Sightseeing in Bethlehem

Bethlehem may not generate the same type of interest as nearby Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, but it’s still one of the most visited cities in the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, Bethlehem offers plenty of entertainment and sightseeing options, which might be one reason that it has grown to become the seventh largest city in the state.

Even with all of this growing going on around it, Bethlehem has done a great job of preserving its historic value. Here is a look at some of the most historic and visited sites in Bethlehem, all of which have helped to build up this historic city in Pennsylvania.

Colonial Industrial Quarter

One of the most historic landmarks in all of Pennsylvania is the Colonial Industrial Quarter. This historic neighborhood has massive homes and plantations that add to the rich value of Bethlehem. Be sure to bring a camera, as there will be plenty of chances for you to take photos of homes, mills, waterworks, and other landmarks. Keep in mind that visiting the Colonial Industrial Quarter is also a bit of a self-guided tour, so you’ll be able to go about things as you please.

St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, the St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is worth visiting during your time in Bethlehem. This beautiful cathedral offers plenty of stained glass windows and amazing interior design. You’ll be amazed with the intricacies that went into the development of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has now been on display for decades.

heritage-trailHeritage Trail

When you are in Bethlehem, you have all of the time in the world to decide what it is you want to do with your day. If you want to go along with the pace of things, head over to the Heritage Trail. This self-guided path is a historic landmark and point of interest. You can choose to hike, run, walk, or bike through the trails, which have been there for three centuries. The Heritage Trail just goes to show how beautiful Bethlehem can be and how much history is engrained in this town.

Burnside Plantation

In 1990, the Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem was added to the National Regiester of Historic Places. The 6.5-acre plantation has been part of Bethlehem since James Burnside bought the land in 1748. After building on the property, it has been passed through various owners. However, it remains one of the most historic, as well as longest lasting, buildings in all of Bethlehem.

Lehigh River

All along the Lehigh River is plenty of things to see and do in Bethlehem. As you near SteelStacks, you’ll see the old buildings that were once Bethlehem Steel Corporation. What was once the second-largest steel producer in the United States, Bethlehem Steel had an immeasurable impact on this city.

Bethlehem is often overlooked by some of the bigger cities in Pennsylvania. However, that is what allows it to offer quiet and quaint experiences that you can’t get in other parts of the state. With Bethlehem, you get the perfect mix of traditional and modern living, which makes it a great place for you to be.

 

Bethlehem Entertainment

Being as that it’s the seventh largest city in Pennsylvania, it shouldn’t come as an surprise that there is plenty of entertainment options in Bethlehem. Whether you are a single adult that is looking to mix things up with others, or if you are looking for a more family oriented activity, you’ll find plenty of choices to choose from in Bethlehem.

Though there is an exhaustive list to choose from, here are some of our top choices for Bethlehem entertainment options.

SteelStacks

SteelStacks is commonly thought to be one of the best options for those looking for entertainment in Bethlehem. With a vibrant and hip art scene, SteelStacks is offers over 10 acres of family fun events. Here you can get in some shopping, grab a bite to eat, and even see a concert as well. You’ll be impressed with how much fun you can have in your time at SteelStacks, which might just be why it’s certainly one of the most popular places in all of Bethlehem.

Moravian Museum Of Bethlehem

The city of Bethlehem is proud of it’s rich history and humble beginnings. That is why the Moravian Museum Of Bethlehem is a great option to check out while you are in town. This is a great chance for you to educate your children about the history of Bethlehem. There are plenty of fun activities, so you won’t have to worry about children feeling like things are outdated or uneventful. Instead, you’ll be in for a great few hours during your time at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.

sands-casinoDutch Springs Aqua Park

The Dutch Springs Aqua Park was awarded a Certificate Of Excellence in 2014, as it’s a great place that the entire family will enjoy. If you are looking for an educational experience for your family, bring them to Dutch Springs to take a look at the marine life and other activity that is going on. However, if you bring your swim trunks, you’ll be able to go for a dip and enjoy the multitude of rides that are at the park. There is so much to do at the Dutch Springs Aqua Park, and your entire family is sure to enjoy themselves.

Sands Casino

The Sands Casino is where adults go to really have a great time in Bethlehem. The Sands is a massive complex that offers tons of options for shopping and dinning, and you can also catch entertainment at the casinos as well. And, of course, you can also head down to the game floor and play any of the slots or table games that are available. The Sands Casino may not be the most ideal vacation for a family with children, but you can rest assured knowing you’ll have a great time with plenty of other adults.

