Have yet to explore Northeast PA? It’s time to change that. The region surrounding Scranton, the sixth-largest city in Pennsylvania, boasts a rich history as a top industrial hub of the Commonwealth and today offers a plethora of exciting things to see and do.
Follow our lead and discover award-winning local wines, craft beer, a one-of-a-kind fragrance shop and amazing sightseeing experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. We’ll show you some of the sparks that make “The Electric City” and the NEPA region truly light up.
1: Visit the Pizza Capital of the World
In Old Forge PA
Yes, it’s true. There’s a tiny town in Pennsylvania that has proudly claimed the title, citing the high concentration of pizza shops in its 3.5-square-mile downtown area.
Forget Chicago style or New York style. In Old Forge, they make pizza the Old Forge way, complete with their own local lingo: instead of pizza pies, you order rectangular “trays,” and instead of slices, you order “cuts.” The pizza comes in two main varieties: “red,” which carries sauce and ingredients on top, and “white,” which is sans tomato sauce, with cheese and ingredients layered between top and bottom crusts.
Options abound, so ask locals which is the best. The answer you’ll get depends on whom you ask. Everyone has their favorites. On the corner of Main and Grace Streets, you can hit two of the most famous—Arcaro & Genell and Revello’s Cafe Pizza. Described as the Old Forge equivalent of Philadelphia’s cheesesteak rivals Pat’s and Geno’s, each has its own character, and neither disappoints.
Arcaro & Genell
Tents outside offer seating and some curious rectangular courts where visitors can try their hand at bocce. Step inside for a homey Italian vibe from dim lighting, high-backed booths and colorful murals on the walls.
Order both red and white cuts for the full experience. Homemade dough is a foundation for both styles. The red delivers a crispy crust with a hit of sweet, tangy sauce and a gooey cheese blend. The white—even cheesier and more filling than the red—is seasoned well with rosemary and pepper and packs a powerful garlicky punch.
Arcaro & Genell, 443 S. Main St., Old Forge, (570) 457-5555
Revello’s Pizza
Find a completely different atmosphere at Revello’s. This family-friendly, upbeat, retro diner-style spot offers bright red vinyl chairs and eye-catching lights and decorations. Grab a seat at the popular chess table by the door and try a game while you wait for your pizza (which won’t take long).
Revello’s prides itself on making all its ingredients from scratch, by hand, including grinding and seasoning tomatoes in-store to make the sauce. The recipe hasn’t changed in over 45 years. An impressive selection of craft beer and growler fills is also available.
The white cut is warm, buttery and full of cheese (think grilled cheese), with a crispy crust and seasoned with rosemary and onion. The red is low on sauce but big on flavor with a unique cheese blend with a soft crust.
Revello’s Pizza, 502 S. Main St., Old Forge, (570) 457-9843
Visit Old Forge and try both red and white cuts at as many shops as you can. Which will be your favorite? We’ll let you decide.
2: Discover a Geological Wonder
At Boulder Field, Hickory Run State Park
Butterflies flit and bees zoom along a narrow, unpaved gravel road that winds through the sun-dappled, fern-laden forest of Hickory Run State Park. The trail leads to Boulder Field, a 15,000-year-old expanse of 16.5 acres of boulders with a view that will take your breath away.
This National Natural Landmark was formed 20,000 years ago during the most recent glacial period, leaving red sandstone and quartz conglomerate boulders as far as the eye can see. Consider how thrilling it would have been to be the first to happen upon this unique landscape.
Hop carefully from rock to rock and listen to the clacking sounds of shifting stones echo across the field. Wear some good hiking shoes, explore at your own pace and leave no trace; if you bring snacks along, be sure to carry all your trash out with you.
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 State Route 534, White Haven
3: Drink Wine Slushies (Made from Local Grapes)
At Nimble Hill Winery
Along the side of US-6 in Tunkhannock you’ll find an unassuming building housing the tasting room for Nimble Hill Winery. Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of tasting potential. Stop for a tasting, grab a glass of red or white and relax in the comfy chairs of the recently opened Wi-Fi Lounge—or, if it’s a hot day, sip a wine slushie made with Nimble Hill’s sweet Harvest Moon or Mango Slide wines.
Nimble Hill is a true family winery. Gary and Ellie Toczko started the business in 2007 so they could work with their four children. Teaming up with winemaker Kevin Durland, they’ve been able to craft some truly local wines that shine.
