Allentown

Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen. It was then known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed "Allentown" in 1838 and it was formally incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867.
Allentown has a large Latino/Hispanic population. Hispanics make up over 40% of Allentown's population.
The 1982 Billy Joel single Allentown made the city known around the world as a symbol of industrial decay and the devastating social effects of the rust belt's spread across the northeastern United States.

Geography

Allentown lies on the Lehigh River. It is 338 feet above sea level. It is 60 miles north of Philadelphia, 90 miles west of New York City, and 80 miles east of Harrisburg. Allentown is only 15 miles west of the New Jersey state line.

Climate

The climate in Eastern Pennsylvania is unique in that it can be up to and over 100 degrees in the summer and get snow in the winter. Summers are always hot, with temperatures in the upper 80s and humidity is usually high, above 80 or 85%. Winters can be cold, with ice on the roads being a worse problem than snow, but it does snow. Some years the area will only get a few inches all season, with the last major blizzard in 1996, when Lehigh Valley saw over 2 feet of snow.

Tourist information

• Lehigh Valley Visitor Center Downtown

  phone: +1 610 882-9200
  address: 840 Hamilton St, Suite 200

• Lehigh Valley Visitor Center at America on Wheels

  phone: +1 610 432-4200
  address: 5 N Front St

Talk

English is the dominant language in Allentown, but Spanish is also widely used. Outside of the area, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch. Other languages can be found here, such as Arabic, Portuguese and Vietnamese.

• "Down the shore" is a common local reference to the New Jersey beaches, located approximately 75 miles southeast from Allentown.
• "Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich.
• "Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink.
• "Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south.

By plane

The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and Lehigh Valley is Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), which is less than 15 minutes away from most parts of the city. Various airlines operate out of this airport. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) may be the best option. Though EWR mostly serves New York City, flights to PHL from other continents such as Europe are often expensive and will almost always require a lengthy stopover flight via anywhere from Houston to Chicago to Montreal. Ground connections from EWR to Allentown are also reasonably easy, with Trans-Bridge Lines running a coach service, and the airport only being marginally over an hour's drive from Allentown.

By car

• US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of Lehigh Valley except in Easton.
• Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from New Jersey) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in Phillipsburg is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost).
• From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel.
• Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west.
• PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the Poconos and points east.

By bus

• Trans-Bridge bus line offers daily service from downtown Allentown to and from New York City and Newark, New Jersey. There are several express buses per day into New York City.
• Carl Bieber Tourways offers daily service to New York City, Atlantic City, Philadelphia and other regionally located cities leaving from Wescoesville. It also provides bus service within Lehigh Valley and its surrounding areas, including to and from Reading.
• OurBus offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Binghamton, and Ithaca leaving from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville.

The city is served by a regional bus service, LANTA, whose transportation center is in downtown Allentown, providing convenient service to and from the center city. Every LANTA bus is equipped with a bike rack.

Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable.
The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42.

By bus

Extensive bus services are provided by Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA).
Easton Coach also provides motorcoach and other transit services.

By cab

Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and Lehigh Valley. These are:

• Lehigh Valley Taxi, 610-867-6000
• Quick Service Taxi, 610-434-8132
• Car One Sedan of Allentown, , 610-266-9770 or 888-550-CAR1
• Premium Taxi LLC, 610-433-7550
• Anytime Taxi by J&J, 610-439-9241

By limo

• A&A Limousine Service, , 610-261-3838 or 800-281-5911
• Cooper Limo Service, , 866 433 1738 or 856 449 4279
• Car One Limo of Allentown, , 610-266-9770 or 888-550-CAR1
• J&J Luxury Transportation, , 610-776-1516, 800-726-5466
• Royal Limousine,, 610-439-4800, 800-671-8511

By car

Most visitors to Lehigh Valley will want to either rent a car or drive their own.

