Lehigh Valley InSite

America on Wheels

Why are dads seemingly always much harder to buy for than moms? Is it because moms like more stuff or because dads always seem to have what they want?

I think it’s because dads generally don’t want a big fuss made about them, even on Father’s Day. So, it may be difficult to figure out just what to get the guy who probably doesn’t want you to get him anything.

Ultimate Lehigh Valley Experience

See the Lehigh Valley like never before! Starting with June’s Ultimate Crayola Experience and going through May 2014 with the Ultimate Dorney Experience we’re giving away 12 one-of-a-kind experiences in Lehigh Valley, Pa. These experiences are actually prize packages that include prizes that you either wouldn’t be able to purchase as a regular consumer, or are a combination of prizes that include multiple venues and give, well, the ultimate Lehigh Valley experience.

Entry is easy. It’s just a simple form. There are only three months active at one time. If you visit the site right now, you can enter for June, July and August. If September is something you’d really like to win, you can mark your calendar or enter your email address in the “remind me” form and we’ll let you know when it’s open for entry.

Guestagrammer Jim Gavenus

The next participant in our Guestagram Series takes us out “west” to Berks County and western Lehigh County.  Jim Gavenus lives Lenhartsville, Pa.,  about 20 miles west of Allentown and a nice day trip on a sunny weekend.

In our Guestagram Series, a local photographer takes over our account for a few days to showcase their work and their take on the great area we live in.

March Madness Picnic Tote

March Madness Picnic Tote

I remember when March was the stepchild of the calendar. It didn’t have gift-giving holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day or picnics and parties like Independence Day or Halloween.

What's Open on New Year's Eve and Day?

Not everyone rings in the new year or spends New Year’s Day at home. So, for those venturing out to start 2013, we put together a list of Lehigh Valley businesses that will be open on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

If you have any more you’d like to add to the list, please let us know in the comments section below.

Galen Glen on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

It was Chambourcin weekend on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail this past weekend and what a glorious weekend it was!  We had absolutely no permanent plans other than some minor projects around the house this past weekend, so when I mentioned to my husband it was Chambourcin weekend he was excited! Of course he was out of his favorite Chambourcin wine from Galen Glen Winery.

We seem to be busy every year on this weekend so this was a special treat for us, and on top of it all, it was a beautiful sunny fall day. With our neighbor friends in tow we hopped in the car and took off for Galen Glen winery in Andreas, PA. The leaves were a little past their prime, more orange colors than red in the trees but still a beautiful show of fall leaves. I would have to say Galen Glen is one of our favorite wineries with a wonderful panoramic gorgeous view!

Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery

The past two weekends were great for people who like visiting and having a great time at Lehigh Valley wineries. The weekend before last, the Large Flowerheads Trio played in the Vyneskeller at Vynecrest. The place was packed with people singing and playing tambourines along with the band as they went through the hits of the sixties and seventies. Of course, wine and snacks were available for purchase. Three of the four of us split a bottle of Vynecrest’s Pinot Grigio – a great pick! Three hours of the Flowerheads along with wine makes for a perfectly good Saturday afternoon. The folks at Vynecrest are having entertainment on a regular basis.

The following Saturday I was off to Clover Hill for their wine and Martins event. Dick Boak and Craig Thatcher from Martin Guitars were there and wine was available for all. Dick told the Martin Guitar company history and as each era passed, Craig played music from that era with a guitar from that time. The guitar from the 1850’s sounded great as did the Eric Clapton model from a couple of years ago. Once again I had the Pinot Grigio and sat back to hear the story of a great company, accompanied by great guitars. Craig performs pretty regularly at Clover Hill.

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.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

I currently live in Bucks County, so you’d think 5 days a week of commuting up here might be enough, but I find myself venturing up this way pretty much every weekend too. It’s not like I don’t enjoy my area, don’t get me wrong…

But after writing about all the events that are going on in Lehigh Valley, it’s only right to come back up on the weekends and experience them first hand.

Clover Hill Winery

About a week ago my wife and I had a free night so we asked friends of ours Rob and Kathy to come experience Lehigh Valley. Since I know of this great website, discoverlehighvalley.com, (sorry shameless plug) I said I would handle the particulars.

We first set out to Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery for a few bottles on their patio.  From the second we got there the scenery, sounds and smells were sure to make this a relaxing few hours. We headed into the showroom for a quick tasting where we were met with a huge smile from Kari Skirp, one of the owners.