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Life in the Lehigh Valley

Welcome to big city sites, with small town charm!

Nestled among the Appalachian hills in eastern Pennsylvania, just an hour north of Philadelphia and 1.5 hours west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is home to three historic cities- Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Equally known for its bustling city sites and attractions like the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Dorney Park, as well as quaint country towns, the Valley is home to almost a million people. With major highways, Lehigh Valley International Airport, top rated secondary schools, and nationally ranked colleges, the Valley is ready to take individuals and families where they want to go, literally and figuratively!

The Cities

Allentown

Allentown

Founded by William Allen — a former Philadelphia mayor — in 1762, Allentown has swelled from a rural Pennsylvania Dutch farming community to the largest city in the Lehigh Valley. The city grew tremendously since a 2009 state law to encourage development and revitalization in the downtown. The only program of its kind in the state, Allentown’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) has spurred more than a billion dollars in new and planned development and generated a record $86 million in state and local tax revenue in 2019 alone.

Allentown’s 120,000 residents have benefited from the revival. You can live in one of the new luxury apartments within walking distance of Ideal Concepts, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on Hamilton Street, and take in a show or game at PPL Center, just a block away from our building!

Bethlehem

Bethlehem

Founded by a small religious group, the Moravians, Bethlehem is one of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque and historic cities. Once a bustling steel city, Bethlehem Steel helped produce steel for some of America’s most prominent landmarks: the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Golden Gate Bridge, and Hoover Dam. After the company closed in 1995, the city found new life as a magnet for history buffs, art lovers, musicians, and Christmas fanatics as “The Christmas City.”

Bethlehem is unique in that it boasts two “downtowns”, with northside Historic Bethlehem featuring restaurants, bars, and shops on Main Street, and Southside Bethlehem’s Wind Creek casino and restaurants and bars on 3rd and 4th Streets.

Easton

Easton

Easton is the third largest city in the Lehigh Valley, with nearly 27,000 residents. The city is split into four sections: College Hill, West Ward, South Side, and historic Downtown. Lafayette College rests on College Hill while the West Ward and South Side offer beautiful homes and apartments in family-friendly neighborhoods.

Easton is one of three cities where the Declaration of Independence was read publicly on July 8, 1776. The city celebrates this history every year on Heritage Day, when residents assemble at the square for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. If you’re looking for more fun things to do, Easton’s historic Downtown has many exciting attractions, including the Crayola Experience, the State Theatre, and the Sigal Museum.

Key metrics

Population 850k People

GDP 4.4% Growth Rate

Family Income $68k Median

Home Cost $174k Median

Monthly Rent $990 Median

Unemployment Rate 4% In 2019

Crime Rate 45% Lower Than National Average

Named to Top 100 “Best Places to Live” in 2019 by US News and World Report,
beating out Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Education

When it comes to education, the Lehigh Valley has a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for a school district for your children or a college to continue your studies, you’ll find just what you need at one of the Lehigh Valley’s prestigious schools.

More Than 30 Private & Public High Schools

Graduation rate 93% Public High Schools

Over 13 Institutes Of Higher Learning

Average Of 10k LV College Grads Annually

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University is a private research university established in 1865. The school has over 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 postgraduates. Lehigh is made up of four colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, and the College of Education.

Lafayette College

Easton, PA

Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college established in 1826. Located on College Hill in Easton, more than 2,500 undergraduates attend. The performing arts center, Williams Center for the Arts, is where you’ll find the Performance Series, the Williams Art Gallery and College Collections, the College Theater program, the Art and Music departments, and more.

Muhlenberg College

Allentown, PA

Muhlenberg College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1848. The school has over 2,000 undergraduates enrolled and boasts an 85% graduation rate. In 2020, Muhlenberg College ranked #72 on the list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. The college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its sports team compete in the Centennial Conference.

Bethlehem Catholic High School

Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem Catholic High School (grades 9-12), is a private school with more than 750 students. Founded in 1925, the school takes pride in a quality education through faith-based values. Students are encouraged to explore creative and athletic outlets outside of the classroom, such as band, theater, football, and basketball.

Moravian Academy

Bethlehem, PA

Moravian Academy (grades PK-12) is a college preparatory school located in historic Bethlehem. It is the 9th oldest independent school in the United States, with its origins dating back to Moravians, who settled in Bethlehem in 1741. Moravian is divided into The Upper (grades 9-12), Middle (grades 6-8), and Lower Schools (grades PK-5).