• Due to the fact that 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Be forewarned, Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation.
• Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from Reading & Lancaster. Hamilton Street continues into nearby Bethlehem as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well.
• Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to Bethlehem, as Union Boulevard, and Easton as well.
• US Route 22 is a 4 lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel.
• Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas.

By bike

Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system.
Allentown is a city. When you ride it and park it, make sure you lock it. A Bike Line of Allentown will rent bikes.
Little Lehigh Parkway and Jordan Creek Park are accessible to pedal through. Cyclists can access a trail head at Canal Park to get on the Tow Path to take them to Bethlehem and Easton.
Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge).

On foot

The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown.

• Allentown Art Museum

  phone: +1 610 432-4333
  address: 31 N 5th St
  World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits.

• America On Wheels Museum

  phone: +1 610 432-4200
  address: 5 N Front St
  Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation.

• Da Vinci Science Center

  phone: +1 484 664-1002
  address: 3145 Hamilton Blvd

• Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum

  phone: +1 610 435-1074
  address: 432 W Walnut St
  Exhibit galleries, library and area archives.

• Liberty Bell Museum

  phone: +1 610 435-4232
  address: 622 W Hamilton St
  See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell which was hidden from the British in this historic church during the Revolutionary War.

• Museum of Indian Culture

  phone: +1 610 797-2121
  address: 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd
  Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans.

• Cedar Beach Park

  phone: +1 610 437-6900
  address: W Hamilton Blvd

• Allentown Municipal Golf Course

  phone: +1 610 395-5108
  address: 3400 W. Tilghman Street
  Public golf course located in Allentown's West End. Great course at great value.

• Allentown Symphony Orchestra

  phone: +1 610 432-6715
  address: 23 N. Sixth Street

• Civic Theatre of Allentown

  phone: +1 610 432-8943
  address: 527 N. 19th Street
  Great local theatre that shows art movies and foreign flicks in between productions.

• Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom

  phone: +1 610 395-3724
  address: 3830 Dorney Park Road
  Located on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78, this popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks.

• High school athleticsAllentown's three high schools and most large Lehigh Valley high schools compete athletically in the Lehigh Valley Conference, widely recognized as one of the highest quality athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs.

• Lehigh Valley Grand Prix

  phone: +1 610 432-RACE
  address: 649 S. 10th Street
  Gas-powered go karts!

• Lehigh Valley IronPigs

  phone: +1 610 841-PIGS
  address: 1050 IronPigs Way
  The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park.

• Lehigh Valley Phantoms

  phone: +1 610 224-GOAL
  address: Hamilton St at N 7th St
  Philadelphia Flyers affiliate. They play hockey at the PPL Center downtown from September through May.

• MunOpCo Music Theatre

  address: 1544 Hamilton Street

• Philadelphia ForceProfessional women's softball. Even though they have a Philadelphia name, they play their home games in Allentown.

• Playdrome Rose Bowl

  address: 801 N. 15th St.
  Bowling.

• Repertory Dance Theatre

  address: 1402 Linden Street

• SkiingThis is a popular activity in nearby mountains. Most skiing areas are closed seasonally, since snow can usually only be manufactured from about November to April. Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Blue Mountain Resort are a short drive away in Macungie and Palmerton, respectively. Larger, world-famous ski resorts, including Jack Frost & Big Boulder, are located in the Poconos, about 1 hour drive north on Interstate 476.

• Lehigh Valley Laser Tag

  address: 874 Marcon Blvd
  Multi level laser tag factility.

Events

• Great Allentown Fair

  phone: +1 610 433-7541
  address: 302 N 17th St
  The Great Allentown Fair is an annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together to provide visitors with an experience that helps to make Allentown a distinctive destination. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos.

• MayfairMayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings outstanding performers and artisans to Allentown’s scenic Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display. With six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods, Mayfair is a feast of sights, sounds, and smells.

Allentown is home to Muhlenberg College, Cedar Crest College and the Donley Center, the downtown Allentown campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Other colleges are located throughout Lehigh Valley.

