Lehigh Valley

History

A thriving industrial center in the 19th century, its struggles in the "post-industrial" 20th century became the lyrics of a famous song by Billy Joel named after "Allentown," its biggest city. Lehigh Valley has begun to turn itself around with some success through tourism with several outlying ski resorts, an amusement park, Minor League Baseball team, a casino, concerts and cultural festivals year round. It also has become an increasingly popular bedroom community for those with professional jobs in New York City and Philadelphia. The Lehigh Valley is 730 square miles.

Visitor information

• Discover Lehigh Valley

  phone: +1 610-882-9200
  Discover Lehigh Valley, is the official destination marketing organization for Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, Pa and has a comprehensive list of places to stay in Lehigh Valley.

By plane

• Lehigh Valley International Airport

  phone: +1-800 FLY LVIA
  address: 3311 Airport Rd. Allentown, PA 18109
  It's not a major airport like in New York City or Philadelphia, but it's larger than your average small airport. Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. There are no direct flights from any other countries besides the United States, but travellers can get to LVIA after switching flights at another airport.

By bus

• Greyhound buses do arrive into Allentown daily. Trans Bridge also has buses running daily in between NYC and other larger cities.

There are a few different ways to travel throughout the valley. LANTA provides bus service to major areas. You can call for a taxi, although it is unlikely to find them just driving on the streets. Other ways are renting a car or walking.

Historical Sites

• Burnside PlantationThis historic farm-in-the-city opens doors to early American agricultural life. The property includes a restored 1748/1818 farmhouse, two 1840s bank barns, a high horse-power wheel, large kitchen garden and orchard, a corn crib and wagon shed.

• Christmas CityDiscover the city’s rich history on an “Old Bethlehem Walking Tour;” experience the annual Christmas concert of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, the oldest Bach Choir in America; or see the city’s sights and lights on the popular “Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour.”

• George Taylor HouseGeorge Taylor, signer of the Declaration Of Independence built this Georgian Style House in 1768. It is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers. The Taylor House was restored under the direction of John K. Heyl in 1966-1968 and is now open to visitors as an historic house exhibit.

• Covered Bridge Tour. Of the slightly more than 200 covered bridges still standing in Pennsylvania, seven excellent examples are community treasures in Lehigh Valley. Five of these, which are open for traffic, often are taken for granted when crossed by busy travelers every day. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour will offer you an opportunity to journey back in time to a quieter, more idyllic way of life. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is approximately 50 miles long.

Museums

• Allentown Art Museum. Today the Allentown Art Museum embraces the broadest possible audience in the Lehigh Valley, offering tremendous variety and quality in its collection and exhibitions, educational and popular programs, and its busy calendar of public events. We serve over 100,000 participants annually, of whom more than 14,000 are children in school programs. The museum's collection of about 14,000 works of art offers our community the opportunity to experience nearly 2,000 years of cultural heritage, in an accessible and visitor-friendly environment.

• America On WheelsAmerican On Wheels (AOW) celebrates our nation’s love affair with motorized and non-motorized over-the-road transportation and its permanent exhibits range from one of America’s first automobiles, produced in Allentown, to the massive Mack Trucks that helped America become the most powerful nation in the world. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens; $3.50 for children ages 6 to 16. Children 5 and under are free.

• Da Vinci Science CenterDa Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two-stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. 2013 continues the Year of the Human Body sponsored by St. Lukes. Bodies Revealed runs until Feb. 18 and Grossology runs from May 18 until September. Tickets are $11.95 for adult, $8.95 Senior (62+) and Children (4-12), Toddlers (0-3) are free. Bodies Revealed tickets are an additional $10 per person.

• Mack Trucks Historical MuseumThe Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, Pa, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here.

Itineraries

• Appalachian Trail
• Saucon Rail Trail

• The Crayola FactoryWhere crayons are manufactured, in Easton.

• Outdoor activities at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

• Dorney Park & Wildwater KingdomIn South Whitehall Township in Allentown is one of the premiere amusement and water parks in the nation, known especially for its elaborate rollercoasters and large waterpark.

• Lehigh Valley IronPigsThe AAA-level minor league team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies plays their home games at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown from early April through early October. Tickets: (610) 841-PIGS.

• Sands Casino Resort BethlehemPennsylvania's largest casino built on the old site of Bethlehem Steel, in Bethlehem opened in 2009.

• Lehigh Valley ZooSmall, yet affordable attraction. This zoo is very welcoming with many creatures.

Theater

• Civic Theater of AllentownIt is the stage where professionally-produced theatre with a community feel is born. Civic Theatre is also the Valley’s only year-round home for foreign, independent and arthouse cinema.

• Pines Dinner TheaterEnjoy dinner and entertainment at the Valley's new theater.

• State TheaterA non-profit, member supported center for the arts, complete with an historic 1500 seat performance hall. This theater is the host to musical performers that range from rock to country, along with many shows and musicals.

• Zoellner Arts CenterZoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University provides an environment where artists and students of the arts develop and learn; to educate, captivate and inspire performers and audiences by presenting a variety of high-quality performing arts events.

Annual Events

• ChristkindlmarktA favorite local holiday tradition, recognized in 2007 as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food and more. Christkindlmarkt’s outdoor courtyard is a festive area showcasing entertaining ice carving demonstrations and the beautiful, 26-foot-tall Christkindlmarkt tree.

