Melanie Falcon
Best Local TV Personality
“Be prepared” has long been the motto that Boy Scouts live by, but the credo has also been adopted by many a TV news journalist. “I love that no two days are the same,” says Melanie Falcon, of WFMZ-TV, Channel 69 News. “One day, I’m covering a fire. The next, I’m talking about a life-saving cancer drug.” Initially a general assignment reporter for the station’s Sunrise broadcast, Falcon now co-anchors the station’s 4 p.m. show with Jim Vaughn and delves into a variety of health topics for the 5 p.m. edition. She’s not a Lehigh Valley native—she was born and raised in North Carolina and went to college in Boston—but, seven years into her tenure at WFMZ, she says she’s found a lot to like about her adopted hometown. “I love the diversity of everything, from the people, to the weather, to the restaurants,” Falcon says. When asked to offer advice to any budding anchors or reporters who might be watching her on the small screen, Falcon invokes that journalistic mantra, with a twist: “I would tell them to be prepared to work hard, learn every job in the building and always bring a change of shoes!”
Facebook: melaniefalconwfmz
Christine Burke, Keeper of the Fruit Loops
Best Blogger
Like the sugary cereal it shares a name with, Christine Burke’s blog is addicting. “Keeper of the Fruit Loops” was born after a friend, impressed with Burke’s entertaining stories on social media about motherhood, encouraged her to give blogging a try. Burke, a registered nurse, had no formal writing training, but had previously toyed with the idea of writing a book. Her blog gave her an outlet to build an audience—her Facebook page now has more than 50,000 likes. “I have quite literally turned screwing around on Facebook into a paying job,” she says. While mothers will certainly find a kindred spirit in Burke (a mother of two) and commiserate as she recounts her tales of all the memorable, sticky and gross happenings that parenthood brings, chances are good that any adult reader with a funny bone will find something to chuckle about. Recently Burke has tackled topics like marriage, running, technology and, yes, even bowel movements. And she’s no longer just one voice among many in the infinite blogosphere; Burke has contributed to several books, as well as sites like Scary Mommy and the Today Show Parenting Team. “We all have a story that helps us relate to one another, and being able to connect with readers through the trials and tribulations of my parenting world has been a joy,” Burke says.
The Bookstore Speakeasy
Best Bar Ambiance
Adding to the warm ’20s ambiance, The Bookstore hosts live jazz every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Guests are invited to dress for the era!
336 Adams St. Bethlehem | 610.867.1100 | bookstorespeakeasy.com
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
Best Place to Watch an Independent Film
This two-screen, independent, foreign and arthouse cinema is just one of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks’ main attractions.
101 Founders Way Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org
Fegley’s Brew Works
Best Local Brewery, Best Place for a Casual Date and Best Trivia Night
Fegley’s is your one-stop shop for beer, ambiance and fun! With two locations in the Valley, it’s not hard to find a good time.
812 W. Hamilton St. Allentown | 610.433.7777 559 Main St. Suite 101 Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 | thebrewworks.com
Vision Nightclub
Best Nightclub to See and Be Seen
Themed events and celebrations of every kind, Vision is never not hopping. An added bonus: guest DJs, bottle service and drink specials galore!
77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7410 | vision.sandseventcenter.com
Bolete
Best Place to Impress Your Date
The past decade has been one of many accolades and recognitions for Bolete, but one that may go unnoticed is chef/owner Lee Chizmar’s participation in Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry. In May, he completed a 300-mile bike ride in California—for the third time—with his Wheels of Thyme team.
1740 Seidersville Rd. Bethlehem | 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.com
Leather Corner Post
Best Dive Bar You Hate To Love
The cheap eats. The drink specials. The nod of recognition from the patrons perched on their go-to bar stools. The neighborhood band getting ready to play a set or two. Yes, there’s no place like home when it comes to your favorite dive bar. But can your watering hole of choice boast of the almighty Boomba? The Pennsylvania Dutch percussion instrument is just waiting to be shaken, rattled and bounced at the Leather Corner Post in Orefield; it’s one of the many features that makes the bar unique, according to Lauren Anderson, whose father, Al Anderson, has owned the place since 2007. Even if you take Boombas out of the equation, it’s hard to compete with the Leather Corner Post’s history. Thirsty customers first began to wet their whistles there during Civil War times. Anderson says many of the building’s original features remain to this day, but that’s not to say the bar hasn’t grown and changed with the times. “The Post offers a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Anderson. “This entails different live bands, open mic nights, open blues jam, trivia, pool leagues and horseshoe leagues.” And the outdoor fire pits make the perfect backdrop for sitting and sipping on a crisp night.
6855 Horseshoe Rd., Orefield | 610.395.1782 | leathercornerpost.com
Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Best Concert Venue With the Hottest Acts
Because the furthest point from the stage is a mere 137 feet, there is truly no such thing as a bad seat in this house! Looking for a VIP experience? Choose from seven private luxury suites and five gallery suites.
77 Sands Blvd. Bethlehem | 610.297.7414 | sandseventcenter.com
SteelStacks at ArtsQuest
Best Venue to Throw a Big Bash
Named for the iconic (and visible) blast furnaces that were once used during the iron-making process at Bethlehem Steel, the campus is a full 10 acres dedicated to arts, culture, family fun, education and community celebrations.
101 Founders Way Bethlehem | 610.297.7100 | steelstacks.org
State Theatre
Best Venue for Live Theater
Deeply rooted in Easton history, the State Theatre is known for performances that wow and its annual Freddy Awards.
453 Northampton St. Easton | 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
Liz Russo
Best Local Comedian that Tickles Your Funny Bone
With more than a decade of shows under her belt, Liz Russo manages to keep the Valley laughing, performing at comedy clubs, colleges, casinos and festivals.
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Best Free Entertainment
From May to September, Levitt Pavilion is host to 50 free concerts. This year’s lineup includes Filmore, Bonerama, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, and more.
101 Founders Way Bethlehem | 610.297.7285 | levittsteelstacks.org
Becca Lynn & Sam Malone, Cat Country 96
Best Local Radio Personality and Best Radio Station
Set the station to Cat Country 96 for the best country jams, trivia and entertaining banter, along with local weather, news and traffic updates.
Craig Thatcher Band
Best Local Musician/Band
They’re known to present tributes to Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, the Allman Brothers Band and more!
AMC Center Valley 16
Best Movie Theater to Watch the Newest Releases
Formerly Carmike, AMC Center Valley offers amenities like theater rentals and a party room.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.709.8635 | amctheatres.com
Craig Cressman, The MINT Gastropub
Best Bartender Who Knows Your Signature Drink
If The Mint’s cocktail menu full of creative drink concoctions isn’t enough to make it a good time, longtime bartender Craig Cressman sure will.
1223 W. Broad St. Bethlehem | 610.419.3810 | bethlehemmint.com
Copperhead Grille
Best Place to a Watch the Game
Daily draft specials, late night apps, weeknight happy hours and plenty of screens make this the perfect place to watch the big game.
5737 Rte. 378 Bethlehem | 610.282.4600 1731 Airport Rd. Allentown | 610.403.4600 | copperheadgrille.com
