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If you’re a railroading buff or a fan of The Office, you’ve heard of Scranton. But this mild-mannered university town—and new home to the Yankees’ minor league affiliate—offers more than television trivia and trains. Here’s an itinerary for the first-time visitor. Two stops on the tour are best reached by car, but the rest are easy walks from the suggested hotel.
9:00 a.m.
Sixty years old and actually created from parts of a glider, the Glider Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner around the clock. A pile of French toast, juice, and a bottomless cup of coffee come in under $6.00. For some classic North East PA comfort food, order the French fries and gravy.
10:00 a.m.
Stand next to one of the last remaining Big Boy steam locomotives, weighing more than a million pounds, and you begin to understand the impact of steam and rail power on the country. With more than 70 locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and a 90-foot turntable, Steamtown National Historic Site makes steam power real, if only for a few hours. From April to October there’s also a trolley excursion daily.
1:00 p.m.
Scranton has a large Irish population (it hosts the fourth largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S.) and The Banshee is where area residents get their Guinness. In addition to the usual favorites on draught, there are a number of lesser known stouts and ales on the menu. Settle into one of the nooks and order up a burger.
2:00 p.m.
Time to walk off the burger and beer. A leisurely two-mile walk will take you back in time past Scranton’s restored 19th and 20th century architecture, as well as old-time storefronts that never recovered from the collapse of the anthracite economy. Stick to Penn, Adams, Lackawanna, and North Washington Avenues for historically significant buildings. For modern-day diversions, check out the regional art scene at AFA Gallery; browse new and used literary fiction at Anthology Books; grab a latte and wifi at Northern Light Espresso Bar; and indulge in skin care and home accessories at Lavish.
3:00 p.m.
Though not far—only about a mile—walking to the Everhart Museum means climbing Scranton’s hilly terrain. By driving you can spend your time instead in the galleries and natural history exhibits. Afterwards hike the more dramatic surrounding park, Nay Aug, which has recently constructed a 150-foot high treehouse and pedestrian walkways through the gorges and waterfalls.
6:30 p.m.
For dinner, head back downtown for classic Italian at Sambuca Grille, a small gem with twenty tables.
8:30 p.m.
After dinner, pretend you’re back in the Jazz Age and order drinks at the bar at The Radisson at Lackawanna Station, Scranton’s Beaux-Arts landmark. Built in 1908 as the passenger station and headquarters of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, it was restored 25 years ago and continues to impress.
‘Til Late
Walk a few blocks over to The Bog to sample the music scene. Local favorites like The Sw!ms, And the Moneynotes, The Minor White, and The Menzingers play regularly.
Sleeping In
Scranton’s first boutique hotel will open later this year. Dubbed The Colonnade after its main architectural elements, it’s a restored 1910 mansion with eight large suites plus event- and meeting-space. Until it opens, however, you’re limited to national chains. You’ll be tempted to stay at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station, but service at this Radisson has declined. Instead, spend the night at the Hilton Scranton, which is right around the corner. For brunch tomorrow morning head back to Lackawanna Station’s former concourse-turned restaurant, Carmen’s.
Details
Glider Diner – 890 Providence Rd., 570-343-8036
Steamtown National Historic Site & Trolley Museum – Park entrance at intersection of Lackawanna Ave. and Cliff St., daily 10am-4pm through March, 9am-5pm April-December. Admission $6 with discounts for children and seniors; rail excursions separate.
The Banshee – 320 Penn Ave., 570-969-4248
AFA Gallery – 514 Lackawanna Ave., 570-969-1040
Anthology Books – 515 Center St, 570-941-9630
Northern Light Espresso Bar – 536 Spruce St., 570-342-3200
Lavish – 600 Linden St., 570-558-2273
Everhart Museum – 1901 Mulberry St., 570-346-7186
Sambuca Grille – 234 Penn Ave., 570-961-5205, entrees $14.00 – $23.00
Radisson Lackawanna Station – 700 Lackawanna Ave., Reservations: (888) 201-1718 US
The Bog – 341 Adams Ave., 570-341-6716
The Colonnade – 401 Jefferson Ave., 570-342-6114
Hilton Scranton – 100 Adams Ave., 570-343-3000, rooms from $99.00
Carmen’s – 700 Lackawanna Ave., 570-342-8300, Sunday brunch from 10am-2pm
© Serious Curious, 2009
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