Lehigh Valley InSite

Things To Do on Super Sunday

This list is not intended for the sole use of people who don’t care about football. I also dedicate it to all of my friends who are Eagles or Jets fans, who can’t root for either side.

1. Go Skiing It is winter and although your backyard may not have snow the mountains do. Both Bear Creek and Blue Mountain are ready for you to hit the slopes.

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.

2008 Emmaus SnowBlast Winter Festival - ice carving

Let’s face it, this winter in Lehigh Valley has been perfect for Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain Ski Area and for those with plow attachments on their pickup trucks. Unfortunately, I don’t ski, and my little convertible can barely make it out of my ice covered driveway. I officially have cabin fever.

Luckily there are plenty of local indoor attractions to keep even the most active families busy. Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and Lehigh Valley Laser Tag are perfect examples. I wish they were around when my son was a “tween”.

To-do-list-sticky

As I tried to figure out what to write this blog post on, I realized it’s time to make a to-do list. Not only will a list motivate me to go do something in Lehigh Valley, but if I share it with you, I’ll feel a sense of responsibility to follow through with it. (I did it once before and it worked out pretty well.)

If you’re ever looking for things to do in Lehigh Valley, the Lehigh Valley Map & Guide is a great starting off point for ideas. I paged through the proofs for the new Lehigh Valley Map & Guide (which should be here in two weeks!) and found five things I now plan to do during 2011:

Bear Creek Pics 002a

Lehigh Valley is covered in snow, which reminds me of the first time I tried skiing. I was in 7th grade when I signed up to go on a ski trip with my church youth group to Bear Creek Mountain Resort (although back then it was called Doe Mountain). As we pulled up to the base of the mountain, which was brightly lit in the night sky, I was in awe  – although now, with all the terrain parks, halfpipe and massive slope-side resort, it’s even more impressive.

After figuring out how to get those rental boots on, I walked out to the man-made-snow-covered mountain holding my rental skis and polls pointing in all directions. I was wearing jeans, my winter coat, some gloves and an ear-warmer. Looking back, I realize I must’ve looked completely clueless. But, wait, it gets better!

Das Awkscht Fescht

Lehigh Valley is well known for its automotive tradition. This weekend that tradition is at its peak with Das Awkscht Fescht (starting today and running through Sunday).

I am far from being a ‘gearhead’, but this antique auto show is amazing. Nearly 3,000 cars will make their way to Macungie Memorial Park for all or part of the weekend. (Saturday and Sunday, in my opinion, are the best days.)

Keith dorney

The next Lehigh Valley celebrity discovery in honor of our Discover Lehigh Valley contest (share your Lehigh Valley discovery and you could win a $200 Visa gift card) is …

Macungie native, star student-athlete at Emmaus High School, College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former player for the Detroit Lions, Keith Dorney.

Rope tow

Lehigh Valley is covered in snow, which reminds me of the first time I tried skiing. I was in 7th grade when I signed up to go on a ski trip with my church youth group to Bear Creek Mountain Resort (although back then it was called Doe Mountain). As we pulled up to the base of the mountain, which was brightly lit in the night sky, I was in awe  – although now, with all the terrain parks, halfpipe and massive slope-side resort, it’s even more impressive!

After figuring out how to get those rental boots on, I walked out to the man-made-snow-covered mountain holding my pair of rental skis and polls pointing in all directions. I was wearing jeans, my winter coat, some gloves and an ear-warmer. Looking back, I realize I must’ve looked completely clueless! But, wait, it gets better!

Massage 2

OK, I admit I get stressed out sometimes. And when I do, I love to get a massage. While I can’t afford to have one very often, I try to treat myself to one at least twice a year.

My favorite place for a massage in Lehigh Valley has been TC Salon & Spa in Bethlehem. I’ve had massages, pedicures and facials there. I love the feeling of drifting away while a trained professional manipulates my overly tight muscles. Since I tend to hold stress in my neck and shoulders, it hurts so good when the therapist starts applying pressure to those areas.

Giant panda courtesy of national geographic

This is the second in a series of three posts in which I detail my 2009 New Year’s resolutions, which revolve around experiencing more in Lehigh Valley. Click here to view the first post in the series.

I can’t cook a decent meal if my life depended on it, so my boyfriend and I go out to eat at least once a week. So my second New Year’s resolution is to go to five Lehigh Valley restaurants that I’ve never been to before in 2009.