F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

It was in 1938 that the Comerford movie chain chose this site on Public Square on which to erect a movie house as a monument to founder Michael E. Comerford. The grandest of flagship cinemas was planned, replacing a bus terminal, a printing company, a stonecutter and a drug store. The result was an advanced art deco dream … lavish interior appointments, five lobbies, oval rose-colored mirrors, tall fluted columns, doors and walls in copper tints with shades of metallic blue. All of this was topped off by the “Giant Lavaliere,” the spectacular chandelier that still graces the lobby of the Kirby Center today. After a long history which nearly ended in the theatre’s demolition, a group of local residents banded together and was successful in having the building added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Finally, in 1985, Albert Boscov, the owner of one of the nation’s largest, privately owned department store chains, came to the financial rescue. A few years earlier he had purchased one of Wilkes-Barre’s last remaining downtown department stores (Fowler, Dick and Walker - The Boston Store), which became his first multi-storied store and one of the most profitable in the Boscov’s chain for many years. Mr. Boscov wanted a way to say “Thank you” to the people of Wilkes-Barre, and the abandoned Paramount was just the right way. In 1985, Boscov began to meet with local business and civic leaders to put together a drive to acquire the property and raise the necessary $4,300,000 to open the doors once again to the public.

71 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 823-4599

Mauch Chunk Opera House

The Mauch Chunk Opera House was designed by Addison Hutton, noted architect from Philadelphia, and originally housed a farmer’s market on the first floor and concert hall on the second. The affluent citizens of old Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) decided to foot the bill to build the Opera House themselves. They could then attend top-notch performances right in their own town. Eventually, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old vaudeville circuit, with entertainers such as Al Jolson, Eddie Foy and Mae West gracing the stage. Then in 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively. For roughly the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house. In 1962, when the movie theater business was in decline, the Capitol Theater closed. The building was then purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used as a warehouse. In 1975, the Mauch Chunk Historical Society of Carbon County purchased the building. Today, the Mauch Chunk Opera House once again is rising to its former glory as the jewel of the community and respected venue for live performance and cultural events. One hundred and twenty years later, music lovers and theater goers still appreciate the intimate space and excellent acoustics of the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

14 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(570) 325-4439

Sherman Theater

This once abandoned 1929 historic theater, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Stroudsburg has come back to life. Audiences and performers alike have been ecstatic with the historic feel combined with the state of the art sound system, comfortable seating, and intimate setting that is the Sherman Theater.

524 Main Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2808

Mount Airy Casino Resort

Come play in the great indoors at the Poconos’ premier casino resort. Go wild with over 2,500 of your favorite reel-spinning slots and electronic table games like poker, roulette and blackjack. Let your taste buds go exploring as you dine on prime steaks, regional Italian cuisine and more at one of our five restaurants. Then mingle and move on the dance floor with the area’s best party bands at Gypsies Lounge and Nightclub. At this one-of-a-kind escape, indulging your every whim is only natural.

Woodland Road
Mount Pocono, PA 18344
(877) 682-4791

Camelbeach Waterpark

Quite simply, one of the best water parks to be found anywhere! Attractions include the new FlowRider, the Checkered Flag Challenge eight-lane racing slide, the six story tall Triple Venom waterslide, the Vortex and Spin Cycle bowl slides, the Kahuna Lagoon wave pool, the eight story tall Titan tube slide. Camelbeach Waterpark features a total of Twenty-two waterslides, from small "kids-only" slides, to multi-person raft slides such as the Sidewinder, all the way up to the Ultimate Waterslide — The Titan! It’s hard to pick a favorite! Kids love to explore the slides, swings and fun water gadgets in Camel Cove, the family interactive play zone. Control the action with various valves and levers, then look out above — the giant bucket dumps all its water every few minutes! Camel Cove is one of two special children’s areas at Camelbeach Waterpark. Take a break and relax in the cooling waters of the Blue Nile Adventure River. This 1,000-foot-long journey will take you through waterfalls, past geysers, across bubbling waters and more along its calming route. It’s an easy way to spend a hot summer day.

