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Home to the nation\u2019s best historic hotel and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bethlehem<\/a> has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Once the center of Moravian life in America, Bethlehem embraces the Moravian philosophy of accepting all individuals. With more than 20 historical sites, the Moravian Church Settlement has more original structures than Colonial Williamsburg. The surrounding town is bustling with quaint shops, innovative dining options, and interactive museums.<\/p>\n Located less than two hours from New York City, just over three hours from Washington DC, and a short one-hour drive from Philadelphia, Bethlehem offers historic charm and modern elegance. The town\u2019s lively food scene and unforgettable events including Christkindlmarkt, one of the nation\u2019s top holiday markets, and Musikfest, an acclaimed multi-day musical festival, make it an ideal destination.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve planned a 72-hour getaway guide featuring some of the top things to do to make the most of your time in this historic Bethlehem.<\/p>\n DAY ONE<\/p>\n Afternoon \u2013 Begin your Bethlehem getaway with lunch at Roasted<\/a>. This local favorite offers all-day breakfast as well as healthy lunch dishes with plenty of vegan options. With many types of sweet and savory pancakes, omelets, paninis, and salads, the restaurant\u2019s scratch-made dishes will satisfy any appetite.<\/p>\n Roasted | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n After lunch, explore the Moravian Church Settlements\u2013Bethlehem<\/a>, one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Pennsylvania. The settlement was the center of Moravian activities in America and housed a community who believed individuals of all races, genders, and ethnicities deserved the same rights. Located in historic downtown Bethlehem, the site includes 10 acres of the original 18th-century Moravian settlement and features more than 20 historical sites including Gemeinhaus, the largest 18th-century log structure in continuous use in the nation. Learn what life was like as a member of the Moravian community through guided tours led by docents in period dress.<\/p>\n Central Moravian Church | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n Evening \u2013 After checking into your hotel (keep scrolling for our picks at the bottom of the guide), head to ZEST bar+grille<\/a> for dinner. The rooftop restaurant in the heart of Bethlehem\u2019s art district has been recognized by OpenTable, as well as local magazines, for its cuisine. This unique, award-winning dining experience features the best of new American cuisine as well as innovative cocktails and mocktails.<\/p>\n After dinner, head to Touchstone Theatre<\/a> for a show. If you visit in December, get tickets for \u201cChristmas City Follies,\u201d a one-of-a-kind homegrown holiday show. This beloved holiday tradition has been delighting audiences for more than two decades. Can\u2019t attend this holiday spectacular? No worries, the theatre has a full schedule of events throughout the year. You may also visit the Zoellner Arts Centre<\/a> at Lehigh University, which features must-see shows including \u201cThe Nutcracker.\u201d<\/p>\n DAY TWO<\/p>\n Morning \u2013 Begin your day at The Flying Egg,<\/a> a boutique diner with a made-from-scratch menu. Try the South of the Border Benedict, apple & honey ricotta toast, or Nutella French toast. The seasonal cocktail menu features a breakfast margarita and the Ultimate Bloody Mary. After breakfast, explore the shops in downtown Bethlehem. The Moravian Book Shop<\/a> was founded in 1745 and is the oldest bookstore in the nation as well as the oldest continually operating bookstore in the world. Donegal Square<\/a>, a unique Celtic gift shop, Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe<\/a>, a charming store showcasing the commercial and cultural heritage of Bethlehem, and La Petite Provence<\/a>, a curated boutique, are also worth a visit for those looking for small-town shopping.<\/p>\n The Flying Egg | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n Afternoon \u2013 Spend the afternoon at the iconic SteelStacks<\/a>, a hub of arts, culture, and events. This former home of Bethlehem Steel is the nation\u2019s second largest steel manufacturer. Its \u201cstacks\u201d are blast furnaces once used to make iron. Each year, the SteelStacks is home to more than 1,000 concerts and eight festivals.<\/p>\n In the colder months, celebrate the season at one of the SteelStacks\u2019 most iconic festivals, Christkindlmarkt<\/a>. Named one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel + Leisure and one of the best holiday markets in the country by USA TODAY\u2019s 10 Best Readers\u2019 Choice awards, this German inspired market offers thousands of homemade gifts, delicious food, and other festive fun. Visit the artisans and craftspeople selling one-of-a-kind treasures like handmade Moravian glass stars and German ornaments. Enjoy a variety of performers and ice sculptors, lace up your skates to hit the Ice Rink at SteelStacks, and sample holiday fare like German bratwurst and strudel.<\/p>\n Christkindlmarkt | Credit: @kimberly_kanuck_photography for ArtsQuest<\/p>\n Every year in August, wrap up your summer with a music festival to remember as Musikfest<\/a> takes center stage at the SteelStacks for 10 straight days. Named one of the best free outdoor music festivals for multiple years in a row by USA TODAY\u2019s 10 Best Readers\u2019 Choice awards, the event includes an impressive musical lineup filled with free and headlining performers, art activities, food, drinks, and you can\u2019t forget about their signature Musikfest mugs.<\/p>\n Musikfest | Credit: ArtsQuest<\/p>\n Evening \u2013 For a dinner close by, satisfy all of your cravings with the diverse menu Apollo Grill<\/a> has to offer. The restaurant\u2019s extensive selections include more than thirty appetizers, inviting guests to sample a variety of foods, as well as impressive wine and beer lists. After dinner, take a horse-drawn carriage ride<\/a> through downtown Bethlehem during the winter season, or with that special someone Valentine\u2019s Day weekend. Looking for more holiday magic in what\u2019s known as Christmas City? Explore one of the many light displays that shine brightly throughout November, December, and into January. Lights in the Parkway<\/a>, Winter Light Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo<\/a>, or Illumination at Coca-Cola Park<\/a> are all dazzling displays that will put you in the festive mood.<\/p>\n Apollo Grill \u00a0| Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.comDAY THREE<\/p>\n Morning \u2013 Begin your day at Lit Coffee Roastery and Bakeshop<\/a>, a local coffee shop featuring seasonal drinks and locally-sourced baked goods like spelt focaccia with honeynut squash and rosemary garlic asiago scones. Then, head to the National Museum of Industrial History<\/a>, which is located in the former electric repair shop of the Bethlehem Steel plant. With more than 200 artifacts and hands-on interactive exhibits, the museum tells the story of America\u2019s industrial past. Don\u2019t miss the museum\u2019s rare artifacts including the 1876 Smithsonian industrial collection of iron, steel, textile, and propane.<\/p>\n Afternoon \u2013 After learning about our nation\u2019s industrial history, get an up close look at blast furnaces at the Hoover-Mason Trestle<\/a>. The trestle was once used as a narrow-gauge railroad to carry iron supplies from the ore yard to the blast furnace and now welcomes visitors as a museum and recreational space. Try Tulum<\/a>, the city\u2019s \u201cBeth-Mex\u201d restaurant, for lunch. The restaurant features burritos, tacos, and quesadillas that are scratch made with many vegetarian and gluten-free options.<\/p>\n ADD A DAY<\/p>\n Not ready for your Bethlehem getaway to end, add a day and spend it in Easton<\/a>, an innovative city about 20 miles away. Full of historic charm, this riverside town is believed to be the site of the nation\u2019s first Christmas tree. Explore the Easton Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, which was established in 1752 when the city was founded and is the oldest continuously open-air market in the nation. The market features locally grown produce, meat, eggs, and baked goods. Grab a bite to eat from one of the market\u2019s restaurants<\/a> including Aladdin Middle Eastern and Tierra de Fuego.<\/p>\n Easton Farmers\u2019 Market | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n Visit the National Canal Museum<\/a> to learn more about the nation\u2019s golden age of canals. The museum is part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Center Corridor, <\/a>which works to preserve the national significance of transportation in the area. If you are up for a hike, the D&L Trail has more than 165 miles and connects with the towns of Wilkes-Barre and Bristol.<\/p>\n D&L Trail | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n Kids and kids at heart will enjoy exploring the Crayola Experience<\/a>. The colorful museum features a cartoon creator, adventure lab, color playground, and scribble square. Don\u2019t miss the Crayola Store, which has the world\u2019s largest selection of Crayola products and souvenirs.<\/p>\n PLACES TO STAY<\/p>\n Historic Hotel Bethlehem<\/a> is the nation\u2019s #1 historic hotel according to USA TODAY\u2019s 10 Best Readers\u2019 Choice. The hotel\u2019s commitment to customer service is built upon the gracious hospitality of Moravian settlers who came to the area 280 years ago. Throughout its rich history, the hotel has welcomed colonial travelers, steel tycoons, artists, and international leaders. The hotel\u2019s elegant lobby, tasty cuisine, and relaxing spa make it an ideal location for visitors.<\/p>\n Historic Hotel Bethlehem | Credit: DiscoverLehighValley.com<\/p>\n Sayre Mansion<\/a>, the city\u2019s urban haven, was built in 1858 and served as a home to industrialists and railroad pioneers in the area. In 1993, the mansion underwent a multi-million dollar restoration and was opened as a bed and breakfast. The mansion features a number of rooms and suites as well as a breakfast buffet and afternoon tea served in the elegant dining room.<\/p>\n Wilbur Mansion<\/a> is a boutique hotel that showcases original 1865 architecture with modern d\u00e9cor and amenities. The hotel offers a choice of rooms as well as wedding and special event facilities. The on-site Wilbur Restaurant specializes in locally sourced, seasonal dishes, and handcrafted beverages.<\/p>\n Looking for more Great American Getaways in Pennsylvania? Check out the VISIT PA<\/a> website and follow us on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> , Pinterest<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, Threads<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a> for more PA inspiration. Don\u2019t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter<\/a> so you never miss an update.<\/p>\n
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