature
On the back deck, as you step outside and look to the right, you will see two bear horns mounted on a log. These are not decorative — they are there specifically to be used as a loud noise-making tool to scare a bear away if one is nearby. Only use them from a safe distance, and do not approach wildlife.

General Safety Tips

  • Do not leave food, trash, or scented items outside.
  • Keep all garbage secured in bins with tight lids.
  • Always lock doors and windows when leaving the home.
  • Supervise pets at all times while outdoors.
  • Be Prepared

Emergency Information & Safety

Fire Extinguishers

There are two fire extinguishers located in the home:

  • By the fireplace
  • In the kitchen under the sink cabinet

Please use only for small, contained fires. If the fire becomes dangerous, evacuate immediately and call 911.

First Aid & Emergency Lighting

A first aid kit and emergency lanterns are located:

  • In the front coat closet
  • To the right of the first-floor bathroom

Please use the lanterns during power outages or emergencies.

Urgent Care Centers

  • Atlantic Health Urgent Care — Sparta
  • Optum Urgent Care — Newton
  • Immediate Care Medical Walk-In — Vernon

Nearest Hospital

  • Newton Medical Center
For non-life-threatening medical needs.
  • In Case of Emergency
For serious emergencies — chest pain, breathing difficulty, severe injury, or any life-threatening situation — call 911 immediately.

A Note From Your Hosts

Enjoy Your Stay

We hope you enjoy the peaceful surroundings, fresh mountain air, cozy gathering spaces, and everything the area has to offer. Whether you’re relaxing at the house, enjoying the outdoor entertainment areas, golfing nearby, or exploring the mountains — we’re so happy to host you.

Thank you for choosing Pond Hollow Retreat.