Outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic mountains, rivers and lakes will find the perfect place to ski, swim and fish in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Of course, those who prefer shopping, concerts and theater have a perfect place to go, as well: Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It seems this county has something for everyone.

Whether it’s Hazleton, the county’s second-largest city; Nanticoke; Pittston; or Wilkes-Barre, the county’s largest city and county seat; each has its own unique activities, scenery and points of interest all year round.

Located in beautiful northeast Pennsylvania, in the northern Anthracite area called “The Coal Region,” the county is home to a number of wineries such as the Bartolai Winery, where four generations have practiced their art. Visitors can sample from 12 different wines, as well as shop for L’acropoli di Puglia olive oils and artisanal cheeses.

There are a number of wine festivals in Luzerne County, as well. The Wine Festival at Sno Cove takes place at Snö Mountain Ski Resort in Scranton. Connoisseurs will find Back Mountain Wine Festival at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas; and the Wayne County Wine & Cheese Festival takes place in Honesdale.

Wilkes-Barre with its revitalized downtown offers an array of restaurants, pubs and a new urban park, The River Common. Featuring 12 miles of trails for bikers, joggers, walkers and roller bladers along the Susquehanna River, the trail offers views of kayakers on the river and is host to local events, including Riverfest in June.

The wealth that was generated through the coal mining industry brought theater companies, orchestras, ballets and performing arts to Luzerne County. Here visitors will find historic theaters, colleges and universities with exceptional arts programs, a symphony orchestra, an extraordinary arts festival and – most important of all – a community that appreciates its art and culture.

Colleges and universities here include King’s College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Luzerne County is within easy driving distance to many cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic via Interstates 81, 80, 84, 476/Pennsylvania Turnpike and Routes 309 and 115.

Luzerne County has a population of 320,918. It saw the largest increase in Hispanics of any county in the US; the county’s Hispanic population grew by over 440 percent from 2000 to 2010.