From Easton to Allentown and all parts in between, the Lehigh Valley is home to many places for men to socialize, shop, explore history—and more. Make this Father's Day extra special at any one of these local destinations.
National Museum of Industrial History
A Smithsonian Affiliate, the National Museum of Industrial History (NMIH) is dedicated to preserving America's industrial heritage. NMIH restored a 40,000 square-foot, 100-year-old former Bethlehem Steel building to house exhibits and offer educational programs. NMIH connects the country's industrial past with current innovations by studying the role of industry in America's growth. Visitors can check out more than 200 industrial artifacts, including some interactive elements: carry a bobbin board, life pig ion or turn a flywheel! Many of the exhibits also connect with the Lehigh Valley's industrial past., such as an operable loom dating back to the 1700s and two large bronze statues from former Bethlehem Steel President Charles Schwab's New York City mansion. Another item of interest is a 13-ton refrigeration compressor from a nineteenth-century brewery. NMIH recently began an interactive program on the third Saturday of the month called "Meet the Experts," in which speakers and attendees will explore different aspects of industrial history.
602 E. 2nd St., Bethlehem | 610.694.6644 | nmih.org
The Art of Shaving
Looking for a closer shave? It might be time to check out The Art of Shaving in the Lehigh Valley Mall. Beard looking a little scraggly? Shop their shaving products and accessories and get advice on grooming techniques from the specialists in the shop. Alexander the Great preferred to shave, says the Encyclopedia of Hair, because he thought beards were "dangerous in combat, where the enemy might grab hold of them." Although most modern men don't have that problem, those with concerns about skin care and other grooming issues can find what they needs to look their best at The Art of Shaving.
106 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | 610.231.0381 | theartofshaving.com
Rally House Allentown
Looking for a new Phillies or IronPigs shirt? Proud Penn State grad? Lifelong Eagles fan? When it comes to showing team spirit, Rally House has it all, with gear ranging from baseball and football to hockey and soccer. Merchandise in the Hamilton Crossings is tailored to the professional and college teams in the area, from Philadelphia to the Lehigh Valley and even New Jersey and New York (albiet in smaller quantities). In addition to apparel, team-related gifts and decor items are also offered. Sales associates are knowledgeable about sports and provide exceptional customer service. Rally House also schedules autograph sessions with local sports stars, ticket giveaways and events with other local celebrities.
833 N. Krocks Rd. Suite 102, Allentown | 610.674.0459 | rallyhouse.com
Cigars International
Established in 1996, Cigars International (CI) is the fastest-growing retailer and authority for all things cigars - and humidors, pipes and accessories. Headquartered in Bethlehem, the company also owns and operates three area stores: on Main Street in Downtown Bethlehem and two super stores in Bethlehem and Hamburg. Walking into CI Super-Store can be overwhelming, but there are many experts on hand to guide customers according to their personal preferences. CI's monthly Cigar Guild is free for anyone to join - members can socialize with other cigar aficionados and learn about and purchase featured cigars. Those who prefer pipes aren't left out; they can become members of the Pipe Guild. The sheer number of cigars CI stocks is impressive: more than 500 brands in the stores and more than 950 brands in the warehouse. To revise the old saying: Smoke 'em - Cigar International has 'em!
4078 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem | 484.895.3933 | cigarsinternational.com
County Seat Spirits
Located in the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center near two other beverage makers (The Colony Meadery and HiJinx Brewing Company), this distillery is named after Allentown, the county seat of Lehigh County. Their products' names also come from local history: Hidden Copper Bourbon refers to the time in 1777 when the Liberty Bell was hidden in Allentown, Sand Island White Rum is named after the area in Bethlehem and Lock Keeper Gin honors those who worked on the Lehigh Canal. Class 8 vodka pays homage to the Mack trucks that were once built on the same site. County Seat Spirits uses a "grain-to-glass" approach - they perform every step of the distilling process themselves, including developing recipes and choosing the finest ingredients. This results in the smoothness and flavor that meet their exacting standards. Thirsty? County Seat Spirits is open Friday through Sunday for sales, tours and tastings. Private gatherings can be scheduled as well.
905 Harrison St. Suite 128, Allentown | 610.628.9502 | countyseatspirits.com
