Destination, Scranton
By Michele Blandino
That's right, Scranton Pennsylvania.
Despite its rich history, Scranton has long been stereotyped as a dying coal town devoid of culture, recreation and opportunity. And while this description is partially, true - in its heyday, Scranton was a bustling city in the midst of fertile coal country - the town is far from dead. Thanks to a campaign by the city's mayor and the local chamber of commerce, Scranton is letting the country know about all it has to offer.
Culture
Believe it or not, Scranton's cultural scene extends well beyond the polka. While the city is home to an annual Polka Festival that occurs each August, there are also Broadway-quality theater productions, museums, and walking tours that allow visitors to see some of the city's historic sites.
For theater, there's The Mellow Theater at Lackawanna College and The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, both located in downtown Scranton. Both venues stage events ranging from children's shows to Broadway touring groups. Over the years, productions such as Cats, Rent, and Riverdance have graced these stages.
If museums are your cup of tea, Scranton has several. The Everhart Museum located in the city's Nay Aug Park has regularly changing exhibits and programs. The Steamtown National Historic Site brings you back to the golden-age of the steam locomotive. Here, visitors can take a tour, view a demonstration and even take an excursion on an authentic steam locomotive. The Anthracite Museum provides a nostalgic look at the people who played such an important role in the city's mining and textile industries. And for those interested in magic and illusions, The Houdini Museum is a nice way to spend a few hours.
The Great Outdoors
For those who prefer being outside, there is certainly no shortage of activities. The city is home to two large parks, Nay Aug Park and McDade Park. At Nay Aug, you can spend a lazy summer afternoon by one of the park's recently restored swimming pools or visit the zoo. There is also a snack bar, picnic facilities and, reminiscent of days gone by, a small amusement park. At McDade Park, there is an outdoor pool, plenty of picnic facilities, tennis courts, walking trails, playgrounds and baseball fields.
In the winter, you can ski and snowboard at Montage Mountain. With 21 trails and 1000 feet of vertical drop, Montage offers something for every level of skier. "Stadium on Ice" at Lackawanna Stadium provides a beautiful outdoor setting for recreational ice skating. If you prefer to skate indoors, The Ice Box is the place to go.
Scranton is also home to the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Red Barons, the AAA affiliate of baseball's Philadelphia Phillies.