BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The home of Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Musikfest, and many businesses is getting national attention.
USA Today nominated Bethlehem’s Main Street as the best in America for the second time.
People have until April 6 to vote. People can vote every day on every device.
Salem, Massachusetts and Lake Placid, New York are among the other nominees.
Main Street won the special recognition last year.
What makes Main Street so special? Historic Hotel Bethlehem General Manager Kelly Ronalds said she thinks it is the blend of restaurants and boutique shops.
“You can find anything for anyone right here on Main Street,” she said.
Ronalds said a new international marketing campaign was launched promoting Bethlehem’s Main Street as an all year-round destination, even though it can be typically seen as a Christmas destination.
In addition to shops, Main Street also has a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Brethren’s House at Moravian University.
Rachael Bell, HBMS Manager of Visitor Experience, at Shrop Dry Goods, said the city saw an uptick in visitation this past year due to it being in the USA Today contest.
Evelyn Caron, Assistant Manager with the Downtown Bethlehem Association, said Main Street being in the contest is a “huge source of community pride,” and it gives small local businesses the recognition they deserve.
Caron said Bethlehem abides by the “Live Work, Play” motto, meaning you don’t just come once; you want to return and have a family or start a business in the city.