Those who consider history as nothing more than a dry iteration of facts and figures irrelevant to modern life should think again. In South Bethlehem, the past is a dynamic platform for building a burgeoning present and securing a flourishing future. And SteelStacks counts among the driving forces behind the economic—and cultural—turnaround transpiring in the abandoned bro... »
A couple from Williams Township had just finished enjoying a wood-fired artisan pizza and craft beer at Scratch after they picked up pasture-raised beef tenderloin for the weekend grill from Dundore & Heister. Also tucked into their shopping bag was fresh shrimp from 3rd & Ferry Fresh Fish and locally grown vegetables from Highmark Farmstand. It was their first vis... »
London has Buckingham Palace; Paris, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; Philadelphia has Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Then, of course, there are many small American towns with claims to fame that are somewhat less impressive. Take Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum in San Antonio for example, or the world’s biggest ball of twine (19,873 pounds in 2013) in Cawke... »
“All history is local,” historian Joseph Amato once wrote. Few Lehigh Valley sites better illustrate the truth of those words than Hugh Moore Park and the National Canal Museum, where visitors can learn not only about local history but also about the region’s ties to America’s Industrial Revolution. The 520-acre park, situated between the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River in E... »
With its stunning location in the Lehigh Gorge, its Victorian architecture, and its rich industrial history, Jim Thorpe regularly makes top 10 lists—among them, the most beautiful small towns and the most romantic places to visit. Tourism has long been a part of the Carbon County seat—aptly nicknamed “Little Switzerland”—but what draws visitors has changed over the years. ... »
Here in the Lehigh Valley, you may not be able to feel the cool ocean sand beneath your feet, smell the briny air, or take in a sweeping vista from an alpine summit. But for those seeking a weekend retreat from the routine and a pampering place to relax and rejuvenate, there are plenty of unique inns from which to choose without even leaving the area. These easily reached ... »
I’m willing to bet that if you say the words “Roadside America” to a Lehigh Valley native, most will think one of three things: 1) The place you went when you were a kid and saw all the trains. 2) The place billed as the “World’s Greatest Indoor Miniature Village.” 3) The place you’ve taken your kids or grandkids to for a great local destination drive. I fall into the firs... »
The Lehigh Valley is replete with history, culture, and long-standing traditions. For those of us who have resided here the majority of our lives, many of these things are more than just places or events—they are an essential part of who we are as people and a community. In celebration of our local history and culture, we’ve compiled a short list of “ways to know if you’re... »
Nestled along Route 512 in Northampton County, the tiny borough of Bath is experiencing a resurgence – the once-sleepy community is transforming itself into a haven for local artisans. It’s easy to miss Bath (the entire community covers less than a square mile), and is home to about 2,700 people. Named for a community in Somerset, England, Bath was founded in 1737 – which ... »
When the rather prosaically named Hotel Easton opened its doors on February 10, 1927, visitors discovered a hostelry that was anything but prosaic. Designed by Philadelphia architect Thomas, Martin & Kirkpatrick, the Hotel Easton towered a full 10 stories above street level, and combined modern forms with classic architectural styling. According to then-contemporary re... »