Camelback Road
Tannersville, PA 18372
(800) 233-8100

Carousel Water & Fun Park

Carousel Water & Fun Park is the big little water & fun park that your entire family will love. If you prefer a small park where you will spend more time having fun, rather than waiting in lines, this is the park for you. Go-karts, bumper boats, water slides, kiddie-kars and mini-golf are all included in a pay-one price admission. Also available are hardball and softball batting range, an arcade and snack bar.

1018 Beach Lake Hwy
Beach Lake, PA 18405
(570) 729-7532

Jim Thorpe River Adventures

The folks at Jim Thorpe River Adventures believe that everyone needs and adventure! Jim Thorpe River Adventures is directly adjacent to the Glen Onoko Falls in Lehigh Gorge State Park, the heart of the Pocono mountains. They provide guided raft trips on the Lehigh River from mid March thru October. This allows you to enjoy the first bloom of Spring, hot Summer days, as well as the magnificent foliage of Fall along the Lehigh Gorge.

1 Adventure Lane
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(800) 424-RAFT

Shawnee Place

This very special play and water park, where kids & parents can grow closer through wholesome creative play, is waiting for you at the base of Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in the scenic Pocono Mountains. Shawnee Place has over 15 unique outdoor play activities especially for kids ages 2 to 12 and their families, plus two exciting waterslides with refreshing splash-down pools and an activity pool with Rain Drop & Lemon Drop fountains.

Hollow Road
Shawnee-On-Delaware, PA 18356
(800) 233-4218

Asa Packer Mansion

The Asa Packer Mansion was built in the Victorian Italianate architecture style in 1861 by architect Samuel Sloan of Philadelphia. Topped by a red-ribbed tin roof and a central cupola or belvedere, the home was built over a cast iron frame and consists of 18 rooms and 11,000 square feet of living space. The home was constructed over a span of two years and cost a total of $14,000 dollars, the equivalent of $2.3 million dollars today! This beautiful home was the residence of philanthropist, railroad magnate, and founder of Lehigh University, Asa Packer. Today, you will see his mansion just as it stood during Packer’s lifetime. It rests near Mount Pisgah, home of the Switchback Railroad, the first railroad to be built in Pennsylvania.

Packer Hill Road
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(570) 325-3229

Dorflinger Glass Museum & Dorflinger-Suyham Wildlife Sanctuary

The Dorflinger Glass Museum is a tribute to the life and accomplishments of Christian Dorflinger, known throughout the world as the creator of fine crystal and exquisite cut glass. In the 1860s, French glassmaker Christian Dorflinger purchased 600 acres of spectacularly beautiful land to be used as the setting for an escape from the rigors of his glass factories in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after relocating here, he constructed in the village of White Mills a glass factory where he was to design and produce some of the finest lead crystal in the country. Over a century later, the Dorflinger Glass Museum opened its doors to share with visitors these treasures of extraordinary crystal that represent the artisan’s finest creations; creations sought by presidents and kings. Displayed among period antiques and artifacts from the glass factories themselves, this definitive collection ranges from household items to presentation pieces, and from the graceful elegance of simplicity to the stunningly intricate. The wildlife sanctuary on the surrounding grounds is an attraction within itself.

P.O. Box 356
White Mills, PA 18473
(570) 253-1185

Eckley Miners’ Village

Eckley is one of the hundreds of company mining towns or “patches” built in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania during the nineteenth century. In 1854, the mining firm of Sharpe, Leisenring and Company, later known as Sharpe, Weiss and Company, leased land from the Tench Coxe Estate of Philadelphia and began work on the Council Ridge Colliery and the village of Eckley. The village, built near the colliery where the coal was mined and processed, provided housing for the miners and their families. Its stores, schools, and churches supplied the economic, educational, and religious needs of the villagers. By owning the village, the company had greater control over the lives of their workers. The old Council Ridge Colliery is gone, but its village survives. Eckley preserves a way of life which dominated the anthracite region for over 140 years.

