Lehigh Valley InSite

Tilted Kilt

As we enter 2013, I decided to compile yet another list of things that are often overlooked in Lehigh Valley. Sure we have the Sands® Casino Resort Bethlehem, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom along with The Crayola Experience™ and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, but this blog is giving the proverbial “shout out” to the smaller players that make our area so unique. So without further ado here are 10 places that I’m making a point to visit over the course of the year.

10. Dutch Springs Aqua Park – A real treat for those warm summer days.

What's Open on New Year's Eve and Day?

Not everyone rings in the new year or spends New Year’s Day at home. So, for those venturing out to start 2013, we put together a list of Lehigh Valley businesses that will be open on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

If you have any more you’d like to add to the list, please let us know in the comments section below.

What's open in Lehigh Valley on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will surely be filled with time with family, opening presents in pajama pants, eggnog and ham.

However, many people still venture out on one or two of the days and it’s good to know what is open before you find your favorite placed closed for the holiday.

Lehigh Valley Mascots

Lehigh Valley has some adorable mascots already.

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have Ferrous and Fefe.

JustBorn has Mike and Ike and a bunch of PEEPS.

Yocco’s has the Hot Dog King.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort has their big fuzzy bear.

And, now the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team has Dax, a fun looking beaver.

But, what about Lehigh Valley at large? What would be an appropriate, or even just the most fun, mascot that could encapsulate the whole area?

We’re not 100 percent sure, but we did come up with a few, let us know your thoughts.

patti bags notepad

I have to admit…I envy people who shop for Christmas presents all year long, especially those boasting about having everything wrapped as they sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. (You know who you are!) Do they even remember what they bought or are they as surprised as the person getting the gift when it comes time for opening?

This year I did get an early start, December 1st to be exact. My friend Donna (new to Lehigh Valley) and I made it a girl’s day out and headed to the indimade craft market held at the Starlite Ballroom in Allentown. This was my first time attending but they’ve been holding this event for five years. I’ll definitely make sure to go again. This isn’t your “old people sitting in a nursing home knitting sweaters with three arms” kind of craft fair. The vendors all had really cool merchandise, funky re-purposed gift items and, of course, displays of very clever works of art where all you can do is say “why didn’t I think of that?”

Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A fine piece of jewelry from Cleo’s Gallery.

Ok, you get the idea. I’m not going to make you read the whole song, so here is my Twelve Days of Lehigh Valley gifts I’d like to receive boiled down for your reading pleasure …

New Seating at IronPigs' Coca-Cola Park!

Boston’s Fenway Park is iconic for its massive left-field wall known as the “Green Monster.” The wall is feared by players for its home run eating height and loved by fans for its impressive presence.

It’s become a long-time source of pride for fans of the Boston Red Sox, who crowd the seats behind the Monster for each and every game.

Live Like a Local in Lehigh Valley

Live Like a Local in Lehigh Valley

The phrase “Live like a local” means many things to many people who live in Lehigh Valley. Everyone has their own favorite spots, haunts, stomping grounds, breakfast spots, restaurants, events, colleges, you name it. So, we’re going to try to hit as many as possible in our new web series, “Live Like a Local with George.”

Bethlehem's Christmas City Village

An older couple is bundled up with their scarves double wrapped around their necks. It’s chilly and brisk as they look at the fanciful knitted animal hats at Girlfriend’s Boutique’s hut. They try them on and laugh for a second before moseying down past more huts, each time stopping to see what’s inside, to say hello, to enjoy their day.

The couple, like many others on this early December morning, are probably Christmas shopping. However, they are doing so at local vendors, at their own pace, and in one of the most beautiful locales possible.

25 Days of Lehigh Valley Giveaways

25 Days of Lehigh Valley Giveaways will run from today, November 30, through Christmas Eve.

Every day at around Noon, we will be posting a giveaway from a Lehigh Valley business or attraction on Facebook. We’ll ask a question along with that post and will then pick a winner from those who commented.

Please be sure to check our Facebook page every day because if you do not claim your prize within 24 hours it will be sent back to Santa’s workshop. Or just given to a new winner.

Below is a list of all the prizes we will be giving away in no particular order.