Lehigh Valley InSite

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.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Yesterday, a few of us from Discover Lehigh Valley stopped by Coca-Cola Park for a preview of the progress on the brand new Red Robin Tiki Terrace and Oasis, the latest addition to the home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The new tropical-themed seating and concession area will feature 48 seats (4 rows of 12) reserved for group seating. You can view the photos below in the gallery.

The most interesting part of the new construction is that the first row of the Tiki Terrace actually hangs over the wall in left field, a feature that is uncommon in any ball park, especially in the minor leagues. The Tiki Terrace will be reserved for groups that range between 48-64 people, offering full bar service and a tropical themed menu that includes Pineapple Pork Skewers and Kahlua Chicken Skewers.

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.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

This blog post is hot off the press. I just got back to the office from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Awards. I haven’t seen so many suits in a room since…well, last year’s event. Let’s just say it would make many a dry cleaner smile. Lunch is served but that’s not the reason local business leaders pile into Stabler Arena every year. It’s all about the networking.

With almost 1,000 people in attendance it is amazing how few people are new faces, maybe that’s because I’ve been going to this Election Day event for nine years. After much coaxing by the chamber staff, eventually everyone takes their seats and digs in to their boxed lunch to see what “culinary delights” are inside. Like I said, the lunch isn’t why we go.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to spend a day showing off Lehigh Valley to a member of the media from Scranton, Christopher J. Hughes, who is also a close friend.

He was here to complement his story on the SWB Yankees. He’d been hearing about our beautiful Coca-Cola Park from me since it opened including the great atmosphere and the success of the IronPigs. The SWB Yankees are hoping to remedy some of their issues with their new stadium, scheduled to open for the 2013 season.

IronPigs Bring Home the Bacon

The first playoff series for the IronPigs brought out the best baseball fandom Lehigh Valley has to offer!

I was there both nights, but don’t take my word for it!

Check out some of my favorite tweets from local IronPigs fans…

Anthony Recker

Back in 1999, when people listened to Mambo No. 5 and Apple’s stock price was $42 a share, I played baseball as a senior at Salisbury High School. We faced some good players in Lehigh Valley at the time, including a big kid from Northwestern High School who threw 90 mph and was drafted by the Mets. But the best player in the area was an overgrown sophomore catcher from Catasauqua named Anthony Recker.

Even as a sophomore, Recker was a force. He could hit, mash for power, and no one dared run on his arm. One look at the darts he threw to second base during warm ups at the start of every inning was like a warning sign to the opposing team – don’t even THINK about stealing today.

Clams

Where can you get decent clams in the Valley? I’ll tell you where, Stahley’s! I had a business meeting last week and we chose to meet at Stahley’s, great choice. I was hungry for clams from the time that I found out we were going, until the time we arrived.

So what did I order for lunch? Tacos. Yes, tacos, I went against my gut instinct of clams. The only mistake in my decision was ordering two tacos, when one was plenty. Plus, I missed clam night, which is Wednesday, so I felt it just wouldn’t be right to order them on a Thursday. You may also call that an excuse I made so that I return next Wednesday night.

Photo

Here’s a list of my 5 favorite beer destinations in Lehigh Valley. Of course, your tastebuds and mine will undoubtedly differ, but maybe this list will help point your thirst in the right direction one evening.

Fegley’s Brew Works (Allentown & Bethlehem) – Two of my favorite places to be in Lehigh Valley, period. I love the atmosphere and ambiance that both Brew Works buildings have (I haven’t been to Brew Works on the Green yet). There’s an appreciation for the architecture here, but most importantly the beer. The bartenders are enthusiastic and willing to offer advice and tastes to make sure you’re satisfied.