Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2025
Lehigh Valley (LE)
2024-11-28 11:37:05
The charm of this region is how seamlessly you can move from a morning in the scenic outdoors to an afternoon stop-and-sip at craft breweries, and finally to a fun-for-all night at a sporting event, live performance, or festival. Experience the area’s rich heritage as remnants of the Industrial Revolution have been reimagined as new cultural centers, movie houses, and music halls. Along the way, you’ll discover an impressive lineup of museums, historic sites, and immersive living history experiences that offer a glimpse into bygone eras.
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 10- acre Colonial Industrial Quarter to see both restored buildings and ruins from the country’s earliest industrial park.
The 1700s Burnside Plantation, which was once home to settlers James and Mary Burnside, features a farmhouse, summer kitchen, barnyard, and orchard. At the 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 Museum, 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 made with spirits distilled on-site at Social Still or sip 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 the inner workings of the human body to robotics — 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 “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. Malcolm Gross Rose Garden offers nature trails for exploring, plus gorgeous blooming roses during summer months. Walk along the trails of the 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 displays at Lehigh Valley Zoo, including the new Rothrock Red Panda Peak exhibit. Or get into nature at the Trexler Nature Preserve, which offers 18-plus miles 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 interactive art activities at the Crayola Experience. At the new Cartoon Creator station, have a CrayolaBot sketch you into a cartoon.
Watch concerts in the grand State Theatre, 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 dishes (such as scallops, jumbo lump crab cakes, and duck breast) 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.
Pull Into Nazareth
Even if you don’t know all the lyrics to “The Weight,” written by songwriter Robbie Robertson, who mentions a road-trip stop in Nazareth, you can still see where his guitar was made when you take a free guided tour of the legendary Martin Guitar Factory. Keep your creative inspiration flowing at the Nazareth Ceramic Center, where you can paint your own ceramics or sign up for a craft workshop. Perk up your afternoon at Bella Bean Coffee Shop, a cozy spot known for its exceptional coffee, boba tea, and herbal infusions. Or experience the creativity of local brewers at Birthright Brewing Company, where the rotating taps tout unexpected draughts like a lemony Shandy or a vanilla-esque Marshmallow IPA.
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