Face it, Marywood girls: we all love food and we all love clothes. Why not fill our bellies and purchase one-of-a-kind statement pieces to add to our wardrobes while supporting our neighbors? Dunmore and its surrounding areas are filled with small-businesses. I’m about to take you on a tasty and shopping-filled tour of North Eastern Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets – all within a fifteen minute drive from campus.
First stop on the tour is right in Marywood’s backyard. Welcome to Dunmore’s very own Nina’s – home of the best wing bites in existence! The small and crispy boneless chicken bites are drenched in the sweet and spicy wing sauce that will literally make your taste buds water. Nina’s menu also offers classic bone-in wings, buffalo grilled shrimp, pizza, hoagies, garlic knots, and for dessert – cake pops! (photo credit: Nina’s Facebook page)
Looking for a more animal-friendly option? The next stop is Scranton’s Eden. Eden is Scranton’s first and only all-vegan restaurant. Eden offers a variety of pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts without the use of meat or dairy products. They even make a healthy version of McDonald’s shamrock shakes – they are to die for! Vegans and carnivores alike can all agree that Eden’s creations are so delicious; you would never be able to guess they are free of any animal product! (photo credit: eden’s Facebook page)
The last stop on the flavorful portion of our tour requires vehicle transportation, but I promise you it is worth the drive. The Eatery is a breakfast and lunch spot in Jessup – less than a fifteen minute drive from campus. The Eatery offers some of the most creative and quirky dishes around! Some breakfast items often served include cannoli waffles, chocolate chip cookie dough stuffed French toast, buffalo chicken omelets, and Almond Joy pancakes. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine too. (photo credit: The Eatery’s Facebook page)
Let’s burn those calories off with my favorite form of cardio: shopping!
Downtown Scranton’s The Daisy Collective is the modern bohemian glamazon’s playground. Velvet and lace bralettes, pretty paisley bellbottoms, Stevie Nicks-style shawls, and glittery dresses line the racks of this small and chic vendor. The Daisy Collective carries hosiery, headbands, jewelry, knickknacks, and even hand-made greeting cards. Hand-painted furniture is always for sale as well – each piece is guaranteed to be one-of-a-kind. (photo credit: The Daisy Collective’s Facebook page)
We have arrived at our last, but certainly not least, location of our tour. Dunmore’s The Wonderstone Gallery is right down the road from Marywood. This cozy corner store literally radiates positive vibes. The gift shop sells unique items such as handmade jewelry, precious stones, tapestries, glassware, “hippie” clothing, raw honey, and all-natural homemade soaps. The store also doubles as a cafĂ©. Exotic blends such as “Mexican Hot Chocolate” chai tea and “Blueberry Lemon Cake” herbal tea are available to arouse and expand your flavor palette. Did I say “doubles”? This place actually triples as a yoga and pilates studio! The Wonderstone Gallery is a peaceful and refreshing place to be – the perfect place to visit when you need a break from stressful studying. (photo credit: The Wonderstone Gallery’s Facebook page)
Now that you know of a few local vendors, it’s time to throw on some stretchy pants and shopping-friendly shoes and explore!Â