BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular, family-run fitness facility – known for its signature programs practiced in a room heated to 110 degrees – is leveling up with a larger location in the Lehigh Valley.
Hot Yoga Hut, offering instructor-led hot yoga classes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, is planning to move later this spring from its home of 12 years at 2108 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem to a larger space at 2290 Avenue A in Bethlehem.
Hot Yoga Hut, offering instructor-led hot yoga classes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, is planning to move later this spring from its home of 12 years at 2108 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem (pictured) to a larger space at 2290 Avenue A in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
An exact opening date for the new studio has not yet been determined, but it will likely be in early May, according to Ali Trexler, who runs the business with family members.
Hot Yoga Hut opened in 2014 in the Lehigh Shopping Center, and it will continue to operate there over the next few weeks as preparations are made for its new spot – located just east of Airport Road near Lehigh Valley International Airport.
An official opening date for the “new and improved” location will be made on the business’ Facebook page, Trexler said.
“Since our lease was up at the shopping center, we thought it was a good time for an upgrade at a new location,” Trexler said.
“Our original space has served us well for over 10 years, and we’re very thankful for our time here, but we’re super pumped to start a new chapter and continue offering our high-quality fitness classes in a brand-new studio.”
Hot Yoga Hut, offering instructor-led hot yoga classes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, is planning to move later this spring to a larger space at 2290 Avenue A in Bethlehem.
The new, custom-designed studio will feature a state-of-the-art, European-style hot room, blending hot air and humidity, with heat being pumped through specialized blue flame ductwork that stretches across the space.
The new location also will feature 20 millimeter-thick, free floating, cork underlay floors, along with new lighting and wall-to-wall mirrors.
New bathrooms and a shower room are also being installed, Trexler said.
“Everything will be brand new, including our specially designed floors that will offer support for your joints,” Trexler said.
Hot Yoga Hut
Hot Yoga Hut’s original facility accommodates around 30 students per class, and the new studio will be able to fit at least 35 students, Trexler said.
The parking situation also will be better at the forthcoming spot, Trexler said.
At its current location, Hot Yog Hut is situated near a gym, post office and several retail stores, leading to many unavailable parking spots, she said.
“The shopping center is very busy, and the parking can get very tight,” Trexler explained. “But we’ll have plenty of available, spacious parking spots at our new location.”
Trexler operates Hot Yoga Hut with her mother, Randi Perrett; husband, Tim Trexler; and brother-in-law, Bill Trexler.
A team of around 10 instructors lead classes alongside the family members.
“We’re very much a family-run business,” Ali explained. “And we consider all of our other instructors to be extended family. A lot of our staff members are close friends who we grew up with.”
Hot Yoga Hut
Perrett has been practicing all styles of yoga for more than 20 years, receiving her 200 RYT (registered yoga teach – 200-hour level) certification through Lehigh Valley Ashtanga School Teacher Training and later her E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teacher) and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider) certification through Yoga Alliance.
She also holds a Fitness Instructor Certification through NETA (National Exercise Training Association) and has studied with yoga masters such as Sharath Jois, David Williams, David Swenson, Kino McGregor, Ana Forrest and Dharma Mittra, among others.
Inspired by Bikram yoga, Perrett created and copyrighted her own hot yoga sequence known as Hot Yoga 40-RP. She describes the program as a physical and internally focused practice.
Perrett is also an active member of International Association of Yoga Therapists, allowing her to remain current on methods of yoga as therapeutic treatments in western medicine.
“Our instructors are still trained and receive continuing education by my mom,” Ali said.
Hot Yoga Hut
Hot Yoga Hut offers a variety of programs, with its most popular offering being Hot Yoga 40-RP and HOT ABS, Ali said.
Hot Yoga 40-RP is a 75-minute set sequence consisting of 40 yoga asanas (postures), created and copyrighted by Perrett.
Consulting with a neurosurgeon, Perrett crafted the 40 poses in a specific order, designed to work systemically through all dimensions of the body.
“Practiced in a heated room, this is a meditative and detoxing practice ideal for yogis and athletes looking for a challenge,” a class description reads.
“Hot Yoga 40 tones and sculpts major muscle groups, and it is proven effective for shedding unwanted pounds. Concentration, determination, self-control and patience; you will become a master of these traits on and off the mat with this hot yoga practice.”
Hot Yoga Hut
HOT ABS, which is copyrighted and owned by Hot Yoga Hut, is an intense, 45-minute abdominal workout in a heated environment.
The class is described as a “six pack attack” set to music, with routines varying with every class.
Dumb bells (3-15 pounds) and exercise bands are optional for a more challenging workout.
“If you are looking to burn calories, shrink fat cells, learn self-defense, and boost your endurance and confidence – this is the class for you,” a description reads. “Hot Abs will give you the sculpted, lean body that you deserve.”
Beginners are welcome, and instructors work with all of the participants to ensure a successful and safe workout.
