Northeast Pa is certainly no metropolis, but it has plenty to offer! As a resident of the area for the past nineteen years, here are some of the hidden gems of my home region!

1. The Lakes

Whether you're looking for adventure and action, carnivals and community or peace and privacy, Northeast Pa has the lake for you! On larger lakes such as Lake Wallenpaupack, you can rent a boat or jet ski, or even enjoy lakeside dining. Lake Sheridan and Lake Winola are full of community events--you'll really feel like the lake community is your family. And if you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, hidden gems like Lake Henry in Wayne County provide the perfect retreat! I've grown up around lakes, and there is something special about being able to sit on the dock on a hot summer's day or swimming in the cool waters among the fish and lily pads.

2. The Fairs

From giant grounds with rides and games to small downtown events, Northeast PA has some pretty great fairs! Many of them have been going on for hundreds of years, and they often tie the community together. The concerts, agriculture, vendors and the food make for a great summer night. Who doesn't love fried Oreos, wacky carnival games and cute baby bunnies, after all? My family has traveled to our local fair for the past few years, and each year I've enjoyed not only the new rides and games, but also how much the message of the fair has stayed the same. Perhaps they're not fancy events, but fairs are a staple of Northeast PA life.

3. The Towns

Nestled in the woods between the rolling hills, the towns of Northeast PA are a mishmash of cute little shops, unique attractions and local character. Growing up in Clarks Summit certainly didn't expose me to big-city life, but I've gotten to know many people in my community and I've enjoyed the small-town feel. Local festivals--such as the Blueberry Festival in Montrose or the Pittston Tomato Festival--bring the NEPA community together.

4. The Weather

Anyone who's native to the area is probably rolling their eyes right now...But hear me out on this one. Northeast PA gets ALL the seasons--from the bitter cold to the humid summers to the crisp falls to the lush springs. It's certainly no Mediterranean climate. But the change in the seasons allows us to do so many different things. We have the best of it all, from sledding in the winter to swimming in the summertime. And though each season admittedly has its challenges, many of us embrace the challenges. Winter will always yield to spring. The humid sun will always lessen as the leaves turn brilliant colors and fall.

Of course, I'm not saying that the lakes, fairs, towns or weather are inherently unique to Northeast PA. I'm sure there are many other places (probably in PA) with very similar features. But unique or not, I've grown to appreciate all that my region has to offer over the years. I'm proud to call Northeast PA my home!