The Swain School

Allentown, PA

The Swain School (grades PK-8) is independent school in Allentown. The school started as a kindergarten in 1929 and has grown into a coeducational, secular, college-preparatory school with 300 students. The average class size is 14, and the student-teacher ratio is 7:1. Swain offers a variety of unique team sports, including archery, ski club and CrossFit.

Southern Lehigh School District

Center Valley, PA

Southern Lehigh School District (grades K-12) serves the borough of Coopersburg as well as Lower Milford and Upper Saucon Townships. Southern Lehigh High School enrolls over 1,000 students. In 2021, the high school ranked #1 in the metro area based on its student performance, graduation rate, and college preparedness.

Parkland School District

Allentown, PA

Parkland School District (grades K-12) is one of the largest high schools in the Valley, with almost 10,000 students. Parkland High School has more than 3,000 students alone. In 2021, the high school was rated #7 among high schools in the metro area for its performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparedness.

East Penn School District

Emmaus, PA

East Penn School District (grades K-12) is known for its academic excellence. In 2013, Emmaus High School was named the top academically performing high school in Lehigh County. In 2021, the high school ranked #8 in the metro area. 90% of East Penn’s teachers hold a master’s degree or higher, and the average student-teacher ratio is 16:1.

Saucon Valley School District

Hellertown, PA

Saucon Valley School District (grades K-12) has a single campus for the Saucon Valley High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. The campus is also home to a freshwater stream, a stadium with track facilities, and more. In 2021, the high school was rated #4 in the metro area for its performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparedness.

Healthcare

Healthcare has become one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the area- not only because as the third largest metropolis in the state, the Lehigh Valley features the most medical networks and facilities, but also because those networks rank among the best in the nation.  Hundreds of medical students come from around the country to learn from our exceptional medical teams.

St. Luke’s  University Health Network

Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s is a non-profit network of 11 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient facilities. Their network covers all of the Lehigh Valley, plus parts of the Poconos and New Jersey.

In its partnership with Temple University, St. Luke’s hosts the Valley’s only regional medical school campus and boasts the nation’s longest continuously operating School of Nursing (est. 1884). It’s the only Lehigh Valley-based health network with Medicare’s 4- and 5-star rating for quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

St. Luke’s acquired Sacred Heart Hospital in 2018 and Easton Hospital in 2020. They partnered with Geisinger health care system to build the state’s first partnered and co-owned hospital in Schuylkill County in 2019.

14k Physicians

15k Employees

11 Hospitals

Lehigh Valley Health Network

The LVHN story begins in its humble roots- 13 charitable women raised $5,300 for plot of land at 17th and Chew Streets in Allentown and opened the Allentown Hospital in 1899. Now featuring eight hospitals and 22 health centers in five counties, LVHN has grown into one of the country’s most respected health networks.

LVHN partners with the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine to train doctors of tomorrow through a SELECT program. LV Reilly Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in the Lehigh Valley, offering both inpatient and ambulatory care, a children’s ER, and a surgery center.

Coordinated Health became a part of the LVHN network in December 2019.

2k Physicians

17k Employees

8 Hospitals

Activities & attractions

It’s easy to find something fun to do in the Lehigh Valley! The region is sprawling with exciting activities and attractions, including golf courses, festivals, amusement parks, outdoor activities, shopping centers, and historical sites. Plus, the Lehigh Valley is close to vibrant cities like New York City and Philadelphia!

Close To New York & Philadelphia

Close to New Yourk image

With New York City to the east and Philadelphia to the south, the Lehigh Valley is the hidden gem of eastern Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley International Airport has 15 non-stop destinations around the country, and Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport are an easy 1.5-hour drive away.

The Lehigh Valley has access to three major interstates- I-78, I-80, and the Northeast Extension, and Lehigh and Northampton Public Transportation Authority (LANTA) make it easy to get around the Valley, or to Philly or NYC.

Restaurants & bars

The Lehigh Valley is a foodie’s dream destination. With award winning eateries that rival New York City and Philadelphia restaurants, it’s difficult to pick just a few! Rather than play favorites, we’d like to spotlight a few “Restaurant Rows” where you can eat, drink, and be merry at multiple hotspots!

