Nine Adventures within Walking Distance of the University

By Edward Fargis | Staff Writer

Scranton is a large city, and one perfect for a student with a slow weekend. Even if you don’t have your own car or time to use an Uber, here are some adventures within walking distance of the University. A semester just isn’t complete if you haven’t gone on a trek to each of these at least once!

1. The Marketplace at Steamtown

This one goes without saying. Having been featured on the pride of this city, The Office, it is a go-to spot in Scranton. Even if it’s a bit spacious for some, it is full of adventures. The Library Express, the expansive Boscov’s, a gym, a decently sized food court, miscellaneous amenities, with a popular favorite being the nostalgia-laden Nick D’s Game Vault.

2. Nay Aug Park

Have a long weekend? Looking to destress? Want to connect with nature? Nay Aug Park is a quick jaunt away. It has everything you could ask for in a park; a museum, a playground, plenty of scenic and photo-worthy vistas, and a coffee shop if you need the extra energy. One can spend the whole day escaping from the urban sprawl of the city here and basking in Mother Nature’s beauty.

3. Albright Memorial Library

A personal favorite of mine, this one is good for anyone who wants a quick weekly film or read. Of an equal scale of the buildings catalogue of stories is the beautiful, artistic building to which the library is built. You can spend hours exploring the almost endless catalogue of stories within this historic building.

4. The Beverage House

Trying to prepare for a night with more than a few friends? This is where to go. Just across the Harrison Avenue Bridge is the perfect supply line for a party, having virtually every alcoholic beverage you can imagine in bulk.

5. Bartari

A proper weekend hangout for any era, it combines the social aspect of a bar with the nostalgia of an 80’s arcade. While some may think traditional arcades are extinct, this hangout gives gamers a quick chance to relive classics from the earliest days of the medium such as Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and even a dozen or so pinball machines.

6. Scranton Iron Furnaces

Not in the mood for something loud or crowded for your walk? Take a quick stroll down to the Scranton Iron Furnaces right across from our own Fitzpatrick Field. As one of the many historical landmarks in our city, it makes for the perfect setting for a weekend adventure or quick sightseeing trip, providing an evocative rustic atmosphere that takes a traveler back to the early days of the city.

7. Comics on the Green

Think comic stores are dead? Think again! Are you a fan of comics? Superheroes? CBM’s? This store is the perfect hangout and emporium. It has virtually every line of DC and Marvel comics you can think of along with having a decent supply of merchandise to decorate your chambers. Even if you came for the merch, you can stay for the hub of fellow comic book nerds.

8. Loyalty Barber

Let’s face it, you’ll need to visit the trim at least once or twice a semester, so why not do it in style! Loyalty Barber has fair prices while also providing the experience of a cluttered, merch-selling barber complete with rockin’ music and equally rockin’ barbers.

9. Northern Lights Espresso

Finally, if you need a quick shot of caffeine to get you through midterms, take a quick stroll down to Northern Light’s Espresso. Here you can get your fix of caffeinated beverages and study in style in an extremely millennial-friendly environment.