17 Local Ways to Ditch the Winter Blues
This winter, don’t let the cold coop you up! Avoid falling prey to cabin fever and take advantage of all that the Valley has to offer.
Renaissance Allentown
Renaissance Allentown
ONE: Take a staycation.
This winter, get away without really going away. Take advantage of the Valley’s luxury boutique hotels, like the Renaissance in Downtown Allentown, Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Glasbern Inn and the Sayre Mansion. Living in the region oftentimes means not getting to enjoy its renowned overnight accommodations. And truth be told, room service can do the soul some good every now and again.
renaissanceallentown.com | hotelbethlehem.com | glasbern.com | sayremansion.com
TWO: Get a fresh 'do.
It’s no secret that a fresh cut, color or styling has the ability to do wonders for one’s spirit. Head to your favorite Valley salon to experiment with something different. Or, treat yourself to a fresh blowout at the Blow Dry Bar by Revive! Salon in Downtown Allentown.
THREE: Try a new workout.
The Valley is teeming with unique and boutique fitness studios. Give something new a try and reap the endorphins. Whether it be barre, spin, boxing or the megaformer, there’s plenty to break the monotonous gym cycle. Want the workout to come to you? Give GYMGUYZ a call.
purebarre.com | barre3.com | ndwheelhouse.com | titleboxing.com | gymguyz.com
FOUR: Get outside.
Being cooped up for too long this winter could make anyone go stir crazy! Get outside and enjoy the outdoors at one of the Valley’s winter attractions. Snow tube, ski and board (or take lessons) for a rush that’ll last till spring. Or sit outside and drink hot chocolate while the rest of the family enjoys some fresh powder.
bcmountainresort.com | skibluemt.com
FIVE: Learn a new skill.
From cooking and homebrewing to crafting and calligraphy, there’s a class for pretty much anything!
northampton.edu | keystonehomebrew.com | bananafactory.org
SIX: Host a dinner party.
Pop the champagne and host an at-home adult dinner party. Leave
the cooking to the Valley pros and customize your catering menu.
29cooks.com | karenhuntercatering.com | divinecaterer.com | modernfusioncatering.com
SEVEN: Give back.
Donate your time to one of the Valley’s many charitable organizations. A curated list on the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s website displays the opportunities that need to be filled this season.
EIGHT: Get cozy with coffee.
Snuggle up with a local latte and stay a while. The Valley’s coffee shops are warm and welcoming, especially during a winter snowfall.
f: litroasteryandbakeshop | churchstreetmkt.com
NINE: Clean out your closet.
Get rid of all the clothing wasting space in your closet and drawers. If you didn’t wear it in 2018, you’re not going to in 2019! But don’t just toss the items to the curb; give back by donating any barely worn, professional attire to The Perfect Fit for Working Women, a local nonprofit that empowers women entering the workforce by providing them with appropriate clothing and job assistance.
TEN: Indulge in a spa day.
Treat yourself to a spa getaway. The Glasbern Inn in Fogelsville offers Swedish, deep muscle, Lomi Lomi, couples, hot stone, pregnancy and foot massages for relaxation like no other. Meanwhile, Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie has offerings ranging from massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs.
glasbern.com | bcmountainresort.com
ELEVEN: Refresh your wardrobe.
Shop small, support local business and refresh your wardrobe. A few of these local retailers have been thriving for more than a decade and sell specialty items for men and women that can’t be found anywhere else.
stepin4mor.com | loveobsessedjewelry.com | boutiquetogo.com | assembly88.com | thelondonshopofeaston.com | amluxeapparel.com
Domaci
Domaci
TWELVE: Redecorate the home.
Spend the day (or week!) freshening up your home with unique décor purchased from one of the Valley’s specialty shops. Whether it’s something major, like a new couch, or something subtle, like cabinetry knobs and pulls, it can be found at retailers like Domaci, Gail Gray and House Splendid.
domacihome.com | gailgrayhome.com | housesplendid.com
Linderman Library at Lehigh University
Linderman Library at Lehigh University
THIRTEEN: Explore a local library.
Take time to marvel at the beauty of Linderman Library at Lehigh University or soak in the smell of gently loved books, as well as hard-to-find and out-of-print titles at Quadrant Book Mart & Coffee House. Or meander through your own local library!
lehigh.edu | f: quadrantbookmartcoffeehouse
FOURTEEN: Plan a getaway.
Sometimes just the anticipation of getting away is enough to put that extra pep in your step! Start planning your next trip while you’re cooped up in the house this winter. Enlisting the help of an expert travel agent can keep the process pleasant and stress-free.
vacationsbyvip.com | northampton.aaa.com
FIFTEEN: Get Downtown.
Spend an afternoon walking around Downtown Easton, Allentown or Bethlehem, perusing the shops, restaurants and everything in between! There doesn’t have to be a citywide event to make the trip worthwhile.
eastonmainstreet.org | downtownallentown.com | getdowntownbethlehem.com
SIXTEEN: Head to happy hour.*
Spice up your work week with a happy hour or two. During the colder months, take advantage of the Valley’s outdoor firepits at restaurants like Blue Grillhouse and OAK Steakhouse.
bluegrillhouse.com | oak-steakhouse.com
*Don’t forget to join us for the Style Insider Happy Hour January 8th at Buddy V’s from 5:30–7:30 p.m.!
SEVENTEEN: Tour and taste.
Spend a weekend exploring the Valley’s many wineries, distilleries and breweries. With tours and tastings aplenty, your trip won’t be dull.
Wineries: lehighvalleywinetrail.com | cherryvalleyvineyards.com | eastonwineproject.com | folinoestate.com | black-river-farms.com
Distilleries: socialstill.com | eightoaksdistillers.com | xplorerspirits.com | countyseatspirits.com | triplesunspirits.com
Breweries: yergeybrewing.com | barleycreek.com | tworiversbrewing.com | hijinxbrewing.com | thebrewworks.com | weyerbacher.com