“What’s so great about our programs is that they are accessible to everyone – all ages and all fitness levels,” Ali said.
“Modifications are available for certain movements, and the programs are user-friendly with therapeutic sequences, benefiting not only the body but also the mind.”
Hot Yoga Hut’s staff and students are collectively known as the “good vibe tribe,” and the business will retain its tropical theme and island vibes at its new location, Ali said.
Ryan Kneller
The business’ pricing structure also will remain the same at the new spot, Ali said.
Individuals can opt for a drop-in class ($22) or a variety of multi-class packs, including a $90 five-class pack (save $20) or $170 10-class pack (save $50).
There’s also a buy one class ($22), get one free deal for new students.
For the latest Hot Yoga Hut updates, including progress announcements regarding the new location, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: 610-419-1209; hotyogahut.com.
More businesses on the move‘Community is everything’: Take a peek at longtime brewery’s new Lehigh Valley taproom
TATAMY, Pa. – Just in time for Lehigh Valley Beer Week, a popular craft brewery is welcoming beer buffs to its new location in Northampton County.
HiJinx Brewing Company, offering a wide array of hand-crafted, freshly brewed local beer, on April 3 held a soft opening of its new location at Tatamy Volunteer Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy, HiJinx owner Curt Keck told 69 News.
During its soft-opening phase over the next few weeks, the new location will operate with limited hours, Keck said.
A grand opening event is expected to be held in early May. Full story here.
HiJinx Brewing Company, offering a wide array of hand-crafted, freshly brewed local beer, on Friday held a soft opening of its new location at 164 Bushkill St. in Tatamy.
‘More vibrant area’: Rising rent leads decades-old retailer to find new Bethlehem home
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A longstanding, family-run business is making moves in the Lehigh Valley.
Amateur Athlete, a popular retailer selling skateboards, longboards, casual wear, shoes and accessories like hats and sunglasses, is planning to move within the next few months from 2110 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem to 608 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, owner Joseph Yoo told 69 News this week.
The business, established in 1982, will vacate its current brick-and-mortar space in the Lehigh Shopping Center by the end of April before reopening at its new location on East Third Street in early summer, Yoo said.
An exact reopening date has not yet been determined, but Yoo expects the store will begin operations at its new spot – located on the ground floor of the Six 10 Flats building – in late June or early July. Read more here.
Amateur Athlete will soon be moving from its location in the Lehigh Shopping Center in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Tasty eats and drinks‘Excited to serve more people‘: Popular Mexican restaurant to open 2nd Lehigh Valley location
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A family-run restaurant known for its artisan street tacos, nachos, flautas and other Mexican favorites is expanding its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
A second location of UNO Taqueria, a fast-casual eatery offering authentic Mexican cuisine at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township, is expected to open in early May at 15 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem, according to Samuel Montoya, who operates the business with family members.
The south Bethlehem space was previously home to other dining establishments, including General Zapata and, most recently, La Kang Chicken & Rice.
“We’re excited to serve more people in another community,” Montoya said. Read more.
UNO Taqueria operates at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
New Lehigh Valley business takes root with natural juices, smoothies, supplements and more
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A business rooted in wellness is blooming in Lehigh County.
ROOT’D, offering natural juices, smoothies, supplements and more, held a soft opening on Monday at 1408 Hanover Ave. in Allentown.
The juice bar occupies a renovated space between Big Woody’s Sports Bar & Restaurant and Valley Fresh Laundromat in the Allentown Commons shopping center.
Husband and wife Manny Garcia and Mari Padilla are operating ROOT’D with their friend, John Roman. Full story here.
ROOT’D, offering natural juices, smoothies, supplements and more, operates at 1408 Hanover Ave. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Boehringer’s in Lancaster County gears up for its 90th season, serving up timeless nostalgia
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa.- A popular ice cream spot is marking a milestone; gearing up for its 90th season.
“This is the latest we’ve opened simply because of the weather this year,” says Christopher Schnader, 4th generation owner of Boehringer’s. “We started on Main Street in Adamstown [then] moved out here in the 50’s. [We’ve] been here ever since. This will be our 90th year.”
Boehringer’s, just over the Berks line, has been a popular summer spot for generations. Over the years the business expanded as needed, keeping as much the same as possible including the homemade ice cream.
“They like the ice cream,” says Schnader. “It’s not fancy food, but it’s good food.” Read more here.
Berks, Bucks counties’Dream come true’: Mexican restaurant holds grand opening in Berks County
KENHORST, Pa. – A new destination for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and other Mexican favorites is welcoming guests in Berks County.
Guacamole Restaurant, offering authentic Mexican cuisine, held its grand opening on Friday, April 10, at 600 Kenhorst Plaza in Kenhorst, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The new restaurant occupies an updated space that previously housed Mustang Grill in the Kenhorst Plaza. Read more.
