things to do in lehigh valley
The Lehigh Valley, located in eastern Pennsylvania, is a vibrant region that offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. Here are some things to do in the Lehigh Valley:
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking and Biking: The Lehigh Valley has numerous parks and trails, including the Appalachian Trail, the Lehigh River Trail, and the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
- Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River with companies like Jim Thorpe River Adventures or Lehigh River Rafting.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at one of the Lehigh Valley’s ski resorts, such as Bear Creek Mountain Resort or Blue Mountain Resort.
- Fishing: The Lehigh Valley has numerous lakes, rivers, and streams filled with trout, bass, and other fish species.
Cultural Attractions
- Allentown Art Museum: Explore a diverse collection of American art from the 19th century to the present.
- Lehigh University Art Galleries: Discover a wide range of art exhibitions and installations on the Lehigh University campus.
- Historic Bethlehem Partnership: Visit historic sites like the Old Chapel, the Gemeinhaus, and the Moravian Museum to learn about the region’s rich history.
- SteelStacks: This 21-story blast furnace is now a public park and event space, offering stunning views of the Lehigh Valley.
Entertainment
- Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom: Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions at this popular amusement park.
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs: Catch a minor league baseball game at Coca-Cola Park.
- State Theatre: Attend concerts, comedy shows, and theater productions at this historic venue.
- Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem: Try your luck at the slots or table games, or enjoy dining and entertainment options.
Food and Drink
- Try a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch meal: Sample local specialties like shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and scrapple at restaurants like the Hotel Bethlehem or the Lehigh Valley’s oldest restaurant, the King George Inn.
- Visit a local brewery: The Lehigh Valley is home to numerous craft breweries, such as Fegley’s Brew Works, Weyerbacher Brewing Company, and Funk Brewing Company.
- Explore the Lehigh Valley’s farmers’ markets: Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and local products at markets like the Allentown Farmers’ Market or the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market.
Other Attractions
- The Crayola Experience: Learn about the history of crayons and create your own art at this interactive attraction.
- The Lehigh Valley Zoo: Visit the zoo’s animal exhibits, including the African Plains exhibit and the Reptile and Amphibian House.
- The Da Vinci Science Center: Engage in hands-on science experiments and exhibits.
- The Lehigh Valley’s many festivals: Attend festivals like Musikfest, the Lehigh Valley Airshow, or the Great Allentown Fair to experience the region’s vibrant culture.
These are just a few of the many things to do in the Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or entertainment options, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant region.