Nimble Hill produces outstanding wines for any tastes—from dry to sweet—made with grapes sourced from PA vineyards. The family’s namesake wine, Toczko Vineyard Riesling, is a must-taste semi-dry white made entirely with grapes grown at Nimble Hill. Find herbal notes and just the right balance of sweetness with hints of lime and nectarine.
Nimble Hill Winery, 3971 US-6, Tunkhannock, (570) 836-WINE
4: Visit a Perfume Studio and Craft a Signature Scent
At NOTE Fragrances
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Scranton is inside NOTE Fragrances. Owner Danielle Flemming has spent years studying the art, science and psychology of scent and founded NOTE to give men and women alike the chance to craft their own completely unique fragrance.
Choose from 50 component scents, arranged in small color-coded bottles on a “scent organ.” Sniff scents from various families (such as “sweet and spicy,” “herbal” or “fruits and berries”) and gradually find 3–5 that pair perfectly for you! Build from fragrances like sandalwood and frankincense or jasmine or strawberry; there are even amazing choices like coconut, ocean, honey, tomato leaf and lavender.
The process is step-by-step and delightfully easy to follow with a patient and happy staff ready to make suggestions. Take home a 30 ml or 60 ml spray-bottle of your fragrance for a surprisingly affordable rate … comparable to store cologne and perfume prices. Be sure to name your recipe—when you run low, you can re-order it online any time!
Tip: Plan a private party at NOTE, bring your favorite local PA wines and sip while you sniff. NOTE recently hosted its first bachelor party, which yielded some creatively inappropriate names for fragrances.
NOTE Fragrances, 401 Spruce St., Scranton, (570) 343-2100
5: Enjoy Beer with History
At Susquehanna Brewing Co.
Drop into Susquehanna Brewing Company’s brand new tasting room, which just opened this spring. Located right inside the state-of-the-art brewery, it’s the best place to sample favorites like the brewery’s Shady Spot Lemon Shandy and Hopcellerator West Coast IPA or to preview seasonal brews that haven’t hit store shelves.
The tasting room features huge picture windows offering an insider’s look at the German-engineered brewing facility. Free tours that include tastings, available Saturdays and Sundays, will get you even closer to the action.
SBC is a young brewery with a long Pennsylvania history. We could tell you all about it here, but we suggest you hear the story of the Stegmaier and Maier families firsthand (with a pint in hand). Spoiler alert: It involves beer. Lots of it.
Susquehanna Brewing Co., 635 S. Main St., Pittston, (570) 654-3557
6: Drink Blueberries and Other Fruits
At Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
Arrive in fruit wine paradise with an extensive list including Strawberry Cayuga, Just Peachy, Blueberry Chancellor and Lemon Sweet Tea wine.
Not into fruit wines? Explore the selection of dry reds and whites in the large, well-lit tasting room with a beautiful hand-made cherrywood bar, hand-crafted by the winemaker’s father. Or settle in on the expansive porch and enjoy the gorgeous views over the wooded hillside. Try the 2012 Meritage (it’s well-balanced and smooth) or the 5 Shades of Rose, made from the skins of five different grapes.
Sal Maiolatesi and his father found an old wine press made in the 1900s by his great-grandfather. Intrigued, Sal decided to give winemaking a try. An electromechanical technician by trade, it wasn’t long before Sal was building his own winemaking equipment, eventually opening his first winery in 1999 as one of the youngest sole proprietor winemakers in the state.
Visit on a Friday evening to try the gourmet wood-fired pizza made by Sal’s sister and brother-in-law in the on-site brick oven! But be sure to call ahead for reservations—tables fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer months.
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, 32 Cabernet Dr., Olyphant, (570) 254-9977
7: Relax in Boutique Bed & Breakfast Style
At The Colonnade
Opt for elegance and comfort and stay at The Colonnade. This stunning and swoon-worthy gem of an event space and boutique hotel has three suites featuring private sitting rooms, chic bathrooms and high ceilings on the second floor.
In 2006 owners Joshua Mast and Paul Blackledge left the fashion industry in Brooklyn and returned to Paul’s hometown of Scranton, where they saw historical architectural significance and potential.
After acquiring a magnificent and stately home from the 1870s that had fallen into disrepair, they spent over two years renovating it, bringing their keen sense of design to every detail. The result is a gift to each guest.
Book your room on Airbnb or dial The Colonnade’s main phone number.
The Colonnade, 401 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, (570) 342-6114
8: Try Wine-Infused Beer
At Nimble Hill Brewing Company
Craft beer fans rejoice! The Toczkos have teamed up with brewmaster Mike Simmons to bring craft beer to the NEPA region. After successfully testing their beers through local restaurants, they’ve now opened a beer-tasting room, where they offer six-packs and growler fills of their best-selling IPA and lager.
