Lehigh Valley InSite

Incubus

Last night, Kate and I went to see Incubus for the first-ever concert at the new Sands Bethlehem Event Center. (Kim was there too, but she was with the other big cheeses up in the VIP suites.) We stopped by McGrady’s beforehand to get dinner, fuel up and grab a few pints, then made the short trek over to the Sands property. We found it easiest to park in the deck and venture through the casino and the Shoppes to get in line for the show, along with hundreds of other fans.

Some of us from work got the chance to tour the venue a few weeks ago so we were already familiar with the layout and space. This came in handy when we were ducking and weaving through the massive crowd in order to get to a good spot. I hadn’t listened to Incubus much in the last few years, but I used to be a huge fan so I knew most of the songs they played last night. Here’s a short clip from when they performed “Pardon Me,” my all-time favorite Incubus song. It’s not the best quality, but you get the idea.

VeloFest 2012

On the morning of Cinco de Mayo, I attended VeloFest at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. It was and most likely will remain the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. And it’s right here on the west side of Lehigh Valley in Trexlertown, Pa.

I showed up 15 minutes before the gates opened and the line was already snaking through the parking lots. There was the smell of someone cooking breakfast on a grill, the smell of bacon is just good. Anyway, there’s no shock at the line or interest, as I mentioned before the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. This is a big deal.

Relay For Life

On April 29, I participated in a little thing called Relay For Life. Ok, it’s not a little thing; it’s a very big thing, event, for a great reason. For those of you who are unaware, Relay For Life is cancer fundraising event operated through the American Cancer Society with events all over the world (I believe, don’t quote me). Typically these events held overnight, over a span of 24 hours with food, entertainment, tents, a survivor lap and never a dull moment.

With a little bit of research, you’ll come to find that there are several in Lehigh Valley. This particular event was held at Scotty Wood Stadium, located on Muhlenberg College’s campus, which is literally in my backyard.

happy mother's day

Ok, I admit it. I’m the mother of an 18 year old. I find that hard to believe because I really don’t feel that old. I still remember putting him on the kindergarten bus and yet next month he will be graduating from high school. It brings both tears of sadness and joy to my eyes. For those of you who think it’s over once your kid turns 18, ummm, let me tell you, it’s far from over. It may be a new chapter, but their need for their parents is probably just beginning, especially the way the world is today.

So, with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend and my son taking on a new chapter of his life, I’m thinking my time is coming for some awesome “payback” gifts to come. Not that his handmade cards and gifts weren’t the best. I’ve loved each and every one of them and still have plenty of them around the house. I would love even more just spending some quality time with him. I’m lucky if I get a, “hi mom” out of him anymore. It’s usually, “I need money.” Oh the joys of motherhood!

Arts Ovation Lunch

This past Thursday I had the pleasure of attending Allentown Arts Commission’s 24th annual Arts Ovation Awards Luncheon held at the Holiday Inn Center City Allentown. The arts hold a prominent place in Lehigh Valley culture and collectively make our job promoting the region that much easier.

I was glad to see the program insert listed all past recipients. This year’s honorees join an impressive “who’s-who” list in Lehigh Valley’s art world. The ballroom was packed with those happy to applaud the 2012 winners and their contributions. Entertained was provided by Dieruff High School’s Jazz Band and Civic Theatre.

Event Center VIP Suites

Some of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to tour the all new Sands® Bethlehem Event Center last week. The venue is sure to impress.

Without giving too much away, the color and décor leads to the upscale feel that I’m sure they were going after.

Dinosaurs Alive

Last week, a few of us from Discover Lehigh Valley got a chance to tour the newest exhibit at Dorney Park: Dinosaurs Alive! I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but no matter how ready I was, I still think it would have totally blown my mind when I saw these dinosaurs up close.

The entrance reminded me of a scene from Jurassic Park, with the entrance gated off right next to their iconic roller coaster, Steel Force. Dinosaurs Alive! consists of 30 life-size dinosaurs, each of which has information listed detailing where they came from and fun facts about their diet and habitat. Some of the stations even had interactive outlines of the dinosaur complete with buttons that would move the corresponding body part, depending on what you pushed.

VeloFestLogo2012

Sure, the middle of March felt like the middle of Summer and the weather in April has been erratic at best, but I promise Summer is right around the corner. In fact, we’re giving away five passes to VeloFest 2012 on May 5th. Yeah, that’s right… start your Cinco de Mayo off right with largest outdoor cycling marketplace in the country!

So in preparation for this VeloFest and this coming season, I invite you to take a look back with me.

workout station

This week I started a new kind of blog post. My goal was for a “Where in the World is Waldo” type of guessing game. I posted a picture (see main picture) of a Lehigh Valleylocation and gave a few clues to help you out. My two clues from this week were:

1. This workout station is within a short walking distance of a multitude of colors and sweet fragrances come summertime.

The Piano Men

I was able to kill two birds with one stone this past weekend, so to speak; finally visiting the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton to see a concert while at the same time securing a pretty awesome birthday present for my mom (which is today, so everyone make sure you mentally wish her a happy birthday).

I had never made it to experience a show at the State Theatre before this, but I can assure you that this won’t be my last time there.