Founded on a heritage of steel and manufacturing and showcasing a rich history, the Lehigh Valley has reinvented itself over the past decade into a diverse destination alive with new offerings. Whether planners are seeking to immerse their group in a wealth of time-tested treasures or ground-breaking getaways, the region delivers.
“Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, is a crossroads of well-established, historical venues and shiny, brand-new meeting places that push the envelope in technology and design,” says George Wacker, communications manager for Discover Lehigh Valley.
Here then is an exploration of the Lehigh Valley’s very best, beginning with a look at its established offerings.
The Old
“From the sheer old grandeur of The State Theater Center of the Arts in Easton to the rustic charm of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley ‘s historical areas are well documented and traveled,” Wacker remarks.
The State Theater Wacker refers to is an ornate setting for taking in a live event. Its eclectic slate of offerings provides the kind of variety that planners will appreciate, ranging from live music to lectures to stand-up comedy and beyond.
Groups can also rent out the main theater for their own special occasion or one of several compelling event spaces on-site, including a modern art gallery and an appealing ballroom.
As for the Hotel Bethlehem, the venerable lodging has been a hive of local events and receptions since its 1922 launch. Groups are drawn by its central downtown location, elegant style (the property was recently revamped to its original look) and 14,000 square feet of tasteful function space. Planners seeking something a bit different might consider one of the hotel’s Murder Mystery Weekends or April’s Ghostbreakers Paranormal Weekend, now in its third year.
To get a taste of the region’s past, a handful of tempting tours delve into some popular factories and museums of the valley. PageBreak
At Nazareth’s Martin Guitar Factory, a museum and visitors center are very worthy stops, and its factory tours are another great option. The one-hour outings follow the transformation of a piece of wood into a meticulously hand-crafted instrument, requiring about 300 steps in between. Free public tours are conducted Monday through Friday. Group tours of 10 or more require advance reservation and carry a nominal fee.
In Allentown, the Mack Truck Historical Museum showcases vintage vehicles and thousands of photographs that date back as far as 1905. The museum offers regular tours Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Meanwhile, the Historic Bethlehem Partnership is a superb resource and organizes excursions to several sites not otherwise publically available. Visiting the old steel factory buildings is one possibility, and a tour of the city’s Colonial Industry Quarter includes stop at a 1761 tannery. Guides in period costume can be arranged, as well as other unique expeditions.
For something casual, delightful group downtime can be had along the town’s charming and historic Main Street, rich with countless independent retailers that include the Moravian Book Shop, dating back to 1745. Groups can also enjoy a short stroll on the Moravian College campus or make a pit stop at the Bethlehem Brew Works for a few cold ones.
Lehigh University, dating back to 1865, is a worthwhile detour on the south side of town. PageBreak
The New
When it comes to big news in the Lehigh Valley, the Sands Casino Resort has had the region abuzz since its 2009 debut, plus the launch of its popular hotel resort in 2011.
“The recently built Bethlehem Sands Casino Resort bundles the excitement of gaming with great food—three restaurants from Emeril Lagasse alone—outlet shops and large meeting spaces,” says Wacker of Discover Lehigh Valley.
The resort features 302 guest rooms, 12,000 square feet of function space and a thriving casino showcasing thousands of slot machines and well over 100 table games. Eight dining options are offered, as well as four lounges that have added some punch to the city’s nightlife.
Nearby, the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks is a glimmering four-story enclave of arts and culture that debuted in 2011 and boasts some simply superb event spaces.
The most impressive of the bunch is the MusikFest Cafe, taking up the split-level third and fourth floors and offering an intimate experience with the entire audience within 60 feet of the elevated stage. Another enticing offering is the Alehouse Cinemas on the venue’s first floor, where movie-goers can enjoy a full slate of concessions that include beer, wine and cocktails.
Yet another recent electrifying addition to the region is Coca-Cola Park, host to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Climate-controlled Dugout Suites right behind home plate can host parties of up to 120, and a pair of Party Porches offer perfect perches for groups of up to 65.
While Allentown’s Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom has been a popular regional attraction for decades, the park is seemingly always adding something new and exciting. Recent enhancements include the addition of a fantastic new thrill ride and a new dinosaur park that can best be described as, well, positively Jurassic.
