BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new business is offering a wide array of specialty gifts, housewares and other items in Northampton County.
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe, offering thoughtfully curated gifts, home decor and locally made items such as clothing, jewelry and skincare products, opened Sept. 15 at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 12C in downtown Bethlehem.
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe operates at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 12C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
A grand opening celebration, with complimentary drinks and snacks, will be held noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 10, co-owner Lawren Konschnik told 69 News. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 1 p.m.
Konschnik operates The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe with her wife, Heather Konschnik.
The store is an outgrowth of the couple’s artisan skincare business, LK Artistry, which they’ve ran online and in a mobile format at local festivals and other venues since 2019.
At the new Bethlehem Gift Shoppe, LK Artistry’s artisan soaps, scrubs, lotions and other products are available for purchase alongside a curated selection of other items.
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe operates at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 12C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
“We’re very excited to bring this shop to the community,” Lawren told 69 News.
“LK Artistry is where we got our start, doing festivals like Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt while getting to know our customers and being part of this amazing and growing community. We will continue setting up stands at local events as well as selling items online, but we also wanted to grow our business while supporting other local businesses in our own welcoming space.”
Shoppers can browse LK Artistry’s skincare products, including the business’ top-selling Magnesium Dream Cream (made with shea butter, lavender and chamomille), along with other locally made products items such as T-shirts from The Bethlum Shop and guitar string jewelry from High Strung Studios.
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe operates at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 12C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
The store also features artisan teas, houseplants, throw pillows, blankets, coasters, leather keychains, holiday and seasonal décor such as stuffed pumpkins, tableware such as wooden bowls and serving trays, and fashion accessories such as jewelry, scarves and socks, among other items.
Other local finds include hand-crafted, miniature Moravian glass stars and photographs and prints depicting downtown Bethlehem’s Main Street, the former Bethlehem Steel’s blast furnaces and more.
“We also have products from other parts of Pennsylvania,” Lawren said.
“For example, we’ve got raw honey from the Beekeeper’s Daughter near Dallas, PA; tote bags with various printed designs from a Bucks County business; and steel ornaments made by a Pittsburgh artisan. We’re all about supporting other small businesses, and so we find items that speak to us and bring them into the store on a wholesale basis, not on consignment.”
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe operates at 77 W. Broad St. Unit 12C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
The Bethlehem Gift Shoppe, open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, operates between Into the Mystic and Crave Nutrition in downtown Bethlehem.
The updated space was previously home to Kaleidoscope Collective, a retail shop selling unique gifts, housewares and more that is continuing to operate via local markets, pop-ups and special events.
For the latest Bethlehem Gift Shoppe updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: bethlehemgiftshoppe.com.
More in Bethlehem area ‘Come hungry’: Fast-growing Mexican restaurant opens 1st Pa. location in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new fast-casual eatery is serving up tasty tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites in the Lehigh Valley.
A new location of Taco Tek Mexican Grill, offering freshly prepared halal Mexican food, held a soft opening on Sept. 26 at 3211 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, Manager Jerry Patel told 69 News.
The new restaurant occupies an updated Schoenersville Centre space that previously housed a Moe’s Southwest Grill location, which closed in the spring after about 14 years of operation.
The new Taco Tek restaurant is the brand’s first Pennsylvania location, supplementing four locations in New York City and another in Paterson, N.J. that have opened over the past year. Full story here.
Popular sneaker and clothing chain to open 3rd Lehigh Valley location
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following the debut of its second Lehigh Valley location over the summer, a popular retailer is continuing to expand its local footprint with another store set to open later this month.
A new location of SNIPES, a worldwide chain offering sneakers, streetwear, hats and accessories, is tentatively set to open next week at 2100 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem, SNIPES District Manager Jackie Tarantola told 69 News.
“The current target [opening] date is Oct. 8,” Tarantola said. “However, that could fluctuate and change.”
The forthcoming Bethlehem store will operate at the Lehigh Shopping Center and will supplement two other Lehigh Valley SNIPES locations – a roughly four-year-old store at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township and a store that opened in late August at the Plaza West shopping center at 1616 W. Allen St. in Allentown. Read more here.
A SNIPES store is coming soon to 2100 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.
Bethlehem Co-Op preview market underway on Thursdays, Saturdays prior to official opening
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A grocery store years in the making is opening its doors for a preview that is giving shoppers an idea of what they can expect when it officially opens in December.
“It’s been a very, very long journey, 15 years. So, it’s time to get this space operational,” said Todd Mertz, the Board Chair of Bethlehem Co-Op Market.
The Bethlehem Co-Op will hold preview markets some Thursdays and Saturdays until they officially open their doors.
Thursday was the first of those preview markets, which gave people their first chance to shop, sample local products, and see what’s taking shape inside. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Bethlehem Township zoners pause appeal surrounding long-abandoned gas station
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – The Bethlehem Township Zoning Hearing Board continued a zoning relief appeal concerning a proposed auto service and convenience store during a remand hearing Wednesday night at the municipal building.
