Lehigh Valley InSite

New-year-resolution-cartoon-1

It was about this time last year when I started coming up with my “Things do in Lehigh Valley” lists. These three lists (Top 5 Plays, Top 5 Restaurants, Top 5 Overall) were my New Year’s resolutions for 2009. Since the year is almost over, I’ve decided to take a look at how I did.

Lehigh Valley Theater: Top 5 Plays for 2009: I was three for five in this category (although one of the plays I planned to attend was actually canceled, so I was actually three for four). Here are my reviews of the performances I saw at three fantastic venues throughout Lehigh Valley:

Blueberry Festival

For the last several years I have been a faithful attendee of the Annual Blueberry Festival at Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem. I first found out about it from a neighbor in my apartment complex when I lived in the city. All it took was one visit and I was hooked!

I think what I like most about this small summer festival is its homey quality. Burnside Plantation is a bit of the countryside in the city. The elaborate gardens surrounding the historic homestead have been meticulously maintained, which makes a beautiful stage for the event. I don’t think most residents even realize Burnside exists since it’s so well camouflaged by trees and the Martin Tower building on 8th Avenue.

Crayola Store

Whenever I’m in Easton, I have to visit The Crayola Store at Two River’s Landing, Lehigh Valley’s most colorful retail outlet. Just walking through the doors puts a smile on my face!

I love to watch families marveling at the world’s largest crayon then searching for that perfect souvenir to bring home after their factory tour. I usually seem to find something I’d like to buy too.

2009 post-it

This is the final post in my 2009 New Year’s resolution series, which revolves around experiencing more in Lehigh Valley. Previous installments include the Top 5 Plays for 2009 and the Top 5 Restaurants for 2009.

I’ve lived in this area for 28 years now (I just celebrated my birthday on Friday), and I’m amazed how many things there are to do in Lehigh Valley that I didn’t know about. So my final resolution for 2009 is to experience five new things to do in Lehigh Valley.