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Laura Nieman Abington Journal Intern

ABINGTONS - This Fourth of July happens to fall on a Saturday, which can make planning holiday activities much easier than a mid -week celebration. Many local businesses and organizations are offering opportunities to help those in the Abingtons take full advantage of the entire weekend: activities you may not have had time to do otherwise, as well as some you’ve never thought to do before.

JULY 2:

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“Hike the Hill,” is a new event happening July 4 courtesy of the Endless Mountain Nature Center in Tunkhannock.

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The Wine and Spirits Shop on Northern Boulevard in Clarks Summit recommends the popular Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling for a fourth of July picnic.

Abington Journal/Laura Nieman

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Start your holiday early with a trip Thursday to Pallman Farms in South Abington Township. Less than ten minutes from downtown Clarks Summit, Pallman Farms owners feel they have a great location and loyal customers, who have helped the farm become a local favorite over three generations. “We depend on the people in the area to support us,” said Brian Pallman, one of three owners of the farm. The three Pallman brothers, Brian, Bruce and Rich Pallman, work together to keep the farm running, especially during the winter holiday season, when they specialize in selling Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys. They have strong ties to the area. “Everything we have here goes local. We don’t wholesale anything or ship anything out,” he added.

According to Pallman, the strawberry picking season might be winding down by July, but that doesn’t mean the strawberries are any less delicious. Small and large containers can be purchased at the farm or customers can bring their own. Pallman joked that even pots and pans are welcome. A tractor ride takes customers out to the field and back to the barn to weigh their hand- picked berries.

Pallman advised customers to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Strawberries are $1.30 a pound. A hearty fruit and vegetable selection makes Pallman Farms a local place to buy produce for Fourth of July recipes at 1511 Summit Lake Road, South Abington Township. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

JULY 3:

If you have Friday off work, why not use it to enjoy the great outdoors? Spend the day at one of the many parks in the Clarks Summit area, such as the South Abington Park or Streamside Park in Dalton. Make it a party by renting a pavilion or picnic grove at Lackawanna State Park for $15 a day, according to http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/. Spaces can be rented up to two days in advance. For more information , call toll-free 888.PA.PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Don’t settle for just peanut butter and jelly in your picnic basket. Many parks have grills available. Instead of having just burgers and hot dogs, try grilling fresh fish, which is a lighter option for a hot July day. Plus, a thin filet usually takes half the time to cook.

For expert suggestions, look to Atlantic Fish and Fabulous Foods, at 507 South State Street. The ten-year old business was taken over a year and a half ago by Amanda Liples and Jessica Nepa, two sisters whose cuisine includes gourmet side salads and other prepared foods. Their fish selection features salmon and haddock, as well as one selection that changes each week, such as Red Snapper. Also, their Greek pasta salad includes summer ingredients such as black olives, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. Atlantic Fish also caters events, even picnics in a pavilion. Place large orders about two days in advance. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For details, visit www.atlanticfishandfabulousfoods.com.

Top off your sophisticated picnic with a bottle of wine, paired correctly with food of choice. Susan Ostopowicz from the Wine and Spirits store on Northern Boulevard gave suggestions, including popular selections of customers from the area. She suggested a lighter -bodied, young wine such as pinot noir to pair with a warm weather barbecue of steak or hamburgers.

If you’re having seafood or other light fare she suggested a light fruity white, such as a sauvignon blanc. Some popular choices, Ostopowicz said, are Riesling, a white wine with both dry and sweet varieties. She mentioned Chateau Ste. Michelle, a Riesling from Washington state, as a popular choice. It can be found for less than $20 a bottle. In general, a dry ros� or pinot grigio can also be a summer choice. The Wine and Spirits store in Clarks Summit has over 2,000 different wines and is a premium collection store. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. 222 Northern Boulevard, South Abington Township.

What better place to bring your picnic basket than a grand fireworks display. On July 3, The Rotary Club of the Abingtons will have a display at the Abington Heights Middle School beginning at dusk. Refreshments will be sold starting at 5:30 p.m., and be sure to bring your own seating. Rain date is July 5.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic hosts its annual Independence Concert Friday at 7:30 p.m., PNC field in Moosic. Fireworks will follow at dusk. Also on Friday, the Wayne County Creative Arts Council will host Independence Day Celebration at 5:30 p.m. in Central Park, Honesdale. Activities include children’s games, performances by The Gypsy Jazz Quintet at 5:30 p.m., Doug Smith’s Dixieland All Stars at 6:30 and Crystal Band at 8 p.m., with fireworks sponsored by the Greater Honesdale Partnership at dusk. Rain date is July 6.

JULY 4:

On Independence Day, one way to start is by exploring the land the forefathers founded. Take the whole family to “Hike the Hill,” a new event happening July 4 courtesy of the Endless Mountain Nature Center in Tunkhannock. Rebecca Lesko, president of the center, will lead the hike, which is planned to reach out to holiday visitors as well as northeast Pennsylvania residents. Bring a pair of sneakers and a bag lunch for a one and a quarter mile hike to a scenic overlook in Camp Lackawanna. Break there for a picnic lunch, or continue up to nine miles on additional trails. This morning excursion brings you back in plenty of time if you have afternoon plans. Meet at the EMNC Lodge on the Vosburg Neck in Tunkhannock. Fee is free for Stewards, $3 for non-members. In addition to Hike the Hill, the Nature Center offers programs, events and birthday parties all year .

In case you missed the Abington fireworks display, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform on Saturday at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks following. For more information, go to www.nepaphil.org.

JULY 5:

As for Sunday, sometimes the best plans are no plans. Enjoy the day at home, or go for a walk without a planned destination. Wash the car or wash the dog. Most important: do at least one thing you personally will enjoy. After all, the Fourth of July does especially celebrate independence.