Things to Do Close to the Lake House

Fishing Opportunities

• Acre Lake

Is the lake in front of Abby's Lake House. It's 44 acres and has a stream that flows the length of the lake. Guests this year have caught perch, blue gill, largemouth bass, and muskies. Fishing from the dock and our canoe has been bountiful. You can bring you own boat with a motor up to 60hp. PA Fishing licenses are required for 16 years and older (or fish at your own risk). The licenses can be purchased at the Acre Lake General Store located at the East end of the lake.

What Our Guests Say...

The Fishing Was Excellent.
We were looking for a place to get away and relax for a few days. We made a great choice in Abby's Lake House! The house is beautiful and fully stocked - which came in handy. The fishing was excellent. Our first evening here, we caught about 15 fish - bass, perch, sunnies, blue gills and even 2 catfish. Wednesday we took the canoe out and took a tour of the lake. A little windy but sunny. Went fishing (off the dock) and caught another 15 or so. Had a delicious fish dinner! Thursday we drove around and visited some of the little towns in the area. And, of course, more fishing!
It was a short vacation for us but a great one. Thank you, Lori and Clay for opening up your home to us. --- Tammie M., Mohnton, PA


More Reviews

• Lackawanna State Park

Is close by and has a 198-acre lake that is open to fishing and is stocked yearly. Some of the common fish in the lake include trout, muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish, bullhead, pickerel and largemouth bass. Boats are allowed on the lake but you can only use electric motors. There's a pool there as well. Web site. This was taken from a article "10 Great August Bass Lakes" in Pennsylvania Game and Fish Directions: Interstate Route 81 to Exit 199, and then continue three miles west on state Route 524.

Lackawanna Lake is the lake within Lackawanna State Park. The except below is from an article about fishing at this lake:

A Fish and Boat Commission electroshocking survey in 2003 led to a report that stated Lackawanna Lake was the place to be for the opening of bass season. Showers shortened the survey, yet in 50 minutes, the PFBC team recorded 120 largemouth bass that ranged in length from 5 inches to 22 inches. This is a small impoundment at 198 acres. Watch the contour of the surrounding land for clues to underwater structure. Also, follow the points into deep water. The lake is stocked with trout, so if big bass are your goal, it may pay to use lures with trout-like color patterns. Jigs in natural colors, leaning heavily to the brown shades, are good producers. Lines of no more than 10-pound-test are the best choice.

• Salt Springs State Park

Is also close by. It has two stocked Trout Streams: Silver Creek and Fall Brook. A favorite area is where Fall Brook flows into Silver Creek near the east end of the picnic area. There's some great hiking there as there are waterfalls and old growth forests. Web site. This state park is unusual in that a volunteer group maintains it instead of the Park Service. Web site.

• Pleasant Mount Fish Hatchery

Is not too far away. If you want to tour it, it's open 9-3 during the week. Web site.

• Susquehanna and Lackawanna Rivers

These are both close by. The Susquehanna River starts in Cooperstown NY and dips down into PA near my home in Susquehanna Depot about 10 miles south of the NY state line. Then it flows North (yes that's right) into Binghamton NY and turns South again into Sayre PA. This is called the "North Branch". The North Branch is noted for its excellent numbers of quality smallmouth bass. However, the North Branch is blessed with a multitude of fish species including; Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Rock Bass, Carp and Catfish. There's fishing and boat access in Hallstead, PA which is just off I-81 Exit 230. Here's links to some info on fishing the Lackawanna River: Fly fishing Web site, Penn Angler Web site (Carbondale is 16 miles down Route 106 from Abby's Lake House).

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Hiking, Biking and Swimming

• Hurricane Hills Motocross

Located in Clifford PA, about 10 miles away, right on RT-106. They offer motocross schooling and racing, track rentals and a variety of events that you could particpate in or just watch. Web site

• Lackawanna State Park

Just take I-81 south to Exit 199 and follow the signs. This park is a 15-minute drive. There's a 198 acre lake, a large swimming pool, 5 miles of biking and hiking trails, picnic areas and more. Web site

• Salt Springs State Park

This park is about a 25 minute drive. There's over 12 miles of hiking trails, which have beautiful waterfalls, old growth forests, and there are usually free events at the pavilion on weekends. Take I-81 north to exit 223. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp. When you come to a stop sign, turn left onto US 11. Go about 2 miles and turn right onto Route 706. take Route 706 towards Montrose, PA. Turn Right onto Route 26 north. It's about 8 miles north - follow the signs to the entrance of the park. Web site

• Rail-Trails of NEPA

These converted railroad bed make excelling hiking and biking trails. Web site. The closest trail is the D&H. Here are the directions to the closest access point: Interstate 81, Lenoxville Exit 206, follow signs to Elk Mountain on Route 374. Past Elk, turn left at "T", then turn right at 4-way Stop. Go about 2 miles; trail crosses Route 374. Park alongside of trail to north.

Snow Sports

• Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Tubing

Two nearby skiing locations are Elk Mountain (11.5 miles away) Web site, and Sno Mountain Web site. Check out their websites for all the details.

• Cross Country Skiing, Snow Mobile Trail Riding and Sledding and Tobogganing

All of these activities can be done at Lackawanna State Park. Just take I-81 south to Exit 199 and follow the signs. Web site. Check out the website for all the details.

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Museums, Tours, Historic Locations

• Trains and Railroad

Steamtown National Historic Site has a lot of activities including train rides, living history, activities for kids and more. Be sure to check out the "Things to Do" section on Train Excursions. Web site. This is close to the Cooper Seafood House Restaurant (more details in the restaurant area below).

• Scenic Drive Route 92 and Viaducts

Route 92 intersects Interstate 81 just 2 miles from the lake house. Route 92 is a a scenic drive. Going south on Route 92 takes you to the town of Nicholson which has a large viaduct, Web site. Also in Nicholson is the Stone Bridge Restaurant Going north on Route 92 is a very scenic drive with sweeping views of mountain valleys and dairy farms. It joins Route 171 in Susquehanna Depot. If you then turn right and go into Lanesboro, you'll see the Starucca Viaduct. It is the oldest stone bridge for trains that is still in use today. Web site.

• Balloon Rides

Hot air balloon rides on calm days are simply gorgeous. Fly over beautiful landscapes and lakes where you can soak in the morning sunrise for an exhilarating experience. Web site

• Magic Show and Harry Houdini Museum

If you like magic, this is a nice show and museum. The web site is a bit rough but read through it for the days and times of the shows. It's about 26 miles south of the lake house - use I-81 and get off at Exit 190.

• Anthracite Coal Mine Tour

This is south on I-81 and get off at Exit 191B. This is a great rainy day activity or on a nice day combine it with a trip to the playground and butterfly garden next door. The coal mine tour is fun as you ride a coal car down deep into the mine (rather steep and dark - not for toddlers or kids that don't like being in the dark), then get a walking tour of how the mines operated. Web site It's about a 25-minute ride from the house. It's 55 degrees in the mine but coats are provided. It's a great place to visit on a hot, humid day. Next to the mine tour is McDade Park, which has numerous activities including the "Boundless Playground" and a butterfly garden. Web site

• Electric Trolley Rides

There's the Electric Trolley Museum Web site where you can explore and ride a trolley and it's near the Steamtown Mall (see below in shopping area) in downtown Scranton.

• The Old Mill Village

Is a living museum of early times. You walk around and talk to folks dressed in period costumes and they tell you about how life was back then. It's about a 20-minute drive north of the house. Be sure to check out their "Events" page to see what's happening during your stay. North on I-81 and get off at Exit 223. Web site

• Farm Tour

Here's one in Montrose area (about a 30 minute drive - this is near the Salt Springs State Park). Montrose has a Price Chopper grocery store (large chain), Tractor Supply, various antique shops and craft stores and a very small cinema. Web site

• The Endless Mountains Region

Our area is called "The Endless Mountains Region" Web site. Be careful in looking at this site though because the area is rather large and many of the things listed on this site can take an hour or more to drive to and there's not much along the way. If you find something you're interested in, drop us an email and I'll tell you how long of a drive and how easy it would be to get lost along the way.

• River Canoe and Rafting Trips

The Susquehanna River is close by and is good for canoe trips. It alternates deep and shallow and runs slow. Canoe outfitters nearby are Endless Mountain Outfitters Web site and Susquehanna River Adventures Web site. The Delaware River is more for rafting and tubing. It's just East of Honesdale about a 40-minute drive. This outfitter has a good reputation: Web site

• Waterpark

This is about one hour drive but it's a place you'll spend the entire day. Camel Beach Water Park is a blast. AAA offers discount tickets if you're a member. Web site. Avoid it on the weekend though as it's packed. South on I-81 to I-380. Take I-380 to I-80 East. Just a couple of miles once you're on I-80. If you like Indian Food, the Tandoor Palace Restaurant located next to the Day's Inn has awesome Indian food and a lunch buffet. Part of the restaurant is in an old passenger train car - kind of fun place to eat. Web site

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Restaurants of Note

There are also restaurants listed below in the Shopping area, Dickson City shopping complex.

