Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2025
Upstate PA (UP)
2024-11-28 11:17:40
Glorious mountains that fade into the distance and the winding Susquehanna River define the landscape in this scenic region. Old steel mills, covered bridges, and behemoth mansions are reminders of the region’s storied past. Rebirth is underway in places that were former industrial centers, where long-standing buildings are finding new lives as museums, colleges, and hotels. Color and creativity bloom in art galleries, cultural centers, and theaters. Explore wineries and breweries, and take in the charms of quaint towns.
Charming Eagles Mere
A historic summer resort village with its own private lake, this tiny town packs plenty of things to do. Learn about local history at the Eagles Mere Museum. See classic cars at the Eagles Mere Auto Museum and airplanes and aviation artifacts at the Eagles Mere Air Museum. Enjoy a romantic getaway in one of the themed rooms at Eagles Mere Inn and savor cheesesteaks and burgers at The Barn Tavern.
Adventures Close By
Dramatic vistas and more than 20 miles of hiking trails make Worlds End State Park in Forksville an unforgettable adventure. During the fall, don’t miss blazing foliage of Loyalsock State Forest when you visit Dry Run Falls, a roadside waterfall just outside Hillsgrove.
Historic Experiences in Scranton
Delve into the past at this bustling hub of history and innovation. Learn the stories of coal miners and immigrant culture at the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, then descend 300 feet below ground on the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. Watch the film Steel and Steam and see locomotives up close at Steamtown National Historic Site or learn about electric railways at the Electric City Trolley Museum. See rare footage of the famed illusionist at the Houdini Museum or watch a show at the historic Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. While you’re here, stroll the trails at Nay Aug Park and have dinner at Bar Pazzo for wood-fired pizzas and fine Italian wines.
Get Outdoors
Bring your binoculars to spot birds and butterflies at Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain in Jessup. At Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Township, rent a kayak to paddle on the 198-acre lake. In the summer, cool off in the waterpark at Montage Mountain in Scranton — or in the winter, ski down its slopes.
NEW MILFORD & MONTROSE
Take in the rolling countryside and tasty eats in this area. In New Milford, fill up on Italian-American meals at the charming and rustic Green Gables Restaurant or opt for fancy afternoon tea in an 1860s mansion at Rose Cottage in nearby Montrose. Montrose is also home to the homey Endless Brewing, with its scenic outdoor space, and Salt Springs State Park, boasting old-growth hemlock trees and three waterfalls.
Check Out Pottsville
Visit Yuengling, the oldest operating brewery in the country, and then see where one of the owners lived at the grand Frank D. Yuengling Home, a Tudor-Jacobethan Revival-style mansion built in 1913. Dine on globally inspired cuisine at The Crimson House, take a summertime tour at Hope Hill Lavender Farm, and ooh and ahh at pristine vintage cars on display at Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum.
Get Away to Tunkhannock
Enjoy town amenities such as independent films and blockbuster hits shown at Dietrich Theater, followed by wine and beer flights at Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery. Just outside of town, play a game of golf on the 18-hole course at Stone Hedge Golf Course, or play mini golf paired with ice cream at Harding’s Dairy Bar & Mini Golf. Upscale dishes like sirloin steak and shrimp bisque are the draw at The Fireplace Restaurant. Enjoy some peace and quiet at Vosburg Neck State Park and then spend the night at Stony Mountain Family Campground.
DETOUR: Follow Roosevelt Highway to Wyalusing
Drive along U.S. Highway 6 and stop for gorgeous views from Marie Antoinette Lookout and Wyalusing Rocks Scenic Overlook. End your journey tasting awardwinning wines on an 1800s farm at Grovedale Winery.
In Wilkes-Barre
Grab a freshly brewed cup of local coffee from Abide Coffeehouse and head over to Lark Mountain Marketplace to shop antiques and local goodies. For lunch, fill up on spicy noodle dishes at Thai Thai or kebabs and wraps at Istanbul Grill. Admire the beauty of the Susquehanna River on the Luzerne County Levee Trail and treat yourself to a banana split at The Snack Shack. Immerse yourself in local history on the Wilkes-Barre Walkitecture Tour and enjoy a show at the art deco F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. At night, bring your good luck charms to nearby Mohegan Pennsylvania, where casino games, shopping, live entertainment, and dining meet under one roof.
Incredible Leaf Peeping at Nearby State Parks
Pack a sweater, stop for a pumpkin spice latte, and get ready for glorious fall foliage at these state parks.
Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton
Even if you don’t trek the entire 7.2-mile Falls Trail loop, you’re bound to see plenty of blazing colors against the backdrop of spectacular waterfalls.
Nescopeck State Park, Drums
Stroll along the easy 0.6-mile Lake Trail to see trees in full fall glory encircling Lake Frances, and bring kids to the 0.3-mile, wooded Reilly Loop to go through the Nature Discovery Area.
Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming
Bring a delicious spread to enjoy at the Big Pines Picnic Area, then walk off lunch along the easy 1.4-mile Lake Shore Trail to see the fall colors reflected in the pristine waters.
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