Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is the county seat of Luzerne County. It is part of the larger Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton metropolitan area, which has a population of 563,631. The city itself has a population of about 45,000 and sits in the center of the Wyoming Valley, home of the anthracite coal fields of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1769. Its growth went into warp speed in the 19th century when a Wilkes-Barre resident named Jesse Fell discovered that anthracite coal could be burned as an alternative to wood. Fell was the first person to successfully burn anthracite on an open-air grate. Historians credit Fell's discovery with helping to fuel America's industrial revolution. In the late 19th and early 20th century, hundreds of thousands of immigrants flocked to the Wyoming Valley to work in the coal mines or otherwise seek their fortunes among the industrial and economic force that was Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Coal mining is no longer done on a large scale in the region — the end of that era is marked by a disaster that flooded mines in 1959. However, the area is still proud of its mining heritage and the hard-working people that built the town. In fact, Wilkes-Barre's nickname is the Diamond City, based on the old belief that diamonds are formed from pressurized coal.
While Wilkes-Barre is no longer an industrial powerhouse, it is a friendly place with a small-town feel and is surrounded by beautiful natural areas. It has a rich history as the birthplace of American companies like Woolworths, Planter's Peanuts, and HBO, and it's just a two-hour drive from Philadelphia and New York City. You can view fascinating exhibits about local history, including artifacts from the Leni Lenape indigenous peoples, at the three-story Luzerne County Historical Society on S. Franklin Street.
Hundreds of restaurants in Wilkes-Barre serve mostly casual food. This part of Pennsylvania is known as a pizza lover's paradise. Some favorite spots in W-B are Pizza L'Oven and Angelo's Pizza. Cafe Toscana is a popular downtown spot to dine, and La Tolteca is a great place to enjoy Mexican food with outdoor seating.
Pittston Tomato Festival: Head to nearby Pittston for this tomato-themed neighborhood festival with food, carnival games, live music, and a raucous tomato fight to close out the event. Rated one of the best festivals in Northeast Pennsylvania, it takes place over four days in late August.
Scranton First Fridays: The first Friday of every month, Scranton hosts downtown art walks. You can view local crafts and sample wares from pubs and restaurants on this festive night each month.
Noxen Rattlesnake Roundup: This quirky event takes place each June to raise money for a volunteer fire department. It features food, fair games, crafts, live music, and a large pen that holds rattlesnakes rounded up as part of a contest held early in the day. No snakes are harmed, and they're released back where they were found.
Shenandoah National Park stretches along the Blue Ridge Mountains for 100 miles. In addition to hiking, camping, and swimming, don't miss taking in the sights from the famous Skyline Drive.
New River Gorge National Park is the newest national park in West Virginia. Outdoor enthusiasts flock there for a range of pursuits, like rock climbing, hiking, and white-water rafting in the spectacular Appalachian Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is popular for leaf-peeping in fall and wildflower-viewing in spring. While you're there, you can climb Clingmans Dome and fish in the crystal waters of Fontana Lake; or take a scenic drive on one of several historic roads that wind through the park.
Go to Hickory Run State Park in White Haven to view its famous ancient boulder field. Hike along Hawk Falls and the spookily named Shades of Death Trail. This park is also home to a popular lake for swimming and is a great place to fish for brook trout.
Lackawanna State Park has a lake where you can kayak, canoe, swim, and fish. It's also a peaceful place for camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
Tobyhanna State Park is home to the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. Biking, hiking, and picnicking are popular there. The five-mile Lakeside Trail is a family-hiking favorite. In winter, people go snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the park.
Jim Thorpe Old Jail Museum: This old town jail is now a museum. It's notable as the site where seven accused Molly Maguires met their fate on the gallows. Legend has it that this place is haunted.
Steamtown National Historic Site: This Scranton railroad museum sits on the former yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad. This is a must-see for any train buff!
Denison House: This historic home in nearby Forty Fort was built circa 1790. Today, it is a living museum that teaches how people lived in Pennsylvania hundreds of years ago. It's open for tours on weekends.
Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming, Pennsylvania is open from April until October and sits on a lake with excellent boating and fishing. It's in a beautiful wooded area steeped in local lore.
Ponderosa Pines Family Campground in Honesdale is next to Lake Ponderosa. It has a true Pocono resort feel, with different games like horseshoes and shuffleboard. Make use of the on-site grocery store and laundry facilities.
Secluded Acres Campground in Lake Ariel is a favorite among RVers with children in tow. Enjoy water sports on Lake Ariel, and then continue the fun with the campground's on-site games, like fishing derbies and candy hunts.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Wilkes-Barre, PA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Wilkes-Barre, PA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Wilkes-Barre, PA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
