It’s 2020! And there are almost that many things to do in the Forest City area. From winterfests & family-friendly adventures to XC-skiing along our picturesque rail trail, everyone’s invited to come play your way. Without going far away!
Nearby Elk Mountain offers all the choices of big mountain Vermont slopes, minus the large crowds and long drive. There are over 200 miles of NEP Sno Trails connecting you to awe-inspiring views, as well as restaurants, bars and more with easy-access snowmobile parking. Upcoming special events include a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, X-Country Skiing Clinics, Soup Cook-Offs and Corn Hole Tournaments. And since there’s so much to enjoy in just one visit, you’ll find welcoming local lodging for full weekends of fun.
Elk Mountain Ski Resort: Named “Best Overall Mountain” in the Mid-Atlantic, Elk guarantees at least 100 days of great skiing and snowboarding every season — with 180 acres and 27 trails, two terrain parks, and a 1000-foot vertical drop (among the highest in Pennsylvania). PLUS a regular roster of celebrations like WinterFest on Friday, January 24th with deep discounts on lift tickets. Visit www.elkskier.com for ticket info, snow conditions and events.
X-Country Skiing: Looking for a little less downhill while admiring nature’s winter wonderland? The Rail Trail Council of NEPA hosts a variety of FREE XC-Skiing clinics, with rental equipment for just $15! There’s one coming up on Saturday, January 25 from 10am-noon, taking skiers on a gentle jaunt along our forested rail trail by the beautiful Lackawanna River. Learn more at neparailtrails.org, and pre-register to reserve your boot size now by calling 570-679-9300.
Soup Cook-Off: Start practicing the letter “mmmm.” Forest City Parks & Recreation will once again hold its deliciously popular Soup Cook-Off with many local restaurants and home cooks competing for the top prize. But everyone wins — just $5 lets you taste them all and vote for your favorites! Saturday, January 25 from 11am-2pm at nearby Kennedy Park in Forest City. To learn more, visit www.forestcityborough.com
Children’s Ice Fishing Derby: Also at Kennedy Park on Saturday, January 25, the Forest City Police Department will be supervising a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, weather permitting. Registration starts at 9:30am, with all hooks dropping by 10am. Sponsored by the Forest City Lions Club and NEP Telephone Company. For details, call 570-785-3453. Tip: Gear up at White’s Crossing Sport Shop down the road in Carbondale. They got you covered! 570-282-4699
Cornhole Tournament: Who will be crowned the great “Cornado?!” Bring your tossing talents to Kennedy Park as well on Saturday the 25th for good old-fashioned family fun. Open to all, adults and kids. Call 570-616-7592 for details and to register your team. Good shucking luck!
NEP Sno Trails: With over 200 miles of interconnected trails winding through forests, hills and riversides, NEP Sno Trails is one of the largest trail systems in all of Pennsylvania operating & maintained by a single organization. Even better, they also connect you to many of the best nearby restaurants and bars, with easy access & parking. Some also offer on-premise lodging at truly great rates. So you can stay and get in even more play the next day!
Local Restaurants, Bars & Lodging:
THE SPEAKEASY
Daily food specials, variety of rooms, right along Sno Trail
speakeasysaloonresort.com
CHET’S PLACE
Live bands, multiple accommodations, snowshoe rentals
chetsplace.com
ARLO’S COUNTRY STORE & TAVERN
Entertainment, great food & cozy lodging
arloscountrystore.com
CANDLELIGHT INN & LODGE
Late night food til midnight, live music & lodging
FB: Candlelight Inn & Lodge
FRANK’S PLACE
Steakhouse classics, craft beers, easy access from Rail Trail
franksplacesimpson.com
ELEGANTE’S
Pizza/Italian American, just up the road from FC Trailhead
eleganteforestcity.weebly.com
THE RED SCHOOL HOUSE
Great food, even better prices. Open til 2am every day.
theredschoolhouse.com
BEACON BAR & GRILL
Delicious menus updated often. A happy hour favorite.
FB: The Beacon Bar & Grill
SHIRLEY’S FAMILY DINER
Where the locals know to go for hearty breakfasts & lunch.
FB: Shirley’s Family Diner
