The weather is warming up, birds are chirping, and the scent of fresh blooms is in the air. Whether you’re from Clarks Summit, or just visiting, you’ll want to take advantage of the beauty in this lovely city come springtime. Read on to learn about our suggestions on the best places to soak up spring’s beauty in and around Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Image via Flickr by cm195902 Licensed CC BY 2.0
If you don’t mind a two-hour drive, journey out to Benton, Pennsylvania. Featuring the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park is a phenomenal destination to welcome the warmer weather and experience outstanding cascading waters. The state park also features the Glens Natural Area, a natural landmark with majestic trees, many of which are over 300 years old and are 100 feet tall.
With 26 miles of trails, ample parking, and clean restrooms available to park guests, this is the perfect place if you enjoy hiking. Novice hikers can venture out on the 1-mile-long Evergreen Trail. Experienced hikers can test their skills on the 7.2-mile Falls Trail, with steep and rocky terrain.
Located at 95 State Route 487 in Benton, Ricketts Glen State Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Check the website to learn about hunting regulations and seasonal and overnight area hours. For information, call 570-477-5675.
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
Welcome the warmer weather by visiting Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, one of Pennsylvania’s premiere wineries, nestled serenely in the Endless Mountains. Sip on a glass of wine with friends and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A wine-lover’s dream, Maiolatesi offers over 30 varieties ranging from sweet varietals to delicately dry offerings. Whether you’re looking for a fun evening sharing a bottle with friends or want to buy a perfect bottle to toast an anniversary, the gorgeous setting is a wonderful place to spend a spring evening. We suggest you grab a bottle of the semi-sweet Coal Miners Red and sit out in the orchard.
A full menu is available Friday through Sunday, serving brick-oven pizzas, appetizers, salads, burgers, and even some brunch items. Reservations are strongly recommended. While the full menu isn’t available on Wednesday and Thursday, charcuterie boards are available to enjoy with your wine and reservations are not required.
The winery and tasting room is located at 32 Cabernet Drive in Scott Township. For information, including gluten-free options, or to place an order for carryout, call 570-209-2880.
Roba Family Farms
Roba Family Farms in Lackawanna County has been a favorite family destination since 1984. With over 30 attractions for you and the family to enjoy, each visit to this farm will a visit here is the perfect activity for a sunny spring afternoon . There is a farm animal center where you can visit the resident goats, go on a wagon ride, explore gem mining, and ride a Kiddle Kattle Train. Don’t miss a visit the bee barn to see how local honey is produced. While you’re there, walk the bridge overlooking the farm to take a memorable photo to display in your living room.
Roba Family Farms is ready to welcome you at 230 Decker Road. The farm is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase a season pass starting at $69.95 per person to gain unlimited access to both Roba Family Farms and Lakeland Orchard and Cidery. Because this locale is pet-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome, this is an ideal experience that truly is for the whole family. Check the website for an updated calendar of events. For information, including special campsite reservations or to schedule a Big Top birthday party, call 570-563-2904.
Lahey Family Fun Park
The Lahey Family Fun Park is an amusement park that offers fun rides and games for kids and the young-at-heart. Enjoy a competitive round of mini-golf, let loose driving a go-kart, crash into your friends on the bumper boats, or test your gaming skills at the arcade. Athletes can even get some swinging practice in using the state-of-the-art batting cages.
Lahey Family Fun Park is open year-round at 500 Morgan Highway. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can buy separate tickets for various attractions. Go-karts and miniature golf start at $8, while a bumper boat ride is $6. Special discount packages, some of which include a round of mini-golf and a bumper boat ride, are available and range from $14 to $22. For information, or to learn about reserving the location for your next birthday celebration, call 570-586-5699.
Lackawanna State Park
Lackawanna State Park is a 1445-acre area surrounding the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. With picnic areas, multi-use trails, and campsites, a visit here is a great way to leave daily worries behind and reconnect with nature. Soak up the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming at Lackawanna State Park. If you’re interested in bird watching, bring a set of binoculars and enjoy catching a glimpse at some of the native feathered creatures that call this area home. You’ll likely find the wood thrush, hermit thrush, scarlet tanager, and red-eyed vireo. We suggest you visit the Hemlock Woods trail to see some golden-crowned kinglets.
You’ll find Lackawanna State Park at 1839 Abington Road. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Leashed pets are welcome at this park, so bring your furry friend to explore with you. To learn about the park’s pool and overnight areas, contact the park office at 570-945-3239.
So there you have it. Northeastern Eye Institute has just shared with you our favorite locations to soak up some sun and enjoy the beauty that spring brings. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to visit once the weather warms? If we did, let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas. Also, check out our list of Scranton restaurants with a view!
Meanwhile, check out our services pages to learn about our comprehensive eye care services. Whether you need an annual exam or are having trouble seeing the blooms as clearly this spring, we have over 15 locations ready to help support your vision and health.