RR #2, Box 236
Weatherly, PA 18255
(570) 636-2070

Grey Towers National Historic Site

Grey Towers was the home of Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the US Forest Service and Pennsylvania Governor for two terms. Grey Towers was completed in 1886 by Gifford’s father, James Pinchot, a wealthy wallpaper merchant. Civic minded and a supporter of the arts, James and his wife, Mary, connected themselves with many influential people, among them Richard Morris Hunt, a leading architect of the era. Hunt designed their summer home to utilize both local materials and reflect the French heritage of the Pinchot family, who first settled in Milford in 1818. For two decades the Pinchots and their children enjoyed numerous summers at Grey Towers, entertaining guests for afternoon teas and dinner parties. Here James, disturbed by destructive logging practices then prevalent in the country, encouraged his eldest son, Gifford Pinchot, to consider a career in forestry.

USDA Forest Service
Grey Towers National Historic Site
P.O. Box 188
Milford, PA 18337
(570) 296-9630

Houdini Museum

Harry Houdini’s personal appeal and mystique remain timeless long after his death. The intrigue and legend of the celebrated magician’s magic and escapes are carried on today at the Houdini Museum. Operated by two professional illusionists, the museum contains a wide range of memorabilia related to the performer who frequented the city of Scranton during his lifetime. It is the only building in the world totally devoted to Houdini. Tours change on a regular basis but always include a magic show. The Houdini Museum has national and international significance, having been featured on many prominent television shows.

1433 North Main Street
Scranton, PA 18508
(570) 342-5555

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

Go down in history - 300 feet beneath the surface of the earth in a once abandoned, but now restored hard coal mine. At one time in the region, coal was king, and the main industry was anthracite mining. See where and how men and boys worked to heat a nation and fuel the conversion of our nation’s economy from agriculture to industry. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour is an award winning historical attraction operated by the County of Lackawanna. The coal mine tour is conducted in what was once part of the Continental Coal Mine, formerly an active Anthracite coal mine. Deep mining commenced in the area around 1860, with the “190 Slope” closing in 1966. There are no remaining active deep mines in the area, so you are literally “going down in history” on this tour. Your tour begins as you descend into the mine 1350 feet in a custom mine car at an angle of about 26 degrees via the “190 Slope”. Once you reach the foot of the slope, the walking portion of the tour begins.

Bald Mountain Road
Scranton, PA 18504
(570) 963-6463

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, educational corporation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage. The farm is open to the general public, during the summer, from June 20 through Labor Day with period-dressed “family” members reenacting the life of the original Pennsylvania German family who lived on the farm from the 1760s to 1913. A living museum - like stepping back in time!

1000 Turkey Hill Road
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 992-6161

Steamtown National Historic Site

All aboard! The Steamtown National Historic Site is open year-round, offering endless opportunities to enjoy a nostalgic journey through railroading’s colorful past. A fully operating roundhouse, turntable and locomotive restoration shop, technology and history museums, a full-service visitor’s center and a state-of-the-art 250 seat theater complex serve as the perfect back-drop to your visit.

150 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 340-5200

Pocono Raceway

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing at Pocono is what great stock car racing is all about. Its great racing and location, in the heart of the Pocono Mountain resort area has made Pocono Raceway a favorite destination of race fans and vacationers.

Route 115
Long Pond, PA 18334
(800) RAC-EWAY

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees Baseball

Enjoy minor league baseball with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees. The team plays at PNC Field (the former Lackawanna County Stadium), in Moosic.

235 Montage Mountain Road
Moosic, PA 18507
(570) 969-2255

Stock Car Racing Experience

Stock Car Racing Experience has taken the best that NASCAR has to offer, a 2.5 mile Super Speedway (Pocono Raceway), NEXTEL Cup Style Stock Cars, a friendly, professional crew and put them all together to give you the experience of a lifetime. This unique combination provides a thrilling opportunity to get behind the wheel of a stock car on an enormous 2.5 mile tri-oval. Programs range from a 3-lap ride to an 80 mile drive.