There is just so much to choose from when looking for entertainment in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. With so much too consider, take a look at the options to make this list first. As you spend more time in Bethlehem, you’ll have plenty more to check out when looking for great entertainment.

 

Interesting Facts About Allentown

Allentown is the third largest city in the state of Pennsylvania behind Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Located in Lehigh County, Allentown is ideal for those that are looking to live in a popular city in Pennsylvania, while avoiding the bustling atmosphere in Philly or Pittsburgh. Here are some other interesting facts about the historic city of Allenstown.

Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen, who was also the former mayor of Philadelphia. Allen was a wealthy man who earned his fortune as a shipping merchant, as well as a popular city figure as the Chief Justice of the Province of Pennsylvania. In 2012, Allentown celebrated its 250th anniversary, making it one of the most historic cities in the all of the United States.

There is no question that one of the most unique parts of Allentown is the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell brings hundreds-of-thousands of tourists to Allentown each year, as they all want to see one of the most significant monuments in the United States. The Liberty Bell was hidden from the British during the Revolutionary War, and it’s remained at the Liberty Bell Museum since.

Allentown-pa-flagAllentown’s economy has thrived over the years thanks to an emphasis on silk and textiles. The Adelaide Silk Mill opened in Allentown in 1881 and, at the time, was one of the largest textile miles in the world. Today, Allentown specializes as a business incubator that looks to interest young and up-and-coming businesses.

Thanks to its historic background, Allentown has been referred to in a variety of pop culture references. Allentown has been mentioned in movies such as The Hangover Part II, The Wrestler, and I Love You To Death. It’s also been the basis of songs, “Allentown” by Billy Joel and “The Train” by Frank Sinatra. Allentown has also been referenced in television shows, comic books, Broadway plays, and much more.

Allentown is also the hometown of a many different notable people. Some of the most popular former residents of Allentown include former NFL wide receivers Ed McCaffrey and Andre Reed, composer and music publisher Howard J. Buss, actress Amanda Seyfried, and author Lauren Weisberger.

For those that are interested in arts and entertainment, there are a plethora of different options in Allentown. Rich in history and culture, you’ll never be short of the choices you’ll find. In Allentown, you can find the Miller Symphony Hall, the Allentown Art Museum, the Nineteenth Street Theater, and more. In addition, Allentown is home of the Allentown Band, which is the oldest civilian band in the United States.

Whether you are looking for history, culture, entertainment, or first-rate educational opportunities, Allentown has plenty to offer. This historic city is one of the most popular locations in all of Philadelphia, making it an ideal place to call home. And since the city continues to draw in new residents, it’s surely only going to keep growing in the future as well.

 

Keeping Your Apartment Clean

One of the best parts of living on your own is the fact that you don’t have to worry about anyone telling you to pick up your things or clean your bedroom. However, even though you may not be held to the same cleaning standard that your parents would hold you to when living at home, it obviously makes sense that you’d want to keep your apartment clean as best possible.

Having a clean apartment isn’t just about avoiding pests, bugs, mice, and other rodents from coming into your home – though that is a strong benefits as well. Instead, having a clean apartment will make it more enjoyable for you to come home every night after a long day of work. A clean apartment is also more accommodating to have guests over to, which is great if you are someone who likes to entertain.

Even though cleaning may not be the most ideal part of having your own place, it’s still something you are going to have to do. Unless you plan on hiring your own maid, here are some tips to help you lighten the load and keep things a bit more organized.

Start With A Deep Clean

Woman-CleaningWhen is the last time you looked at the floors in your apartment and were simply impressed with how clean they were? If the answer is the day you moved in, then it’s time to start scrubbing and deep clean your entire home. When you know that you are planning to clean your home, you can dedicate an entire day to doing just that. There will be no distractions, and you won’t be able to make any excuses for yourself. Instead, you’ll have the fresh start that you need to stay motivated to have a clean apartment.

Organization Optimization

After you’ve cleaned our apartment, it’ll be time for you to start putting things away as you go. As you do this, avoid just letting things clutter up or go back where they were before you began cleaning. Instead, bring in some organization options that will help to keep your entire apartment clean. By using shelves, closest, and hideaway storage options, you’ll be able to organize your apartment much better. This will help you keep it more clean, as you won’t have a bunch of useless belongings lying around out of place.

Find Your Style

Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring. If it’s something that you enjoy, it’ll be more likely that you’ll keep up with it. Therefore, as you start to organize your home, find a style or theme that you really like. The more that you need to get for your apartment, the more you can match it to the style that you enjoy. And if it doesn’t take up space and it helps you keep things clean, that’s even better.

