Lehigh Valley InSite

Bowling

The forecast was not pleasant for Lehigh Valley last night, with thunderstorms and tornado warnings flashing on tv screens…but we still wanted to do something fun. So why not bowling? Why not.

So down to the Emmaus Bowling Center we went, not knowing what would happen. I mean, the last time we went bowling was in our living room, or at least someone’s living room on the Wii.

Iron Pigs

I’m a baseball fanatic. I have my Major League allegiances and a few Fantasy Baseball allegiances, but that doesn’t take away from my local love for our Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

A few weeks ago I was ready to see my first game of the season, but the weather had other plans for me. No game, just rain. That’s fine; I had tickets for the April 11th game. It’s one I won’t soon forget.

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Goodbye, cruel winter. I won’t miss you, other than the fact that you put snow on the ground so I can shred some slopes (this year I only managed to shred my knee).

Hello Spring! And what’s that you’re bringing with you? It’s Baseball season!

SteelHawks

This past Saturday night I witnessed Stabler Area come alive with the sound of thunder stix as the Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks had their home debut against the Richmond Revolution. I had great seats near the 5 yard line, which allowed me to view the fast-paced and high scoring action up close. But it’s not just about football.

I’d compare it to the Ironpigs, this is a family atmosphere (a loud one). They have on field contests of spin the bat races and musical chairs. During some of the pregame, two coaches got pies in their faces and at halftime there was a field goal kicking contest, for those of you thinking that it’d be easy, their goal posts aren’t as wide as you’ve come to see in the NFL or college football.

Allentown Muni Golf Image

The weather finally broke for a day this past Saturday in Lehigh Valley and my golfing buddies everywhere were ringing each other up to play Allentown Municipal Golf Course.  Slash contacted me… I contacted Bird… Jackie reached out to Bob “O”… Before anyone knew it we had 16 guys ready to play on Saturday morning.  Friday night was like Christmas Eve… didn’t sleep all that much in anticipation of the following morning’s round.  Showing up early enough to get good and loose on the range, which took much more time than it did at the end of last season… a year older… hopefully a year wiser in many respects.

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.

Stay & Play Golf Image

Each year around this time Discover Lehigh Valley heads out to the two North Coast Golf Shows in the Mid-Atlantic area to promote its Lehigh Valley Stay & Play Golf Packages. My personal experience at this year’s shows at the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ and at the Greater Oaks, PA Expo Center reinforced the fact that Lehigh Valley has a ton to offer when it comes to golf. While golfers of all ages attended both shows, it’s my recollection that the Greater Oaks, PA golf show really impressed as far as overall attendance and in the amount of Lehigh Valley information we handed out.

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.

Hops Fogelsville Hotel Logo

For those of you who know me, you know that I am a huge Steelers fan. Yes, I am still mourning over their Super Bowl appearance, but that won’t stop me from watching them next year.

The Friday before the Super Bowl, my girlfriend and I headed out for a happy hour at a place that I hadn’t been to in over 20 years; the Hops Fogelsville Hotel. It’s located on the western side of Lehigh Valley close to one of my of my other favorite places … Glasbern Inn.

For the past six years that I’ve worked at Discover Lehigh Valley, roughly two of those years I’ve spent writing for Lehigh Valley Insite.

But today will be my final blog post. I thought the best way to end would be with a Top 5 list of my personal favorite blog posts.