Scranton, PA Road Trips

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. Property values have since increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment. From 2005 to 2013, Scranton entered American popular culture as the setting for the U.S. version of the TV series The Office (though only the opening credits were shot in the city).

Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the county courthouse in the middle of Central City. Also downtown: The former Lackawanna Train Station & Headquarters, 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (See "Sleep" section for more information about the Radisson Hotel). 1 The University of Scranton. The university was founded in 1888, it is a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university. It consists of approximately 5,600 students. The campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. The University of Scranton has a beautiful campus; there is plenty of green space, a combination of old and new buildings that have been merged to make up the campus. The University of Scranton offers as many as 56 undergraduate degree programs and 25 graduate programs. (updated Feb 2021) 2 The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N Washington Ave. It was built as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Over the years it has become a central hub for live performances in the area. The Scranton Cultural Center is a great place to see a concert (either in the building ballroom or in the theatre). The venue can also be rented out for weddings, conferences, and other special events. The Scranton Cultural Center is approximately 180,000 square feet, the building houses 2 theatres, meeting rooms, a chapel, a grand ballroom as well as numerous other rooms and areas.

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, McDade Park, Keyser Ave, ☏ +1 570 963-MINE (6463). 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. Enter the 400-foot deep mine in a winched railcar. (updated Sep 2019) 1 Montage Mountain Ski Resort, 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, ☏ +1 570 969-7669. Skiing in winter, world-famous musical acts in concert at the Toyota Pavilion in summer, as well as a water park and zip line ride. Scranton Ghost Walk, Court House Square, ☏ +1 570 383-1821. Daily 8PM by reservation. 90-minute scenic walk of Scranton's historic district, the most scenic and most haunted part of the city. They even go into a landmark historic building for a short time that is certified haunted by several paranormal groups. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. AAA baseball, PNC Field, Moosic. The highest level minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Home games from April through September. Check website for tickets and dates. 2 Scranton Cultural Center, 200 N Washington Ave, Courthouse Sq, ☏ +1 570-344-1111. 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.R.#1 Box 95, Dalton. Enjoy a spectacular champagne hot air balloon flight over scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania.

1 Cooper's Seafood House, 701 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-6883. M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su noon-midnight. Seafood fare. Extremely large selection of specialty beers (~15 on tap, over 200 bottles). A local landmark, Cooper Seafood House has been owned and operated by the Cooper family since 1948. The building used to be the passenger station of the Erie - Lackawanna Train Station. Over the years the exterior of the building has been remodeled to resemble a full-sized pirate ship. Cooper's houses the ship's pub, the lighthouse bar (most recent addition consisting of a giant lighthouse that extends upwards off the side of the building), the tiki bar deck, the whale room, the train room and the private coral room. (updated Sep 2016) 2 Pizza by Pappas, 303 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 346-2290. 10" specialty pizza, hoagies, pierogies, etc. $5-10. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Vince the Pizza Prince, 600 Pittston Ave, ☏ +1 570 347-0675. Closed Monday and Tuesday. One of Scranton's best pizzas, since 1955. (updated Sep 2016) 4 Osaka Restaurant, 244 Adams St, ☏ +1 570 341-9600. Japanese cuisine. Watch them prepare your food from the bar or have it served right to your table. Good sushi, half off on Sundays 1-9 PM. (updated Sep 2016) Glider Diner, 890 Providence Rd, ☏ +1 570 343-8036. M-Th 6AM-10PM, F-Sa 6AM-3AM, Su 7AM-7PM. Burgers, fries, shakes, all good. Also offers catering services. 5 Coney Island of Scranton, 100 Cedar Ave, ☏ +1 570 961-8288. The restaurant has been operating since 1923, when it was owned by Steve Karampilas.

Being a college town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the Hill Section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5. Refer to the Electric City, the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife. 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. Live entertainment and no cover. The Bog, 341 Adams Ave. Small pub reminiscent of New York's East Village dive bars. Local music on many nights. $1.75 - $4 beers. Some specialty bottled beers available. Excellent jukebox. Northern Lights, 536 Spruce St. For those interested in coffee. Plenty of couches/chairs & free high-speed internet. Zummo's Cafe, 920 Marion St, ☏ +1 570 344-2715. Serves Electric City Roasting Company coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Tellie, a certified Q Grader and nationally recognized roaster. 1 The Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden St, ☏ +1 570 955-0192. Has a spacious interior with a large bar. In warm weather, opens a quaint patio behind that bar with tables, chairs, decorations, and two outside bars. (updated Sep 2016) 2 Whiskey Dick's, 308 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 570 342-9824. Cozy, little bar in Downtown Scranton. Cheapest everyday prices. Knowledgeable, courteous bartenders. 60+ beers, very large liquor selection. (updated Sep 2016)

1 Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, 700 Lackawanna Ave, ☏ +1 570 342-8300, [email protected]. Housed in a neo-classical train station built in 1908. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton, a six-story historic landmark. The historic building once served as a passenger train station, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel has 145 rooms and suites, three restaurants in the hotel, gift shop, valet parking and exercise rooms. The hotel is in downtown Scranton, within walking distance to many retail stores, restaurants and bars.. (updated Sep 2016) 2 Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave, ☏ +1 570 343-3000. Nearby Steamtown Historic Site. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Courtyard Scranton Wilkes-Barre, 16 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic, ☏ +1 570-969-2100. 4 The Colonnade, 401 Jefferson Ave, ☏ +1 570-342-6114. Until 2006 the Colonnade was an eyesore, an abandoned building on the corner of Mullberry St. and Jefferson Ave. The building had been owned by a prominent local businessman, Col. Austin Blair. It was close to being condemned when it was purchased by Paul Blackledge and Joshua Mast with the intent of renovating the old building. Paul and Joshua turned the giant rundown building into a hotel/event space. The Colonnade can accommodate 120 guests in its banquet room and another additional 80 guests on a tent-covered outside patio.

1 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP IATA) (20 minutes south of the city in Avoca). The airport operates daily flights to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago-O'Hare, Detroit, Newark, and Philadelphia. Rental cars are available from Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Alamo at the terminal. Scranton is within three hours driving distance from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR IATA) in New Jersey, John F. Kennedy International Airport JFK IATA and LaGuardia Airport (LGA IATA) in New York City, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) in Philadelphia, and Lehigh Valley International Airport ABE IATA in Allentown. 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 Scranton is also served by multiple bus lines. All buses stop at 2 Scranton Transportation Center, located a few blocks from downtown on Lackawanna Ave. Martz Trailways, 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, has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets. Uptown Vans offers service from Paterson and New York City.

The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternative 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, 6PM 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. 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". Scranton Parking 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.