Your Travel Guide for Northeast Pennsylvania

Northeast Pennsylvania overflows with natural splendor, historical significance, family fun, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. From the Poconos’ majestic mountains to the lively entertainment of Wilkes-Barre, this underrated region promises memorable experiences for all interests and ages.

This comprehensive travel guide explores the best places to visit, attractions to see, outdoor adventures, events, restaurants, and more in Northeast PA so you can craft your own unforgettable itinerary. Let’s dive in and start planning your trip!

Getting There and Around

Northeast PA comprises the metro areas of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, and the Poconos. The region is easily accessible by car or bus from New York, Philadelphia, and beyond. Once there, you can get around via affordable rental cars, private shuttles, and public bus networks.

Top Attractions and Destinations

With stunning landscapes, historic sites, adventure activities, and family fun, Northeast PA guarantees memorable experiences. Must-see attractions include:

Outdoors

– Hike to waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park
– Bike, boat, or fish at Lake Wallenpaupack
– Tee off at Caesars Pocono Resorts’ golf courses
– Ski and snowboard at Elk Mountain or Camelback
– Whitewater raft down the Lehigh River
– Ride horses through wilderness trails

Indoors

– Try your luck at Mohegan Sun Pocono casino
– Learn mining history at examples: Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine
– See a Broadway-style show at the F.M. Kirby Center
– Bowl, play arcade games, and ride go-karts at Breakers Family Fun Center
– Explore the Everhart Museum’s regional art and history exhibits

Quintessential Northeast PA

– Tour the pretzel factory at Gertrude Hawk Chocolates
– Sip craft brews on a NEPA beer trail
– Shop for antiques in Honesdale and Hawley
– Dig into pot pie at the original Van Fleet’s County Seat Restaurant
– Explore Steamtown National Historic Site’s locomotive collection

Annual Events and Festivals

The lively events calendar provides year-round reasons to visit. Popular annual happenings include:

– Bloomsburg Fair – One of America’s largest fairs since 1855
– Northeast PA Balloon Fest – Hot air balloons launch over scenic Poconos Mountains
– Knoebels’ Hallo-Fun Weekends – Family-friendly Halloween festivities
– Wilkes-Barre Festival of Ice – Ice carving displays, entertainment, and food
– Pocono Winterfest – Live music, dog sledding, snow tubing, and more wintry fun

Outdoor Activities in the Poconos and Beyond

Northeast PA’s varied natural landscapes offer limitless outdoor recreation through all four seasons. Enjoy activities like:

– Hiking – Bushkill Falls’ “Niagara of Pennsylvania” or Ricketts Glen’s 21 waterfalls
– Fishing – Along the Lackawanna River or at Beltzville State Park
– Boating – Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or pontoon boats and cruise area lakes
– Golf – Tee off at resort courses like Mount Airy Casino & Resort’s golf club
– Skiing – Hit the slopes at Elk Mountain or Camelback Ski Resort
– Zip lining – Soar over forests and rivers on thrill-seeking aerial adventures

Insider’s Guide to the Poconos

Known for its scenic mountains, forests, lakes and resorts, the Poconos region promises picturesque nature easily accessible from major cities. Discover:

– Family-friendly attractions like indoor water parks, amusement parks, and arcades
– Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, golf, zip lining, and whitewater rafting
– Quaint towns like Jim Thorpe, with its Victorian architecture, train rides, shops, and restaurants
– Charming bed & breakfasts, rustic cabins, and popular resorts like Caesar’s Pocono Resorts
– Local farms offering seasonal apple and berry picking

Where to Eat in Northeast PA

Northeast PA cuisine showcases old-school Americana along with ethnic influences from its many immigrant communities over the years. Iconic foods include:

– Coal region pizza – Thin crust, sweet sauce, and provolone cheese
– Potato pancakes (haluski) – Fried noodle and potato dish from Polish heritage
– Cheesesteaks – Thinly sliced steak and melted cheese packed into a long roll
– Ethnic bakeries – Grab authentic Italian cookies, Eastern European desserts, and more
– Family-style restaurants – Homestyle dishes like pot pie, honey-glazed ham, and noodles
– Fresh seafood – Oysters, crab cakes, lobster, and more shipped in daily at eateries like Cooper’s Seafood House

Nightlife and Entertainment

When the sun sets, lively nightlife heats up across Northeast PA. Enjoy:

– Casinos like Mohegan Sun Pocono with gambling, dining, bars, clubs, and entertainment
– Historic theaters such as F.M. Kirby Center’s concerts, plays, and comedy shows
– Local breweries and distilleries on craft beer and spirits trails
– Bars and clubs bumping hits in college towns like Bloomsburg and Wilkes-Barre
– Campfire jams and s’mores under starry skies while camping in the Poconos

Whether you seek outdoor adventures, historical insights, or family fun, Northeast PA promises memorable experiences without lengthy drives or congested crowds. Its laidback charm and plethora of activities beckon you to come explore. Start planning your getaway today and get ready to fall in love with this underrated region!