Lehigh Valley InSite

Otters at the Lehigh Valley Zoo

The first question friends and family had when I told them that we were taking the kids to the Lehigh Valley Zoo was, “Where?”

Now, I’m making sure they all know about one of the valley’s truly hidden treasures.

The Green Pepper

Recently the weather in Lehigh Valley has been perfect for outdoor dining and Tuesday was no exception. So when my wife suggested we meet up with some friends for dinner, my first thought was The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

The four of us discussed several options including The Pita Pit, Pandini’s and White Orchids. After several minutes of discussion, we decided we were in the mood for something new and were going to try The Green Pepper.

The Great Allentown Fair

The Great Allentown Fair opens it’s gates tomorrow in Lehigh Valley. I know, I know, there are those of you ready to get your Fair on at this very moment! I’m one of you.

But, to those of you who aren’t ready to get your Fair on. For those of you who just recovered from Musikfest and aren’t sure if you want to take the plunge into another fair or festival, I submit to you, the following.

Experiencing Crayola

Forget everything your mother told you about writing on the walls.

Unless, of course, Mom was one of those free-spirited types who didn’t worry about your wax-based artwork covering each inch of her home.

Barenaked Ladies

The first adventure of my jam packed weekend was to rock out to Barenaked Ladies at Sands Event Center. When my girlfriend purchased tickets to see her favorite band she didn’t realize that three other bands were playing too.

Let me tell you, she was pumped to find out that Big Head Todd & The Monsters were playing, along with Blues Traveler.

Happy Birthday, Megan!

What do Kenny Rogers, Usain Bolt, Kim Cattrall and Count Basie have in common with ‘ill old me?

That’s right we were all born on this day, August 21! Kenny Rogers is probably singing “The Gambler” somewhere and Usain Bolt is probably running somewhere but not me, I’m celebrating my birthday in my own special way around Lehigh Valley.

Long Rifle Museum

I recently had the pleasure of attending one of Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Women in Nazareth Networking” luncheons held on the grounds of Jacobsburg Historical Society.

The weather was perfect and the setting itself, the backyard of the John Joseph Henry house, was so peaceful it was tough to go back to work after the program.

And we did.

There were plenty of options this year at Musikfest. There always are. Throughout the ‘fest we’ve documented our travels starting with this great video of the Slicked Up 9′s playing at the Musikfest Cafe opening night.

We also hit up the Young the Giant show, not a bad way to start the festing, and we weren’t done yet.

Train Display

Lehigh Valley has been so consumed with coverage of the construction at Phantoms Arena that many people haven’t heard about Allentown’s newest attraction. The Model Train Exhibit at the Merchants Square Mall recently opened their doors in Allentown.

This display (nicknamed the 8th Wonder of the World Attraction) opened in July and has already amazed thousands of visitors. The one of a kind exhibit features over 40 trains and 18,000 feet of track.

Lehigh Valley Polish Water Ice

Since the beginning of time there have always been rivalries. Competition is healthy and good for everyone. Lehigh Valley is no different. From Lehigh and Lafayette, to Easton and Phillipsburg, to the cities of Allentown and Bethlehem, these battles still surge. Now comes the biggest of them all (insert sarcasm here), the battle for water ice supremacy.

That’s right, water ice. A few weeks back the Morning Call chronicled the war between underdog, Lehigh Valley Polish Water Ice (LVPWI), and goliath, Rita’s.