Bogert’s Bridge Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour Allentown Moravian Book Shop Bethlehem THE PAST IS PRESENT Throughout the beautiful countryside of the Lehigh Valley, you’ll discover historic sites and gems of the past that have shaped our world today. Founded in 1745, Bethlehem’s Moravian Book Shop is not only the oldest bookstore in America, but it’s the oldest operating bookshop in the world. Explore the shop’s carefully selected library and discover its storied history. If you’re staying in Bethlehem, downtown’s Historic Hotel Bethlehem puts you at the heart of this National Historic Landmark District. With first-rate accommodations, an on-site restaurant, and a popular ice cream parlor, you’ll want to extend your stay. And don’t be frightened if you meet some special visitors—this hotel is rife with ghost stories. On your visit to Bethlehem, explore Burnside Plantation , a 6.5-acre living history museum. Through agricultural demonstrations and tours of the farmhouse, you’ll learn about the lifestyle and farming methods used on this 18th-century Moravian farm. Discover more about Moravian culture at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem . Historic Hotel Bethlehem Bethlehem CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: HUB WILSON; DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY; HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM Located in the 1741 Gemeinhaus, Bethlehem’s oldest building and a National Historic Landmark, this museum tells the story of Bethlehem’s Moravian founders. In Allentown, you can take a self-guided tour of the region’s seven historic covered bridges, the oldest of which dates back to 1839. The bridges you’ll see on the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour have been the subjects of many artists and photographers for decades. Before you go, be sure to stop by Allentown’s Liberty Bell Museum . Zion’s “Liberty Bell” Church, formerly Zion’s Reformed Church, is the location where the Liberty Bell was hidden in 1777 from British troops who were about to seize Philadelphia. Today, you can observe a memorial to the Liberty Bell’s safekeeping and ring the replica bell in its honor. In Easton, the National Canal Museum honors the history of America’s canals. With interactive displays, visitors can learn about the technology and processes of building canals. Ride a mule-drawn canal boat, build your own canal system on the museum water table, tour a locktender’s house, and explore the D&L Trail along the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River. visitPA.com 99
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2021: Page 99
