“Hygge” vibes in Scranton, PA

David Wenzel Tree House

The home town of our new President isn’t nearly as unadventurous as one might think. Once you get past the industrial parts of Scranton, you will discover some interesting places. One prime example is Nay Aug Park and its vast outdoors, including the awesome Treehouse called The David Wenzel Tree House. It’s located 150 feet above ground, overlooking a powerful gorge, and was made accessible for all ages and abilities. It was built with the communal purpose of getting people together to find solace in the middle of a nature park. It gives you a feeling of Hygge, as Swedish and Danish folks would say. Hygge means “a quality of coziness and a feeling of contentment or well-being”.

The Treehouse was constructed in 2007 by Eyrich Stauffer, as part of a mission by Forever Young Treehouses; a non-profit organisation focused on emphasizing the environment, creating more green space, and overall beautifying the great outdoors. The Treehouse Guys, as the builders are called, customize each and every treehouse, often for charitable purposes. This one in particular is a highlight in a town that has been deserted of job and growth opportunities in recent years.

You can come here to meditate, read a book, or watch birds. The park operates from 12pm-6pm daily, and let’s you go for a run, a bike ride, go fishing, go on a hike, visit playgrounds, have a picnic, or during hot summer days, let’s you come here for a swim or to use their waterslide complex.

After a tough year of staying indoors and quarantining for everyone’s safety, the time has come to explore more outdoor options. If you’re not too far away, consider making a trip to Scranton. Take time to relax and relish in what nature has to offer, free of charge, and without unnecessary health risks.

Other places worthy of a visit:

Steamtown National Historic Site

This site is incredible, with their old railroad and steam trains on display. Kids will love it, as will train lovers of every age!

Library Express Bookstore

Affiliated with the local library, this gem of a bookstore shouldn’t be missed. Besides Bestsellers, you will find a wonderfully diverse children books’ selection. It’s located inside the Marketplace at Steamtown, a big mall complex to fullfill your shopping needs.

Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den

Check out their website for the shark and alligator feedings, which are worth seeing! Great learning experience for the whole family.

We have finally reached a point where we can plan for some small trips with the vaccination process speeding up fast.

Enjoy that new feeling of freedom. We all have learned how quickly it can be lost again.