Bethlehem

Our City

An ideal mix of urban and rural landscapes, Bethlehem is a vibrant city, rich in history and characterized by a small-town friendliness and feel. The Lehigh River divides Bethlehem into two downtowns— North and South Bethlehem. The Northside is home to historic Main Street and “Restaurant Row,” while the eclectic Southside features unique shops and galleries, restaurants, and First Friday celebrations of arts and culture.

Founded in 1741 by members of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem seamlessly blends the past and the present. It’s the site of the first public waterworks in America, a home that was used as a Continental Army hospital, and Main Street’s Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously running bookseller in the world.

History

During the industrial revolution, Bethlehem Steel Corporation was the second-largest steel producer in the United States. Bethlehem Steel constructed the first “I-beam,” an innovative development used to this day in the construction of skyscrapers. The corporation also provided the steel to build the Golden Gate Bridge and the Chrysler Building.

Bethlehem Steel was such an integral part of Lehigh University that the start time for classes—10 minutes past the hour—was established so that students finishing a shift at the Steel could arrive on time.

Bethlehem Steel ceased operations in 1995 after 140 years of production. Today, the factory site has taken on new life as SteelStacks, a 10-acre arts and entertainment complex.

Arts and Entertainment

The arts are alive and flourishing in Bethlehem, where you don’t have to look far to find exciting seasonal events, nationally recognized musical acts, comedy and art. Bethlehem boasts three performing arts centers on the Southside alone. The Banana Factory, a dynamic cultural arts and education center, is located just steps from Lehigh’s campus.

Sometimes known as the “City of Festivals,” Bethlehem hosts over 20 major festivals and over 150 mini-festivals each year. The crown jewel is Musikfest, the country’s only free, non-gated music festival. With over 1 million attendees annually, Musikfest is one of the nation’s largest music festivals. It features over 500 shows on 14 stages, street performers, food and fun during its 10-day duration each August.

Shopping

Bethlehem is home to an abundance of unique shops and national chains, providing a shopping experience that satisfies a variety of needs.Within walking distance on the Southside are Apotheca for trendy women’s apparel and Home Base for the latest in skater gear and clothing.

On the historic Northside, shoppers can find the Moravian Book Shop, Seasons Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom, Donegal Square and Aardvark Sports Shop. The nearby Wind Creek Bethlehem houses the Outlets at Wind Creek. Shops include Coach, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.

Dining

From Japanese to Italian, Indian to Malaysian, Bethlehem has the cuisine you crave. Whether you’re looking for high-end dining or a casual sandwich shop, you’re sure to find something to suit your mood at one of the more than 80 restaurants in the downtown alone. During Bethlehem’s biannual Restaurant Week, patrons can enjoy delicious prix fixe meals at a significant discount.

Bethlehem South Side

Deja Brew
101 West 4th St.
fresh salads, sandwiches and an array of hot beverages $

Goosey Gander
102 West 4th St.
a deli-style restaurant and popular student hangout with a large selection of meal choices $

Jenny’s Kuali
102 East 4th St.
authentic Malaysian cuisine featuring many vegetarian options $$

Molly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub
4 East 4th St.
traditional Irish comfort food $$

Nawab
13 East 4th St.
Indian cuisine $$

Perkins Family Restaurant
corner of Brodhead Ave. and 3rd St.
diner food for breakfast, lunch and dinner $

Playa Bowls
310 East 3rd St.
healthy eatery offering acai bowls, oatmeal, smoothies, coffee and more $

Roasted
22 West 4th St.
funky, fresh and eclectic breakfast and lunch offerings $

Anna's Brick Oven Pizza
313 South New St.
great pizza and other Italian dishes $

Sotto Santi’s
10 West 4th St.
lively pub serving brick oven pizza and Italian entrees $

Southside 313 Bar & Grille
313 East 3rd St.
soups, salads and pub fare $$

The Olive Branch
335 Broadway
Middle Eastern cuisine $$

Twenty Four East Asian Bistro
24 East 4th St.
sushi and other Asian cuisine $$

Tulum
17 West Morton St.
serving “Beth-Mex,” including tacos, burritos and fresh guac $

Zest
306 S. New St.
offers New American fare with spectacular 180 degree views of Bethlehem

Bethlehem North Side

Apollo Grill
85 West Broad St.
a wide selection of appetizers, salads, gourmet sandwiches, pasta, fresh fish, steaks and more $$$

Bethlehem Brew Works
569 Main St.
(corner of Broad and Main) a brewery and restaurant featuring a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads and house specialties $$

Edge
74 West Broad St.
fine dining in a cosmopolitan atmosphere (not open for lunch) $$$

The Flying Egg
451 Main St.
creative breakfasts, specialty juices and fresh coffee $$

Mama Nina Foccacheria
546 Main St.
authentic, homemade Italian cuisine $$

Moravian Book Shop Deli
428 Main St.
serves soups, sandwiches, wraps and light fare for lunch $$

Tapas on Main
500 Main St.
tapas and other Spanish and Latin cuisine $$

The Hotel Bethlehem
437 Main St.
two unique dining options, both with beautiful views of Historic Bethlehem: The Tap Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for its wide variety and live jazz music; 1741 on the Terrace offers an ambiance that is warm and inviting and features New American cuisine $$

The Melting Pot
1 East Broad St.
an upscale atmosphere with a large selection of fondue dishes $$$

Note: This listing is provided for your convenience. It is not an endorsement of any specific establishment.

Lehigh Valley

Beyond Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley is home to several top-notch entertainment centers, shopping malls and award-winning restaurants. Easy day or weekend trips include New York City, Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains and New Jersey and Delaware beaches.

LEHIGH VALLEY MALL The largest shopping mall in the Lehigh Valley houses Chipotle, J. Crew, Apple and more.

THE PROMENADE SHOPS Outdoor shopping center featuring 3D movie theater, Cosí, L.L. Bean and Banana Republic, to name a few.

DORNEY PARK & WILDWATER KINGDOM An amusement and water park featuring eight roller coasters and a variety of rides for adults and children.

THE CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE A museum and visitor center for children of all ages, located in Crayola’s hometown of Easton.

C.F. MARTIN & CO. The home of the iconic American guitars gives full factory tours and boasts a playing and listening room.

PPL CENTER: PHANTOMS HOCKEY An indoor arena that features big-name concerts and is home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL Affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers).

COCA-COLA PARK: IRON PIGS BASEBALL A baseball park that houses the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (the Philadelphia Phillies’ AAA team).

LEHIGH VALLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The Valley’s airport has been open since 1929 and services airlines including Delta Air Lines, United Express and US Airways Express.

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