Taking another step toward keeping it local, Nimble Hill has been growing its own Cascade and Centennial hops in their vineyard for several years! All of the hops go into the seasonal harvest ale, a wet-hopped pale ale with an intense hop aroma but low bitterness.
Sour beer lovers must try the Vidal Sour, an oak-aged ale that is refermented on Vidal grape skins for a dry, complex and aromatic beer.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Nimble Hill’s hard cider release, Hammer Time, due in late September to October and crafted from nearby Brace Orchard’s apples.
Nimble Hill Brewing Co., 3971 SR 6, Tunkhannock, (570) 836-9463
9: Dine Where the Name Says It All
At POSH @ The Scranton Club
Every chic detail of POSH is carefully designed, tying in historical and architectural elements of Scranton. The nearby Oak Bar is decorated with framed patterns from the former Scranton Lace factory. In the North Washington Ballroom—the main dining space—the custom-upholstered fabric pattern features embroidered outlines of famous Scranton buildings.
The open, high-ceilinged dining room still retains enough warmth and intimacy for a romantic table for two. Large windows backing the bar along the southwest wall frame the picturesque Gothic Revival facade of the Scranton City Hall, forming a perfect backdrop for after-work drinks or late night drinks.
The signature and seasonal cocktails are a highlight of the drink program, with some fun and interesting options. You can’t go wrong with the POSHtini—the POSH version of a cosmopolitan with white cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, St. Germain and vodka.
The menu is chock-full of artfully plated options, farm-to-table offerings and creatively conceived specials. Dessert is worth the wait at POSH. The popular melt-in-your-mouth House Brownie is topped with sea salt caramel ice cream made exclusively for POSH by Manning’s, a local creamery.
POSH @ The Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, (570) 955-5890
10: Drink Under the Stars
At Backyard Ale House
Keep the night going after dinner with a stop at Backyard Ale House, a casual after-hours bar near the glow of Scranton’s famous “Electric City” sign. This is a place where locals grab drinks after a shift. The bar boasts a wide selection of craft beer on tap, including rotating local options available at the inside bar only, so grab a pint there and carry it outside to the backyard area, which is open to the sky day and night.
Backyard Ale House, 523 Linden St., Scranton, (570) 955-0192
11. Tap into Coffee Expertise
From Electric City Roasting Company
Need coffee? The name to remember is Electric City Roasting Company. This growing local roastery is stocked not only in many local cafes but also in bigger regional grocery stores like Wegmans and Weis Markets.
Electric City Roasting Company and its founder Mary Tellie bring an unparalleled passion for quality and sustainability to every step of the coffee production process. With an emphasis on social responsibility (through direct-trade relationships with coffee producers) they give back to farmers and communities where they source their beans. Mary is the current chair of the Roasters Guild Executive Council, an SCAA Certified Barista and a Coffee Quality Institute certified Q Grader.
Mary and her team scientifically test every batch of beans in the SCAA-certified coffee lab in Throop, PA (not open to the public), and the resulting quality is no accident. During the rigorous “cupping” process, they carefully regulate all the variables of roasting and brewing to enable their highly trained noses and tastebuds to detect any off flavors or aromas.
Here’s Mary’s pro-list of area shops to get your coffee fix:
Adezzo (Scranton)
Zummo’s Cafe (Scranton)
Mansour’s Market Cafe (Scranton)
Cocoon Coffee House (Hawley)
12: Train Your Brain With Railroad Knowledge
At Steamtown National Historic Site
Next stop? The Steamtown National Historic Site. Get on board with first-hand facts about the railroad industry during the era of coal, iron and steel in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Kids of all ages can dress up in period garb, ring the bell on a train engine and climb aboard hulking locomotives, freight cars and passenger cars. The sheer size and strength of these machines will impress anyone. If you’re lucky, you can catch a demonstration of the 90-foot long turntable, which moves trains between the bays of the roundhouse.
The nation’s first continuously operating electric trolley system, established in 1886, earned Scranton the nickname “The Electric City.” Take a trip down memory lane on your own trolley car excursion. Trips depart several times a day during warmer months, but check in ahead of time to ensure they’re running on schedule.
Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton, (570) 340-5200
13: Visit a Storybook Vineyard in Real Life
At Galen Glen Winery
Cue the panoramic photo setting on your iPhone to capture the remarkable landscape around the quaint hilltop tasting room of Galen Glen Winery. When you close your eyes and imagine a winery surrounded by vineyards, this is what it looks like. Vines are always in view on the back patio and through the broad windows. If it rains, you’re covered, literally, with a fully enclosed and air-conditioned porch area with the same sweeping views.
