Lehigh Valley InSite

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.

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.

Sesame Street Live

First you close your eyes, second imagine a place, and third you are there!

Rosie and I attended 1-2-3 Imagine, Sesame Street Live at Stabler Arena this past Friday night.  We brought our friends, Collene and Misty, to share in the magic of using your imagination.

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.

IronPigs

Being the diehard baseball fan that I am, I recently returned from my second annual pilgrimage to Clearwater, Florida to cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies with some friends last weekend. I’ve been a fan of the Phillies for as long as I’ve been alive, and upon working here at Discover Lehigh Valley I made a “discovery” of my own. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs offer even the most discerning fan an affordable alternative to their favorite MLB team with some exciting minor league action.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know that the Lehigh Valley IronPigs are the Triple-A Affiliate of the beasts from the east, the Philadelphia Phillies. If you haven’t been to a game yet, you have no idea what you’re missing.

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.

pond skimming

I want to start by saying that anyone who says there’s nothing to do in Lehigh Valley is crazy! Especially if they say there’s nothing free to do.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort had two, big, free events this past weekend, the cardboard box derby on Saturday and pond skimming on Sunday.

Antique Toy & Collectible Show

This past weekend, the magical world of toys came to Lehigh Valley. This world is unlike any other and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Antique Toy & Collectible Show was held at Merchants Square Mall and it was wonderful. I got to see toys from my childhood, which made me feel old, and then I saw toys from my fathers and grandfather’s childhoods and that made me feel young.

There weren’t just toys either, there were albums and costumes (Mr. Peanut pictured in the Gallery and an Iron Man suit as well), there where parts for old toy cars and kits and parts for track cars.

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.