The largest employer in Allentown is Lehigh Valley Hospital, with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are Air Products & Chemicals, LSI, St. Lukes Hospital, Blue Cross and PPL. Allentown was once an important manufacturing center in the region. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy.
Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. Downtown Allentown is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there.

• Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Route 145, also known as MacArthur Road (7th Street in Allentown) is home to the Lehigh Valley Mall, anchored by Macy's, JCPenny, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble; a new upscale wing has been added to the mall with stores including Williams-Sonoma, J crew, Pottery Barn and Ann Taylor. There are other stores on MacArthur Road and also on the intersecting Grape Street, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Kmart, Home Depot, Sports Authority, Dicks Sporting Goods, Burlington Coat Factory, Giant Food, Staples, and the smaller Whitehall Mall, anchored by Sears and Kohl's.
• A second Allentown mall, South Mall, anchored by Bon Ton, Black Rose Antiques, Staples, Petco, and Stein Mart, is on Lehigh Street, in west Allentown's border with Salisbury Township and Emmaus..
• The 19th Street area near Muhlenberg College is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre.
• A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Boulevard, near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, Dan Schantz Greenhouse, Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores.
• For an original shopping experience, try the Allentown Farmers Market. Located at 17th and Chew streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts.
• For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's located on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th.

• Merchants Square MallFeatures antiques and collectibles. Located at 1901 South 12th Street.

• More shopping is available at Crest Plaza' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland.

• The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon ValleyLocated outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township, is a newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and Lehigh Valley's largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers.

• Two new shopping centers are being built on the East Side of Allentown. On Airport Road, there is large shopping center, Airport Center, which houses the Christmas Tree Shop, A.C. Moore, Golf Galaxy, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Target, Ross, Zoup!, GameStop, Sleepy's, and a few more. Plans include Sam's Club and a few others. The other shopping center, Hanover Commons, is on Hanover Avenue and has undergone renovations. The only current stores are Popeye's, Philly Pretzel Factory, and Family Dollar.
• Valley Plaza, on Catasaqua Road, houses Ollie's Bargain Outlet and smaller stores. Carmike Cinemas and BJ's are located nearby.
• A shopping center on South 4th Street has a Kmart and a PriceRite, with most other stores being vacant. The center has a few armed security guards on patrol. There is higher security in the area due to the proximity of the Cumberland Gardens housing projects and the crime from the area.

• Weil's Antique Center

  address: 2200 31st St.

• Josh Early Candies

  address: 4640 W. Tilghman St.
  Family owned & operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets.

• Dan's Camera City

  address: 1439 W. Fairmont St.
  Get film developed. Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent.
• From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's Phoebe Floral & Home Decor, PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 Hamilton Center, like a Robbin's Jewelers.

• Warner Stained Glass

  address: 795 Roble Road

Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street.

Budget

• Cali Burrito

  address: 3104 Hamilton Blvd.
  California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe.

• Charles Pizza

  address: 2102 Union Blvd. # 5
  Pizza.

• Cheesesteak Louie's

  address: Corner of 12th and Chew
  Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street.

• China Moon

  address: 2102 Union Blvd.
  Chinese cuisine.

• Five Guys

  address: 4025 Tilghman St
  Burgers and fries.

• Kids Castle

  address: 1193 Airport Rd
  Kid-friendly fast food.

• La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery

  address: 5531 Hamilton Boulevard
  Reasonably priced Italian.

• Wally's Deli

  phone: +1 610 435-7177
  address: 711 N. 17th St.
  A popular, locally owned place with several Lehigh Valley locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street.

• Willy Joe's

  address: 2407 Lehigh Street
  A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining.

• Yocco'sThis small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are six Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs.

• Zandy's Steak Shop

  phone: +1 610 434-7874
  address: 813 St. John Street
  Another must try for anyone coming to Lehigh Valley. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich.