Galen Glen has been recognized nationally and internationally for its Grüner Veltliner—the favorite varietal of winemaker Sarah Troxell—which earned the winery a double gold medal at the 2015 Six Nations Wine Challenge in Australia, often called the “Olympics of Wine.”
Regulars recommend the Twilight 2015 Stone Cellar. The grapes for this wine were heroically harvested by headlamp as the dawn was breaking on December 12, 2015. The taste is sweet, perfect for pairing with almost any dessert or enjoying alone as a nightcap.
Galen Glen Winery, 255 Winter Mountain Dr., Andreas, (570) 386-3682
14: Eat the Third-Best Hot Dog in America
At Coney Island Lunch
The small storefront of Coney Island Lunch in downtown Scranton has a distinctly old-school diner vibe, with walls covered in fun memorabilia. Brothers Pete and Bob Ventura, happy to strike up a conversation, are the fourth generation to serve their family’s take on the Texas Wiener (which apparently has nothing to do with Texas).
Over the years, their Texas Wieners have attracted national attention and have made numerous lists of “Best Hot Dogs”—including an oft-cited Fox News piece that pegged them as third-best in America.
The Texas Wiener is an all-beef dog, split down the middle, fried on the grill, topped with Düsseldorf mustard and fresh diced onions and slathered in Coney Island’s famous chili sauce—the key ingredient, prepared daily by Bob. The recipe is a family secret, but if you want to re-create the magic at home, order pints or quarts of sauce to bring with you.
Coney Island Lunch, 515 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, (570) 961-9004
15: Consider Curious Birds (and Appreciate Art)
At Everhart Museum (of Natural History, Science and Art)
Want to see a T-Rex skull in Scranton? The Everhart Museum’s got it. This small, stately museum offers a variety of exhibits, including minerals, fossils and a small but impressive variety of modern American art pieces on the second floor and rotating special exhibits.
The jewel of the museum, the Bird Room, displays a gaggle of taxidermied birds of all types and from all areas of the world—from tiny colorful songbirds to the surprisingly large golden eagle specimen. Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart, an avid naturalist who taxidermied some of the birds himself, founded the museum to show off this amazing collection.
Bonus: If it’s not too hot outside, enjoy a picnic and a stroll in neighboring Ney Aug Park, which boasts a treehouse, a water park, a gorge, a garden and playgrounds throughout.
Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton, (570) 346-7186
16: Sip Summer Shandys
If you’ve never tasted a fresh shandy on a hot day, you haven’t lived. The shandy is a beer cocktail consisting of a 50/50 ratio of a blonde lager beer and lemonade or lemon soda. There are at least two great places in the Northeast PA region to grab one of these easy-to-drink warm-weather refreshers.
At Nimble Hill Brewing Company
While you may have seen big-brand shandys popping up in cans and bottles, there’s something special about having this beer cocktail mixed fresh. That’s what you get at Nimble Hill’s tasting room, where the staff will construct a lemon shandy by combining the brewery’s Nim Wit Beer with its house-made lemon soda!
Nimble Hill Brewing Co., 3971 SR 6, Tunkhannock, (570) 836-9463
At Susquehanna Brewing Co.
Susquehanna’s seasonal Shady Spot Lemon Shandy—a mild wheat ale blended with freshly made-in-house lemonade—took home a gold medal in the fruit beer category at the 2016 World Beer Cup. That’s a truly high honor for this young brewery! The little tasting room attached to the state-of-the-art brewery in Pittston is the best place to get a fresh draft of the Lemon Shandy or the similarly seasonal Grapefruit Shandy.
Susquehanna Brewing Co., 635 S. Main St., Pittston, (570) 654-3557
17: Get Lost and Found
At Olde Good Things
Don’t miss the almost unbelievable assemblage of curious and interesting architectural objects at Olde Good Things. Walk the aisles of this vast warehouse and feel like you’re wandering through some mysterious and fantastic maze. Each nook and cranny is piled high with salvaged goods like columns, windows, table legs, wrought-iron fences, giant chains, elaborate chandeliers and even statues.
When plugging this into your GPS, be sure to use the Gilligan Street address. Olde Good Things has a second warehouse across town on Brook Street that’s not open to the public.
Olde Good Things, 400 Gilligan St., Scranton, (888) 233-9678
Photos: Jason Tremblay
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