Bethlehem is a former steel town perched on the Lehigh River in Eastern Pennsylvania. With New York about 90 minutes away, and 70 minutes from Philadelphia, Bethlehem and the surrounding area, Bethlehem is an easy, scenic day trip.
Originally settled by Moravians in the 1700s, Bethlehem became a booming industrial town in the 1800s and 1900s, producing steel for use worldwide. Once falling into economic despair after the closing of Bethlehem Steel, the city is enjoying a renaissance.
The arts flourish here. Every summer, the city hosts a music and arts festival called Musikfest that draws national musical acts and vistors from all over. For example, the festival has hosted the likes of Clay Aiken, Alice Cooper, Keith Urban, Huey Lewis and the News, Sheryl Crow, and more.
There are a number of local theaters that show plays and musicals year-round.
This area is full of recreational activies, from rafting or boating down the Lehigh River, hikes through the woods or the mountains, and skiing in the winter.
But most visitors come to the "Christmas City" at holiday time. Main Street in Downtown Historic Bethlehem is home to historic school Moravian College, as well as a number of shops and restaurants. The shops are relatively upscale and trendy boutiques - you'll find home decor and country furniture, candles, gifts, clothing from Putamayo, Mod O Doc, imported scarves and sweaters, china and crystal from Ireland and England, books and of course, beautiful glass Christmas decorations and signature Moravian-style stars.
The restaurants are numerous and will please any palate and wallet. Standouts include the hip, classy "Edge" serving fusion food in a modern setting, Bethlehem Brewworks has microbrews and excellent, casual meals in an industrial style paying tribute to Bethlehem Steel days. Also noteable: Apollo Grill and Starfish Brasserie. There's Mexican, Italian, a tea room, a coffee shop, ice cream, a chocolate shop and more to choose from.
The cobblestone streets are charming, as are the 200+-year-old buildings tucked between the storefronts.
South Side Bethlehem (near Lehigh University) also offers quirky shops and pre-requisite pizza places and restaurants. Coming soon - maybe - a slot machine parlor occupying the old Steel blast furnace and outbuildings.
Quick Tips:
At Christmastime, visit Christkindlmart, a holiday craft shopping extravaganza. This isn't a run-of-the-mill show: this is an event designed to rival traditional shows in Germany, featuring handcrafted folk art.
Christkindlmart is steps from Historic Main Street. Explore the beautiful campus of Moravian College. Spend lots of time exploring Moravian Bookshop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the country (so they say). They have free wifi if you want to check email. They also have amazing giftware, including high-end china and ceramics, as well as books (of course), and an amazing selection of Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Another unique store is the Irish store (the name is escaping me right now), which features gorgeous hand-knit sweaters and woolens from Ireland, Waterford crystal and Balleek ceramics.
Take a load off and try the Christmas City spinach salad at Bethlehem Brewworks, and their to-die-for cinnamon vinaigrette.
The shops are outside, so bundle up if you need to, but everything's within close proximity.Best Way To Get Around:
Drive, then hoof it! If you can find a spot on the street, great. There are also several parking lots, a small one on West Broad Street behind Bethlehem Brewworks, and a large lot on West Walnut Street (turn left off of Main Street).