'''Scranton''' [http://www.scrantonpa.gov/] is a city in northeastern Pennsylvania[http://www.pa.gov/portal/server.pt], is nearby to Wilkes-Barre[http://www.wilkes-barre.pa.us/], and is the seventh most populous city in the state. The city grew vigorously in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a capital of coal mining and railroads, which were vital to the expanding industry in this part of the country. Prosperity subsided and economic distress followed for decades. In recent years, property values have increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment.
Get in
By Plane
The city is also about 15 minutes north of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport [http://www.flyavp.com/index.html] in Avoca. The airport recently added a new terminal, and operates daily flights to Atlanta, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Rental cars are available from Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Alamo at the terminal.
Scranton is also within three hours driving distance from Newark Int'l Airport in New Jersey, JFK Int'l Airport and LaGuardia Int'l Airport in New York City, and Philadelphia Int'l Airport in Philadelphia.
By Car
Scranton is accessible primarily by car (or by coach bus):
I-84 west from New England.
I-80 east to I-380 north from New York City; west from Erie, State College, and Pittsburgh.
I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) north from Allentown and Philadelphia
I-81 south from Ontario/Quebec and Syracuse; north from Washington DC via Harrisburg
By Bus
Scranton also is serviced by multiple bus lines:
'''Martz Trailways''', [http://www.martztrailways.com/from-scranton.asp/], operates routes to New York City and Philadelphia daily, and to other Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York destinations. Check website for schedules and fares.
'''Greyhound Bus Line''', [http://www.greyhound.com/], has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets.
By Train
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority is working with New Jersey Transit to bring a passenger railroad back to Scranton from New York City and its western suburbs.
Get around
By bicycle
The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternate means of getting to work, restaurants, and shopping. While Scranton does not provide cyclists with bike lanes popular to Philadelphia, New York City, and other big cities, some groups try to bring biker awareness and safety to light. The last Friday of every month, 6 p.m. North Washington side of the courthouse, is where you can find bikers of all sorts gathering to participate in Critical Mass. It is a gathering of cyclists of sorts to participate in a huge group ride. The purpose of Critical Mass is to bring awareness of bicyclists to the public. Some forms Critical Mass have been used to protest certain events, be it political, social, and so on. Careful, you may see the car, but they don't always see you.
By car
Virtually all transportation throughout the city is by car. North Main Avenue and the North Scranton Expressway travel north to the Providence section and to the shopping centers of Dickson City. Green Ridge Street and the Central Scranton expressway travel east to the large suburb of Dunmore and I-81. Pittston and Cedar Avenues are the main routes through "South Side" to the Minooka section and beyond to the attractions of Montage Mountain. South Main Avenue and Keyser Avenue are likewise the main routes through "West Side".
The Scranton Parking Authority [http://www.scrantonparking.com/index.html/] operates four daily parking garages in the city. The garages are Casey Garage (corner of Lackawanna Ave. & Adams Ave.), Linden Street Garage (corner of Linden St. & N. Washington St.), Medallion Garage (100 Block of Adams Ave.), and the Electric City Garage (with entrances on Spruce St. & Penn Ave.). Rates are $1.75/1st hour and about $0.75/hr afterwards. They're open daily from 7AM-11PM, with Linden St. open 7AM-2AM on Saturdays.
Private taxicabs such as Posten and McCarthy service the area as well. They are hired by telephone through central dispatch and cannot be hailed on the street as in larger cities.
On foot
Walking is also safe and practical in "Central City" (or "Central Scranton"/"Downtown Scranton"). This area of two dozen square blocks (approximately bound by Lackawanna Ave. and Jefferson, Vine, and Mifflin Sts.) contains a great deal of what Scranton has to offer tourists, so it may be best to just park at one of many garages for a reasonable day-long fee.
By bus
County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) [http://www.coltsbus.com/] also operates public buses throughout all parts of the city and a few Lackawanna County extremities. Rates are $1.25/ride, $11.00/10 rides (adult), $10.00/10 rides (student), or $40.00/31 day unlimited pass. Travel times are a little more than twice what it would take driving the same route. The system typically operates from 7AM-7PM, check the website for exact schedule. COLTS does not operate on Sundays or Holidays.
See
Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the '''county courthouse''' located in the middle of Central City. Also downtown:
The former '''Lackawanna Train Station''', 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Hotel.
'''The University of Scranton''', a Jesuit school of almost 5,000 students whose campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. Arts, lectures, sporting events.
'''The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple''', 420 N. Washington Ave., where live performances of every kind are held regularly.
'''Steamtown National Historic Site''', 150 S. Washington Ave., ''+1 888'' 693-9391, [http://www.nps.gov/stea/]. The Park is open daily 9AM-5PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. The Steamtown National Historic Site offers tours of a train yard, locomotives, etc.
'''Electric City Trolley Museum''', Cliff Street., ''+1 570'' 963-6590, [http://www.ectma.org/]. On the site of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Offers trolley rides 9AM-5PM W-Su through October and on selected weekends afterwards. Check site for specifics.