Main St., Bethlehem

Northside Bethlehem’s Main Street is a destination for summertime al fresco dining. Plan a Saturday night on the town, eating and drinking your way through the many delectable restaurants and bars.

  • Tapas on Main: featuring Spanish-style tapas and sangria
  • Mama Nina’s Foccacheria: NYC-style with pastas and pizzas
  • Fegley’s Brew Works: known for their in-house brewed craft beer
  • Bethlehem Hotel’s 1741 on the Terrace: delicious brunches
  • Thai Thai II & Touch Thai: two tasty Thai restaurants on Main
  • Apollo Grill, Edge, & Melting Pot: all high-end spots on Walnut

The Circle, Easton

Centre Square, more often known as “The Circle” due to the roundabout, hosts great bar and restaurant choices. The Circle and its off-streets attract more than half a million visitors a year to Easton.

  • The Bayou Southern Kitchen & Bar: New Orleans classics
  • Oak Steakhouse: in-house aged steaks with a salt aging room
  • Maxim’s 22: French bistro and brasserie in the old Pomeroy’s
  • Easton Public Market: houses 13 restaurants and a winery
  • Simon Silk Mill: a five-minute drive from The Circle, the redevelopment project houses a mix of eateries like Easton Wine Project, Böser Geister Brewing, and Tucker Silk Mill

Hamilton St., Allentown

Allentown’s “restaurant row” is in the midst of a successful revitalization and is known for its live music on every patio. Centering the district is PPL Center, which houses fine dining establishment, The Dime.

  • Sports & Social Allentown is a new restaurant next to the PPL Center
  • Tacos Y Tequila: classic Mexican food and drinks with a patio
  • Brü Daddy’s Brewing Co.: focus on local craft beers
  • Billy’s Downtown Diner: award-winning brunch and lunch
  • Frutta Bowl: chain café with healthy açaí bowls and smoothies
  • Downtown Allentown Market: the Market houses a mix of eateries like Tavola, Zahra, Batch Microcreamery and more

Southside, Bethlehem

Bethlehem is known for having two “downtowns”. On Southside, the restaurants are spaced out between the casino, 3rd and 4th streets, plus offshoot streets, but it’s no less impressive!

  • Zest bar+grille: rooftop restaurant with amazing views
  • Social Still: a restaurant, bar and distillery with craft cocktails
  • Southside 313 Bar & Grill: locally sourced beef and produce
  • Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino and Hotel: home to three Emeril Lagasse restaurants, plus famed baker Buddy Valastro has two eateries- Carlo’s Bakery and Buddy V’s Ristorante

Festivals

Summer in Bethlehem is synonymous with Musikfest, a 10-day free music festival considered the largest in the country. But it’s not the only one: there’s Blues, Brews & Barbecue, Celtic Classic, Kutztown Folk Festival, and Sangria Fest, just to name a few! The Valley really loves any excuse to “’fest”!

Musikfest

Bethlehem

There are lots of reasons why USA Today named Musikfest the “Best Music Festival in North America”. The largest non-gated, free music festival in the country was started in 1984, at a time when Bethlehem Steel was declining, and local businesses needed a boost. Today, it’s grown to include 17 stages (“platzes”) with more than 500 concerts and hundreds of vendors! Held annually in early August, more than a million people attend the festival. Past headliners have included names as big as Foreigner, Lynard Skynard, and The Chainsmokers.

The Great Allentown Fair

Allentown

As one of the oldest fairs in the country (celebrating its 170th year in 2022), the fair offers music, fun, and agricultural education for the whole family! Started to showcase agricultural advancements, it has evolved to include more dining and entertainment options. While big names like Johnny Cash and Britney Spears have drawn in thousands of festers, the festival remains true to its roots, offering petting zoos, livestock contests and a farmers’ market, in addition to carnival rides and talent shows.

Christkindlmarkt

South Bethlehem

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Christmas City without Christkindlmarkt! Twice recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure, this annual event started in 1993 and is based on the German tradition of Christmas markets. It features hundreds of artisans selling handmade items like Christmas ornaments, toys, and decorations. There’s also live music, ice carving, glassblowing, festival food, and breakfast with St. Nicholas, all outdoors or within heated tents on Southside Bethlehem.

