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The Lehigh Valley Is an Idyllic Getaway Destination Near Philadelphia

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First-class accommodations await at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Courtesy of Discover Lehigh Valley.

The Lehigh Valley offers picture-perfect options for the perfect weekend getaway in Pennsylvania.

Don’t look now, but the Lehigh Valley is the fastest growing region in the state, thanks to its status as a bedroom community for Philadelphia, New York City and parts of New Jersey. Weekend warriors will find an abundance of historical sites, arts and culture, indoor and outdoor activities, and unique places to stay, dine and shop. With a robust festival schedule and tree-lined streets and trails vibrant with seasonal colors, fall in the valley is a particularly special time.

Where to Stay

Perched on two hilltop acres overlooking Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District, Sayre Mansion is a gracious B&B housed in a meticulously restored circa-1858 home and three carriage-house suites furnished with antiques. With its beamed skylight ceiling, the Conservatory suite offers loads of light by day and stargazing at night. A full custom breakfast is included with your stay, and the inn welcomes dogs. On Thursdays, the mansion hosts a 19th-century style afternoon tea. $169-$400. 250 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, (610) 882-2100.

Restored to its original 1920s grandeur, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem is in the heart of the town. Rooms and suites fit the property’s elegant ambiance and offer expansive views of local landmarks like the shining Bethlehem Star on South Mountain. The hotel has two on-site restaurants and a full-service spa and salon. Starting at $219. 437 Main St., Bethlehem, (855) 264-2598.

First-class accommodations await at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

First-class accommodations await at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Courtesy of Discover Lehigh Valley.

Where to Eat

In favorable weather, request an outdoor terrace table at ZEST bar+grille, a popular rooftop dining spot. The menu is seasonal, but look for the super-tender charred octopus. For hearty appetites, there’s a butcher’s cut steak served with bone marrow butter and caramelized onion balsamic jam. 306 S. New St., Bethlehem, (610) 419-4320.

Elevated appetizer fare at the rooftop ZEST bar+grille.

Elevated appetizer fare at the rooftop ZEST bar+grille. Courtesy of Discover Lehigh Valley.

Spend a Sunday morning at the Hotel Bethlehem’s musical brunch. The elaborate buffet spread includes fresh salads and fruit, seafood, and desserts, plus made-to-order omelets and waffles and a carving station. Musical accompaniment may be a harpsichord, harp, piano, a jazz duo or even bagpipes (during the city’s Celtic Festival). 437 Main St., Bethlehem, (855) 264-2598.

In Allentown, the headliner at Henry’s Salt of the Sea is the Lobster Française—two tails egg-battered and sauteed with mushrooms, tomato and capers. The extensive selection of meat, pasta and other seafood dishes is sure to please. 1926 W. Allen St., Allentown, (610) 434-2628.

Easton’s family-owned Ashley’s Signature Restaurant has been serving guests from its cozy home setting since 1935. Upscale pub menu selections include a prime rib sandwich or cavatappi mac and cheese with blackened chicken and chimichurri. Recent entrée offerings include espresso-rubbed elk and pastrami-brined Atlantic salmon. 229 N. 11th St., Easton, (610) 253-1971.

What to Do

One of eight National Historic Landmark Districts in the state, Bethlehem was founded in 1741 as a community for the Moravian Church. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in its culture is with a $30 combo pass that grants admission to both the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. For travelers older than 21, the pass also includes a spirit tasting at the historic Sun Inn. For nondrinkers, a multi-pass is available for $20. Every first Sunday of the month through November, admission to both museums is free.

To understand the religious beliefs and communal living style of the city’s earliest settlers, start at the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, a complex of buildings where they once lived and worked. 66 W. Church St., Bethlehem, (800) 360-8687.

Next, experience three centuries of furniture and clothing design, plus the nation’s largest antique dollhouse collection, at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts. 427 N. New St., Bethlehem, (800) 360-8687.

Finish up with a spirit tasting at the Sun Inn, host to such illustrious guests as George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Adams and the Marquis de Lafayette. 564 Main St., #2, (610) 419-8600.

Bethlehem is nicknamed “Christmas City U.S.A.” for a reason. Held mid-November-December, Christkindlmarkt is an extravaganza of local, regional and international artisan-made ornaments and gifts. There’s ice skating, live performers, and plenty of snacks and beverages. Think strudel, Christmas cookies, beer and hot toddies. 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, (610) 332-1300.

More than 20,000 works spanning 2,000 years make the Allentown Art Museum a must-visit destination. The permanent collection covers 18th-century British silver, contemporary pottery, pieces from the Tiffany Studios, paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, American art dating to the mid-1700s, and more. 31 N. 5th St., Allentown, (610) 432-4333.