It’s Friday. You’ve survived the work week, and now the glorious 48 hours of freedom stretch out before you. And then it hits. That familiar sense of dread disguised as a question: “So… what are we actually going to do this weekend?” Before you know it, you’re in a scrolling vortex, bouncing between event pages and old recommendations from friends, and the allure of just giving up and ordering a pizza becomes dangerously strong.
I get it. As someone who’s lived and breathed the Lehigh Valley for years, I’ve seen countless people fall into this trap. They see the Lehigh Valley as the space between Philly and NYC, a place with a couple of old factories and not much else. Let me tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth.
This area—Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and all the charming spots in between—is packed with personality, incredible food, and unique experiences you just won't find anywhere else. You just have to peel back the first layer. So, consider me your local insider. I’m here to give you the real-deal itinerary, the stuff I tell my own friends to do. These aren't just generic suggestions; these are certified game-changers for anyone looking for unforgettable things to do in the Lehigh Valley.
1. Ditch the Chain Restaurants: A Culinary Crawl Through Easton
If your idea of a good weekend revolves around great food (and whose doesn’t?), then your first and only stop needs to be Easton. This city has undergone a staggering transformation, and its food scene is, hands down, the most exciting in the entire Lehigh Valley.
Your epicenter is the Easton Public Market. Forget a stuffy, quiet market. This place is an explosion of sounds and smells. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best eats around. My pro move? Never go with just one thing in mind. Go with a partner or friends, establish a home base at one of the long wooden tables, and go on missions. You can snag mind-blowing brisket from More Than Q, grab a legit Neapolitan-style pizza from Scratch, and finish with a delicate crepe. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure meal, and it’s one of the most dynamic weekend activities in the Lehigh Valley.
But the journey doesn't end there. Once you're done at the market, walk a few blocks over to the Easton Farmers' Market in Centre Square (Saturdays, 9am-1pm), the oldest, continuous open-air market in the nation. It’s not just produce; it’s about grabbing a cup of coffee, listening to the live music band, and feeling the pulse of the community.
Insider Tip: For a killer date night, start with drinks at the opulent restaurant inside the Grand Eastonian Hotel, then walk to ThreeBirds Nest for a ridiculously good meal in a cozy, intimate setting. It’s one of those Lehigh Valley attractions that feels like a hidden gem.
2. Walk on Cobblestones and Feel the History in Bethlehem
There's a certain magic to Bethlehem that’s hard to put intowords, but you feel it the second you step onto the cobblestones of its historic district. This isn't a manufactured tourist trap; it's a living, breathing piece of American history, and exploring it is an essential Lehigh Valley experience.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to park your car and just get lost for a couple of hours. Start on Main Street. The Moravian Book Shop isn't just a place to buy books; it’s a landmark. Go inside. Feel the creak of the old wooden floors. Then, wander down the street, popping into the unique boutiques and art galleries.
But here’s where the real experts go: walk down the hill towards the Colonial Industrial Quarter. This area along the Monocacy Creek is stunningly peaceful. You can see the original 1700s structures—the tannery, the grist mill-and it’s all set against the backdrop of the massive, beautiful Hotel Bethlehem. It’s the perfect place to sit on a bench, take a deep breath, and appreciate the centuries of stories that unfolded right where you’re sitting. These kinds of historic Bethlehem activities provide a depth that most weekend trips lack.
This walk is more than just sightseeing. It’s a chance to disconnect and feel grounded in a place with deep roots. It’s the perfect, soul-recharging activity before diving back into the modern world.
3. Find Your Vibe at the SteelStacks: Industry Meets Art
You simply cannot talk about what to do in the Lehigh Valley without mentioning the SteelStacks. Those towering, rusted blast furnaces are the soul of the region, a hauntingly beautiful monument to the industrial might that built America. But today, they’re not a memorial. They are the backdrop for one of the most unique arts and culture venues you’ll ever visit.
The SteelStacks campus is always humming with energy. The Musikfest Café hosts incredible concerts with a view that's second to none. The ArtsQuest Center screens independent films you won't find at the multiplex. But here's the best tip I can give you for a perfect summer weekend: check the schedule for the Levitt Pavilion.
