Let's get to it, Lehigh Valley: It's time to start making your way down your summertime to-do list—even if it's not what you thought it would be. There are still plenty of opportunities to visit new places, snap some great photos for Instagram and even learn a little something along the way. Here are some suggestions to get you planning and keep you moving!
Pair the great outdoors with some equally great knowledge through Bethlehem's Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour filled with history. Download an audio tour on Historic Bethlehem's website to begin your walk, run or bike ride through three centuries of local history. Along the way, check out National Historic Landmarks, Victorian-era homes, Bethlehem Steel buildings and more. You can even bring your furry friend along—it's pet-friendly!
Admire beautiful murals while exploring Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem, and brighten up your Instagram feed by taking a picture in front of each one. From Amber Art and Design's vibrant, 70-foot-high stylized sunrise on the public parking deck along the Allentown ArtsWalk at City Center, to Scott Albrecht's colorful, geometric design on Northampton Street in Easton, to Pau Quintanajornet's 43-foot-wide and 35-foot-tall painting depicting calmness on the side of Café the Lodge in South Bethlehem, there are plenty to be seen and snapped this summer.
Sure, it's hard to beat the refreshing air-conditioning, comfy chairs and upgraded concessions that our region's movie theaters offer, but there's something delightfully old-fashioned and fun about catching a flick under the stars. Drive-in theaters used to be all the rage; now there are just three in our area: Shankweiler's in Orefield, Becky's in Walnutport and the Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton. Make it a triple feature and hit all three in one weekend.
Berks County's Hawk Mountain Sanctuary draws bird watchers from across the state. But summertime is prime time to catch a glimpse of another winged creature—the butterfly. The sanctuary says up to 40 different species have been spotted buzzing around the gardens and trails.
There's a reason why Allentown's Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is a popular destination for bridal parties and prom dates—it's one of the prettiest and most colorful photo ops in the Lehigh Valley, no filter needed. The garden is in peak bloom in June and July, so pick a day to take a stroll around the grounds and take in the beautiful blooms before they're gone for the season.
Breathtaking views await at Bake Oven Knob in Germansville. At 1,585 feet, it's the highest point in Lehigh County. The rocky terrain can make getting to the top a bit of a challenge, but you'll be rewarded with an incredible vantage point of the Lehigh Valley. The area also features a shelter for hikers making their way along the Appalachian Trail that may or may not be haunted.
Minsi Lake is once again open for business. The popular fishing spot in Upper Mount Bethel Township was drained for repairs in 2017. Those repairs wrapped up in late 2019, and now the lake has been refilled and restocked with trout, so anglers of all ages can cast their lines and wait for the big one to bite.
Our region's network of bike trails makes it easy to travel by two wheels instead of four. The D&L Trail has sections that stretch from the Poconos to Lower Bucks County. One option: Round up a few of your pedaling pals in Bethlehem, hop on the trail at Sand Island, and race your way to your favorite brunch spot in Easton, like Sette Luna and 3rd & Ferry Fish Market. By the time you get there, you will have earned that extra side of home fries.
Take advantage of two-plus miles of peaceful Lehigh Canal in Hugh Moore Park. Located alongside the D&L Trail, locals can choose to paddleboat, canoe, kayak or bike. Rentals range from 10 to 12 bucks an hour for adults.
Named after Easton sculptor Karl Stirner, who spent 25 years bringing artists to the area, the Karl Stirner Arts Trail is located within walking distance from Downtown Easton, and alongside Bushkill Creek. The trail features more than 15 works of art—ranging from sculpture, to poetry, to horticulture, to neon light—all representing the spirit of the City of Easton. Let your imagination come alive!
What better time to hop in the car and go for a drive? The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is about 50 miles long and will take several hours to complete on a leisurely drive. It features seven local spots, with multiple places to park and picnic along the scenic route. Head to discoverlehighvalley.com for a tour brochure and to read up on the history of these local treasures.
Aptly dubbed “Pennsylvania's Stonehenge,” Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor is a sanctuary for rest, reflection and renewal. Open daily from dawn to dusk, the park features nearly 100 large stacked rocks that are reminiscent of ancient Celtic practices. Their website states that all persons of good will are invited to travel quietly through the outdoor sanctuary. It's a great place to refocus, explore and get some cool photos.
South Bethlehem's Greenway is a rails-to-trails project that transformed three miles of an old railroad bed into an open recreational and pedestrian-friendly space. Located along the Greenway is the Bethlehem Skateplaza, which replicates streetscape obstacles like handrails, benches, staircases and sculptures. Check out some of the skilled skaters as they ollie and flip.
Ready, set, scoop! Why settle for a boring old banana split when you can dig into the Bushkill Belly Buster at Mountain View Drive-In in Nazareth? It's two “beaver tail” funnel cakes combined with six (yes, six) scoops of ice cream, four toppings and funnel cake fries. Oh, and don't forget the whipped cream and cherries on top. If you're still standing after you best this sugary beast, you can burn off some of those calories on Mountain View's 18-hole mini-golf course, which features scaled-down reproductions of many Bushkill Township landmarks.