BaconFest

Easton

In recent years, bacon has grown from a breakfast food to a way of life, especially in the Lehigh Valley. Just look at the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm team’s mascot, the IronPigs! For two days in November, visitors to Easton can enjoy bacon-centered food from more than 100 vendors and musical acts on 8 stages. Ranked in the Top 300 Festivals in the World by 300Fest.com, BaconFest draws tens of thousands of attendees for a weekend full of fun, music, shopping, and of course, bacon!

Celtic Fest

North Bethlehem

For more than 30 years, Bethlehem’s Celtic Classic festival has drawn in close to 300,000 visitors eager to learn about and celebrate all things Irish, Scottish and Welsh. The three-day annual festival of Celtic culture and heritage features education, music, food, and traditional competitions. One of the biggest draws is the Highland Games, where athletes display feats of strength, speed, and skill as they compete for the title of U.S. Champion as part of the U.S. National Highland Games Championship.

Shopping

The Lehigh Valley is a shopper’s paradise. There are four downtowns full of treasures in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, plus many of the surrounding towns have quaint Main Streets. Don’t forget to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s tax-free clothing!

Lehigh Valley Mall

Whitehall

If you ask any Lehigh Valley-ian where they go shopping, they’ll probably mention the Lehigh Valley Mall. LVM boasts more than 150 stores and restaurants. You’ll find everything from boutiques to department stores. While shopping, you can take a break and have a sit-down lunch at Bonefish Grill, grab coffee from one of two Starbucks, or treat the kids to Chick-fil-A. In addition to the Mall and its outdoor promenade shops, there are also shopping and dining options in the mile-radius of the Mall.

The Promenade

Center Valley

If you’re looking to get some fresh air while shopping, look no further than The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, an outdoor Lifestyle Center located in Center Valley. The Promenade also features a movie theater, grocery store, and lots of food! Some of the Valley’s best restaurants include White Orchids Thai Cuisine, Melt, and hibachi grill Kome. You can take a walk through the downtown-style promenade with its picturesque sidewalks, water fountains, fire pits, and seating areas.

The Outlets at Wind Creek

South Bethlehem

Located between the Wind Creek Casino floor and Wind Creek Hotel, savvy shoppers can find a deal on lots of premier labels at Wind Creek Bethlehem. Built on and incorporating the historic Bethlehem Steel factory, there’s more than 25 stores. Besides the discount shopping on brand names, there’s many eateries on premise, and the Wind Creek Casino is in the same building. Featuring slots, table games, and everything in between, it’s become a hot destination for visitors to Bethlehem.

King of Prussia Mall

King of Prussia

As the second largest mall in the country, the King of Prussia Mall is just an hour from the Lehigh Valley. There are seven major department stores and more than 450 stores, boutiques, and restaurants. The mall features 3 million square feet of retail space, 30+ restaurants, and attracts more than 20 million shoppers a year. First opened in 1963, KoP as the locals call it, draws shoppers looking for anything they need- from staples to luxury brands, and even a Tesla showroom!

Art & entertainment

It’s important to take time to appreciate the arts, and the Lehigh Valley has a lot to offer in the form of museums and programs! There’s also local sports teams, live concerts, and other entertainment events.

PPL Center

Allentown, PA

The PPL Center is a sports arena in the center of downtown Allentown. The arena is used for live events, including concerts and shows, but most notably is hosts the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers’ farm team. PPL Center also houses a variety of restaurants, and Ideal Concepts’ newest office is only a block away.

ArtsQuest

Bethlehem, PA

ArtsQuest is a non-profit organization offering art, culture, and educational programs in the Valley. ArtsQuest owns and operates the ArtsQuest Center at the SteelStacks, as well as the Banana Factory Arts Center in Bethlehem. ArtsQuest hosts festivals like MusikFest, which brings hundreds of music acts to the Lehigh Valley every August.

Coca-Cola Park

Allentown, PA

Play ball! Coca-Cola Park hosts the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, a minor league baseball team that’s a triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The stadium is right next to one of Ideal Concepts’ buildings! Coca-Cola Park also offers fun festivals, on-field movies, fireworks, concerts, and other family-friendly activities throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Crayola Experience

Easton, PA

There’s so much to learn and do at the Crayola Experience! The 65,000-square-foot facility offers 25 family-friendly attractions. From crafts and coloring, to drip art and a live theatre show, there’s always something exciting to do at the Crayola Experience. Buy tickets for a day or get passes that last all year long!