Guacamole Restaurant
‘Fresh food, elevated’: New Quakertown area eatery offering tasty burgers, breakfast dishes and more
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – A new restaurant is serving up a wide array of freshly prepared eats, including patty melts, pot roast skillets and Polish kielbasa and kraut sandwiches, in upper Bucks County.
Bistro 1015, serving made-to-order dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, will hold its grand opening weekend on April 25 and 26 at the Quakertown Farmers Market, 201 Station Road, Richland Township, according to a news release.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. April 25, and guests will be able to enter win a $50 gift card (one winner will be chosen on April 25 and another winner will be chosen on April 26). Full story here.
Bistro 1015 at the Quakertown Farmers Market offers a pot roast skillet.
Bistro 1015
Fresh and locally sourced ingredients featured at GoggleWorks’ new Thorn Alley Kitchen
READING, Pa.- The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts has always had plenty to see. Now there’s plenty for your taste buds to experience as well.
“Ultimately, we felt that if we wanted to have the right qualities and the right personality and food, we had to do it ourselves,” said Sandy Solman, CEO and founder of Sweet Street and the chair of the board for GoggleWorks.
Every detail, every menu item at GoggleWorks’ new Thorn Alley Kitchen was crafted intentionally to create an entire experience.
“I had a concept for the menu that was based on a very hot restaurant in New York,” Solman said.
“If you really wanted to go above and beyond. There’s a caviar chicken nugget,” said GoggleWorks executive director, Levi Landis. “It’s our royal nugget, so if you really want to treat yourself. [There’s also] Prosecco on tap but there’s smash burgers and pizzas and all kinds of things that almost anybody can enjoy.” Read more here.
Poconos happeningsPopular Poconos resort and wedding venue sold
STROUD TWP., Pa. – A popular wedding venue in the Poconos has said “I do” to an acquisition.
According to a news release, The Stroudsmoor Country Inn at 257 Stroudsmoor Road in Stroud Township, Monroe County, is now owned by Wedgewood Weddings and Events. A purchase price was not announced.
Wedgewood began as a single wedding venue in 1986 in Ventura, California, founded by John and Linda Zaruka. Now it operates more than 80 sites across the country.
According to its website, The Stroudsmoor was last owned by the Pirone family. It had operated as a family resort beginning in the 1930s. The Pirones took over in 1984. Read more.
Access Newswire / Marshall Scott Photography www.MarshallScottPhotography.com
‘Where beauty, confidence and community intersect’: Poconos salon to host ribbon-cutting event
EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – Individuals seeking a fresh look for spring have a new destination for specialized hair services, including precision haircuts and advanced color techniques, in Monroe County.
The Pocono Chamber of Commerce, a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, invites the community to The Love Vibe Salon by Tracy Robin’s ribbon-cutting celebration from noon to 1 p.m. on April 25 at 720 Milford Road, Suite 102, in East Stroudsburg.
The free event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m., light refreshments and exclusive raffles for signature Love Vibe Salon T-shirts, professional shampoo, hair color services, precision cuts and highlights.
Tracy Rowen, a master stylist with 28 years of industry experience, leads the team at The Love Vibe Salon by Tracy Robin — a boutique salon “built on resilience, purpose, and elevated client care.” Full story here.
The Love Vibe Salon by Tracy Robin
Closing notes‘Time for the next chapter’: Lehigh County sports bar bids farewell after 18 years
EMMAUS, Pa. – A longstanding spot for beers, burgers, sandwiches and sports viewing has ended operations in the Lehigh Valley.
The Emmaus location of Volpe’s Sports Bar held its last day of operation on April 4 at 501 Broad St., according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
“I never thought I would own a bar, especially after seeing what it was like growing up around the business,” owner Fran Volpe said in the announcement.
“18 years ago, I decided to start a new business in Emmaus. My family was welcomed to Emmaus and always treated great by the Borough and community. I made so many great friends, had great employees and loyal customers. I am very proud of the number of organizations we have been able to sponsor, teams we could help and host meetings for, fundraisers, dine and donates… This business is a perfect example of how much one small business can help a local community. Make sure you support all your favorite local businesses.” Read more here.
Volpe’s Sports Bar – Emmaus
As decades-old Lehigh Valley business bids farewell, 19th-century barn on the move to Ohio
FORKS TWP., Pa. – A longstanding, family-run business is set to end operations later this spring in Northampton County, but a historic structure on the same property will find new life in a nearby state.
Leiser’s The Mower Shop, offering lawn equipment sales, maintenance and repairs along with propane tank refills, will hold its last day of business on May 26 at 2212 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township.
Owner Rob Leiser is retiring from the business that his late father, Donald Leiser, started 78 years ago in Bethlehem.
Over the decades, multiple Leiser’s locations operated throughout the Lehigh Valley, with Rob establishing the Forks store – the last remaining Leiser’s location – in 1985 by repurposing old farm buildings and rental equipment.
The Forks location was previously known as Leiser’s Rental Barn prior to the business’ rental operations ending in early 2024. Read more.
Ryan Kneller