Although cleaning your apartment is often a tedious and annoying chore, it’s still something that needs to be considered. If not, you’ll soon find out just how dirty you are willing to live, and also how willing your guests are to come visit you if you don’t clean up after yourself. Instead, consider the tips here to keep your apartment clean at all times.

 

Tips For Renting Your First Apartment

Renting your first apartment is a huge step for anyone. Whether you’ve been living with roommates in a college dorm for the last four years or you are moving out of your parents basement for the first time, your first apartment is a place that you’ll make plenty of memories that will last a lifetime. Along with that apartment comes your own personal decision to decorate it, choose it’s location and amenities, and pick anything else that you specifically desire.

Once you settle in, you are going to love your first apartment. However, it might take a few bumps in the road before you can sit back and relax in your new living room or bedroom. To limit those bumps as best possible, here are some tips for renting your first apartment.

Budget Wisely

Woman-Enjoying-CoffeeThe biggest consideration that you’ll have to make for your apartment is going to be the budget that you can afford for rent each month. After all, budget is what separates those who are living in penthouse sky-rises and those who are barely getting by in a one-bedroom apartment.

The term, “house poor” refers to not having any money left over after rent for you to be able to enjoy a lot of the extra things in life. When renting your first apartment, there are few better tips than to budget wisely so that you don’t end up being house poor. You don’t want to end up not being able to have guests over, or even go out with your friends, because your apartment costs too much. Instead, factor everything that goes into renting an apartment to ensure you can stay with your budget. Not only will you have rent to pay for, but you’ll also have utilities, gas, electric, insurance, homeowners fees, and other costs associated with renting an apartment.

While the costs may seem like a lot, keep in mind that renting your own place is well worth it. However, to make sure that it’s as enjoyable as it can be, just consider your budget and how easily you’ll be able to afford all of the costs involved with renting your own apartment.

Know What You Want And What You Can Live Without

The other big consideration for you to make when renting your first apartment is the list of things that you can live without, and the things you absolutely need to have. You may think that a nice view is a simple necessity that you don’t really need if it means saving money, but you instead might need to consider pet rent if you are brining an animal with you to your new apartment.

When looking for an apartment, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and even more headaches if you simply know what it is that you are looking for during your search. Take the time to make a list of “must-haves” and “would-likes,” and then determine what can be shifted around as you start looking for places.

Renting your first apartment is an exciting time that many people jump into without much consideration or thought. This leads to them making a decision that makes them regret their decision to get their first apartment. To make sure that this doesn’t happen to you, consider the tips for renting your first apartment.

Hosting an Event at Your Apartment

One of the great perks of having your own place is that you can invite over whoever you want, whenever you want. But while your parents may not be knocking on your bedroom door and asking you to keep it down, there certainly are still some considerations to make when hosting an event at your own apartment.

That doesn’t meant hat you can’t have people over or enjoy a nice get-together with your closest friends and family. It just means that you should be sure to be considerate of others around your apartment. After all, you don’t want to be known as the noisy neighbor, and you also probably don’t want to get a noise complaint either.

In order to ensure that you don’t become the neighbor that everyone despises, here are some tips for hosting an event at your apartment with everyone in mind.

Apartment-PartyTalk To Your Neighbors

As a kid, telling your neighbors that you are having a party while your parents are out of town is probably not the wisest idea. However, if you are a rational adult who plans to host an event at your apartment, then telling your neighbors is a completely valid move to make. You can let your neighbors know that you plan to have an event, about how loud you expect it might be, and what hours you think the event will run from and till. In addition, you can also give your neighbors a good telephone number to reach you at, which they can do so if things get out of hand.

To make things even better with your neighbors, consider inviting them to the event if it’s that sort activity. Obviously a neighbor won’t expect an invitation if you are just having family over, but asking to stop by if it’s just a friendly gathering is a nice gesture that will help you stay in the good graces of your neighbors.

Consider The Size Of Your Apartment And The Complex

You should also consider the space limitations that you have if you want to avoid being a bad neighbor as well. This refers to the space that you have inside of your apartment, as you want to avoid inviting too many people over if you can’t accommodate them, but also in your apartment complex because of where your guests will park.

It can be tricky to get the size of an event just right. Sometimes people show up, and sometimes they don’t. Therefore, consider asking guests to RSVP to get a better idea of how many people may be coming to your event, which will help you better prepare your apartment for guests.

Just because your apartment may not be overwhelmingly large doesn’t mean that you can’t host events. Instead, a bit of consideration to others and forethought into the amount of space you have will do wonders as yo have guests over. While these rules won’t work all of the time, they certainly are the best way to start planning for the hosted event at your apartment.