Allentown Art Museum

Allentown, PA

The Allentown Art Museum is a major regional art institution with over 19,000 works of art. Located just a few blocks from our downtown office, the museum contains more than 16,000 titles and 40 current periodicals in its library and archives. We suggest you take in the art, and then stroll along Arts Walk, which starts at the Museum.

Allentown Arts Walk

Allentown, PA

The Allentown Arts Walk begins at Allentown Arts Park, and connects the Allentown Art Museum, Baum School of Art, Community Music School, Miller Symphony Hall, and Youth Education in the Arts. Ideal Concepts employees can enjoy the Arts Walk during their lunch break or after work since it’s since it’s just a block away from our building.

Da Vinci Science Center

Allentown, PA

The Da Vinci Science Center is a science museum focusing on providing fun, hands-on science experiences for kids. With 18 exhibits to explore, the science center is the ideal destination for kids of all ages. The science Center’s new location is planned for right next to our downtown Allentown office. The new Center is scheduled to open in 2023.

Historical sites

It’s always exciting to learn about the past, which is why the Lehigh Valley is a perfect destination for history buffs and casual observers alike. Bethlehem alone boasts 20 historic sites and tons of 18th-century architecture for historians of all ages.

Main Street, Bethlehem

North Bethlehem, PA

Northside Bethlehem, centered around Main Street, is now a National Landmark District called Historic Moravian Bethlehem. There are only 200 of these districts in the U.S., and Bethlehem’s offers a rich history focused on the small group of Moravians who settled there in 1741. The area includes a complex of the oldest surviving buildings from the original settlement.

Bethlehem Steel

Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem Steel was one of the world’s largest steel producers and shipping companies for most of the 20th century. After it closed in 2003, the original Bethlehem Steel plant was converted to an arts and entertainment district called SteelStacks. The SteelStacks complex features the ArtsQuest Center and the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino resort.

Historic Crystal Cave

Kutztown, PA

The Historic Crystal Cave is one of the oldest American show caves still in operation today. Discovered in 1871, Crystal Cave soon became an attraction for its crystalline structures made of calcium. Some of the rock formations are over half a million years old! You can take a guided tour of the cave, which takes you 125 feet underground.

Liberty Bell Museum

Allentown, PA

During the Revolutionary War, the now-famous Liberty Bell was hidden in present-day Allentown so that the British couldn’t melt it down to make weapons. The bell remained under the church floor of Zion Reformed Church for nearly a year, when it was then returned to the State House in 1778. You can ring a replica of the bell, cast in 1769, at the Liberty Bell Museum.

Moravian Book Shop

Bethlehem, PA

The Moravian Book Shop is famous for being one of the oldest bookstores in America and the oldest continually operating bookstore in the world. Established in 1745, the bookstore is located in the historic Downtown Bethlehem and serves as the student bookstore for Moravian College. The book shop even offers a wide range of craft beers, live music, and delectable food.

America on Wheels

Allentown, PA

America on Wheels is a museum that features automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes from throughout history. The museum also contains many historic vehicles from Mack Trucks, a local American truck manufacturing company that also used to make buses and trolleybuses. The museum can even host your next event, special occasion, or holiday party!

Outdoor activities

There’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. Luckily, there are tons of outdoor activities available in and near the Lehigh Valley! Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or lake, or spend time camping and hiking in the mountains, there is always something to do not too far away.

Beaches

Pennsylvania is not as landlocked as you may imagine! The Lehigh Valley is just a 1.5 hour drive from the famous “Jersey Shore”, which offers a great selection of seaside towns and beaches. Some of the best Jersey shore towns include Point Pleasant, Ocean City, and Cape May. If you want to stay local, there are also lots of local lakeside beaches like Blue Marsh Lake and Beltzville State Park.

Mountains

Like many northeastern states, PA hosts parts of the Appalachian Mountains, with the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains being the state's most significant subranges. This makes for lots of options for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, campers, and others looking enjoy the beautiful, ancient mountains. Be sure to visit Hawk Mountain, Jacobsburg State Park, and Montage Mountain!

Lakes

When you want to relax near the water but don’t have time for a beach vacation, there are many lakes in the area for you to enjoy, including Lake Wallenpaupack and Beltzville Lake in the Poconos, Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, and Lake Harmony in Carbon County. Some allow boating, canoeing, paddle boating, kayaking, water skiing, and jet skiing!

