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Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

When work is done and thoughts turn toward leisure activities, Greater Hazleton shines once again.

The area is home to several theater groups, dance troupes, historical sites, galleries, and a host of other artistic attractions and enjoyable events.

The people of Greater Hazleton recognize the value of preserving, studying, encouraging, and cultivating the cultural and artistic resources in our area.

With several popular theater groups, Greater Hazleton offers plenty of opportunities for aspiring actors of all ages. You don’t have to burn a tank of gas to enjoy everything from timeless Broadway classics to interactive murder mystery dinner theater.

Performance venues range from the traditional to the creative, which includes a former church in Hazleton and a converted factory in Nuremberg.

If your idea of art is more traditional – say paints, clay or pastels– there are many places to unleash your creative output.

The region is also home to a dozen or so professional dance troupes and schools where those interested can learn practically any form of dance. Studios hold annual recitals and often perform in various community events.

Coordinated by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, the annual Funfest celebration downtown features arts, crafts and home party vendors; food vendors and nonprofit organizations; a car show; special activities for kids and seniors; and entertainment. The giant parade always steals the show.

On the culture side, community resources such as libraries and religious institutions are good for the mind and the spirit, and these establishments have long been at the center of Greater Hazleton life.

Our religious edifices highlight the broad ethnic and cultural heritage of the people of Greater Hazleton. English, Welsh, Germans and Scots originally inhabited the communities that are Greater Hazleton. The coal mines lured an influx of Irish, Eastern Europeans, Italians and others; the melting pot of the late 20th century added Africans, Asians and Hispanics to the strong ethnic mix. This diversity contributes to the strong ethnic and religious identities that prevail throughout the region.

Greater Hazleton boasts strong communities of Catholics, Lutherans and Reform Presbyterians, but you will also find congregations zealously celebrating just about every faith imaginable, from Episcopal, Jewish, Apostolic, Assembly of God, Baptist, Congregational, Jehovah’s Witness, Methodist, Reformed Baptist, Spanish and Unitarian.

Shopping, Dining & Lodging

Shopping, Dining & Lodging

If you're looking for convenient, quality shopping experiences, you'll find what you're looking for in Greater Hazleton.

When it comes to shopping in Greater Hazleton, we’ve come a long way. You can find everything from jewelry to clothing, gifts for your home and even a new hairstyle.

The vitality that comes with such a smorgasbord of stores is no accident. It’s the result of planning, cooperation and determination.

The retail shops, professionals and service providers in Greater Hazleton are flourishing. Whether you work in Downtown Hazleton or just enjoy spending time in an urban setting, you’ll find a thriving environment along the refurbished center city.

Go ahead… do your banking, sip a frothy cappuccino, and enjoy a leisurely stroll while browsing for gifts that sparkle, bake shop treats, health and beauty supplies, and gadgets for your office.

Greater Hazleton boasts a buffet of restaurants and taverns – each with a menu of scrumptious local favorites and well-known dishes done just right. Whether it’s a quiet dinner with family or upscale dining with friends in an elegant atmosphere, our restaurants will satisfy your appetite.

There are far too many restaurants to list here, but a visit to just about any Greater Hazleton dining spot will assure you that most of them deserve at least a mention, if not a banner. From the small delicatessens and quaint cafes and coffee shops all the way up to the top of the food chain, you'll get a taste of what it means to live in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The region offers many different options for overnight accommodations. They are minutes away from downtown Hazleton, yet still in close proximity to all major industrial parks, as well as the local business community. They offer excellent corporate and family rates, as well as space for meetings, conferences and wedding receptions.

If you prefer a more secluded visit with more scenic views and personal service, then perhaps you'd enjoy a stay at one of the local bed-and-breakfast spots in the area.

So, no matter what your preferences with regard to food and accommodations, Greater Hazleton is sure to have everything to suit your needs and taste.

Recreation

Recreation

The four seasons Mother Nature gave Greater Hazleton allow residents many choices when it comes to recreation. From majestic mountains that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding and tubing; the crystal-clear streams and spring-fed ponds that lure fishermen from miles around; the lush forests that urge hunters of deer and bear to give it their best shot and the fantastic scenery that helps ease the pain of a bad round of golf, we’ve got it all.

It’s nearly impossible to get bored with our climate. Four distinct seasons make sure of that. With each season come many great opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Not athletic? You’d rather shoot game animals with your camera? Not a problem. You can sit back and watch as professional athletes show off their football and baseball talents. Or you can lace up a pair of hiking boots and take a memorable stroll through your pick of state parks.

Tickets to movies, big-name concerts, professional sporting events and live theater come with great seats and a short drive. Whether you’re into antique hunting, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting or golf, the adventure is yours for the picking.

Visitors come here from all over the country to boat on our tranquil lakes, go horseback riding through our scenic valleys, or skydive. Locals need just a few dollars and few free hours to get the same satisfaction whenever the mood strikes.

Little league baseball is just one summertime sport local children enjoy. Close encounters with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, grouse, cottontail rabbit, pheasant and the occasional black bear never grow old. Many outdoorsmen agree that Greater Hazleton has some of the best hunting in Pennsylvania. It helps that we have access to thousands of acres of pristine state game land.

Our pristine lakes and streams are home to native and stocked game fish. Pennsylvania boasts more trout species than any other state. Your catch of the day could include brook, brown, lake, rainbow, or golden rainbow trout. Crafty anglers can also take home a few large and small mouth bass, walleye, pickerel, perch or panfish.

Much like a Norman Rockwell painting, our community parks and playgrounds are well groomed and often filled with the sounds of laughing and squealing youngsters. Young and old alike flock to soak up the scenery, learn a new activity, get fit or simply hang out with friends.

Housing

There are countless reasons to consider a Greater Hazleton community as your new hometown. But the area’s most in-demand real estate agents point to a hat trick of super incentives: resort-like living at a fraction of the cost, taxes that are a bargain when matched up against big-city rates, and a low crime rate that’s as appealing to retirees as it is to couples with children.

This region of Northeastern Pennsylvania combines a charming small-town environment, traditional values, and modern conveniences. Together, they form a complete package that makes Greater Hazleton a great place to live, work, and play.

So whether you come to play or you come to stay, Greater Hazleton is a place you’ll want to be. It’s not unusual for vacation homes to become year-round residences once their owners experience the many benefits of settling down up on one of our majestic mountains or down in one of our warm valleys.

Greater Hazleton retains small-town neighborhood charm, while placing you within minutes of the conveniences to which large metropolitan dwellers flock.

Our housing market has remained favorable for years, so go ahead and carve out your own piece of Greater Hazleton.

Our quaint surrounding communities afford even more opportunities to enjoy the incredible landscape of Greater Hazleton. Go ahead and choose quiet country living. You won’t feel cut off from civilization! The winding country roads are well-lit, well-marked and well-managed, even during the occasional blast of cold and snow from Jack Frost.

Quality of life is an equal measure of independence and support. If you seek a community that provides for the maintenance and upkeep of common areas -- or offers special services -- Greater Hazleton has your solution. There are many affordable and inviting housing options, and public transit is readily available within the city of Hazleton.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, we encourage you to speak with any one of our area’s well-respected professional real estate firms. Working with a buyer’s agent gives you the benefit of experience, a broader understanding of the choices available and a partner to walk you through the process. These firms can provide you with the latest inventories of homes, apartments and rental properties. The choice is virtually unlimited. The Chamber of Commerce can assist you with a list of reputable real estate companies.