'''The Houdini Museum''', 1433 N. Main St., ''+1 570'' 342-5555, [http://www.houdini.org/]. Open Holiday Weekends throughout the year, such as Thanksgiving, Presidents Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, Mothers Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend 1-4 PM. No reservations required. Open all weekends in June and every day in July and August through Labor Day Weekend.
'''Nay Aug Park''', Mulberry St., ''+1 570'' 348-4189, [http://www.scrantonpa.gov/nayaug_park.html]. The city's largest park; offers two Olympic sized pools, multiple playgrounds, & a waterslide park.
'''Everhart Museum''', 1901 Mulberry St., ''+1 570'' 346-7186, [http://www.everhart-museum.org/]. Natural History, Science, and Art Museum on site of Nay Aug Park. Check site for special events. $5/adults, $3 seniors, $2/children, free/ages 5 & under. M, Th, F 12PM-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM.
'''Scranton Iron Furnaces''', 159 Cedar Ave., ''+1 570'' 963-3208, [http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bhsm/toh/scranton/scrantoniron.asp]. Open year-round, 9AM-5PM. Visitors center open seasonally. Blast furnaces built between 1848 and 1857.
Lake Scranton. ttp://academic.scranton.edu/department/wml/lakescranton.html. Lake Scranton is owned and operated by Pennsylvania American Water Company for the water supply of Scranton. The trail is accessible to everyone and is popular with joggers and families with strollers.
Do
'''Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour''', McDade Park, Keyser Ave., ''+1 570'' 963-MINE, [http://www.thecoalminetour.com/]. A 1/4-mile walking tour of a defunct coal mine. Large museum of artifacts relating to anthracite mining and people of the region. Gift shop. Open April 1st through November 30th, except Easter and Thanksgiving.
'''Sno Mountain Ski Resort''', 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, ''+1 570'' 969-7669, [http://www.snomtn.com]. Skiing in winter, world-famous musical acts in concert at the Toyota Pavilion in summer.
'''The Icebox Skating Complex''', 3 W. Olive St. Ice and roller skating year round.
'''Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees''' AAA baseball, PNC Field, Moosic, [http://www.swbyankees.com/]. The highest level minor league affiliate of the New York Yankess. They play home games from April through August. Check website for tickets and dates.
Scranton Cultural Center. 00 N Washington Ave, Courthouse Square, Scranton, PA 18503. 70-344-1111. ttp://www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/. Completed in 1930, this dramatic structure was built as a Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Today, it hosts social functions, corporate meetings, cultural events, and theater performances. Tours are available.
Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc.. .R.#1 Box 95 Dalton, PA 18414. ttp//:www.weflyhotair.com. Enjoy a spectacular champagne hot air balloon flight over scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania. Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons invites you to experience the exciting sport of hot air ballooning. Also offering tethers and commerical promotions.
Buy
'''The Mall at Steamtown''' 300 Lackawanna Ave., [http://www.themallatsteamtown.com/] Anchored by Boscov's and The Bon-Ton department stores.
'''The Viewmont Mall''' Business Rt. 6 in Dickson City, [http://www.shopviewmontmall.com/]. Anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears department stores. Borders book store is located next door.
Dozens of small '''specialty shops''' throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains, comics, day spa services...
'''Keyser Oak Center''' 1762 N. Keyser Ave., anchored by Gerrity's supermarket and Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
'''Green Ridge Plaza''' 1600 Nay Aug Ave., anchored by Giant supermarket and A.J. Wright discount clothing.
.
Wisecrackers Comedy Club. 00 Meadow Ave. xit #184 off I-81. 570)788-8451. ttp://www.wisecrackers.biz/ScrantonClub.html. 12. Located in the Clarion Hotel's Hub lounge, Shows every Friday 9pm, Saturday 8 & 10:30 as needed. Doors open one hour before showtime. 21 and up. Excellent food, good drinks, lots of fun.
Eat
'''Faccia Luna''', 301 N. Main Ave.,''+1 570'' 207-4545, [http://www.faccialuna.com/menu/scranton.htm]. Lunch and dinner Tues. through Fri.; dinner Sat. & Sun. Hospitable staff serves excellent brick oven pizza with variety of toppings (some Italian food) in lovely old bank. Bar.
'''Cooper's Seafood House''', 701 N. Washington Ave., ''+1 570'' 346-6883, [http://www.coopers-seafood.com/]. M-Th 11AM-12AM, F and Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 12PM-12AM. Seafood fare. Extremely large selection of specialty beers (~15 on tap, 200+ bottles).
'''Old Forge style''' pizza (besides in the borough of Old Forge 10 to 15 min. south) can be had at a number of city eateries. Also try pierogies, a pasta filled with a potato and cheese filling.
'''Pizza by Pappas''', 303 N. Washington Ave., ''+1 570'' 346-2290, [http://www.pizzabypappas.com/]. 10" specialty pizza, hoagies, pierogies, etc. $5-10.
'''Don Pancho Villa''', 2124 Pittston Ave., ''+1 570'' 540-0290, [http://www.mypanchovilla.com/]. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Small and cozy. $5-$10. Open everyday 11 am-9 pm, except Wednesday!
