Lehigh Valley InSite

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.

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.

Opening Night - The Late Innings

Opening Night - The Late Innings

Last week, I had a Lehigh Valley baseball lover’s dream week. I was at our beloved Coca-Cola Park four days last week. I don’t think weeks get any better than that (at least not for a baseball fan). Oh, and did I mention that the IronPigs are 2-0 on the season, very much the same start I had in attending games to start last season.

PEEPS

Easter will be here this weekend and I couldn’t think of a better time to “get down with the Peeps” that are made right here in Lehigh Valley, Pa. I have written a previous post about all the crazy people out there that are obsessed with this treat, but in keeping with the holiday spirit I simply couldn’t resist writing more. Plus, I just happened to catch a clip of David Letterman’s “Top Ten List” that was done this past Tuesday night. I mean, it’s not every day that Lehigh Valley’s city of Bethlehem gets featured on national television with the “Top Ten Questions Received by the Marshmallow Peeps Hotline.”  That’s when I really felt compelled to do some more research and publish some of the new things I found on this famous candy. Here’s what I found:

I’ve found that people appear to love the Peep or are just so obsessed that they create competitions, events and movies around them:

Jordan Parkway in the Sun

Winter has officially ended. Wait, did it ever really begin this year in Lehigh Valley? The region definitely had a very mild winter which was a blessing for some and a curse for others. The curse came to the ski areas located to the north and south of Lehigh Valley. Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton was able to remain open through this past weekend which was pretty amazing and goes to show that you really don’t need the natural stuff to fall in order to ski, tube or board. Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie was able to stay open to the week prior, which again made those winter sport enthusiasts happy campers.

I, on the other hand, do not really enjoy the cold winters. Sure, I love to see the snow fall, but I’d be happy doing that from my front bow window at home. I’m definitely excited that today is the first day of spring and temperatures this week in Lehigh Valley are going to be amazing.

Hot Tamales Dispenser

My wife and I paid our first visit to the Shoppes at Sands last week. Okay, I’ll be honest, we really went to go to Peeps and Company, the other stores were an afterthought. This is Just Born’s third Peeps and Company location and we had visited the location at National Harbor in Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

After a warm welcome by the staff and a taste of a Peepster (Vanilla cream inside a dark or milk chocolate shell), we explored. There were all things Peeps, Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews. There’s clothing, plush peeps, books, toys and a lot more. The back wall is a huge dispenser for various flavors of Mike and Ike and increasing “heat” of Hot Tamales.

Blue Mountain

Recently, as part of a work project, I had the luxury of taking a ski lesson at Blue Mountain Ski Area. The last and only time I’ve gone skiing was back in the fifth grade, yet I wasn’t nervous. After speaking with a few individuals on staff, the verdict was in; skiing is just like riding a bike. They were right and good thing because the older you get the more likely you are to shatter like glass when you fall…ok I’m not that old, not even close, that only happens when you’re 90 or older.

The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly, so it’s easy to get yourself set up and situated for the first time. In the rental shop, there are several computers to enter your information and like a maze you quickly make your way through grabbing boots, skis and poles.

LVGP Racing - Not me, just a stock photo

He’s off and flyin’ as he guns the car around the track He’s jammin’ down the pedal like he’s never comin’ back Adventure’s waitin’ just ahead… Go Speed Racer!

On Tuesday, right after a stimulating staff meeting at Discover Lehigh Valley, I took a short drive over to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown for my first ever indoor racing experience. This was my first time at LVGP, but I had driven their outdoor counterparts before and I figured I was somewhat prepared.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort

Sometimes after-hour work functions can be the death of you. After a long day at the office and not-so pleasant weather conditions, the last thing you want to do is head out for some “rubbery banquet chicken.” While the weather may have been a little less than desirable with fog that had overcome Lehigh Valley last week, I was super excited to head to a dinner function for an event that I am vice president of: SKAL of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Why was I so excited? Because the event was being hosted at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie and it is absolutely a gorgeous facility.

2012 - To Do List

In 2012, one of my personal New Year’s resolutions is to travel more. Another resolution is just the opposite; to stick closer to home and get to the events that are happening right in my backyard.

With that, here are my top 5 things that I’m looking forward to this year in Lehigh Valley.