Remember those last few days of summer right before you had to head back to school? For me, they were days filled with total anxiety. I felt an enormous amount of pressure to fit in all the activities I didn’t get around to all summer long before returning to a regimen of academics.  De ja vu, for I’m feeling those same stressed out emotions as I watch my cousin, Greg pack his things and prepare to leave the valley for his new life in Georgia.

Although my cousin and I have done a ton together since he has moved here, I now feel intense pressure to have him experience all the good food and hot spots this place has to offer. Sadly, we take it all for granted. We say, “I’ll have to try that place sometime.” Forget the excuses of the poor economy; you have some living to do. Start your checklist. This list isn’t meant for events to be checked off, but rather checked to remember just how great they are so you’ll go back.

Since Greg and I only went to Thai Thai once when it first opened, I suggested this spot as our dinner location with my parents. As soon as my Pad Thai hit my taste buds, I remembered why I said I’d be back so very long ago. Their food is amazing, and my parents, who have never been there before, are now hooked. The Pughs will be back very soon. Check.

Greg and I then made walked over to the hottest new lounge, Luna in Midtown Village. Since Greg had never been there before, I told him he had to experience it before heading down to the South where catfish and sweet tea would become his main diet. Having done the Philly circuit a few times in our past, the first thing he said when he walked in was, “This place looks like a club in Philly or New York City.” I ordered a Grapefruit Goddess, a martini which I love for it uses basil as an ingredient. Check.

My cousin, who usually goes for the bottled beer was leaning towards a Blue Moon. I of course nixed that and told him to get a cocktail ( not that he’s 25 years old or anything and should be able to order what he wants) and he chose a cocktail called the “Blue Moon”. It was delicious – I know because I had to try it – and the best part was that it was pink. My only regret is that we didn’t leave enough room after dinner to get some Luna tapas because they’re presentation is flawless and the food is exceptional. It felt like old times at the lounge, Tangerine in Philly with Greg. So we didn’t experience the food this time, but at least we got to experience the ambiance we dig and before Luna coming to town, we haven’t been able to share that locally. Check.

I have three more days before I lose my relative to the Peach State. As my panic escalates while trying to fit in things I love about this area, I beg you; do not let this happen to you. There are little gems all over this valley but you have to get out and experience them. Don’t wait until later. Don’t wait for special occasions. This is your community and your checklist should be lengthy. You just have to get off your couch and share in the local pleasures. Go live it up.


 

About the Author

Rachel A. Pugh, a graduate of Penn State University with a B.A. in communications and a minor in theatre, came to the Weekender in 2000 as a Marketing/Promotions Associate. She was then made an Advertising Sales Account Executive and went on later to become Senior Advertising Sales Account Executive, Advertising Sales Team Leader, Sales and Marketing Manager, and the position she holds currently, Weekender General Manager and fashion columnist.

Rachel also serves as the Vice President of Marketing for the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company, overseeing the marketing of company initiatives and events.

A graduate of Leadership Lackawanna, class of 2005, some of her community involvement includes: Board for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind, Executive Board for the Domestic Violence Service Center, committee member for The American Cancer Society’s Endure for a Cure, a board member of the Wilkes-Barre YMCA and a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

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