Lehigh Valley InSite

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

I currently live in Bucks County, so you’d think 5 days a week of commuting up here might be enough, but I find myself venturing up this way pretty much every weekend too. It’s not like I don’t enjoy my area, don’t get me wrong…

But after writing about all the events that are going on in Lehigh Valley, it’s only right to come back up on the weekends and experience them first hand.

Vynecrest Winery - Credit Hub Wilson 005

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit several Lehigh Valley attractions on a familiarization tour with a bus full of people who were visiting the region. Everyone aboard the bus is responsible for planning group getaways for their area (Shamokin, Pa.).

The day was very busy, it started with a tour of the Martin Guitar Factory and Museum, followed by Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The last stop was Vynecrest Winery and it was the perfect way to end the tour.

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For some people the first sure sign of spring is seeing a robin. For others it’s a patch of crocus peeking through the ground. For me, it’s having friends and family gathered at my house about to embark on our yearly tradition…Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s March Madness Passport Program.

Friday night I pulled the pile of passports out of the drawer where they had been stored since Thanksgiving, then set out my wine socks, bracelet, earrings and pins. I’ve waited all year for this and I was READY!

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market 3

The older I get, the more I’ve come to appreciate things that are handmade, especially those items made locally. Whenever I can, I try to buy things from local places as opposed to the chain stores. That’s not to say you won’t see me at the Lehigh Valley Mall or The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. I love those places too. But I’ve come to value the person behind the product; to meet the lady that bakes the pies, grows the vegetables or makes the homemade soaps.

This Saturday, November 20, is your chance to do the same on “Buy Local Day,” also known as “America Unchained” day. It’s part of a national campaign to get people to consider shopping in their own downtowns from locally owned and operated stores, shops and restaurants. They predict that if all of us would purchase our goods locally for just one day, it would have a considerable impact on local economies all over the country.

Sorrenti cherry valley vineyards

Thanksgiving is just a week away, which means I need to get out to Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards in Saylorsburg pronto! Let me explain why.

For many years I’d ask my sister Kathy what I should bring for Thanksgiving dinner and she’d always answer “Just yourselves.” Regardless, I’d still try to think of something that would survive the 90-minute drive and be ready to serve…WINE!

Galen Glen - Credit Hub Wilson 027

A couple years ago, my friends and I attended Nouveau Weekend at three Lehigh Valley wineries for the first time. Considering the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will be celebrating Nouveau Weekend this weekend, November 20 – 21, I figured a look back at my inaugural experience was warranted … especially since I won’t be making it this year given that Rosie is still a good 19 years away from the legal drinking age.

We did the Northern part of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, stopping at Franklin Hill Vineyards, Sorrenti’s Cherry Valley Vineyards and Big Creek Vineyard. Each winery had their new harvest wine and a food pairing.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

By now I think everyone is sick of winter. Personally, I can’t wait for spring to arrive in Lehigh Valley. This month, though, I get to enjoy my annual “first official springtime” activity, Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s March Madness Passport Program!

I’ve told you about my yearly pilgrimage through the countryside to sample (and buy!) wines from our nine local wineries before. Since this event is sold out every year, I figured I’d tell you about the next event they will host so you can plan ahead.

Vynecrest wine

OK. I admit it. I like a glass of wine every now and then. OK … more like a couple times a week. I’m not a big spender when it comes to wine but I know what I like. Usually I check out the “specials” section of the local liquor store and am drawn to anything under $10 with a pretty label. I’m such a girl.

Anyway, when I want to treat myself, I head out to Vynecrest in Breinigsville, just outside of Allentown. They make a sweet and tart cherry wine that is awesome. It’s not the kind of thing you drink with a meal. It’s a dessert wine called Cherry DiVyne.

Chambourcin

Thinking back on my past Sunday, I can't believe Don and I did so much in one day. For starters, I slept late (yay!). Then we decided to hit a few of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail vineyards; it was Chambourcin Weekend celebrating the grape that grows best in Lehigh Valley.

On the way to our first winery, Vynecrest, we stopped at an open house at the beautiful stone home for sale next to Lucky Strokes on Airport Road. I decided that if I win the lottery, I'll buy it!

Steam train

Last Sunday, Don and I along with his sister Joan and husband George got together to try something different, the Delaware River Railroad Excursions’ Winery Train.

The steam locomotive (pictured) looks really old so I was surprised to see it was made in 1988…and in China! Our riding car, however, was from the 50s, complete with vintage teal seats. As we headed down the track, I couldn’t help but wish a train ride was part of my daily commute. It is soooo relaxing!