Maybe you don't know how to say it, or you're not quite sure what it means, but trust us, you need some hygge in your life. Hygge is derived from an old Norwegian term, hugga, which translates to “to comfort.” In more recent years, it's been associated with a Danish concept of emphasizing one's overall well-being and finding happiness in simple, everyday pleasures that inspire warmth and coziness. Pronunciations vary—hyoo-guh, hoo-ga, hue-gah—and so do the parameters for what defines hygge for every individual. Just know that hygge can be practiced alone or with company, and it's the perfect thing to get you through the doldrums of another Pennsylvania winter. Read on for some suggestions about how to find your comfort and joy in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
1. Dine On a Heated Patio
Al fresco dining can be delightful even when the temperatures head south, thanks to fire pits and portable heaters. Sip and snack while you take in the view at the Slopeside Pub & Grill at Blue Mountain. Union and Finch in Allentown is keeping its patio area open on winter weekends and for special events. The Shelby in Lower Macungie is working on a revamped outdoor space that aims to create a park-like setting that will be open year-round.
2. Sip On Something Boozy
A nip or two on an expertly crafted cocktail can help you cope with the chill of Old Man Winter. Social Still in Bethlehem is one of the growing number of local distilleries that whip up the goods right here in the Valley. And you can always count on Bolete in Salisbury Township to come up with an array of divine seasonal sips.
3. Sip On Something Non-Boozy
If hot chocolate is what you crave (and why wouldn't you?), the store-bought powdered stuff does just fine in a pinch. Just remember that you can upgrade this traditional winter warm-up at places like Choco B in Allentown, Chocolate Lab in Bethlehem and Chocodiem at the Easton Public Market.
4. Take a Walk in the Woods
The crunch of your boots on the frozen ground. A clear blue sky above you, and an invitation for exploration in front of you. Get lost in the woods (figuratively, of course) for a few hours at Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville, Delaware Water Gap in Bushkill or Jacobsburg State Park in Nazareth. You'll find out why authors, poets and other creative types have long looked for inspiration among the trees.
5. Curl Up With a Good Book
Settling in next to a roaring fire with a page-turner in your lap just doesn't hit the same if you can't actually turn the pages. If you're open to giving your e-reader a rest, visit Easton's Quadrant Book Mart or The Old Library Bookshop in Bethlehem and pick out a good old-fashioned hardcover or paperback. Even if you're not sure what you're looking for, chances are good you'll find something that catches your eye while browsing either shop's well-stocked shelves.
6. Unwind At the Spa
A “me day” and a “spa day” are basically one and the same. Whether you're just looking to be pampered with a basic massage or your winter-worn body needs some serious head-to-toe TLC, stop by The Spa at Bear Creek in Macungie, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Center Valley or The Spa at Mount Airy in the Poconos.
7. Master Meditation
Maybe this is the year when you finally give meditation a try. New Leaf Meditation Project is an online community that offers free workshops and sessions on Zoom. If you're looking for something a little more visceral, book a salt room session (solo or with your pals) at Salt Cove Wellness in Bath, which also offers sound healing and vibration sound therapy. Sole Wellness Studio in Easton is also a proponent of salt therapy (halotherapy) and offers sessions individually or by the bundle. Another option: float the afternoon away at Metta Relaxation in Bethlehem.
8. Let the Flickering Commence
Why does candlelight conjure up feelings of placidity? Why does any room seem infinitely more intimate and inviting when it's bathed in the soft glow of a flickering candle? While the scientists ponder those and other burning questions, get thee to Easton Candle Company to stock up on all the candles, wax melts and diffusers you need to transform your home into the artfully lit and delightfully scented haven you want it to be.
9. Slip Into a Pair of Alpaca Socks
Alpaca fiber is similar to sheep's wool but is known to be warmer and stronger without weighing down the wearer. Picnic Woods Alpacas in Lehighton offers hats, gloves, socks, blankets and more made from 100-percent alpaca yarn. Bonus: meet and greet the alpacas on weekends when the farm is open to visitors. Otherwise, give them a call to make an appointment to do some shopping.
10. Create Your Own Cozy
Knitting exploded in popularity during the pandemic. But, even if you have yet to rock a purl stitch or a stockinette stitch, there's no time like the present. The Knitter's Edge in Bethlehem bills itself as the largest yarn shop in Pennsylvania. Besides stocking yarn in every color of the rainbow, as well as all the hooks, needles and notions you'll need to stitch the night away, the shop also offers classes for beginners and advanced knitters and crocheters.
11. Try a Crafting Class
Even if knitting isn't your thing, creative spaces abound in the Lehigh Valley for those who want to revisit an artistic inclination from years ago or try something new. Allentown's Baum School of Art offers classes for adults, children and teens throughout the year. Planning a party? Places like Art Fusion in Whitehall and Out of Our Minds Art Studio in Macungie can cater to a crowd that wants to get a little crafty.
12. Game Night With Friends
A classic game night with your chums can make for the perfect blend of camaraderie and (hopefully mild) competitiveness. If you find yourself bored with the old standbys like Life and Monopoly, pick up something new at Cloud City Games inside the Lehigh Valley Mall. Or, hand over host duties to Easton's Mythic Beasts and Brews, where you can try out games with your crew while getting your caffeine on.
13. Watch a New (or New to You) Movie at an Old Theater
Allentown's Civic Theatre (founded in 1927), the Roxy Theatre in Northampton (founded in 1921) and the Emmaus Theatre (founded in the 1920s) have a collective history of nearly 300 years. On those days when streaming at home isn't cutting it, go and see why these grand old movie houses have such staying power. Be sure to splurge on a popcorn and fountain soda to get the full in-person experience.
14. Cook or Bake Something at Home
While we're all about patronizing the Lehigh Valley's many delicious dining establishments, there's something to be said about embracing the role of home cook once in a while. Pick a day to tackle a recipe you've have bookmarked for weeks and make it happen. If your pantry is lacking, start your day with a trip to the Allentown Farmers Market or Slatington Farmers Market (both are indoor) to stock up on the things you need for a home-cooked feast. Even if you'd rather let someone else handle the food prep, both places offer grab-and-go meals and treats.
15. Spend Time With Furry Friends
There's a reason why animals play a prominent role in certain types of therapy: being around our four-legged companions is just good for the soul. You can welcome a dog or cat into your home on a temporary basis as a foster family by contacting local shelters and rescues like Peaceable Kingdom in Whitehall, The Sanctuary at Haafsville in Breinigsville and Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown.
16. Treat Yourself to a Weekend Away… Nearby
If you and your sofa have gotten to know each other a little too well as of late, maybe it's time for a change of scenery. A stay at one of the rustic suites at the Glasbern Inn in Fogelsville, or inside Bethlehem's historic Sayre Mansion, is as good as taking a vacation without the hassle of leaving town.
17. Or Take a Mini Road Trip to a Place That Takes Hygge Seriously
Bar Hygge is just a car ride away on Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia. It offers a contemporary American menu with seasonal changes and a focus on neighborhood comfort food. Gather up some friends, sink into a stuffed sofa or comfy couch and nibble on a hygge board, a pick-your-own sampler with a variety of mouth-watering options.
Published as "A Guide to Hygge" in the January 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
