From cultural exchanges to unique dining experiences, this year’s community stories highlight the rich tapestry of life in the region. Here’s a look at some of the standout moments.
Chili’s Brings ‘The Office’ Vibe to Scranton
Marking 20 years since NBC’s mockumentary “The Office” first aired, fans continue to flock to Scranton, and now, they have a new spot to visit. Chili’s Bar and Grill has unveiled its “Scranton Branch” in Dickson City, featuring nostalgic 90s-themed decor and plenty of nods to the popular TV show.
The restaurant claims the title of “the most unique” among over 1,500 Chili’s locations worldwide. Read the full story and see a video here.
Strengthening Ties: Scranton’s Cultural Exchange with Ireland
This year saw Scranton Fringe, a performing arts group, foster ties with Scranton’s sister city in Ireland through a cultural exchange. Local actors traveled to the Irish sister city to perform, and in March 2026, Irish musicians are scheduled to visit Scranton for performances.
This exchange has deepened the connection for many Irish-Americans in Scranton, who trace their lineage back to County Mayo. Read the full story here and watch WVIA’s Keystone Edition episode for more on this cultural collaboration.
Gardening Highlights: Luzerne County Tour and More
This year’s gardening stories included a feature on the Back Mountain Bloomers Garden Club, which invited the public to tour six of the area’s most beautiful gardens. You can read the full story here.
Other gardening topics explored the cultivation of microgreens at a local farm and the charitable efforts of a community garden in Monroe County. Learn more about microgreens here and discover the community garden’s contributions here.
Way’s Garden: A Century-Old Oasis in Williamsport
In Williamsport’s ‘Millionaire’s Row’, Way’s Garden continues to be a cherished historic site. Founded over a century ago, this community garden is maintained by local volunteers and serves as a reminder of the area’s rich history. Read the full story here.
Local Filmmaker’s ‘Hell House’ Franchise Hits Theaters
A filmmaker from Lackawanna County celebrated the release of his fifth “Hell House” film in theaters this year. Known for filming in locations across Northeast Pennsylvania, the latest film in the series reached audiences both locally and internationally. Read the story and watch the trailer at this link.
Introducing the ‘Good Natured’ Podcast
In December, the “Good Natured” podcast launched, offering monthly episodes that celebrate the great outdoors. Featuring positive stories with hosts from DiscoverNEPA and WVIA, this podcast aims to inspire listeners with tales of nature and optimism.
Don’t forget to follow along each day at WVIA.org as we publish WVIA 2025 Year in Review, recounting the top stories of the past year through New Year’s Day.