Route 940
Blakeslee Square, Suite #9
Blakeslee, PA 18610
(877) 786-2522

Big Pocono State Park

Perched on Camelback Mountain, Big Pocono State Park is rugged and scenic. A paved, scenic drive encircles the mountaintop and provides a magnificent view of vast portions of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Camelback Road
Tannersville, PA 18372
(570) 894-8336

Bushkill Falls

The “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls is among the Keystone State’s most famous scenic attractions. This unique series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is accessible through an excellent network of hiking trails and bridges which afford fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest. Hiking the trails and viewing the towering 100-foot Main Falls are not the only activities possible on the expansive grounds of Bushkill Falls. Check out the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit, Native American Exhibit, fish Twin Lakes, visit a variety of gift shops, stop at the Fudge Kitchen for delectable sweets in the Wagon Wheel Pavilion, take a paddle-boat ride, or enjoy a round of miniature golf. At Bushkill Falls there’s plenty for the entire family to see and do.

Bushkill Falls Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
(570) 588-6682

Delaware & Hudson Canal

Work commenced on the Delaware & Hudson Canal in July 1825 and was completed in 1828. This 108-mile waterway carried coal between Honesdale and the Hudson River. Huge coal piles were part of the scenery in Honesdale, where the coal hauled by the Delaware and Hudson gravity railroad was transferred to the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal Company boats. Stroll, run, or bike along the D&H Canal’s towpath. Originally a path for mules pulling canal boats, many sections of towpath have been transformed into unique recreational trails.

RR 2, Box 2428
Beach Lake, PA 18405
(570) 685-4871

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was established by Congress on September 1, 1965, for public outdoor recreation use and for the preservation of scenic, scientific, and historic resources. The area is rich in both cultural and natural history. The ridges and river valley contain streams, waterfalls, geologic features, a diversity of plants and wildlife, and traces of past occupants and cultures. Popular activities include canoeing, rafting, and fishing.

River Road
Bushkill, PA 18324
(570) 588-2452

Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Falls are named for an early Dutch settler and his family. Cascading over stair-step layers of shale, Dingmans Creek plunges 130 feet to create magnificent Dingmans Falls. The many fallen hemlock trees create habitat for residents of the ravine, and as the trees decompose, they also replenish the soil. Despite the acidity of the soil and the creek, many fish, including native brook trout, live in Dingmans Creek and can be seen in deep pools. The water power of Dingmans Creek attracted saw, grist and cider mills here in the 1800s, and the falls have been a tourist attraction for more than a century.

Johnny Bee Road
Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
(570) 588-2447 

Lake Wallenpaupack

PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack and Hydroelectric power plant was completed in 1926. Now a major tourism and outdoor recreation destination, the 5,700 acre Lake Wallenpaupack fills what was once a bowl-shaped valley, sixty feet at its maximum. It is one of the largest manmade lakes in Pennsylvania.

Route 6
Lake Wallenpaupack, PA 18424
(570) 226-3191

Tannersville Cranberry Bog

Standing out in vivid contrast to the surrounding Pocono Mountains landscape, Tannersville Cranberry Bog provides a snapshot of colder times. Thousands of years ago, a large glacial lake occupied the space of what has since become a thick soup of peat moss surrounded by tamarack, black spruce and other vegetation representing the legacy of an ancient boreal forest that once covered this region. Today, while the ice and lake have long receded, the unique bog ecosystem that remains serves as the southernmost low elevation boreal bog in the United States.

The Nature Conservancy
Long Pond Road
Long Pond, PA 18334
(570) 643-7922
(See website for access directions!)

Arts Youniverse

Arts Youniverse is a mansion full of talented artists who say, “Shopping for the best artistic experience should be as easy as shopping for the best shoes, or freshest groceries.” Arts Youniverse makes the artistic experience accessible and affordable to the general public at every age and experience level. Thirty years ago the drive-thru concept was considered revolutionary. Today it is expected. Thirty years from now, experiencing the arts will be an expected part of a person’s day. Arts Youniverse brings all of the arts together under one roof in an attempt to make that dream a reality.

156 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 606-4668

Cherry Valley Vineyards

Located in Monroe County along the Cherry Creek, the Cherry Valley Vineyards were established by the Sorrenti family over a dozen years ago. Featuring 22 varieties of wine, specialties include: Method Champenoise, barrel-aged reds, and grommet fruit wines. Their Spumante wines won the Governor’s Cup in 2001 and Best Sparkling Wine in Pennsylvania for two consecutive years!

Lower Cherry Valley Road
Saylorsburg, PA 18353
(570) 992-2255