• MaZAR's Bridge View Restaurant

This restaurant is about 10 miles from the lake house going south on Route 92. It's got a great view of the viaduct and it's really neat if a train goes by while you're dining. Web site

• Armetta's Pizzeria and Pub

This restaurant is just 2 exits north on I-81. When you get off the exit ramp, turn right and the restaurant is on the left. They make good pizza and wings. We're not too crazy about their Italian dinners. The beers always cold and there's a small game room. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

• Cooper's Seafood House

Do you like Pirates? This is an awesome restaurant to take any seafood lover or anyone that just likes pirates. The location you want is the "Electric City" location. The Electric City is another name for Scranton PA. It's about 1/2 hour drive from the lake house but it's worth the trip. Avoid it on Friday and Saturday because of the long lines - it's a very popular restaurant! Web site

• The Summerhouse Grill

This restaurant tries to use as many locally grown ingredients as possible. Located in Montrose, PA, it's a pleasant 20-minute drive along country roads. Web site

• Basilico's Pizzeria and Restaurant

Excellent specially pizzas and other Italian favorites. Clark's Summet Web site and Dickson City Web site

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Shopping

• Grocery Store

The closest grocery store is located in Clifford, PA. Clifford is a small town about 7 miles south of Abby's Lake House on Route 106. Clifford Farm Market (Shurfine Market) Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm; Sun 8am-4pm.

• Beer and Soda

Clifford Beverage Company is a Beverage Store located across the street near the grocery store. Beer is sold only in Beverage stores in PA. Six-packs of Beer must be purchased at bars or taverns but can cost almost as much as a case at a beverage store.

• Liquors and Wines

PALCB Stores are the only place in PA to buy retail Liquors and Wines. The closest store is located in Clark's Summet. Take I-81 south to exit 194. Head south on US-11 for about 4 miles. The store is located on the left. There are also stores located in Montrose and Susquehanna. The PALCB web site lists their hours of operation. Susquehanna County Web site Lackawanna County Web site

• Montrose Farmers Market

The Montrose Farmers' Market is open Friday's from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. (May through September) Local producers and vendors offer a variety of local products from plants, baked goods, eggs, whole bean or fresh ground coffee locally roasted and much more!

• Steamtown Mall

Located in downtown Scranton. Web site

Dickson City Shopping Complexes

These shopping plazas are located only 24 miles from the intersection noted on our map. Drive south on I-81 to exit 191A, turn right at the stop light after the Viewmont Mall. This road leads you down hill to a T intersection. The below mentioned stores are to the right or left in close proximity. The below list is organized by shopping center that the stores or restaurants are located in or next to. If you don't turn after the Viewmont Mall, but instead stay on the road you are on, there are a large variety of restaurants, fast food joints, and stores (not mentioned below) to the right and left.

• Dickson City Crossings

  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Basilco Restaurant (Italian - Specialty Pizza) Web site
  • hhgreggs Apliances and Electronics
  • Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Outlet
  • TJ Maxx
  • AC Moore Arts and Crafts
  • Factory Card Outlet
  • Pet Smart
  • The Home Depot
  • Pier 1 Imports
  • Old Country Buffet Restaurant

• Park Center

  • Chuck E Cheese
  • Red Robin Restaurant
  • Panera Bread Company (Gourmet Sandwiches)
  • Royal Chinese Buffet (Buffet, Hibachi, Sushi)
  • USA Wharehouse Antiques
  • Party City
  • China Palace (Reastraurant/Buffet)
  • Harbor Freight

• Walmart/Target Plaza

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Marshalls Department Store
  • Mens Warehouse
  • Famous Footware
  • Starbucks Coffee
  • Michaels Craft Supply
  • Quaker Steak and Lube (Restaurant)
  • Texas Roadhouse Restaurant
  • Catherines Plus Sizes
  • Dress Barn
  • T Mobile
  • Dot's Fashions
  • Olymia Sports
  • Vitners' Circle (Wine making supplies)
  • Chicago Grill/Pizza Uno Restaurant
  • Subway Sandwich Shop

• Viewmont Mall and points West (left at T intersection)

  • Viewmont Mall Web site
  • Borders (Books and Magazines)
  • Best Buy
  • Gander Mountain (Sporting Goods)
  • Staples Office Supply
  • Tappanyaki Grill and Buffet Restaurant
  • Sams Club (with discount gas station for members only)
  • Lowes

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Other Information

• Medical Centers

The closest walk-in medical center is NEPA Community Health Center which is in the Lenox Plaza at the intersection of Route 92 and Route 106 (2.2 miles from Abby's Lake House). The closest hospital is in Montrose, Endless Mountains Health Center Web site.

• ATM

Across from the Lenox Plaza at the intersection of Route 92 and Route 106 (2.2 miles from Abby's Lake House) is a PennStar Bank with an ATM.