Brightening Your Apartment

Most people who live in an apartment know that not everyone lives in skyrise units that light up thanks to the sun peering through the glass windows that are typically used as walls. Instead, some apartments can be rather small in size, and often these smaller units will seem to be much darker due to limited windows or access points for light to shine through.

When your apartment seems to be dark or dreary, it will be hard for you to truly enjoy calling it home. It likely won’t be somewhere that you desire going home to after work, and nobody will blame you if your dark apartment is a place that you don’t invite friends to because you are embarrassed.

The good news is that your dark apartment can be saved!

With just a few modifications around your apartment, you can brighten it and make it look much more welcoming and warm. Here are some tips that will brighten your apartment and also brighten your mood if you need a bit of a jumpstart on how you feel about your home.

Change Your Lighting

LampsOne of the best ways for you to brighten your apartment may be to change the lighting that you have. It’s not uncommon for there to not be much more than light bulbs in a bathroom, and instead you’ll have to buy all of your own lamps or lighting accessories for your apartment. While this may mean that you have to spend a bit more to get acclimated to your apartment, it also means that you get to fully customize how you want the lighting to look. By choosing a lighting theme that you enjoy, you’ll feel brighter every time you flick the power switch on.

It’s also important to note that if you already have lamps, it might be time for you to switch them out if they are not lighting your apartment as you’d like. Many people choose to purchase lamps that are budget friendly when they first move into an apartment, as they likely have a lot of other expenses during that first month. However, budget lamps may not be the best when it comes to lighting your apartment in an enjoyable way. Therefore, make room in the budget to add some new lamps to your apartment and you’ll notice the difference makes on your space.

Improve Your Storage

You might be asking yourself how tidying up around your apartment will brighten it up, but to find out you’ll have to experiment for yourself. After you’ve cleaned your apartment, you’ll see that there are less things like unsightly trash lying around, and just fewer distractions that make your apartment look dreary. Instead, when you organize with better storage options, you’ll notice that the overall mood and feeling in your apartment is much brighter.

If your apartment is not as bright as you’d like, you aren’t out of options. Instead, consider making a few changes to your home’s lighting and storage, and you’ll feel more at home every time you walk in the door of your apartment.

Sightseeing in Macungie

When visiting a town in the northeastern United States, you know that you are going to see plenty of views that are rich in history and cultural. This is especially the case in Macungie, Pennsylvania, as it’s a township that has been around for over 200 years. Over that time, Macungie has developed into one of the more attractive areas in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

Here is a look at some of the best sightseeing spots in Macungie, as well as some of the other areas that are close by.

Macungie Memorial Park

One of the best places to start your day in Macungie is at the Macungie Memorial Park. Whether you are looking to throw the perfect picnic for someone special, or if you are just looking to lay out in the sun to get in some personal time, you’ll have plenty of space to do whatever you please at Macungie Memorial Park. The park initially was designated as an area to promote activity and outdoor entertainment for the township of Macungie. Over time, it has grown into a memorial location that is representative of the entire town.

Macungie Park Pool

When the summer roles around, there is nowhere else to be in Macungie than the Macungie Park Pool. Located in the Macungie Memorial Park, Macungie Park Pool offers tons of fun for the entire family. It doesn’t take being in the northeast for long before you realize how hot it can get during the summer. That is when there are few more refreshing things to do than jump in the pool or go lay out in the sun. The Macungie Park Pool is one of the most popular places in the summers, as children and adults of all ages spend their time there.

brookside-country-clubBrookside Country Club

For some, the idea of keeping dry and hitting the links sounds more enjoyable than splashing around in the pool. For those who are interested in getting in a round on the links, the Brookside Country Club is the perfect option. This is one of the most pristine courses in all of Pennsylvania, and it’s great for players of all levels. If you aren’t one for golf, you can still head to the Brookside Country Club to grab a drink with friends or have a bite to eat.

Kalmbach Memorial Park

If you want to stay away from Macungie Memorial Park, Kalmbach Memorial Park is another option in Macungie. Kalmback is located on the southern side of Macungie, and it is often less busy than other parks in the area. There are still plenty of things that you can do, including walk your way to the park from Main Street in town.

Be sure to grab your camera if you are coming to Macungie, Pennsylvania. There are plenty of sights to see and activities to take part in. No matter the time of year, you’ll have something to do during your time in the Macungie township of Pennsylvania.

