Enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of this growing and breathtakingly beautiful community in the Northeast region of Pennsylvania. Rich in history, and only hours away from New York City and Philadelphia, the Greater Wilkes-Barre area is dynamic, dazzling and down-home.

There's always a multitude of things to see and do. The region's diversity is due in part to its central location and rich multicultural heritage. Whatever your taste or style, you will feel right at home.

Greater Wilkes-Barre area attractions have always drawn visitors from far and near. Increasingly, these visitors are choosing to stay – moving here to open a business or raise a family. They are choosing quality of life – realizing the same reasons they come to visit are the best reasons to stay.

NATURE

The striking beauty of every season is just one of the great benefits of living in Northeast Pennsylvania. Winter days can be spent skiing or snowboarding at an area resort, with cross-country trails, ice-skating rinks and snowmobile trails only minutes from the city. Spring brings family picnics at area parks and the excitement of rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding or golf.

Summer fun can include a walk along the riverfront, camping at a state park, boating or just strolling through one of many summer festivals. Fall welcomes the beauty of colorful foliage, when area residents and visitors alike can be found hiking or biking through one of the area's majestic state parks or enjoying a scenic drive.

Adventure or tranquility – the choice is yours.

THE ARTS

Theater, ballet, comedy and artwork – it can all be seen in the Greater Wilkes-Barre area. Major performing artists and national tours headline at the Mohegan Sun Arena, while the F.M. Kirby Center is the setting for Broadway tours, children's shows and many concerts. Artwork can be found in one of many renowned area museums or galleries as well as at the annual Fine Arts Fiesta on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. In addition, the area boasts a multitude of smaller performing arts centers, dance and theater groups.

From the laughter of children at a festival to the cheering of fans at a sporting event or concert – Greater Wilkes-Barre is always alive with sound.

THE MUSIC

From the celebrated sounds of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic to the melodies of the Lyric Consort or to national concert tours, there's no shortage of the sounds of music in the Greater Wilkes-Barre area.

SPORTS AND AMUSEMENTS

Skates racing on the ice at the Arena, home of the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Screams of fun and laughter come from area amusement parks, such as Knoebels, the largest free admission park in the country. The crack of the bat at Lackawanna County Stadium, home of the AAA baseball franchise of the New York Yankees.

The revving of Engines at nearby Pocono International Raceway, which features the excitement of NASCAR Nextel Cup racing or The Giant's Despair Hill Climb, run by the Sports Car Club of America, which offers the thrills of hairpin turns and breathtaking views.

Fans cheering for their favorite horse at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, the racers at The Greater Wilkes-Barre Triathlon or at one of the many area high school or collegiate sporting events. Coins dropping as slot players at Mohegan Sun listen for their winnings. These are just some of the many sounds you will hear!

Taste… THE CUISINE

Accentuating the area's diverse background is a multitude of different cuisines, renowned chefs and unique restaurants. From upscale gourmet dinners to casual family meals in national chain restaurants – the area boasts something for every taste.

Old Forge Pizza – arguably the best in the country – is only moments way by car, while other area ethnic specialties, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Italian, Slovak, Polish, Greek and Mexican can also be found.

The mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked specialties, such as potato pancakes, pierogies and funnel cakes will call to you from seasonal festivals, bazaars and the weekly Farmer's Market on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

The area is well known for its many festivals, which celebrate the varied ethnic backgrounds of its residents, and include such popular festivals as the Pittston Tomato Festival, the Cherry Blossom Jazz Festival, Hazleton's FUNFEST and the annual 4th of July Celebration in Kirby Park.

THE PULSE OF A GROWING CITY

Anchored by five area colleges, Wilkes-Barre is a regional center of corporate and educational activity. An extensive revitalization plan has remade the traditional downtown retail core of the downtown. The Northampton & Main project includes a state of the art 14-screen movie theater and a unique mix of retail and 21 loft condominiums.

Another downtown project has created a $30 million makeover to the River Common, a dynamic public space, including a river promenade, amphitheater, gardens and more.

Let the Greater Wilkes-Barre Area awaken your senses to a whole new life. Relocate to Wilkes-Barre and you won't just earn a living, you will enjoy the living you've earned. It's a great place to work, play and raise a family!