'''Farley's''', 300 Adams Ave., ''+1 570'' 346-3000, [http://www.farleyseateryandpub.com/]. Steak, seafood, and other options. $10-25.
'''Vince the Pizza Prince''', 600 Pittston Ave. (also a location in nearby Clarks Summit), ''+1 570'' 347-0675, [http://www.vincetheprince.com]. Closed Monday and Tuesday. One of Scranton's best and most unique pizzas, since 1955.
Osaka. 44 Adams Street. 570.341.9600 . ttp://www.osakacuisine.com/index.htm. Japanese cuisine! Watch them prepare your food from the bar or have it served right to your table. Best sushi in town and half off on sundays between 1-9! Get your chopsticks ready!
Glider Diner. 90 Providence Road. 70.343.8036. ttp://www.gliderdiner.com/. 4 hrs Mon-Sat. Burgers, fries, shakes- all great at any hour here! Plus much more but for less!
Drink
Being a College town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the hills section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5.
'''Cooper's Crab Shack''', 701 N. Washington Ave. Local Tiki style bar with tropical music and cold drinks. The crab shack consists of four levels of outdoor decks for your enjoyment. Live entertainment and no cover. [http://www.cooperscrabshack.com]
'''The Bog''', 341 Adams Ave. Small pub reminiscent of New York's East Village dive-bars. Local music on many nights. $1.75 - $4.00 beers. Some specialty bottled beers available. Unique jukebox adored by a local subculture.
'''The Banshee''', 322 Penn Ave. Spacious faux Irish bar. Pleasant staff. Lounge areas with sofas. Acoustic ensembles on weekends. Wide selection of draught and bottled beer, many Irish whiskeys, creative monthly/seasonal mixed drinks.
'''Whistle's''', 126 Franklin Ave. Large sports bar. Entertainment, pool tables.
'''Northern Lights''', 536 Spruce St. [http://www.nlespresso.com/]. For those interested in coffee. Plenty of couches/chairs & free high-speed internet.
Refer to the '''Electric City''', the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife: [http://www.ecweekend.com]
The Aroma Cafe. 01 Mulberry Street. 570)969-1818. Serves breakfast all day, panninis, sandwiches and coffee/tea specialty drinks. Try the vanilla chai! Many healthy alternatives on the menu. Great salads. Very reasonable prices. Cozy, with small tables and couch. Seating outside in nicer weather.
Outrageous . istoric Casey Laundry 515 Center Street. 70.341.1443. ttp://www.outrageousonline.com/. A delightful place to buy unique gifts, new/used books, jewelry, and coffee. This is a cute coffeehouse. Seating is available outside and couches are on the second floor.
Zummo's Cafe. 20 Marion St.. 70-344-2715. ttp://www.electriccityroasting.com/. Serves Electric City Roasting Company coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Tellie, a certified Q Grader and nationally recognized roaster.
Sleep
'''Holiday Inn Scranton East''', 200 Tigue Street, ''+1 570'' 343-4771 [http://www.hiscranton.com]. Home to the area's only tropical atrium.
'''Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel''', 700 Lackawanna Ave., ''+1 570'' 342-8300 [http://www.radisson.com/scrantonpa]. Housed in a neo-classical train station built in 1908.
'''Hilton Scranton & Conference Center''', 100 Adams Ave., ''+1 570'' 343-3000, [http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SCRCCHF-Hilton-Scranton-Conference-Center-Pennsylvania/index.do]. Nearby Steamtown Historic Site.
'''The Inn at Nichols Village''', 1101 Northern Blvd., ''+1 800'' 642-2215 [http://www.nicholsvillage.com/]. AAA four-diamond rated. Located in suburban Clarks Summit, 10 min. north.
Courtyard by Marriott - Scranton. cranton, PA Hotel. 6 Glenmaura National Boulevard Moosic, Pennsylvania 18507. 70-969-2100. ttp://www.hershahotels.com/Pennsylvania/Moosic-PA0008-Home.aspx.
Get out
'''Lackawanna State Park''' is located approximately fifteen minutes away from Scranton in Lackwanna County. The park has facilities for camping, boating, canoe/kayak rental, a swimming pool, and walking/hiking trails. Most facilities are open April through October, check website for specifics. [http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lackawanna.aspx]
The '''Dietrich Theater''', Bus. Rt. 6 Tunkhannock, ''+1 570'' 836-1022, [http://www.dietrichtheater.com/]. Offers first run, foreign, independent, & classic films in a restored theater. Fall/Spring Film Festivals and cultural classes on site. Check website for movie times. Approximately 30 minutes from Scranton on Rt. 6. "More Than the Movies!"
'''Sno Mountain''', 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, "(570) 969-7854, [http://www.snomtn.com/]. Once known as Montage Mountain, Sno Mountain offers a wide range of winter and off season attractions and activities. Ski, Snowboard, Zip Ride, Tubing, Golf, and much more right here. Average ticket prices, check out the web page for group rates and special deals.