Macungie Entertainment

If you are looking for entertainment, then you’ve come to the right place in Macungie, Pennsylvania. In Macungie, you’ll get a perfect mix of that desirable historical feel that many people are after, while also having plenty of modern entreatment options to take part in.

Here is a look at some of the best entertainment options in the beautiful area of Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Macungie Historical Society

Those who are looking to take a look back in time, be sure to visit the Macungie Historical Society. Located next to the Macungie Institute, the Macungie Historical Society offers insight into how the town has changed over the years. This is where plenty of Macungie’s history can be found, which is why it’s a great place to start for those who are new to town. As the Macungie Historical Society is on Main Street, you can also take in plenty of other entreatment events during a nice afternoon walk.

Pub On Main

It doesn’t get anymore “Macungie” than the Pub On Main. This is the local watering-hole where you’ll be sure to find plenty of people from town. Whether they are just grabbing a quick bite to eat or the entire family is coming in for dinner after a basketball game, the Pub On Main offers an at-home feel with all of your neighbors and friends. There is an expansive menu that is full of pub and bar food options, including a ton of beers from local microbreweries. With specials every day of the week, you’ll always find a great deal and an even better meal at Pub On Main.

macungieWatermill Recreation Area

If you are looking for a nice peaceful and relaxing day, then head over to the Watermill Recreation Area. Located just to the north of the heart of Macungie, you can often get a quieter and more relaxing experience at Watermill than some of the other parks in the area. If you go during the right time of the day, you can even see the trains go through Macungie multiple times per day.

Coral’s Academy Of Dance

At Coral’s Academy Of Dance, young students are taught the value of self-confidence and personal growth. It is here that many of the area’s brightest young dancers began their journey in some of their first productions. Because Macungie is such a close-knit community, many people will visit Coral’s Academy of Dance for performances from the students, which is a truly enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Macungie Vets Dining And Entertainment

In order to commemorate many of the veterans that live in the area, the Macungie Vets Dining and Entertainment building is where many heroes will come to dine and relax. You can enjoy plenty of good eats, and there are also evenings where entreatment will be available as well. The Macungie Vets Dining and Entertainment building is a true gem in our town.

No matter what you like to do in your free time, you’ll be sure to find plenty of options in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Interesting Facts About Macungie

Macungie is one of the oldest and most historic areas in all of northeast America. Founded in 1776 by Peter Miller, Macgunie remains a pristine borough in Lehigh County. For those that are considering a visit to Macungie, or maybe you even are looking for a more permanent stay, here are some interesting facts about this quaint little borough in Pennsylvania.

Beginnings as Millerstown

When Peter Miller first came to the area in 1776, he decided to name the area Millerstown. After about 70 years as Millerstown, the area was then incorporated as a borough in November of 1857. Shortly after in 1875, Millerstown was renamed as Macungie. One reason that the name was changed was because there was already a Millerstown in nearby Perry County, and Macungie offered a new name for a unique borough in Lehigh County.

macungie-mapThe Fries’s Rebellion

Those who love history will be happy to know that the Fries’s Rebellion had a big impact on Macungie. During the rebellion, US Marshals began making arrests for people who were resisting paying their taxes in Millerstown. After the arrest was made, a crowd formed in Millerstown and the Marshals backed off. This entire event played out with huge impact on Macungie, which is certainly something that you can look more into during your time in the town.

Demographics

Macungie prides itself on being a small, close-knit, community. There hasn’t been much in the way of a massive boom, as population has increased only marginally over the last few years. However, it was in the 1960’s that Macungie noticed a substantial growth of 28%. In addition, there was a 24% growth in the 80s, and nearly a 37% growth in the 1990s. This town has been booming throughout history, as it offers plenty of great opportunities for families and those wanting to live in northeastern America.

Macungie’s economy is also a positive one, as the average household income is over $50,000. One of the largest employers in Macungie is Allen Organ Company. As a company that manufactures and distributes organs around the world, there is a big draw for employment for Allen Organ Copmany. In addition to Allen Organ, Mack Trucks is located nearby in Lower Macungie Township. Because of the popularity of Mack Trucks, many people live in Macungie and then make the short commute for their jobs.

Did You Know…

Did you know that Macungie is actually derived from the word, “maguntsche,” which translates roughly to, “feeding places of the bears.” This is a Lenape word that comes from the Delaware Indians. Other tribes and settlers have given other names to Macungie, including Kunshi, Kunski, Macunjy, Macungy, and much more.

Macungie is one of the most quaint little towns that you’ll find in Pennsylvania. Whether you are coming for work or play, or a short or long-term stay, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time in this little borough in Lehigh County that offers plenty of historic value and interesting tidbits.