Kingston, PA

Originally settled in 1769, Kingston was incorporated as a borough in Lazerne County in 1857. Named after Kingston, Rhode Island, the town is considered pivotal to American education and remains home to the Upper School campus of the esteemed Wyoming Seminary, established in 1844.

In 1972, the area of Kingston was devastated by Hurricane Agnus, prompting a visit from then President Richard Nixon, who summoned his head of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Frank Carlucci, a Wyoming Seminary graduate, to manage the borough's recovery from the floods.

Several historical places exist in Kingston, including Fleck Hall on the Seminary campus and the Hoyt Library, former home of one of Kingston's first settlers, Samuel Hoyt. Both the Market Street Bridge and Kingston Armory are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while the 2013 movie "The English Teacher," starring Julianne Moore, was set in Kingston.

Regular chain restaurants and fast-food places can be found just about everywhere, but if you really want to get to know and support local business owners, Kingston has several options to choose from.

Walking into Kevin's Bar & Restaurant on Wyoming Avenue feels like you've just stepped into a warm ski lodge after a day on the slopes. The open floor plan and calmly lit dining room make sitting down for a casual meal feel like home, while creative dishes complement classic favorites, such as the bar's signature oysters and dry-aged steaks. The restaurant seats 100, so come hungry and bring your friends.

Sample the tastes of the Mediterranean at Theo's Metro on Mercer Avenue with traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka or the Dolmades Platter of stuffed grape leaves and ground beef. Pair your meal with a side of hummus or Greek spinach dip as you listen to the soothing sounds of the restaurant's signature waterfall. The historical atmosphere, friendly service and plentiful menu options provide an unforgettable dining experience.

Locals line up to eat breakfast at the Whitehouse Diner. Though unassuming from the outside, diners say that this little eatery offers the best breakfast in town. Order the cheese steak omelet for an interesting take on an old classic, or take the traditional route with eggs, sausage and a short stack of pancakes. If lunch is more your speed, fill up with a heaping meatloaf sandwich or go lighter with a homemade bowl of soup.

Nightlife in Kingston can include anything from live music, darts, pool and karaoke at Sloppy Joe's Beer Garden on Cherry Street; watching the game and snacking on pub food at Rocco's Bar on Slocum Street; scatting along to smooth live jazz at the River Street Jazz Cafe; or learning how to fly through the air with the greatest of ease at the Riot Circus Arts. No matter your mood, you can always find something unique and exciting to do in your free time.

Driving on the Cross Valley Expressway from the Back Mountain area on your way to Interstate 81 proves a beautifully scenic ride.

Getting around Kingston is easy by car, foot, bicycle or public transport thanks to the borough's central location and easy access to surrounding routes and interstates. Breeze through your commute on I-80, and take your pick of affordable parking garages that range from $3 to $7 per day. Make sure to check with the garages before parking to see if they take debit/credit cards, just in case you don't have any cash on hand.

For the environmentally conscious commuter, the Myers Public Transport has direct bus lines through Kingston. If you prefer ride shares, or need to hire a private car or taxi, you can take advantage of the Uber app on your smartphone to schedule a pickup.

For out-of-town trips, you can travel hassle-free by Greyhound Bus or the Martz Trailways located in nearby Wilkes-Barre for a reasonable price.

Kingston's strong focus on family and fun means its residents take their outdoor time seriously. Ten parks located within the community bring new meaning to play time. With year-round activities, countless basketball and tennis courts, several baseball and softball fields, and tons of updated playground equipment, boredom simply doesn't exist.

Generous walking, biking and running trails inspire residents to get their fitness on as they breathe in the clean fresh air and take in the astounding natural beauty of Kingston. You can bring your dog to Hamilton Park, your bike to Levy Park or both to Reese Park for a day of fun in the sun or a wintry walk. With so many parks to choose from, you'll only have one question: "Which one first?"

The cost of living in Kingston is about 6.5 percent less than the Pennsylvania average, making this idyllic town the perfect place to buy a live. You can expect to pay $650 to $750 on average for a one-bedroom apartment. A ride on the Myers line averages $1.50, one-way and the price of gas tends to hover around 1 percent higher than the national average. Residents can expect to pay about $4 for a pint of beer at the local pub.

Convenient access and close proximity equal a recipe for pleasure when shopping in Kingston. Browse the counters of Macy's at the Wyoming Mall before heading to Target on Commerce to check out the latest and greatest bargains.

On your way to Price Chopper Market for your grocery needs, take a detour on Market Street to pick up fresh-cut flowers and some new home decor at Mattern's Floral ad Furnishings, and then finally get that pesky hem fixed at the Sewing Boutique as you imagine all of the fresh, locally grown produce you plan to purchase when the Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market opens for the season.