Lehigh Valley InSite

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.

SnowBall-2012

Having been born and raised in Lehigh Valley for 43 years, and working for Discover Lehigh Valley for the last 13 years, I’ve been awarded the opportunity to explore quite a few attractions and attend many events. At this point it’s not too often that I can say I did something for a first time in Lehigh Valley; however that was not the case this past Saturday night. For this particular night, that holds true for the location AND the event itself, which is even rarer. So, where’d I go you ask? I attended the 23rd Anniversary Small Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Snow Ball 2012.

This was not your typical monthly mixer by any means. This year, the event took place at University Center at DeSales University, Center Valley. This was a new venue for the event and one of the buildings I had never been to before. As we pulled into the enormous campus there were luminaries that lined the roads to direct the traffic which was a nice touch being that there are so many buildings on campus.

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.

Even though you may think the ski and snowboard season is quickly coming to an end, each year there is one classic event in Lehigh Valley that is not to be missed: pond skimming. My son turned me on to my first Pond Skimming Competition at Blue Mountain Ski Area about two years ago, and now I can’t wait to see it each year.

There are usually a couple hundred people registered, from kids as young as seven to full-grown adults, and there are plenty of spectators too (even a dog or two). The competition is usually sponsored by a local business and they have a semi-professional commentator.

Drinky's Red Bull Rail Jam

Valentine’s Weekend in Lehigh Valley’s Easton was a success from what I could see. They had multiple events taking place on Saturday, 2/12; 2nd Annual Snowflakes for Easton Snow Day, two events at State Theatre, and a Rail Jam.

I happened to be there for the Drinky’s First Annual Red Bull Rail Jam because my son was one of the snowboard competitors, and I was amazed at the crowds that were in Centre Square! It was bitter cold with winds ripping through the town and there were even a few real snowflakes coming down, which made the event seem more authentic. I mean, who would think Center Square in Easton would be home to a “ski slope” with rails? Well, Jack Frost/Big Boulder helped by setting the stage and the city helped by trucking in the snow. Overall I would say the spectators weren’t disappointed, unless they got there late and couldn’t get close enough to see the competition or they couldn’t find a parking spot in the city.

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!

Steve-banner

For those of you NOT familiar with Steve McDaniel, he’s a great musician who plays around Lehigh Valley. I usually try to see Steve perform when he plays at Five Points Inn in Mount Bethel.  I like to go see him there for two reasons:  1) Five Points is ‘small town’ bar; you can walk in there alone and know that within minutes you’ll see someone to talk to, and 2) it’s not a ‘pricey’ place to spend a night out. So last Friday night, a couple friends and I went to see Steve perform solo at Five Points. As usual, I wasn’t disappointed – by the bar or the performer. He even played several of my favorite songs. I can’t wait to see him again (he’ll be back on April 16).

The other highlight of my weekend was Sunday when some friends and I went to Blue Mountain Ski Area, not to ski or board but to watch their annual pond skimming contest. Each competitor receives two tries to get across the ‘pond’ they build just for the occasion. This was my first time to pond skimming at Blue Mountain, but apparently to shake things up this year, they added a ramp, which seemed to work!

Courtesy of us.123rf.com

Lehigh Valley’s ski and snowboard season is quickly coming to a close, much to the dismay of my snowboard-crazy son. Bear Creek Mountain Resort closed last weekend and Blue Mountain Ski Area will be closing this Sunday.

But not before hosting their annual pond skimming contest at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

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!

Tubing at Bear Creek from The Morning Call

Last week I attended a SKAL dinner meeting at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie. But all work and no play makes for a boring life, so I made a point to arrive several hours beforemy meeting to go snowtubing, something I had never done at Bear Creek before.

As I wandered up the pathway from Bear Creek’s beautiful lodge to the tubing park, I glanced at my ticket and realized that the tubing park didn’t open until 5:30 p.m., a good half hour away. Luckily, I ran into some of my fellow meeting folks who were heading to The Grille for cocktails so I joined them. The Grille at Bear Creek is very elegant with a fireplace set directly behind the bar. It has the feeling of an out West kind of place with stone walls throughout.