The family vacation remains an enduring legacy of America's post-World War II economic boom.
But with the stagnated wages of the past few years, many families have less money in the travel kitty than they once did. Luckily, Northeast Pennsylvania has much to offer for the budget-minded, both for visitors and local staycationers alike.
"Lately, we've been hearing from people who want to stay closer to home. Who want to do something different," said Tracy Barone, executive director of the Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Because we have a lot of things a lot of places don't have."
Part of the region's appeal is that it's just a few hours' drive from some of the East Coast's biggest population centers, with hotel rates far lower than one would find in a big city.
Heritage tourism remains NEPA's bread and butter, given the area's rich mining and railroading history. The list of attractions includes Steamtown National Historic Site, Anthracite Heritage Museum and Scranton Iron Furnaces, which has seen its profile rise significantly in recent years thanks to events like its Bonfire and Arts on Fire Festival.
"I've never met a little boy or grown man who doesn't ooh and ah over the trains at Steamtown," Ms. Barone added with a laugh. "You can't overlook (the historical factor). Nobody goes to Philadelphia and doesn't see the Liberty Bell. We were helping to build the nation here."
Chester Kulesa, site administrator for the Anthracite Heritage Museum, said annual visitation to the museum is about 51 percent locals and 49 percent out-of-towners. Many visitors are mining and genealogy enthusiasts, he said.
Of course, there's plenty for the general visitor to enjoy. What enhances the museum's appeal, Mr. Kulesa said, is that it's located within McDade Park, and adjacent to the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour.
"During the summer, it makes for a really nice day trip," said Mr. Kulesa, who also oversees the Iron Furnaces. "You can easily spend three hours or more here in a day. There's so many amenities."
The price is right. Admission to the museum is just $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3-11. And there's a number of discounts and specials, Mr. Kulesa said.
"There's a lot of ways we try to think innovatively when it comes to visitation," he said.
The region also boasts plenty of outdoor attractions, like the newly renovated PNC Field, which in the coming months is sure to bring thousands of baseball fans to the area to see the New York Yankees' Triple-A farm team, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
The Steamtown Marathon, held every October, brings in runners from all over the country who love its fast, downhill course. Come wintertime, the local ski resorts are tourist havens. And during the summer, the region's many state parks provide a cheaper alternative to a beach or theme park.
The state's 120 parks received 37,873,595 total visitors last year, up from 36,889,089 visitors in 2011, according to Terry Brady, deputy press secretary for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
"We're economical, and we offer such a variety for the family," Mr. Brady said. "For a family, you can rent a campsite at any of our state parks for $20 a night, which is not going to break the bank."
Or, he said, they can rent a fairly modern cabin, which sleeps up to six, for about $450 a week. The most up-to-date-cabins go for $638 a week, and have electricity and other amenities.
Each of the region's state parks has its own unique features. Ricketts Glen State Park in Luzerne County is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls. Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming boasts a 165-acre lake for fishing and kayaking. Nescopeck State Park in Luzerne County has "a beautiful nature center and environmental learning factor," Mr. Brady said.
Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Twp. is among 25 parks participating in DCNR's First-Time Camper program. And Promised Land State Park in Pike County is among a select number of parks statewide that allow pets in its campground area, Mr. Brady said.
That being said, plenty of locals are still spending money on big trips. Rose Belotti, a travel agent for AAA North Penn, said last year's travel sales industry-wide were way up from where they were at the start of the Great Recession.
"We have been phenomenally busy over the last year," she said. "We're way up with Disney and cruises. And with all-inclusives and honeymoons. And we have a lot of people doing destination weddings. ... The travel industry in general is pretty strong."
Contact the writer: jmcauliffe@timesshamrock.com, @jmcauliffeTT on Twitter