Located at the base of the Blue Mountain, the area now known as Bangor was originally settled as a small farming community around 1760. In the early 1800s, however, the discovery of a fine-grained sedimentary rock called “slate” prompted a dramatic transformation that would eventually revolutionize the entire region. Slate, which is naturally waterproof and can be easily s… »
by Liz Reph In the spring of 1968 America was in turmoil. Demonstrations protesting the war in Vietnam and the draft, that many believed unfairly targeted poor and minority people, were erupting throughout the nation, while racial tensions, already frayed from years of Civil Rights struggles, were becoming increasingly volatile. In April of 1968, this explosive atmosphere … »
by Liz Reph Celebrated throughout the world for its top-quality instruments, C. F. Martin & Company has been headquartered in Nazareth for the past 175 years. Although they are best known for guitars – which have been famously played by performers such as Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder and Woody … »
Located off Franklin Street in Alburtis, the 59-acre Lock Ridge Furnace Museum and Park is perhaps the best-preserved example of the many iron-producing plants that once dominated the Lehigh Valley’s industrial landscape. Built in 1867-68, near the newly completed junction of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad with the East Pennsylvania Railroad, the first of Lock Rid… »
By Liz Reph It’s a place where kids can momentarily forget about the endless routines of hospitals, doctors and medication… a place where parents can connect with one another over their shared fears and difficulties… a place where all of them can come together and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. This place is Camelot for Children – a non-profit organiza… »
From the Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley, to Bethlehem’s historic Main Street shopping district, the Lehigh Valley is home to a host of diverse shopping opportunities. But for many longtime residents, there is one destination that still brings back memories of a “golden era” of retail… a time when a fully enclosed, air-conditioned mall was an exciting, new idea… and when … »
Located just south of Emmaus in Upper Milford Township, the tiny village of Vera Cruz is best know as home to some of the oldest jasper mines in North America. According to archeological records, the mines date back to the end of the last ice age and were first opened by Paleolithic people as early as 12,000 years ago. An incredibly hard opaque stone, jasper is a type of m… »
The Lehigh Valley’s third largest city, Easton is located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, just across the Delaware from New Jersey. Although not incorporated into a borough until 1789, Easton’s history stretches back to the mid-1700s when Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, acquired the land from Lenni Lenape natives through the now-infamous Walking Purc… »
Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The Lehigh Valley’s Oldest Irish Celebration By Liz Reph The Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade will celebrate its 57th year on Sunday, March 23rd. This year’s participants include nine traditional Irish pipe bands, various schools of the Lehigh Valley, the classic cars of America on Wheels, Lehigh Valley Veterans for Peace, the Allentow… »
By Liz Reph Looking for a way to get amazing deals on designer clothing and accessories? Or perhaps your closets are already full and you’d like to sell some quality items? Visiting a high-end second-hand shop just might be the answer – and the Lehigh Valley has several to offer: Twice Chic Boutique A high to middle range consignment shop, Twice Chic is located at 129 Nor… »
