2023-12-19 09:11:59
O’ Little Town of Bethlehem Escape to a historic town rich in colonial and industrial history. Start your journey at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem to learn about the earliest history of the Bethlehem community, then stroll the Colonial Industrial Quarter to see both restored buildings and ruins from the country’s earliest industrial park. The 1700s Burnside Plantation features a farmhouse, summer kitchen, barnyard, and orchard that was once home to James and Mary Burnside. At Moravian Book Shop, founded in 1745, shop for new releases as well as Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed books and gifts. To explore an extensive collection of decorative arts, take in the exhibits and period-decorated rooms of the 1800s homes that house the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. Then view a miniature model recreation of historic railroad routes of the area at the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad, which depicts the routes from the period 1950–1976. For a bite to eat, enjoy Cajun-style specialties at The Bayou, and loaded-up burgers with microbrews at Fegley’s Brew Works. Explore Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District Just south of the Lehigh River and home to Lehigh University, explore a vibrant community of arts and culture. See murals on the 2.75-mile Urban Arts Trail, art galleries in the Banana Factory Arts Center, and live music and festivals (including Musikfest) at SteelStacks—a 10-acre campus once home to Bethlehem Steel. (Learn more about Bethlehem Steel at the National Museum of Industrial History.) Stop for Taiwanese-style hot pots and noodle dishes at Hi Pot, and then grab a specialty cocktail at Social Still Distillery or a hard cider at Five Maidens Cider Company. Bring the Family to Allentown Learning, play, and fun for all ages is the draw in Allentown. Kids can discover the inner workings of the world around them with interactive exhibits—from a hurricane simulator to an energy dance floor—at the Da Vinci Science Center. Visit America On Wheels to learn about the history of transportation (and to see gorgeously restored classic cars). Check the calendar at Allentown Art Museum for special kid-focused crafts and activities. Bring kids to the Museum of Indian Culture for the new “Tour and Explore” digital interactive experience with QR codes along the Lenape Trail at Little Lehigh Parkway. Ride roller coasters and water slides at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. At Miller Symphony Hall, bring older kids and teens to special family-friendly performances by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Allentown Rose Gardens offers nature trails for exploring, plus gorgeous blooming roses during summer months. Walk along the trails of Lehigh Parkway historic park, and during the holiday season, drive through a spectacular light display during Lights in the Parkway. GO EXPLORE: In Schnecksville, see all kinds of animal exhibits at Lehigh Valley Zoo, including the new Habitat Madagascar, with lemurs and tortoises. Trexler Nature Preserve offers 18 miles to explore for birding, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking. Activities Galore in Easton This picturesque riverside town comes with no shortage of attractions and things to do. Start your morning with breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and a good book at Quadrant Book Mart & Coffee House, and on Saturdays, stroll through the vendor booths at Easton Farmers’ Market for pies, local honey, small-batch salsas, and other handmade goods. Spark inspiration for the whole family with colorful experiences, character meet-and-greets, and art activities at Crayola Experience. Watch concerts in the grand State Theatre Center for the Arts or walk along the 1.75-mile Karl Stirner Arts Trail to see sculptures amid peaceful natural scenery History buffs will love perusing the pre-European settlement artifacts and decorative arts and textiles at the Sigal Museum or riding the seasonal mule-drawn canal boat, Josiah White II, at the National Canal Museum. Signature martinis and upscale entrees (such as pan-seared scallops, jumbo lump crab cakes, and braised rabbit) draw rave reviews at Ashley’s Signature Restaurant. Cap off the day with a glass of wine at Easton Wine Project, housed in the historic Simon Silk Mill, or a Belgian-style beer made at Weyerbacher Brewing Company.
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Lehigh Valley
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