Camping and hiking

The Pocono Mountains stretch across four counties and offers homey campgrounds, beautiful trails, 150 lakes, and historic towns. Make sure to visit Bushkill Falls, the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” You can also check out the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor for its multi-use trail spanning 165 miles or stop by the Hickory Run State Park with 40+ miles of hiking trails.

Zoos & animal sanctuaries

If you want to see lively animals, be sure to check out the Lehigh Valley Zoo! Located just a half hour from Allentown, the zoo has more than 300 animals and over 100 species. The Philadelphia Zoo, which features almost 1,300 animals, is also only 1.5 hours away. There’s also nearby animal sanctuaries offering educational programs, like the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Gress Mountain Ranch.

Golf courses

It could be our beautiful countryside, or the fact that many of America’s premier golf course architects came from the Philadelphia School of Golf. Whatever the reason, the Valley has four of PA’s best courses (out of 700), according to Golf Digest. Plus, we’re close to many other nationally ranked golf courses!

Saucon Valley Country Club

Bethlehem

Saucon Valley CC boasts sixty holes of golf on three championship courses, one six-hole course, ten dining venues, four swimming pools, and racquet ball and fitness facilities, in addition to a thirteen room Guest House from the 18th Century. LINKS Magazine named club as one of its top 100 most prestigious private clubs in the world. The country club is located on what was once a dairy farm owned by an executive at Bethlehem Steel. It was transformed into a golf course in 1920 by a group of Steel executives, and now offers facilities for the whole family.

  • Membership required

Lehigh Country Club

Allentown

Lehigh Country Club began as the Allentown Golf Club in the early 1900's with a golf course near 17th and Walnut Streets in Allentown. Renamed in 1910, the current course was designed by Master Golf Architect William Flynn in 1927. With three sets of tees ranging from 5800 to 6600 yards and playing to a par 70, Lehigh’s course offers an interesting and fun game for golfers of all levels. The course is situated along the Little Lehigh, offering beautiful views of the stream and the rolling hills. It also features paddle tennis, pickle ball and tennis courts, as well as three pools!

  • Membership required

Old Homestead Golf

New Tripoli

Not only does Olde Homestead Golf Club offer an award-winning 18-Hole Championship Course, it also offers an interesting history as a potato farm. Formerly the Schneider family homestead for 100 years, the Club features a hilly course that follows waterways and trees typical of the foot of Blue Mountain. There’s a summer kitchen from the original 1700s homestead, a restored one-room schoolhouse built in 1880, a refurbished 1910 farmhouse, and a couple of drive-through corn cribs. In addition to the main course, the Homestead also features a 9-hole, doubling as a FootGolf course.

  • Public

Morgan Hill Golf Course

Easton

Nestled at the top of the mountains of Easton, with amazing views of Easton, New Jersey, and the Delaware River, Morgan Hill Golf Course is ranked both statewide and nationally. It’s been named one of the "Top places to play in the nation" by Golf Digest, and Golf Weeks’ "Top daily fee golf course in PA." Opened in 2004, Morgan Hill features ponds, rolling bunkers, grassy hollows, natural wetlands, and all the best Easton nature Easton! Morgan Hill’s most unique feature is its split fairways and elevations of 300+ feet. There’s also a great clubhouse and restaurant, The View at Morgan Hill.

  • Public

Riverview Country Club

Easton

Riverview Country Club is set along the scenic Delaware River Corridor, offering 18-holes and some of the most picturesque panoramic views of any Valley golf course. With a hole for every level of golfer, Riverview offers 76 bunkers and 5 ponds, and an island green complex on the par 4, 17th hole. Riverview is also host to several local professional/amateur events like the annual Pocono Pro-Am, the Philadelphia Section PGA KNBT Lehigh Valley Open, and the Golf Association of the Lehigh Valley Better Ball of Partner's Championship.

  • Public

Bethlehem Golf Club

Bethlehem

Featuring an excellent 18-hole championship golf course, Bethlehem Golf Club was established in 1956. BGC is a challenging course within with rolling terrains and premier club conditions. The Club’s been voted Best in the Valley three times by Lehigh Valley Magazine, hit the top 100 list of “Must Play Courses” in the Philadelphia area, and earned a 4-star rating from Golf Digest. In addition to their 18-hole course, there’s also a 9-hole executive course. In 2020, the city of Bethlehem completed a $1.75 million makeover that included tree removal, irrigation and drainage system install, and fixed sand traps.

