-by Robert A. Carney

The Wyoming Valley, and more specifically Wilkes-Barre, located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in one of the many valleys of the Appalachian Mountain Chain, is an historically rich town with a 21^st century appeal. Two hours from both Philadelphia and New York City, Northeastern Pennsylvania is host to three major entertainment venues, great restaurants, and many shopping areas.

There are three major entertainment venues in Northeastern Pennsylvania: a brand new multi-purpose Northeastern Pennsylvania Arena adjacent to King's College Monarch Fields in Wilkes-Barre Township, the celebrated home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, and the heralded F.M. Kirby Center, a venue for performing arts.  No matter what your preference is, all are within a short distance of King’s College.

On November 13, 1999, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Arena opened its doors to the public. Only a dream ten years ago, this 8,500 seat arena is now the home of the American Hockey League expansion team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

"The arena has had an immediate impact on my life and my resume.  I was able to get valuable field experience with the Penguins broadcasting team," said senior Colin Riccobon.  "The best way to learn is hands-on and the arena has made that available for me."  Not only will this state-of-the-art facility be the home of professional hockey, but it will also host concerts, professional wrestling, performing arts such as "Lord of the Dance," basketball games, arena football, and trade shows. This "big time" arena will be a centerpiece for entertainment in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Lackawanna County Stadium, located just 13 miles north of Wilkes-Barre off of Interstate 81, is the home to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.   The Red Barons play AAA baseball and are the affiliate to Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies.  The stadium has a capacity of 12,000 and is a perfect site to view a baseball game or to become an intern in the fall when the semester starts.

The F.M. Kirby Center is a landmark on Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square. The 1,800 seat Kirby Center is only five minutes walking distance from the King’s College campus. A center for performing arts, the Kirby Center played host to such acts as Bill Cosby, Carrot Top, Melissa Etheridge, Meatloaf, and Tori Amos.  Also, it is home to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, broadway plays, children's entertainment, and movies. Between the arena that will carry us into the new millennium, the ballpark and the historic performing arts center, students can always find something to do.

Chili's Grill & Bar

Northeastern Pennsylvania is a hub for franchise restaurants.  Chili's Grill & Bar, Lonestar Steakhouse, and Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, just to name a few, are all located nearby.  You do not have to travel more than five minutes to dine at one of these fine eateries.  Old Country Buffet, an all-you-can eat buffet, is perfect for the student looking for an alternative to the cafeteria.  If you do not have a vehicle, public transportation is readily available.   

For those looking to eat at a more fancy restaurant, you can cross North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre to eat chicken cooked in a brick oven at Martini's.  Those who love Italian food can dine at Perugino's on S. Main St., one of over 15 Italian family restaurants located in the area.  Finally, those looking to eat fresh seafood, steak, and chicken can choose elegant dining at The Woodlands Inn & Resort in Wilkes-Barre.

Wilkes-Barre is a city with an abundance of shopping, yet with the growth spurt of shopping centers around the new arena, there are more options. Among the new stores are Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pier 1 Imports, and T.J. Maxx. 

Everything from novels to a reading lounge or from hockey sticks to Penguins jerseys, this shopping center has it all.

For grocery shopping, Wegman’s Supermarket will satisfy every shopper’s needs.   "They have the best fresh food of any supermarket that I have been to," said one parent.  "There is a very comfortable atmosphere that makes grocery shopping fun!"

For the college student looking to stock up on food or supplies for school, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart are just a short drive from campus. The Wyoming Valley Mall, which has over 100 stores, is a popular choice for shopping. It has many stores ranging from American Eagle Outfitters for fashion, The Gallery of Sound for the latest music releases, and Sears and The Bon Ton for virtually everything. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre has Boscov’s, Hallmark, CVS, Rite-Aid and of course, McDonalds and Wendy's.

Whether you want to see your favorite musical group, watch fast paced hockey or professional baseball, see a Broadway play, or shop until your heart is content, Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley are a perfect place for college students to spend the best four years of their life.