The applicant, Rajwinder Nagra and 4WAY Junction LLC, is contesting a township zoning determination issued on Sept. 26, 2023. Nagra is proposing to operate an auto service station and convenience store at 4063 Nazareth Pike (Route 191).
That’s a well-known spot to many drivers in Northampton County, as it sits directly in front of the Route 191 off-ramp from Route 22 westbound. It previously was an Exxon gas station, but that closed nearly 25 years go. Full story here.
The vacant Exxon gas station sits squarely in front of drivers as they make their way off the westbound Route 22 ramp onto Route 191.
WFMZ-TV | Amy Unger
Oktoberfest returns to SteelStacks for 16th year with food, drinks, tradition
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Oktoberfest is back at the SteelStacks, kicking off two weekends jam-packed full of German food, beverages, and, of course, plenty of tradition.
For some families, Friday night was about making memories, including visitors experiencing Lehigh Valley fall festivals for the first time.
“My mother-in-law from Colombia is visiting, so we wanted to be sure to take her to all the festivals and have her experience all these cool autumn festivals, and Oktoberfest is a good one,” Bethlehem resident Dylan Davis says.
For others, it’s a family tradition.
“We come every year,” Michael Follweiler says. “It’s just a good time, Good music, good beer.” Read more here.
Foodie findsFriends breathe new life into landmark ice cream spot in Lehigh County
U. MILFORD TWP., Pa. – A new Lehigh County business is serving up sundaes, milkshakes, and other chilled treats alongside cheesesteaks, smash burgers, and other savory eats at a prominent property that has welcomed ice cream lovers for decades.
The Crow’s Nest Creamery, an ice cream shop and fast-casual eatery, held a soft opening on Tuesday at 5130 Chestnut St in Upper Milford Township, co-owner Stacy Kiefer told 69 News.
The Emmaus area property is the same spot where TG Countryside, a longtime, family-owned ice cream shop, closed in September 2025.
The property, at Routes 29 and 100, changed hands several times since original owners Leo and Wilma Kressley opened Kressley’s Cree-Mee Freez at the site in 1957. Read more.
The Crow’s Nest Creamery is located at 5130 Chestnut St in Upper Milford Township
Ryan Kneller
Stand at Trolley Barn Public Market to close as owners plan new Lehigh Valley restaurant
A Trolley Barn Public Market stand is set to end operations this weekend, but the husband-and-wife owners have plans for a new tasty venture.
Fruitella Crepes, offering made-to-order crepes, smoothies, acai bowls, strawberry Dubai chocolate cups and more, will permanently close on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown, according to Dani Awad, who operates the stand with his wife, Ghadir Awad.
Fruitella Crepes was established in 2022, and the Awads decided to close the stand to expand operations with a new restaurant, Olive It, offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine at 954 Pembroke Road in Freemansburg.
The new restaurant, expected to open within the next few months, also will offer crepes, acai bowls and strawberry Dubai chocolate cups, Dani said. Full story here.
Fruitella Crepes operates at the Tolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown.
Inaugural Forks Township Restaurant Week to showcase tasty promotions at top dining spots
FORKS TWP., Pa. – Enjoy a wide array of cuisines while supporting local businesses during the inaugural Forks Township Restaurant Week.
The event, taking place from Oct. 11 through Oct. 17, is presented by the Forks Business Association and Easton Area Chamber of Commerce and features prix-fixe menus and other dining promotions at nearly a dozen restaurants in Forks Township and the surrounding area.
Individuals will have a “chance to discover new places to eat, enjoy local favorites and support the small businesses that contribute to the community,” according to a news release. Read more here.
Lehigh County newsNational discount retailer opens 1st Lehigh Valley location in Whitehall Square
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular retail chain has brought its “amazing deals” to a new location in Lehigh County.
A location of dd’s DISCOUNTS held a grand opening last weekend at 2180 MacArthur Road, Unit 22, in Whitehall Township.
Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The new store, dd’s Discounts’ first Lehigh Valley location, occupies a renovated space in the Whitehall Square shopping center. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
‘Grateful to everyone we met!’: Ice cream shop to close 1 of its Lehigh Valley locations
N. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A destination for sundaes, milkshakes and other chilled treats is set to end operations later this fall in Lehigh County.
A location of Drizzle Ice Cream will close on Nov. 1 at 5040 Route 873 in the Schnecksville section of North Whitehall Township, according to an online announcement.
“We’ve decided not to extend our time in Schnecksville,” reads a message on Drizzle Ice Cream – Schnecksville’s Facebook page.
“Because of that, we’re currently planning to close Drizzle Schnecksville on November 1st while some final details are being worked out. In the meantime, October is a great month to visit! We have our Famous Weekly Sundae Specials throughout October and we’re still going to offer the Drizzle Advent Calendar!! We’d love to see you at Drizzle Schnecksville throughout the month.” Full story here.
Drizzle Ice Cream
New medical marijuana dispensary opens at former restaurant site in Allentown
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A building that previously attracted beer, burger and sports fans is home to a new business in Lehigh County.
A new location of RISE Dispensary, a medical marijuana dispensary, opened in September at 2805 Lehigh St. in Allentown.
The renovated property was previously home to The Sweet Spot Bar & Grill, a full-service restaurant and bar featuring Topgolf Swing Suite golf simulator bays, which closed last year.
RISE Dispensary Allentown welcomes registered Pennsylvania medical marijuana patients to shop in person at the Lehigh Street dispensary, located just south of the Interstate 78 interchange. Read more here.
A new location of RISE Dispensary operates at 2805 Lehigh St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
Promenade Saucon Valley to celebrate 20th birthday with store offers, $200 gift card drawings
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A prominent outdoor lifestyle center in Lehigh County is commemorating 20 years of shopping, dining, events and community.
Promenade Saucon Valley, an open-air lifestyle shopping center in the Center Valley section of Upper Saucon Township, is celebrating its 20th birthday by offering thousands of dollars in prizes, exclusive store offers and more throughout the month of October.
“Promenade Saucon Valley is turning 20!” reads an announcement on the center’s Facebook page. “Since opening in 2006, we’ve been proud to be part of the Lehigh Valley community.”
The center plans to make its fourth annual Barktoberfest, a two-day event featuring dog dock diving competitions, visiting animal shelters, pet-related vendors, pet costume contests and more, extra special in honor of its 20th anniversary. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Attention, book lovers!’Community asset’: Family behind popular Lehigh Valley antique store opening nearby book shop
NAZARETH, Pa. – Bookworms looking to stock up on fresh reading material will soon have a new spot to frequent in Northampton County.
Nazareth Book Shoppe, selling a wide array of new and used books, is expected to open in late November at 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth, co-owner Aaron Bachstein told 69 News.
“The goal is to be open by Black Friday,” Bachstein added.
“We want to be open for all of the people walking around and looking for gifts not only on Black Friday, but also on Small Business Saturday and the rest of the holiday season.”
The new bookstore will be a family affair, with Bachstein’s wife, Heather, and two children, Abigail and Ethan, all helping out in various capacities.
The family also operates the year-old Blackbird Antiques store, offering a wide assortment of unique antiques and vintage pieces, a few doors down at 19 Belvidere St. Full story here.
Nazareth Book Shoppe, selling a wide array of new and used books, is coming soon to 27 E. Belvidere St. in Nazareth.
Ryan Kneller
Inaugural ‘Story Lane: Book Fair and Market’ brings book lovers, authors, artisans together in Reading
READING, Pa. – Book lovers, authors, and artisans will come together Saturday for the first-ever Story Lane: Book Fair and Market at the Reading Public Library.
The event, presented by the Reading Public Library and Barrio Alegría, will celebrate local literature with workshops, author panels, activities for readers of all ages and an outdoor evening market.
“This place will be littered with authors,” said Anthony Orozco, director of operations for Barrio Alegría, the organization behind the event.
Orozco said Story Lane was created from the ideas of people who wanted to celebrate local writers and literature. Read more here.
Berks buzz‘We’ve got you covered all day long’: Berks County bistro debuts dinner service
CUMRU TWP., Pa. – A family-run restaurant, known for its French toast, omelettes and other brunch favorites, has expanded operations to include dinner service in Berks County.
The Sunny Bistro, which opened in June at 322 E. Wyomissing Ave. in Cumru Township, on Sept. 22 kicked off dinner service featuring a wide array of starters, salads, burgers and entrees.
Previously, the bistro served only made-to-order dishes and drinks for breakfast and lunch. Read more.
The Sunny Bistro’s new dinner menu features sizzling salmon, 8-ounce Atlantic salmon served with asparagus, herb potatoes, onions and peppers in a lemon garlic butter sauce.
The Sunny Bistro
Berks County mom opens boutique, offering discounted items for babies, toddlers and women
BERNVILLE, Pa. – Shoppers seeking deals on new clothing, baby/toddler essentials and other products have a new store to frequent in Berks County.
TheVaultByHG, a boutique-style discount store offering items for babies, toddlers, and women, held a grand opening on Sept. 13 at 338 Stevens Ave. in Bernville, owner Haley Guzzetta said.
Main categories include baby and toddler clothing, women’s clothing and accessories, and baby/toddler accessories and essentials (diapers, toys, pacifiers, bottles, carriers, and more).
All items are new – either brand new or new with slight box damage, and more than 90 percent of items are discounted at 50% or more off regular retail prices. Full story here.
Courtesy Haley Guzzetta
Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest opens with food, music, traditions
LOWER ALSACE TWP., Pa. — The final preparations were underway Wednesday as the Reading Liederkranz opened its annual Oktoberfest celebration.
It takes a lot of work and volunteers to prepare the festival for thousands of visitors. As tables went up and organizers added the finishing touches, volunteer Mike Gallagher looked ahead to the five-day event.
“We’ve got five days. We’ve got incredible live music every night,” Gallagher said.
There will also be plenty of food.
“We’ve got an incredible variety of homemade German food. The goulash, you’ve got to try. The Schweinebraten, which is the slow-roasted German pork, you’ve got to try. Homemade pork schnitzel,” Gallagher said. Read more here.