By: Megan Filak
Sure we might be a little biased (obviously we really love Luzerne County!), but when it came time to write this blog narrowing down our reasons to just seven was pretty tough. So after some debate, discussion and passionate speeches here are seven reasons to fall in love with Luzerne County:
- The Great Outdoors- With rolling mountains, two rivers, more than 90 small lakes and 130 streams, there are so many ways to get out and play. Miles of trails run throughout Luzerne County leading hikers and bikers to explore hidden waterfalls, lush forests and meadows colored with wildflowers. Four state parks invite visitors to connect with nature in a number of ways, from camping to hiking, boating and everything in between.
- Four Seasons – Speaking of the great outdoors… Northeast Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons which gives the landscape a new look every few months. The green mountains of summer burst with reds, oranges and yellows when the chill of autumn sets in only to be covered in white by falling snow in winter. Spring breaths new color into the scenery as mountain laurel and other flowers bloom. And each change of season brings a change in fun… from snowshoeing and ice hiking in the winter to whitewater rafting and kayaking in the summer, there is always a new adventure waiting.
- Art Scene- Art is happening all around Luzerne County. Giant murals in Pittston and West Side communities, like Kingston and Edwardsville, add color to the streets while galleries across the area display unique exhibits. During warm weather months, art walks connect people with local artists. Art in the forms of music, theater and dance take the stage all across Northeast Pennsylvania, from small community theaters to the historic F.M. Kirby Center in Downtown Wilkes-Barre to the large Mohegan Sun Arena.
- Fun Together- Events all around Luzerne County bring people together for fun… and food. Whether it’s summer church bazaars, the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival, the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival or the Pittston Tomato Festival, you can pack your calendar with options to taste the flavors of Northeast Pennsylvania while enjoying time with family and friends. The free concert series, Rockin’ the River, on the beautiful Susquehanna River kicks off in July followed by Hazleton Funfest and the Luzerne County Fair in September to keep the fun rolling right into the fall.
- Experience the flavor- Festivals aren’t the only way to savor Northeast PA. Luzerne County is home restaurants of all kinds – from fine dining to family diners to ones cooking cuisine from around the world. Plus, Northeast Pennsylvania is popular for the hundreds of restaurants serving up their own unique styles of pizza.
- Farm to Table- With so many farms in and around Luzerne County, it’s easy to find some of the freshest food. Every summer farmers’ markets pop up all across Northeast Pennsylvania offering fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and homemade desserts, along with handmade crafts and other local products.
- Locals- Around the turn of the 20th Century immigrants flocked to Luzerne County from across Europe looking for work in the mining industry that was fueling the nation. For over a century these diverse cultures mixed and merged to create a community with a unique sense of place and proud heritage that still exists today. New opportunities are once again helping others discover this corner of Pennsylvania adding new ideas and energy to an already bustling community.