Scranton the Electric City!!

Having camped in Harmony, PA, we decided that we could not pass up the opportunity to visit Scrantan, PA. Cause there ain't no party like a Scranton Party. And yes, Scranton is the home to the wonderfully funny NBC situational comedy "The Office," but i woul like to show you the other side of Scranton...

Steamtown mall is hwere all the action is, in fact it is so cool that Bob the Builder often goes there to hang out. While we did not have the chance to meet Bob, we did get a picture with him in the background.



Scranton at one time was a the crossroads of the tri state area. The Lackawana, Delaware and some real other important rail line meet right there in Scranton. While none of these lines are in operation today, this does provide for an excellent opportunity for children to go see what a train graveyard looks like.

Some trains still run, and for a small price you can ride the trolley around. Or for free you can stand on the pedastrian bridge and watch it go underneath you (but you can guess which one i chose).

One of the coolest things to see, even for me was the roundhouse and sheds. This makes Tidmouth shed seem miniscule. The kids loved looking at it, and we coudl only imagine how awesome it would be if it really turned. There was also a really big fire back in 1920 someting

We went to the Steam and Train museum, and they even had a theatre with a movie we could watch. McKay and Matthew were really excited, that is until the movie began. I guess the movie was made back in the day, so I am sure my parents would have appreciated the hallmark movie feel of it, but let's be serious. We are raising kids who have been exposed to talking trains named Thomas and Scarlooey, they have to update this movie!! After 3 minutes and a granola bar, we were out of there to explore the trains first hand.

We jumped into a rail car, and acted like we were stoways.

Okay, so maybe i acted more like a tourist posing for a picture, but McKay is quite the photographer.

If this was not convincing enough for you to come see Scranton, there is also a Trolley museum (I am sure it has stuff about Trolleys), there is an old coal mine that you can tour, where they take you down into the mind and turn off the lights (no you can't see your hand move, you just think you can), and then there is this....Redneck Warehouse. I was driving and couldn't get a clean shot. But it is right of the 7th Ave exit.

So now that you are convinced, come on down and visit Scranton. And if you are hungry, go ahead and stop in at Farley's, and enjoy a Michael Scott Burger (Turkey burger with pastrami and red bell peppers).

Just remember, after a day in Scranton, you'll drive home with your kids sound asleep in the back seat.