This expansive region offers a variety of settings to call home – from semi-urban city-like towns to rural farmlands and quiet suburban neighborhoods. Nanticoke and Plymouth feature charming, walkable downtowns while the outlying areas are classic NEPA – serene forests, idyllic meadows and pristine pastures. Water enthusiasts will find convenient access to the Susquehanna River for boating, kayaking and fishing to be an asset to living here.
In this area, Polish roots run deep and are celebrated in the very best way – with food and festivals. Plymouth is home to the popular Kielbasa Festival, where the favorite Polish sausage is the star during this ethic food fete every August.
Its neighbor to the east, Nanticoke, is home to two NEPA-famous ethnic shops: NEPA’rogi’s handmade pierogi and Tarnowski’s award-winning Kielbasa. You don’t have to leave Nanticoke to enjoy some of the very best foods in the valley at Marty’s Blue Room or the best pastries from Sanitary Bakery.
This region is home to Five Mountain Brewing Company and Pisano Family Wines, a favorite summertime gathering place for wine, food trucks and live music.
Connecting with nature is convenient here, whether partaking in a river excursion with Five Mountain Outfitters Co., fishing Moon Lake and exploring its 20-mile trail system, or enjoying outdoor yoga with goats at Buttinhead Farms.
For family fun, visit Pikes Creek Raceway Park for go-kart racing, bumper karts and 18-hole mini golf followed by a visit to Maureen’s Cones and More, a classic drive-in shop known for their delicious sundaes.
KNOWN FOR:
Susquehanna River
Plymouth Kielbasa Festival
NEPA’rogi
Pisano Family Wines
Sanitary Bakery
BY THE NUMBERS:
Estimated Population: 38,636
Geographical Area: 193 Sq. Miles
Colleges & Universities: 1
School Districts: 4
Regional Makeup: The city of Nanticoke; the boroughs of Plymouth, Nescopeck, New Columbus, and Shickshinny; and the townships of Hollenback, Hunlock, Huntington, Nescopeck, Newport, Plymouth, Salem and Union; and the communties of Alden, Hunlock Creek, Mocanaqua and Wapwallopen
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A Peak Into South Wyoming Valleys Past
Like so much of the Wyoming Valley, Plymouth and its neighbor Nanticoke played a major role in the anthracite coal boom of the 19th century. In 1825, the first anthracite coal mine was opened in Nanticoke and by 1878 was a major coal-mining centre. Today, Nanticoke stands as the third largest city in Luzerne County.
Did You Know?
The name Shickshinny means “Five Mountains” in Chocktaw Native American language. Five mountains — Newport, Knob, Lee, River, and Rocky — boarder the Shickshinny creek and borough, positioned along the western banks of the Susquehanna River.