Top of the Town: Best Of 2019
• • • LEISURE & RECREATION • • •
By Carrie Havranek and Amy Unger with Kristen Rinaldi
In the sixth annual Best of the Lehigh Valley competition, the stakes were high—locals cast more than 20,000 votes across 93 different categories. Why were they crowned the best? Read on to find out!
Best Seasonal Farmers’ Market
Easton Farmers’ Market
• • • • • • • • •The Easton of today may not have much in common with the Easton of the eighteenth century, but one constant has been its farmers’ market. Established in Centre Square in 1752 (the same year Easton was founded), it bills itself as the oldest, continuous open-air market in the nation. But there was a time in the not-so-distant past when the market’s future seemed to be in jeopardy. “In 2002, the market was down to just two vendors, and now we have more than 35,” says Easton Market District Director Megan McBride. Those vendors offer an array of everything from fresh produce to local cheeses to raw honey to baked goods and so much more. It’s a producer-only market, explains McBride, meaning all products are grown or produced by the seller. In addition, all farms undergo a full inspection before being approved to sell at EFM. “[The market] has also paved the way for many new markets in the Lehigh Valley and served as a launch point for new farmers, and as a business incubator for many food vendors,” she says. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. from May until December; look for a special birthday celebration on July 13.
Photography by Marco Calderon
Centre Square, Easton | 610.330.9942 | eastonfarmersmarket.com
Best Romantic Overnight Stay
Glasbern Inn
• • • • • • • • •Once a working farm, the Glasbern Inn is now a picturesque getaway with romantic cabins aplenty. Opt for the Couples Pampering package and enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries and chilled champagne in your room. Delight in a three-course chef-inspired dinner for two, Swedish massages, luxury lodging and more.
Photo courtesy of Glasbern Inn
2141 Packhouse Rd., Fogelsville | 610.285.4723 | glasbern.com
Best Pick-Your-Own Orchard
Strawberry Acres
• • • • • • • • •Pick your own at Strawberry Acres! They’ll supply the baskets and rides to the field, you do the rest. For those who do not wish to pick for themselves, Strawberry Acres offers fresh fruit pre-picked in their respective seasons.
1767 Clearview Rd., Coplay | 610.261.2323 | strawberryacres.com
Best Pumpkin Patch
Grim's Orchard & Family Farms
• • • • • • • • •Pumpkin picking, hayride tours, a corn maze and more, Grim’s offers the ultimate fall experience!
Photo courtesy of Grim's Orchard & Family Farms
252 Spring Garden St., Easton | 610.258.3480 | jmorgansalonandhome.com
Best Christmas Tree Farm
Unangst Tree Farms
• • • • • • • • •With a variety of Christmas trees available—and Santa’s Workshop open every weekend—it’s pure magic at Unangst all winter long.
Photo courtesy of Unangst Tree Farm
7317 Bath Pike, Bath | 610.837.7531 | unangst-treefarm.com
Best Festival
Musikfest
• • • • • • • • •This year’s fest runs from August 2 until August 11. The lineup includes Earth, Wind & Fire, The Chainsmokers, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and more favorites! Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest