A quick drive from Delaware—less than two hours from the Delaware/Pennsylvania border—the natural scenery and towns within Lehigh Valley provide a convenient respite. Whether you’re seeking an overnight getaway or a week-long vacation, this pocket of Pennsylvania offers plenty to enjoy.
From hiking and exploring local history to enjoying a diverse food and beverage scene, here’s a look at what the Lehigh Valley has to offer.
@delawaretodaymagazine Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Lehigh Valley PA offers all the views, brews, bites and activity you need! And it’s all just under 2 hours from the DE border. 🚗 #delaware #travel #fyp #explore
Hiking, Biking and Nature
Lehigh Valley is home to many hiking and biking trails. Whether you want riverside views, secluded and serene woods or historic covered bridges, there are plenty of trails to explore. The Trexler Border Trail at Trexler Nature Preserve is popular for hikers and bikers alike. The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail includes a scenic covered bridge, a trail along the Little Lehigh Creek and an easy hike for any skillset. Gollub Park Trail offers a great overlook view of the Delaware River and the town below.
Lehigh Valley Destinations to Explore
Want to learn about America’s industrial history? Find plenty to explore along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. The Lehigh Valley section of the trail is approximately 48 miles and spans the Central region. Along the trail, find covered bridges, mid-18th-century German villages, Victorian homes and the rolling fields of historic German farms. Plus, the National Canal Museum tells the story of America’s historic towpath canals. Take a canal boat tour for a unique trip back in time with a professionally trained and authentically dressed crew.
Easton is an ideal destination with small-town charm and plenty to do. The Crayola Experience is great for families with young children. Annual events like the Easton Twilight Criterium bring excitement to the town each year. With great downtown shopping, numerous dining options and charming historic streets, Easton is an ideal central location for a Lehigh Valley visit.
Eat and Drink in Lehigh Valley
Awash in history and culture, Lehigh Valley is a haven for microbreweries, distilleries and more. The region boasts more than 20 craft breweries, more than 30 wineries and a number of distilleries and cideries. While you can’t hit all 30 wineries in a weekend, Discover Lehigh Valley provides a map and directory—all the tools you need to build your own ideal wine trail.
Allentown is home to plenty of microbreweries, each offering unique brews and atmospheres. The Colony Meadery is a great stop for honey wine, and Bru Daddy’s is known for top-notch brews and food.
Neighboring Bethlehem offers plenty of unique dining settings. Head to 1741 on the Terrace inside the historic Hotel Bethlehem, which features stunning floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows that overlook the historic town.
View this post on Instagram
In Easton, Thyme Rooftop Grille is a must-visit for elevated rooftop dining. If you’re looking for a classic seafood experience with an impressive raw bar, consider a stop at 3rd & Ferry Fish Market in Downtown Easton.
Where to Stay
With plenty of historic charm, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton are each home to a bevy of boutique hotels in historic buildings. Easton’s Townley House is a great example, with 16 distinctly different guest rooms, original wood moldings, a hand-carved mahogany staircase and mercer tiled fireplaces. With an atmosphere that’s both intimate and cozy, it’s the perfect homebase from which to explore all the Leigh Valley has to offer.
@delawaretodaymagazine Lehigh Valley, PA is an ideal drivable getaway from Delaware, here’s where to stay when you visit!
♬ Chill and gentle lo-fi/10 minutes(1455687) – nightbird_bgm
Located in the heart of Downtown Easton, the Townley House hotel offers a homey experience with cozy lobby spaces and a stunning patio attached to the on-site cocktail bar. Bar Bix is the perfect place to enjoy a nightcap before turning in for the night. On a temperate summer evening, enjoy your cocktail outside and take in the scenery. Regardless of where you stay, Bar Bix is a must-stop for a drink in a stunning urban oasis.
There’s so much to enjoy in this pocket of historic Pennsylvania! For more travel ideas and local insight, visit discoverlehighvalley.com.
