Our Guide to Hidden Gems in the Lehigh Valley and Beyond

As Lehigh Valley’s 3rd generation, family-owned builder, we love the Lehigh Valley. We often talk about how desirable this area is: Zillow ranked Allentown 6th on their list of the top 10 most popular real estate markets in the United States, and Realtor.com named nearby Macungie, Pennsylvania the 10th hottest real estate ZIP code in the entire country.

The Lehigh Valley has lots of big attractions like Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Bear Creek Mountain Resort,  Coca-Cola Park, and the PPL Center.

There’s also popular shopping and dining destinations like the Lehigh Valley Mall, The Outlets at Wind Creek, Hamilton Crossings, and the Promenade Saucon Valley.

But what about some of the lesser-known spots that help give the Lehigh Valley its rich character? Here’s our guide to the Hidden Gems of the Lehigh Valley (and beyond!):  

Great Local Eats and Drinks

The Lehigh Valley has an amazing selection of food from local fine dining to nationwide chain restaurants and fast food. But these local spots stand apart as some of our favorites:

Union & Finch (Allentown): Once just a local bar, Union & Finch now has more of a modern bistro vibe while staying true to its roots as a neighborhood “joint”. The dining is relaxed and casual, but the quality is higher than you’d expect (especially for the price!). Not sure what to order? Enjoy a signature cocktail or one of their rotating craft beers and have an appetizer while you decide. You can’t go wrong with the burgers here, they are all exceptional.

Marblehead Chowder House (Easton): If you’re looking for truly outstanding seafood, you’ll find it at the Marblehead. They call themselves “The Lehigh Valley’s Premier Seafood Restaurant for 27 Years”, and we’re not arguing. Their daily “Black Board Specials” feature fresh fish from New England to Virginia. Everything is so fresh, you’d swear you’re sitting by the ocean watching the fishing boats come in.

Wert’s Cafe (Allentown): As you walk into this casual family-owned restaurant you might immediately wonder why it’s so crowded. Is there a special event today? But once you try one of their signature burgers, famous onion rings, and homemade soups, you’ll understand. They’ve perfected the art of “home cooking” for their customers. Don’t fill up too fast - you’re gonna want to try their delicious desserts too!

Bar Bix at Townley House (Easton): Located in the heart of Easton’s historic district, Townley House is a unique 16-room hotel that feels vibrant and luxurious while paying homage to the classic history of this building. Tucked inside is Bar Bix, a vibrant urban oasis featuring artisan cocktails, lush greenery, and warm fire pits. You’ll feel so welcome and comfortable here that you may never want to leave.

The Lehigh Valley is a craft beer destination, featuring outstanding options like Illumination Brewing (Funk) (Allentown and Emmaus), Lost Tavern Brewing (Bethlehem and Hellertown), and Hop Hill (Bethlehem).

Vault Brewing in Easton is a relatively recent addition. They offer a tremendous variety of craft beers from light lagers to double IPAs. There’s something for everyone here including creative cocktails and non-alcoholic options. They offer a menu with fresh, locally-sourced food; the quality and creativity is among the best you may ever find at any brewery.

Places to Go and Things to Do

The Lehigh Valley Velodrome (Trexlertown) is a unique venue featuring world-class cycling. On racing nights there’s a big crowd, lots of good food, and heart-pumping action. If you could ride that fast on a bicycle, would you have the courage?

Bethlehem River Tours will give you a signature-guided tour through historic Bethlehem by kayak and bike. You’ll kayak the Lehigh River by the old Bethlehem Steel plant, take photos under the iconic blast furnaces, and then bike the D&L Trail to return to the starting point. It’s a great way to spend half a day!

Looking for more speed? At Lehigh Valley Grand Prix you’ll get an adrenaline rush driving an indoor race car go-kart at up to 45 mph! It’s a great place for a birthday party, or just get together and have fun with a friend!  

At Martin Guitars (Nazareth), you can take a 1-hour tour of the Martin Guitar factory, visit their museum, see historic guitars (including the very first guitar Martin ever made), and maybe even shop for your very own dream guitar.

At the America on Wheels Museum (Allentown), you can learn all about how cars have evolved and see some amazing classic cars in pristine condition! If you’re more into trucks, visit the Mack Trucks Historical Museum (Allentown) to see Mack trucks throughout the years.

Unique Shopping Spots You May Have Missed

The Lehigh Valley is known for outstanding farmer’s markets including the Allentown and Easton Farmers Markets. These are great spots to support local farmers and enjoy super fresh, tasty foods. Here are some other great shopping spots:

Salvage Goods (Easton): This unique shop takes antiquing to a whole new level. This entire store is full of vintage treasures that are ready to be repurposed to find a new home with you!  

The Moravian Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in America and the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world. Here you’ll find lots of books about Lehigh Valley history and local interest. Today the bookstore also serves the students of nearby Moravian University.

The Mill Keeper of Harleysville is a one-of-a-kind store that’s all about making your home super cozy and tasteful. Here you’ll find unique items to decorate your home and show off your style. (Yes, Harleysville is a short drive from the Lehigh Valley, but super close to our Fields at Jacob’s Way Community in Harleysville!)

Klein Farms Dairy (Easton): Now this is a real farm store. Because it operates out of a real farm! This is THE local place for gourmet cheese, raw milk, eggs, and mouthwatering farm raised beef.

Those are just a few of the “hidden gems” that make the Lehigh Valley such a great place to call home - and why we love this area so much! We hope you enjoy these spots as much as we do!

Ready to build your dream home in the Lehigh Valley? Learn more about our communities, browse our floor plans, and see what homes are available right now. Call us at (484) 353-6100 or fill out our online form today.