There are a lot of things to do all over NEPA. And we’re here to make accessing all that fun a little bit easier. Whether you’re gathering up the kids for a family-friendly weekend in the Poconos, or catching up with old friends for a Saturday on the town, the DiscoverNEPA Itinerary Series has you covered. You might be amazed at just how much affordable NEPA fun you can squeeze into a day right here in our own backyard.
Spend a Laidback Day Exploring Downtown Wilkes-Barre
Summer in NEPA is a whole season of outdoor fun, al fresco dining and ice cream… lots and lots of ice cream. We’re busy hitting up local fairs and festivals, exploring new trails and cooling off at the pool. It’s the time of year to take things easy and let yourself have a little fun, and there’s no better way to relax than with a NEPA staycation. No long car rides. No tedious planning. Just affordable, close-to-home fun.
This summer, we’re kicking back in downtown Wilkes-Barre, where there’s no shortage of urban adventures. We’ll discover the treasures of the Diamond City, from its historical gems to its beautiful riverfront to its vibrant dining scene. Time it right, and you can even catch one of the city’s signature summer events, like the Rockin’ the River concert series.
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Start the day off right with a coffee or tea from Pour, a cool coffee shop on North Main Street. La Colombe brews and locally sourced baked goods will get you up and at ‘em for an exciting day ahead.
Free
Take a peaceful morning stroll along the Susquehanna River. Paved walking and biking paths stretch from the Luzerne County Courthouse to the Market Street Bridge, connecting to the extensive Luzerne County Levee Trail System.
Local Tip: Bring your mat for Riverfront Yoga. These free, all-levels yoga classes are held every Saturday morning from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Refuel and relax at this popular, family-owned lunch spot. They serve everything from refreshing salads to hearty subs and sandwiches.
Free
Do a little sightseeing with Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture, a self-guided walking tour of the city’s stunning historic district. Download the free app and follow along with over 20 fascinating stops.
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Rodano’s on Public Square has it all: a cool atmosphere, a crowd-pleasing menu and an awesome bar scene. You can’t go wrong with pizzas and flatbreads hot out of the brick oven, although they also have a huge selection of salads, wraps, sandwiches and other favorites.
Local Tip: The outdoor patio is the place to be in the summer.
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Save some room for popcorn! You can catch the latest summer blockbusters at Movies 14, located just a few blocks away from Public Square.
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No summer weekend is complete without ice cream. Before you leave town, head to Boozy B’s, an ice cream parlor for the 21+ crowd. They make their own hand-crafted, alcohol-infused ice creams, including refreshing seasonal flavors.