• The Great Allentown FairThe Great Allentown Fair offers a fun and educational experience starting on the Tuesday before Labor Day weekend and ending on the Monday holiday. The fair is known for its food, shopping, animal expos, and concerts.

• Mayfair Festival of the ArtsWith six performance stages, over a hundred artists and crafts people, entertainers and more than two dozen vendors offering regional foods, Mayfair in Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is truly a feast of sights, sounds and smells. The festival is held in early May.

• MusikfestHeld in August, Musikfest is the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival and showcases more than 450 performances on 14 stages, 11 of which require no admission charge. Forty-five different vendors serve up a wealth of mouthwatering foods and decadent desserts, while 50 of the nation’s finest artisans are on hand showcasing gorgeous jewelry, handmade crafts and unique home décor items. The event is 10 days long and is a Valley favorite.

Clothing and shoes are tax-free in Pennsylvania.

• The Lehigh Valley MallIs located north of Allentown in Whitehall just off US-22. Anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and includes over 140 stores. Indoor and outdoor shopping. The mall hosts numerous events throughout the year.

• The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon ValleyIs located between Allentown and Bethlehem in Center Valley just off U.S. PA-309. Open-air, outlet-style shopping with approximately 82 stores.

• The South MallLocated between Allentown and Emmaus in Salisbury Township, is anchored by The BonTon, and includes approximately 30 other stores.

• The Crossing Premium OutletsLocated in Tannersville, near the Poconos, this shopping center is one you do not want to miss. Featuring over 100 stores, the center is known for great discounts on designer wear.

• Allentown Brew Works

  address: 812 W. Hamilton St
  Allentown. Taps include seven flagships beers, which are offered year round with an additional 5-7 seasonal taps that have beers ranging from pale ales and wheats to Belgian lambics and bocks. Free brewery tours and sampling sessions are offered every Saturday at noon.

• Brass Rail

  address: 3015 Lehigh St
  Allentown. Good food and fast, courteous service have been provided at a reasonable price for over 75 years, popular for cheesesteaks.

• Emeril's Chop House

  address: 77 Sands Blvd
  Bethlehem. Located at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, this is Emeril Lagasse’s first restaurant in the Northeast.Enjoy Emeril’s distinctive culinary creations in our sophisticated dining room. Savor wines from our extensive wine list. Emeril’s Chop House is an unmatched fine dining experience.

• Volpe's Sports Bar

  phone: +1 610 965-0311
  address: 501 Broad St
  Emmaus. Recently renovated sports bar with over 10 large screen plasma televisions, including all out of town games. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. Formerly known as the Broad Street Saloon, the upper floors are apartments. Under new management, and still among the top places to go in the Valley for affordable drinks and televised sports.

• Sam Adams Brew Pub

  phone: +1 610-391-1000
  address: 7736 Adreinne Drive, Breinigsville, Pa 18031
  Daily Specials. DJ Every Saturday Night. Pub Menu Available

Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton all experience crime. Much of the crime is gang-related, so try to stay out of poor neighborhoods and housing projects. The main gangs are 18th Street, Black Dragons, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Los Solidos, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13 in the area. They are the most violent gangs in the country.
Graffiti is also common, especially in Allentown and also on Bethlehem's South Side. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of certain areas at night. Prostitution and street drag racing are also issues in Lehigh Valley. Avoid walking alone late at night or on unlit streets or wandering too far off the main streets. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you do not want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but still do not flash around your money.
In 2006, Allentown had 16 murders, 42 rapes, and 6059 property crimes. The crime index was 6667.5 per 100,000 in 2006, while the national average was only 4479.3. Allentown and Easton have crime rates almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Allentown is definitely the most crime-ridden city in Lehigh Valley. Rougher areas include Northern Allentown, South Bethlehem, and Pembroke in East Bethlehem. Crime is more likely to happen in those areas but can happen anywhere else.

• Bear Creek Mountain Resort

  address: 101 Doe Mountain Ln
  Macungie. Guests can plan an event in the spacious banquet and meeting facilities, dine at The Grille at Bear Creek or the Trail’s End Cafe, relax at The Spa at Bear Creek or vacation at our on site hotel, with indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs.

• Courtyard by Marriott Allentown Bethlehem

  address: 2160 Motel Dr
  Bethlehem. When your travels needs require an Allentown, Bethlehem, or Lehigh Valley hotel, our friendly Courtyard hotel staff is here to take care of you.

• Hampton Inn Easton

  address: 3723 Easton Nazareth Hwy
  Easton. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting or need accommodations for a family reunion or your child’s sporting group, we’re delighted to offer you easy planning and booking tools to make the process quick and organized.

• Historic Hotel Bethlehem

  address: 437 Main St
  Bethlehem. We offer state-of-the art hotel meeting facilities, elegant well-appointed accommodations, award winning dining and a convenient location. At every turn, you’ll find uniformly friendly and professional service from staff at every level.

• Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown

  address: 2160 Golden Key Rd
  Kutztown. Located easy on/off on I-78 exit 45. Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. It is a short drive from New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Reading and Trexlertown.

• Jim Thorpe
• Lehighton
• Phillipsburg, New Jersey
• The Poconos (aka Pocono Mountains)
• Reading