Mid-range

• Asia

  address: 1102 E. Susquehanna St.
  Selected as top 100 Chinese restaurants in USA 2007 & 2008. The Morning Call Readers Choice winner for Best Chinese Restaurant.

• Bellissimo Restaurante

  address: 1243 Tilghman St.
  Traditional Italian Cuisine.

• Black Orchid

  address: 1207 W. Chew Street
  European & American Southern cuisine.

• Boston's

  address: 327 Star Road
  Gourmet pizza & sports bar.

• The Brass RailThe "Something for Everyone Restaurant", an Allentown tradition, is known for their cheesesteaks and Italian American fare. Established in1931, it provides a casual family friendly dining experience 362 days of year.

• Bull & Bear Restaurant

  phone: +1 610-432-5230
  address: 462 Union Blvd
  American style food

• Damascus

  address: 449 N. 2nd St.
  Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant

  phone: +1 610-432-1800
  address: 3229 Hamilton Blvd.
  A family owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery

• Gregory's

  phone: +1 610-264-9301
  address: 2201 Schoenersville Rd.
  A local restaurant just north of the airport, at the junction of Airport Road (Old Airport Road) and Catausauqua Road. Gregory's is famous for its 120-ounce steak, the largest in the world.

• Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse

  phone: +1 610-769-4600
  address: 3000 Mauch Chunk Rd.
  Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine.

• Henry's Salt of the Sea

  address: 1926 W. Allen St.
  Seafood.

• Ichiban Japanese Steak House

  address: 1914 Catasauqua Road
  Hibachi-style Japanese steak house.

• Jack Creek Steakhouse & Cantina

  address: 1900 Catasauqua Road
  Family owned. Casual. Southwest steakhouse.

• On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

  address: 909 Airport Center Dr.
  Casual, Mexican cuisine.

• Pho #1 Vietnamese Restaurant

  address: 1500 Union Blvd.
  Vietnamese cuisine.

• Pines Dinner Theatre

  address: 448 N 17th St.

• Pistachio Bar & Grille

  phone: +1 610 435-7007
  address: 341 S Cedar Crest Blvd
  Martini bar, and Italian-fusion food, modern-looking dining area, a bit loud and busy on weekends.

• PJ Whelihan's

  phone: +1 610 395-2532
  address: 4595 Broadway
  Famous for wings and pub fare.

• phone: +1 610 395-4077
  address: 1658 Hausman Rd

Rascal's Food & Fun

phone: +1 610-366-1130

address: 6616 Ruppsville Rd

American cuisine with arcade games. Similar to a Dave & Buster's.

Sunset Grille

address: 6751 Ruppsville Rd

Mexican cuisine

Taste of Italy Ristorante

address: 1860 Catasauqua Rd

Top Diner & Cocktail Lounge

address: 1019 Union Blvd

American diner featuring casual atmosphere and moderately priced food.

Splurge

• Bacio Italian Restaurant

  address: 1259 South Cedar Crest Blvd
  Upscale Italian cuisine.

• Bay Leaf

  address: 935 W. Hamilton Street
  New American and Asian cuisine. Highly recommended, very good, complete menu and great service.

• Bellissimo Ristorante

  address: 1243 W. Tilghman St

• Grille 3501

  address: 3501 Broadway
  Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar.

• King George Inn

  address: 3141 Hamilton Blvd
  At Cedar Crest Blvd. Friendly atmosphere.

• Louie's Italian Restaurant

  address: 2071 31st St SW
  Family owned traditional Italian food since 1958.

• Mango's Coastal Cuisine

  address: 3750 W. Hamilton Street
  Mediterranean Rim cuisine with Latin American influences. Known for their tapas menu.

• Sangria

  address: 840 W. Hamilton Street
  New local hotspot, features eclectic Mediterranean cuisine such as paella. Cocktail bar, lots of outdoor seating.

• Morgan's

  address: 3079 Willow St

• Youell's Oyster House

  address: 2249 W. Walnut St
  Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.

Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major New York City, Philadelphia, and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include:

• Allentown Brew Works

  address: 812-816 Hamilton Street
  This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy.

• phone: +1 484 223-2020
  address: 3400 W Tilghman St
  The newest Brew Works in the area with views of the golf course.

B&B Piano Bar

address: 248 N. 9th Street

Piano bar.

BPM Club, N. Race and W. Court Street, (610) 433-0503. Nightclub.

Big Woody's Pizza & Sports Bar

address: 1200 W. Liberty St

Sports bar.

Bull and Bear Restaurant

address: 462 Union Blvd

Restaurant and bar. Live music.

Candida

address: 247 N. 12th St

Tavern, serves the local GLBT crowd, but all are welcome.

Chess N' Checkers Pub

address: 1801 Airport Rd

Restaurant and pub bar.

Chicken Lounge

address: 3245 Hamilton Blvd

Lounge and bar.

Club Horizon

address: 1221 Airport Rd

Nightclub.

Crocodile Rock Cafe

phone: +1 610 434-4600

address: 520 W. Hamilton St.

A popular night spot on Hamilton St. in Center City. Nationally known rock, metal, and hip-hop artists perform at "Croc Rock." One of the premier live music venues in eastern Pennsylvania. Headline performers have included Snoop Dogg, Hollywood Undead, Sean Kingston, Chris Cornell, and Dropkick Murphys.

Erv's

phone: +1-610 433-3311

address: 1231 Airport Road S

A gentleman's club.

Greg's West End Saloon

address: 1839 W. Tilghman St

Bar.

Liberty Street Tavern & Pizzeria

address: 2246 Liberty Street

Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers.

Jack Callaghan's Ale House

phone: +1 610 432-5797

address: 2027 Tilghman St

Irish pub and restaurant.

Maingate Nightclub

address: 448 N. 17th Street

Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top New York City, Philadelphia and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights.

MIXX Nightclub and Sports

address: 801 N. 15th Street

Major sports bar with multiple televisions. Jam-packed for most Philadelphia Eagles games. DJs and periodic live bands.

Pig Pen Sports Bar & Grill

address: 702 Union Blvd

Sports bar, bowling alley, and arcade.

South Side Bar & Grill

address: 1608 S. 4th Street

Bar and restaurant. Live music and DJs.

Stonewall Bar

address: 28 N. 10th St

Live and dance music, catering primarily to GLBT community, but all are welcome.

Strange Brew Tavern

address: 1996 South Fifth St.

Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week.

Teddy's Jetport Lounge

address: 3400 Airport Rd

Large nightclub with live rock music acts, sometimes featuring two or more bands an evening.

Volpe's Sports Bar

address: 1926 W. Tilghman St

Sports bar.

Yes Nightclub

phone: +1 610 433-0503

address: 339 Hamilton Street

Up and coming center city nightclub. Upscale attire usually required. Major dance music DJs and periodically live bands.

• Allenwood Motel

  phone: +1 610 395-3707
  address: 1058 Hausman Rd.

• Americas Best Value Inn

  phone: +1 610 797-1234
  address: 2650 Moravian Ave

• Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West

  phone: +1 610 391-0344
  address: 7625 Imperial Way

• Comfort Suites

  phone: +1 610 437-9100
  address: 3712 Hamilton Blvd.

• Days Inn

  phone: +1 610 797-1234
  address: 2622 Lehigh St.

• Econo Lodge

  phone: +1 610 797-2200
  address: 2115 Downyflake Ln.

• Glasbern

  phone: +1 610 285-4723
  address: 2141 Pack House Road

• Allentown Park Hotel

  phone: +1 610 391-1500
  address: 7471 Keebler Way

• Hawthorne Suites

  phone: +1 610 366-9422
  address: 7720 Main Street

• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport

  phone: +1 610 443-1400
  address: 1787 Airport Road

• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West

  phone: +1 610 398-6686
  address: 230 Sycamore Road

• Holiday Inn Allentown Center City

  phone: +1 610 433-2221
  address: 904 W Hamilton St.
  Hotel just underwent major renovation. Made in Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse is its newly opened restaurant. Plentiful parking.

