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The Best Places to Escape the Heat During Musikfest
August 9th, 2022 |
With a history that stretches back to 1741, Bethlehem is one of the most interesting places in the world. Even on a slow day, there’s a lot to do in Bethlehem, especially in the heart of the city where Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites offers guided walking tours of downtown historic Bethlehem, and the opportunity to visit 20 historic buildings! But days are hardly ever slow here in Bethlehem – especially with Musikfest once again taking the city by storm!
With performances by Bret Michaels and Willie Nelson in the books, Musikfest is already in full swing – and as every good ‘fester knows, this outdoor festival keeps us on our toes with heatwaves and unexpected showers. So, here’s a list of six of the coolest (literally) places to hang out during Musikfest!
#1: Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe and Museum Store
505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Musikfest Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10-7, Friday – Sunday: 10-9
Overlooking the action on Main Street, the Historic Bethlehem Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe is air-conditioned, and the first place you should go when starting your visit to Bethlehem! The Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe is your one-stop shop to get all your Musikfest needs from maps, ponchos, and umbrellas to drinks, snacks, and souvenirs from local craftspeople. But don’t forget to purchase your Musikfest mug! When you purchase your Musikfest mug at the HBMS Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, you directly support 20 historic sites in Bethlehem and get access to our virtual Heritage Trail walking tour!
#2: 1810 Goundie House
501 Main Street, enter through Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe & Museum Store
Musikfest Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10-7, Friday – Sunday: 10-9
Visiting the 1810 Goundie House is a great way to escape the heat. Built in 1810 by Moravian town brewer and businessman John Sebastian Goundie, the air-conditioned 1810 Goundie House is believed to be the first brick residence in Bethlehem! Today, the air-conditioned Goundie House is home to the Marche Maison Vintage Market, which features handmade home décor, accessories, jewelry, and cocktails from Xplorer Spirits on Saturday and Sunday! While you’re here, sign up for a Pub Tour given by one of our costumed guides. This tour starts on the second floor of the Goundie House, and takes you to Hotel Bethlehem, Lost Tavern, Red Stag, and the Sun Inn.
#3: Springhouse
Colonial Industrial Quarter
Musikfest Hours: Monday – Thursday, 1-5, Friday – Sunday, 12-6
The Springhouse is a great place to go to catch some shade and engage in a variety of exciting children’s activities! Create your own suncatchers, stained glass, glowing glass, and mirrors! Children’s activities range in cost from $2-$4 per activity or $5 for an all-activity pass.
#4: 1869 Luckenbach Mill
Colonial Industrial Quarter
Musikfest Hours: Monday – Thursday, 12-5, Friday – Sunday, 12-7
Cool off at the air-conditioned 1869 Luckenbach Mill and commemorate your Musikfest experience with great souvenirs at our first-floor pop-up store! While you’re here, check out the Lehigh Art Alliance Juried Exhibition, where you’ll enjoy a variety of original two-and three- dimensional works of art by regional artists – all available for purchase! Don’t miss live art demos and vote for your favorite work of art on display.
#5: Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
427 N. New Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Thursday, August 11th, 6-8
Just a stone’s throw away from the PNC Stadt-Platz, the air-conditioned Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts is the perfect place to escape the heat during Design After Dark! During Design After Dark, enjoy a free tour of the special exhibit, A Glimpse Through Glass with curator Brett Peters! Explore a display from contemporary glass artists and step into the glowing glass room. You don’t want to miss this fun photo-op!
#6: Moravian Museum of Bethlehem
66 W. Church Street
Friday – Saturday, 5-6:30
Escape the heat at the air-conditioned 1743 Gemeinhaus with our newest offering, the Love, Lust, and Marriage walking tour, which takes place in the museum, and gives guests an intimate look into what love, courtship and marriage were like in early Moravian Bethlehem! Tickets required for entry.
