Lehigh Valley InSite

happy mother's day

Ok, I admit it. I’m the mother of an 18 year old. I find that hard to believe because I really don’t feel that old. I still remember putting him on the kindergarten bus and yet next month he will be graduating from high school. It brings both tears of sadness and joy to my eyes. For those of you who think it’s over once your kid turns 18, ummm, let me tell you, it’s far from over. It may be a new chapter, but their need for their parents is probably just beginning, especially the way the world is today.

So, with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend and my son taking on a new chapter of his life, I’m thinking my time is coming for some awesome “payback” gifts to come. Not that his handmade cards and gifts weren’t the best. I’ve loved each and every one of them and still have plenty of them around the house. I would love even more just spending some quality time with him. I’m lucky if I get a, “hi mom” out of him anymore. It’s usually, “I need money.” Oh the joys of motherhood!

Lunch Gems

As part of my job, I attend trade shows and conventions all over the United States. One of my favorite parts of traveling is having lunch in local restaurants in each city I visit.

After a recent trip to Las Vegas, I got thinking about some of my favorite local Lehigh Valley lunch spots. I put together a list of some of my favorite spots and recommendations when visiting.

Cali Burrito

Cali Burrito is located on Hamilton Boulevard, just down from Dorney Park, across from the (now closed) Burger King. With an extensive menu of Mexican delight it’s hard to think of a better place to go in the Valley.

With that said, here are the top five things to get at Cali Burrito. You’ll notice that they’re not all food items…

Snickers Cupcake

Last night I was scanning through the TV Guide Channel and noticed that there was a new episode of Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. Normally this wouldn’t be worth mentioning, but Sunday’s episode featured a contestant from Lehigh Valley. Blondies of Catasauqua was one of 4 contestants competing in this unique competition. Unfortunately, Rebecca was knocked out in the second round, but it was not a reflection of the quality of her cupcakes. The judges felt her entries lacked the decorations other contestants used.

While it was great to see Blondies on The Food Network, I am happier to say they are a Lehigh Valley business. My wife and I have been ordering from Blondies for several months and have tried a wide variety of flavors. Our top 5 cupcakes are:

Sugars Stage & Spirits

I can’t even count how many times I’ve written a post about a cool local pub in Lehigh Valley only to follow with “I wish this place was in my neighborhood.” Well, after years of my beloved local pub, the Klecknersville Hotel being shuttered, Kim Kerstetter came to the rescue and re-opened the old stone structure as Sugars Stage & Spirits (658 Point Phillips Rd, Bath, PA 18014) Thanks, Kim!

Some changes were made to the interior, such as the much needed kitchen expansion and subsequent move of the pool table to another room. The furnishings and art work are way funkier that the old K-ville hotel, too, but you just can’t take the history out of an old building like this one. It still has the “neighborhood watering-hole” vibe, like on “Cheers”.

Sushi at Ichiban

My old college roommates and I couldn’t wait to get together for a girls only weekend, so I immediately jumped into planning mode. Being close to nightlife, shopping, and food were a must, and since I’m getting familiar with Lehigh Valley, why not bring it to Bethlehem?

The Comfort Suites Bethlehem seemed like the best option, and thanks to their help, we had a great suite with two queen beds, a sitting area, and a fridge and microwave (thank goodness, because I am the queen of leftovers). It was spacious, our beds were comfortable, and the front desk attendants were more than welcoming. Just a little tip: the hotel has hot breakfast, allows furry friends, and has a free shuttle to Sands Casino.

Old Forge, Pa pizza

This pizza discussion was such a topic of conversation in our office and in a past blog that I decided to bring it back.

“Remember you can’t eat meat on Friday.”  Growing up these words were often overheard throughout my house during Lent.  Being a native of the Scranton area (Blakely exactly) I had the privilege of some of the greatest pizza in the world.  For anyone who disagrees, next time in the Scranton, PA area take a trip down Main St in Old Forge and grab yourself a tray (yes,  “Scrantonites” call it a tray).  Let me know what you think.

1999 Anchor Steam

I’ve been meaning to visit the Farmhouse for quite some time, pretty much since I started working at Discover Lehigh Valley. Since the Farmhouse recently made the 100 Best Beer Bars in America list, it was high time I go.

Out of curiosity, I scoped out the beer list for the highest priced bottle they had. It was a 4L bottle of Dock Street, which would set someone back a cool $500. Mind you, this is a bottle of beer.

Sitting Area

I’m always looking for creative ways to show my valentine how much I love him (and how awesome I am), so this year, I decided to take him on a weekend long getaway in Lehigh Valley. There’s nothing more romantic than a bed and breakfast, and the Lafayette Inn in Easton seemed like just the place. I spent a few weeks planning, so naturally something had to go wrong. It turned out we wouldn’t be able to check in until after 1 am, but after a frantic phone call, someone calmly assured me that it was no trouble.

She gave me the front door code, left our key and a lovely note on the table, and we were set. Everything was gorgeous of course, from the parlor to the grand staircase. Our room, Room 10, even had its own fireplace, perfect for a chilly weekend. The huge bathroom and soaking tub in that room is described as “every girl’s dream”, and that is 100% correct, as I dreamed about it for probably a week before arriving.  Even better, there was hot breakfast every morning and a wine and cheese reception every afternoon.

Mayflower

Mayflower is a small restaurant located on Broad Street in Bethlehem, a few block down from KNBT and several blocks up from Historic Bethlehem. If you blink, you’ll miss it. Actually, you’ve most likely driven past in a zillion times and have had no clue.

When deciding where to go for lunch today Marc asked, “Have you ever been to Mayflower?” Me: “No.” Marc, “Well that’s where we’ll go!” As he took off in a light sprint – this could have been out of excitement or to dodge oncoming traffic. Turns out they don’t take cards there, so that KNBT came in handy because I never have cash. Yep, no cash on this girl, no sense in trying to rob me. Ever.