• Holiday Inn Conference Center Lehigh Valley

  address: 7736 Adrienne Drive
  A full-service with conference rooms and vacation packages.

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 610 437-9255
  address: 3620 Hamilton Blvd

• Homewood Suites by Hilton

  phone: +1 610 336-4860
  address: 7686 Industrial Blvd

• Howard Johnson Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 610 439-4000
  address: 3220 Hamilton Blvd.

• Iron Run Motel

  phone: +1 610 395-8892
  address: 6530 W. Tilghman St.

• Knights Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 610 266-9070
  address: 1880 Steelstone Rd.

• Quality Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 610 435-7880
  address: 1715 Plaza Lane (15th St Exit Off Rt 22)

• Red Carpet Inn

  phone: +1 610 395-3377
  address: 731 Hausman Rd.

• Red Roof Inn

  phone: +1 610 264-5404
  address: 1846 Catasaqua Rd.

• Rodeway Inn Conference Center

  phone: +1 610 395-3731
  address: 1151 Bulldog Rd.

• Royal Motel

  phone: +1 610 433-6423
  address: 1117 N. Irving St.

• Scottish Inns & Suites Airport

  phone: +1 610 264-7531
  address: 1701 Catasaqua Rd.

• Sleep Inn

  phone: +1 610 395-6603
  address: 327 Star Rd.

• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport

  phone: +1 610 443-5000
  address: 1787 Airport Rd.

• Staybridge Suites Allentown West

  phone: +1 610 841-5100
  address: 327 Star Rd

• Super 8 Motel

  address: 1033 Airport Rd

• Wingate Inn

  phone: +1 610 366-1600
  address: 4325 Hamilton Blvd.

Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city.
It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money.
There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles.

Hospitals

If you are in need of medical attention, here are some hospitals in the area:

• Sacred Heart Hospital, 421 Chew St, Allentown, 610-776-4500
• Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street, 1627 W Chew St, Allentown, 610-402-CARE
• Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, 610-402-CARE
• St. Luke's Hospital, 1736 Hamilton St, Allentown, 610-628-8300

As in many parts of the country, citizens may not want to share religious or political views.

In Allentown one must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. Another overlay, 835, is planned, but is not active yet. You may still find some payphones on the street.

Religious Services

Website for the Diocese of Allentown
Catholic churches:

• Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. +1 610 433-6461.
• Immaculate Conception. +1 610 433-4404.
• Our Lady Help of Christians. +1 610 432-9384.
• St. Francis of Assisi. +1 610 433-6102.
• St. John the Baptist Slovak Church. +1 610 432-0034.
• St. Stephen of Hungary. +1 610 439-0111.
• St. Thomas More. +1 610 433-7413.
• SS. Peter and Paul. +1 610 432-2252.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. +1 610 799-3523.

Episcopal churches:

• The Episcopal Church of the Mediator. +1 610 434-0155.
• Grace Episcopal Church. +1 610 435-0782.

Hindu:

• Hindu Temple Society. +1 610 264-2810.

Jewish:

• Congregation Sons of Israel. +1 610 433-6089.

Lutheran:

• St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. +1 610 432-8762.

Muslim:

• Lehigh Valley Islamic Center. +1 610 799-6223.

Other Lehigh Valley locations

• Bethlehem, home of the Sands Casino Resort - 9 miles
• Easton, home of The Crayola Factory - 17 miles
• Bangor - 38 miles
• Emmaus, 7 miles
• Fogelsville - 9 miles
• Hellertown - 10 miles
• Nazareth - 15 miles
• Whitehall - 2 miles

Regional cities and locations

• Atlantic City - 123 miles
• Harrisburg - 82 miles
• New York City - 92 miles
• Philadelphia - 62 miles
• Reading - 39 miles