  • Public

Skiing & snowboarding

When it comes to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, the Lehigh Valley has a lot to offer. There are top-notch resorts located both in and around the area, so excitement is never far away.

Blue Mountain Resort

Palmerton, PA

Blue Mountain Resort is an amazing option if you’re looking to get your skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing fix. It has Pennsylvania’s highest vertical drop at 1,087 feet, as well as the longest runs and the most diverse terrain. With 40 slopes of varying difficulty, Blue Mountain Resort is the ideal destination for family fun.

Camelback Mountain Resort

Tannersville, PA

Camelback Mountain Resort has 39 trails and 16 lifts spread over 166 acres of land. With over 1,200 snowmaking guns at its disposal, Camelback offers 100% snowmaking on all trails to ensure you have the perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for kids and adults!

Jack Frost Ski Resort

White Haven, PA

Jack Frost Ski Resort has been operating since 1972. It offers 20 pristine trails of varying difficulties, 12 lifts, and 2 terrain parks. Visit for a day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. Jack Frost’s 100% snowmaking ensures each trail is adequately covered. Jack Frost is only 5 miles away from its companion resort, Big Boulder Ski Resort.

Big Boulder Ski Resort

Lake Harmony, PA

Big Boulder Ski Resort takes pride in being the first ski area to open every year. It was also the first commercial ski resort in Pennsylvania. Big Boulder boasts the most progressive and innovative terrain park program in the Poconos, and 50% of its overall terrain is devoted to park features. The mountain is 5 miles away from Jack Frost Ski Resort.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Macungie, PA

Bear Creek Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing in the winter. With over 86 acres of slopes, trails, and terrain parks, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Bear Creek has 100% snowmaking capabilities, as well as lighted trails and a mountainside lodge. After a long day on the slopes, you can wind down at on-site spa and restaurants.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area

East Stroudsburg, PA

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is the place to go for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the Pocono Mountains. You will find 23 trails with 100% snowmaking, 9 lifts, 2 terrain parks, and a snow tubing park for the whole family to enjoy. Shawnee Mountain has a 700-foot vertical drop, and its longest trail is 5,100 feet.

Amusement parks

If you’re a thrill-seeker with an appetite for excitement, you’re in for a real treat! Not only does the Lehigh Valley have an amusement and water park in its own backyard, but it’s also located near other exciting parks within driving distance!

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Allentown, PA

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom prides itself in offering two great parks for the price of one! The park features seven exciting roller coasters, including Steel Force, which is the tenth-longest roller coast in the world and the second-longest on the East Coast! You’ll also find all kinds of rides and games for adults and children alike. And if you visit during the summer, you can cool off by visiting the water park’s wide array of rides and pools.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Elysburg, PA

Knoebels Amusement Resort is the largest free-admission park in the country. The park boasts over 63 attractions, including six roller coasters and two water rides. You can also cool off in the park’s large outdoor pool. Knoebels even has its own campground so you can pitch a tent, stay in your RV or camper, or relax in a rustic log cabin. Knoebels is about 1.5 hours from Allentown.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

Scotrun, PA

If you love water parks, you’ll want to visit Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Located in the Pocono Mountains, Great Wolf is an indoor water park with water slides, pools, and raft rides. The park also offers exciting family attractions like a ropes course, bowling alley, arcade, play park, minigolf, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and more. You can drive to the Great Wolf Lodge from Allentown in about 45 minutes.

Hersheypark

Hershey, PA

Not just an amusement park, but an amusement park with a chocolate and candy theme, Hersheypark has everything you could want, including over a dozen roller coasters and even more water rides. Right next to Hersheypark is Chocolate World, which offers a free chocolate-making tour. You can even make your own candy bar! Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World are roughly 1.5 hours from Allentown.

Six Flags Great Adventure

Jackson, NJ

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime when you visit Six Flags Great Adventure! The park offers exciting rides like Fantasy Forest, Adventure Alley, Frontier Adventures, and many more. Right next to Six Flags Great Adventure is Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, a water park with numerous slides, play areas, and a wave pool! Hurricane Harbor requires separate admission. Both parks are about 1.5 hours from Allentown.