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Discover Lehigh Valley Press Release: Spring has Sprung in Lehigh Valley: Top Attractions for a Weekend Getaway
April 23rd, 2019
From gusty winds and rain showers to bright and calm sunny days, spring weather patterns are certainly unpredictable. So, why not plan your next getaway to a destination that offers attractions perfect for spring’s unruly weather? Discover Lehigh Valley®, the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, shares the region’s most unique indoor and outdoor attractions for spring travels.
“It’s a welcomed change to witness the first blooms and hear birds chirping while strolling along the charming city centers across Lehigh Valley. The region offers endless opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beautiful weather, while also finding an inside escape when storms creep in,” said Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “A quick drive from major metropolitan areas, Lehigh Valley is home to world-known Historic Bethlehem, America’s favorite guitar brand, the country’s oldest continuous open-air market and more attractions perfect for seasonal travels.”
Create a spring weekend getaway with these seven Discover Lehigh Valley recommendations:
- Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and Main Street Bethlehem – Take a warm weather stroll down history lane with a walking tour of Bethlehem, Pa. Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage Designation, Historic Bethlehem is rich with stories of European influences that made their mark on colonial America before growing into a city that embraces tradition and life. After enjoying the sites, stroll down Main Street Bethlehem to visit dozens of restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
- Crayola Experience™ – When April showers pop up, discover Lehigh Valley’s most colorful attraction! At the Crayola Experience, families become immersed in a world of color and creativity. Overflowing with four floors of 25+ colorful, hands-on activities, including the Stomp and Play interactive floor, Crayon Factory Show, Adventure Lab, Water Works, and Silly Selfies Station, families can spend a full day fostering creativity and encouraging their budding artists.
- Lehigh Valley Covered Bridges – Enjoy the charm and tranquility of Lehigh Valley’s country roads by exploring the region’s seven covered bridges originally built in the 1800s. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is approximately 50 miles long and allows visitors to travel back in time during a leisurely drive. Surrounded by lush, green landscapes, the beautiful red, wooden covered bridges provide the perfect backdrop for a scenic hike, picnic, or colorful photo opportunity.
- National Museum of Industrial History – In the heart of Lehigh Valley’s iconic former Bethlehem Steel complex sits the National Museum of Industrial History. Recently opened, the Smithsonian Museum affiliate is housed in the 18,000 square foot former Bethlehem Steel Electrical Repair Shop. As visitors explore the historic structure, they will be in awe of artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History while learning about the connections between America’s industrial past and the innovations of tomorrow. After exploring the museum, get outside to walk the Hoover-Mason Trestle which weaves among the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel.
- Martin Guitar Factory Tour and Museum – Fulfil a music lover’s dream in Lehigh Valley! Perfect for a rainy spring day, experience the Martin Guitar Factory Tour and Museum by getting a behind-the-scenes look of local skilled craftsmen and women creating the iconic guitars. Following the tour, enjoy The Pickin’ Parlor, a private room where guests can play limited edition guitars, and the Play Me Wall to test the new factory offerings.
- Lehigh Valley Handcrafted Libations – Whether searching for a serene date spot or outdoor patio to relax with friends, Lehigh Valley is home to handcrafted libations. The Lehigh Valley Ale Trail offers craft brews infused with locally-grown ingredients and unique flavor profiles. If a crisp or robust wine is preferred, enjoy the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, a collection of family-owned vineyards and wineries, and sample award-winning wines made from a variety of grapes, including the region’s signature Chambourcin. If taste palates are stronger, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail with spirits from local distillers Social Still, Eight Oaks, Triple Sun, and Xplorer Spirits.
- Fresh and Vibrant Farmer’s Markets – Grab colorful spring flowers and fresh, seasonal strawberries, green beans and corn at Lehigh Valley’s favorite farmer’s markets. Open year-round and sitting in the town’s beautiful Centre Square amidst rolling farmland, the Easton Farmer’s Market is the oldest continuous open-air market in the country, dating back to the 1700s. Today, the producer-only market features more than 33 vendors selling locally grown goods. Located steps away, visitors must stop by the Easton Public Market for a different experience. The indoor market features artisan cheese, local and sustainably-grown produce, a noodle bar, wood-fired pizza, and more!
