Wilkes-Barre Township - Wilkes-Barre, PA

Established in 1774, Wilkes-Barre Township possesses a historical name after John Wilkes and Colonel Isaac Barr, both Englishmen who fought for American freedom in the British Parliament. Later in 1849, Irishman Moses Tammany purchased the majority of land currently considered Wilkes-Barre Township for $12,000 after arriving in the United States. Several coal companies acquired parcels of the land containing some of the purest anthracite coal deposits ever found. Wilkes-Barre became an actual city in 1871, and the boundary established between the Township and the city still exists as of 2014.

Wilkes-Barre houses several small museums, all with nominal entrance fees, including the Luzerne County Historical Society on Franklin Street and The Strange and Unusual Museum located in nearby Kingston. For car enthusiasts, the Reilly Classic Motor Cars museum does not disappoint.

If the idea of dining out and getting to know all different kinds of people excites you, Wilkes-Barre Township is definitely the place for you.

Can't decide between Mexican food or seafood? No worries because El Rey Azteca has you covered. Serving up such dishes as Enchiladas Michoacanas made from scratch, their famous Mayan Burrito filled with their own al pastor, homemade chorizo topped off with authentic Guajillo sauce, diners find it hard to save room for their succulent homemade flan. If you're feeling a little less like rice-and-beans and more like a tasty shrimp dish, be sure to try the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, which features fresh shrimp marinated in a custom garlic mojo sauce. For an extra kick, sample the Camarones Ala Diabla featuring shrimp sautéed in Chipotle sauce. Located on Blackman Street, this place defines the term "hidden gem."

If you're in the mood for more typical American fare, Canteen 900 on Rutter Avenue is the place to be. With a slogan that reads "Real Food. Real People," you are sure to feel right at home. Their signature Canteen 900 sandwich delights even the pickiest eaters. Filled with oven-roasted turkey breast, perfectly melted cooper sharp cheddar cheese, crisp homemade potato chips and seasoned with the perfect blend of chipotle mayo, diners ask for seconds in no time. Pair one of their breakfast dishes served all day with a side of fresh fruit, or enjoy a hearty Bacon Bleu Burger with a side of Truffle Parm Fries and a cocktail of your choosing. Supply the alcohol, and one of their trained mixologists creates your favorite drink especially for you.

There's nothing like a great slice of pizza, and Frog Pond Pub & Pizzeria has you covered. Enjoy the sloppy and sinful garlic and butter wings, paired with one of the many Pennsylvania-brewed beers. Locals love this cozy joint, and it is consistently ranked as one the area's best. Be sure to park at the lot on Grant Street.

Head down to Washington Street, and meet up with the Beer Boys. Here visitors find all of their sports bar staples. Lots of flat screens, great drink specials to keep your thirst quenched and typical pub food options, such as hot wings and mozzarella sticks, make this a local favorite. This bar also serves up specialty beers and mixed drinks for those with more refined tastes.

If sports bars aren't really your thing, but you still feel like relaxing and tossing back a few beers without loud music or too much action going on in the background, Donahue's Hourglass on Main Street fits the bill. Serving up traditional standards on tap, a few selections of bourbon and whiskey, and a decor reminiscent of a 1970s era dive bar in the best way possible, Donahue's lets you kick back, relax and spend time with your friends.

For die-hard hockey fans, Northeastern Pennsylvania's beloved Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, formerly known as Wachovia Arena, houses the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Check their website for game dates and times, or check on the latest concerts coming up and make a night of it by enjoying dinner, drinks and a show.

Wilkes-Barre Township sits near several interstates and highways, including Interstate 81, which makes getting around town rather easy. While the standard mode of transportation for most residents involves their own car, several alternative and public options exist.

You can hop on one of the Luzerne County Transportation Authority’s buses, which offer several routes to take the hassle out of your commute. If you’re in the big city, hailing a cab or using the Uber system is both easy and affordable, while public parking is readily available and costs around $5-$7 per day.

Walking or biking around the Township serves as a viable option, with bike lanes existing on several streets to protect cyclists and several shops within walking distance for those looking to squeeze in a little exercise as they run errands.

If you're an animal-lover, the Hollenback Dog Park is just for you. With separate areas for smaller and larger dogs and plenty of places to sit while resting your bones, your dog can enjoy his play-dates. Located on North Washington Street, you can watch your dog become more excited by the second as you near the furry playground. This park offers free admission and plenty of animal-friendly activity.

Nearby Cole Street Park, located on Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, offers a family oriented green space, with playground equipment, picnic spots and covered pavilions. If you’re the more active type, plenty of walking and running trails, as well as basketball courts await you.

Living in Wilkes-Barre Township comes at a moderate price, with affordable options for both single-family homes and apartments. Compared to bigger cities, the cost of living is a bit lower here, with a one-bedroom apartment running renters around $600 to $700 per month.

A ride on the bus costs about $1.50, though reduced rates are available to those who qualify, while the price of gas hovers around one percent higher than the national average. Local patrons can expect to pay about $5 on average for a pint of beer.

With a reputation to back it up, Wilkes-Barre Township offers residents a close proximity to some of the best shopping in the state.

Stop by your local Wegmans on Highland Park Boulevard or Save a Lot on South Main for all of your grocery needs, big or small. Pick up your prescriptions and all of your drugstore needs at the CVS in Wyoming Valley Mall. Visit the Wilkes-Barre Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the months of June through November to purchase the finest and freshest locally-grown ingredients in town.

If you’re in the mood to shop ‘til you drop for something other than groceries or medicine, head over to Outrageous on South Main, and indulge in some of their vintage wares or other unique boutique items. If you’re in the market for custom designed jewelry, make sure to visit Tovon & Co Diamonds, where style, design and price are completely up to you

For your standard mall favorites, including upscale stores such as Macy’s and Bontons, as well as more reasonably priced department stores, such as Sears and JC Penney, Wyoming Valley Mall ranks as a popular and convenient hang out.