9 Ways to Feel the Spring Vibes in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

After what felt like a never-ending winter, Discover Lehigh Valley, the destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton counties, also known as the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area, has everything travelers need to get into the spring spirit. From a well-known theme park and America’s oldest drive-in movie theatre to insanely beautiful trails perfect for a hike or horseback riding, Lehigh Valley offers fun and adventure for the warmer months.

“When I think of my favorite ways to spend a spring day, it usually involves visiting a local park for some fresh air and relaxation, followed by dining al fresco with a delicious meal and a nice glass of wine. Others might say walking into a theme park for the first time all year or playing a round of golf,” said Alicia Quinn, strategic brand manager for Discover Lehigh Valley. “Lehigh Valley has an abundance of spring activities no matter what your taste is, so consider the region for your next family getaway, bachelor or bachelorette party, or romantic retreat.”

Here are nine ways that Discover Lehigh Valley recommends getting in the spring spirit

1. HEAD TO A BALL GAME – An experience perfect for the entire family, a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game is filled with pork-themed mascot races, a kids’ piglet race, ketchup and mustard T-shirt launchers and more. Since debuting in 2008, the IronPigs have led Minor League Baseball in per game attendance at Coca-Cola Park with more than 10,000 in capacity and has become the Lehigh Valley’s place for affordable family entertainment.

2. BE ADVENTUROUS – Kids and kids at heart have a splashing good time at Lehigh Valley’s Dutch Springs, a 50-acre aqua park in a man-made lake. In addition to the aqua park with countless attractions and scuba diving, Dutch Springs is a recreational haven with a "Sky Challenge," featuring high ropes and a two-story rock climbing wall and an active learning center for youth. With scuba diving opening in April and the aqua park opening in May, Dutch Springs is the perfect way to celebrate the warmer weather.

3. CATCH A FLICK OUTDOORS – Take your family’s movie night outside and step back in time to enjoy Shankweiler's Drive-in Theatre. The oldest drive-in movie theatre in America, Shankweiler's has been in continuous operation in Lehigh Valley since 1934. Open on weekends starting in April, Shankweiler's is classic family fun and perfect for all ages.

4. GET YOUR THEME PARK ON – The perfect combination of thrills and family fun, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom sits on over 200 acres filled with rides, games, restaurants and attractions for the entire family. Opening the first weekend in May, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is home to more than 100 rides, shows and attractions for guests to enjoy including seven roller coasters, the largest collection of kids’ rides in Planet Snoopy™ and one of the country’s best-ranked water parks.

5. PLAY A ROUND OF 18 – Tee off at one of Lehigh Valley’s 25 scenic golf courses. From small private clubs and practice areas to sprawling courses designed by the greats, the varied landscapes ensure plenty of challenges and scenery that never disappoint. Meet-and-play locations, like the historic, Donald Ross designed, private Steel Club and the breathtaking Woodstone Country Club, supply a group of friends with a private, comfortable space when it’s time to tee off.

6. SAY CHEERS – It’s time to lift your spirits in Lehigh Valley! With the region’s brewery scene seeing a second coming of age thanks to the rise of locally-grown ingredients and exceptional flavor profiles, the Lehigh Valley Ale Trail is a must for craft beer drinkers. A designated American Viticultural Area, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a collection of eight family-owned vineyards and wineries that offer award-winning wines made from a variety of grapes, including the region’s signature Chambourcin grape. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Lehigh Valley American Viticultural Area, the wine trail will be hosting special events that showcase the wine making process and partnering with local restaurants for the entire month of June. Visitors looking to sample a stronger spirit, will enjoy Eight Oaks Craft Distillers where grains are grown and products are crafted on site, or check out Social Still Micro Distillery & Kitchen, County Seat Spirits, or Triple Sun Spirits.

7. GET FIT AND TAKE IN THE FRESH AIR WHILE HORSEBACK RIDING, HIKING, BIKING AND RIDING EXPERIENCES – From historic trails to breathtaking scenery, Lehigh Valley provides hiking, biking and riding experiences perfect for all skill levels. With more than 18 miles of trails at Jacobsburg State Park, adventure seekers can spot wildlife and beautiful wildflowers during their hike or horseback ride. More exploration awaits among the 6,000 acres of beautiful land at Lehigh River Gorge where visitors can catch the Pocono Biking Train, a one hour train ride that swings onto the former Lehigh Valley main line on its way to the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can also venture along the multi-use, 165 miles long Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which was once a historic transportation route intertwining railroads, canals, rivers, and trails.

8. EXPERIENCE THE CHARM – Rich culture and history runs deep in Lehigh Valley thanks to the region’s main streets and downtown communities. Take a stroll down Main Street Bethlehem to eat like a local at Tapas on Main or 1741 on the Terrace, shop at the Moravian Book Shop and stay at Historic Hotel Bethlehem for the ultimate experience. Journey to Downtown Easton to enjoy a delicious meal at Sette Luna or Two Rivers Brewing Company, discover the Easton Public Market and many antique shops and art galleries along main street, and stay the night at the Grand Eastonian Hotel & Suites. When discovering Downtown Allentown, visitors can catch a show at the PPL Center and explore the Allentown Art Museums of Lehigh Valley, dine at Hamilton Kitchen & Bar, The Dime, and Bay Leaf, and then stay the night at the beautiful Renaissance Allentown Hotel.

9. HAVE A PICTURE-PERFECT INSTAGRAM MOMENT – Finding a colorful springtime backdrop for the perfect Instagram moment comes easy when exploring Lehigh Valley! To make any Instagram follower envious, visitors can snap a striking photo while discovering the region’s historic covered bridges. Home to seven out of the more than 200 covered bridges in Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley’s covered bridges showcase the region’s rich history and provide a stunning red backdrop for photos. As the wildflowers bloom and the natural light casts upon the covered bridges, Instagram users are going to realize that Lehigh Valley required no filters.For more information on Lehigh Valley’s springtime attractions, visit DiscoverLehighValley.com. Follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ABOUT DISCOVER LEHIGH VALLEY
Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley makes Lehigh and Northampton counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the region.
Discover Lehigh Valley’s official visitor website and blog, DiscoverLehighValley.com and LehighValleyInSite.com keeps locals and visitors abreast of all things happening in region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, brochures and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Discover Lehigh Valley’s social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into one of the many visitor centers for additional information.

ABOUT LEHIGH VALLEY, PA.
Set amid gentle hills and charming country sides, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs.
The region is steeped in pre-Colonial, Early American and industrial history. Lehigh Valley has an impressive range of tourist attractions including nationally-recognized events like Musikfest, wineries and breweries, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, outdoor activities, world-class sporting events, 10 colleges and universities, and is home to America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars and Mack Trucks. The region offers a diverse array of memorable things to do and plenty of dining options to fit every budget and taste.
And, it’s easy to get to and around. Lehigh Valley is located approximately 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City by car.