This outdoor stage, right at the foot of the blast furnaces, hosts a full season of free concerts. Let me repeat that: world-class, live music, for free. The sheer experience of sitting on the lawn on a warm evening, a cold drink in your hand, listening to a fantastic band while the furnaces are lit up against the night sky… it’s pure magic. It’s one of those core memory-making Lehigh Valley events that perfectly blends the area’s gritty past with its vibrant, creative present.
4. Escape the Concrete: Biking, Hiking, and a Breath of Fresh Air
After indulging in food and culture, sometimes you need to get out and move. Thankfully, the Lehigh Valley is threaded with fantastic green spaces. The crown jewel for anyone looking for outdoor activities in the Lehigh Valley is the D&L Trail.
This isn't some short, paved loop in a suburban park. It’s a sprawling trail that follows the old canal towpaths and railroad lines. The sections through the Lehigh Valley are flat, scenic, and incredibly accessible.
For the Serious Cyclist: Start in Easton at Hugh Moore Park and ride west. The path is shaded by trees and follows the Lehigh River. You’ll ride directly past the SteelStacks in Bethlehem, offering a perspective you just can’t get from a car.
For the Casual Walker: The stretch through Lehigh Parkway in Allentown is a local favorite for a reason. It's lush, wooded, and makes you feel like you're miles away from the city. It’s perfect for a Sunday morning stroll or a brisk jog.
If you are looking for family fun in the Lehigh Valley, head to the Trexler Nature Preserve. Not only is it home to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, but the preserve itself has miles of hiking trails with stunning vistas, plus elk and bison herds that roam the lowlands. It’s a fantastic way to spend an entire afternoon immersed in nature.
5. The Big Choice: High-Octane Thrills or Low-Key Charm
Sometimes a weekend just calls for pure, unadulterated fun. The Lehigh Valley offers two fantastic, but very different, ways to achieve this.
The Adrenaline Route: Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom Let’s be honest, Dorney Park is a regional institution. It’s a rite of passage. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of the floorless coaster Talon or the classic wooden Thunderbolt, it’s a full day of screams, laughs, and funnel cake. And in the thick of an August weekend, the water rides at Wildwater Kingdom are a lifesaver. Yes, it can be crowded, but if you’re looking for high-energy family fun in the Lehigh Valley, Dorney Park is an undefeated champion.
The Charming Alternative: A Local Vineyard or Brewery If long lines and screaming teens aren’t your idea of a relaxing weekend, the Lehigh Valleys craft beverage scene is calling your name. The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail features a number of beautiful vineyards where you can do tastings in a gorgeous, relaxed setting. Tolino Vineyards is a personal favorite for its great wine and beautiful scenery. Alternatively, breweries like Weyerbacher in Easton or Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown/Bethlehem offer fantastic local craft beer, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for whiling away a Saturday afternoon.
Your Weekend Awaits
The Lehigh Valley isn’t a place you just pass through. It is a destination. It has a story, a flavor, and an energy all its own. So this weekend, I challenge you: close the food delivery app, get off the couch, and dive into one of these experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, there are always new things to do in the Lehigh Valley just waiting to be discovered. Go find them.
FAQ for Your Lehigh Valley Weekend
I'm on a tight budget. What are the best cheap or free things to do?
You can have an amazing weekend here without breaking the bank! The Levitt Pavilion free concert series is a must. All the trails, like the D&L or those in the South Mountain Preserve, are free to use for hiking and biking. Walking the historic districts of Bethlehem and Easton costs nothing and is incredibly rewarding. And packing a picnic to enjoy in one of the many parks, like the Lehigh Parkway, is a classic for a reason.
What's the best plan for a rainy day in the Lehigh Valley?
A rainy day is a great excuse to explore the indoor Lehigh Valley attractions. The National Museum of Industrial History at SteelStacks is a phenomenal, engaging experience. The America on Wheels museum in Allentown is another fantastic choice. For kids, the Crayola Experience in Easton is an obvious winner. And of course, a "brewery crawl" to places like Funk Brewing, Lost Tavern, or McCall Collective is a perfect way to wait out the storm.
I’m visiting for the first time. If I can only do one thing, what should it be?
This is a tough one, but I have to say the combination of exploring historic Main Street in Bethlehem and then seeing the SteelStacks campus gives you the most complete picture of the Lehigh Valley's identity. You get the deep, centuries-old history and the powerful, resilient industrial heritage all in one afternoon. It perfectly captures the past and present of the region.
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