Lehigh Valley
Numerous ancient places, renowned factories, never-ending paths, and an abundance of charm
The Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, which includes the towns of Bethlehem, Allentown, and Easton, is a naturally beautiful and culturally rich area that is approximately 90 minutes by vehicle from New York City and 60 minutes from Philadelphia. It has a rich history that dates back many centuries to one of the first European settlements on the continent. Its steel industry, which shaped the nation, as well as Martin guitars and Crayola crayons are among its other claims to renown. Today, you may explore paths through imposing rivers and mountains, rediscover your inner child at exciting attractions, and sip locally crafted specialty beverages at wineries, breweries, and distilleries all across the area.
An Innovative Tradition
The Lehigh Valley is a unique American jewel where guests may immerse themselves in a bygone era’s culture and history while also experiencing a vibrant, ever-evolving innovative spirit. The Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District is located in Bethlehem, which is home to numerous museums and historic landmarks. The ruins of an experimental community founded by European Moravian settlers in the 18th century are these astonishingly well-preserved buildings. The community was a communal one. Discover some of the earliest buildings in the United States as well as a way of life that promoted the arts, creativity, and education.
Numerous of the most well-known products in the world today were also developed in this region. In Easton, Crayola produces 12 million crayons a day, or 3 billion crayons annually. Bring the kids to the Crayola Experience in Easton to witness the creation of crayons and to take in a plethora of engaging and imaginative displays that are influenced by the brand. One of the biggest, most venerable, and best acoustic guitar makers in the United States is highlighted at the C.F. Martin & Co. Museum in Nazareth. There are hundreds of guitars on exhibit, ranging from Kurt Cobain’s D-1 to early antique versions played by legendary country music artists.
The SteelStacks Arts & Culture Campus, formerly the headquarters of industrial giant Bethlehem Steel, is a blend of the ancient and the modern. These days, it’s a well-liked location for restaurants, movies, festivals, live music, and more. Take a stroll along the raised Hoover Mason Trestle to get a close-up view of the massive blast furnaces of the plant. The National Museum of Industrial History, which explains its narrative through vibrant exhibitions and captivating activities, is housed in the site’s former electric repair shop. At the Allentown Art Museum, which has a collection of decorative arts, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more spanning a century, history and the arts collide.
Places to Visit Outside
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor offers possibilities for scenic road trips, boating, biking, and hiking, as well as opportunity to learn about local history and natural treasures. The corridor was once an industrial trail. Experience heart-pounding rides and activities at Wildwater Kingdom & Dorney Park. Possessed is a dueling-tower suspended impulse coaster that swings riders back and forth beneath a U-shaped track, while the floorless Hydra roller coaster soars into the sky on nearly a kilometer of coiling steel track. Youngsters will enjoy racing around on the Road Race circuit and spinning around on the Flying Balloon Race ride. On a hot summer’s day, the nearby Wildwater Kingdom water park offers fun and coolness.