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Photo credit: Colin Coleman Photography<\/p>\n
When planning a summer escape from Philly, the usual suspects tend to come up: the Shore, the Poconos, maybe a quick flight somewhere down south. But if you\u2019re looking for a trip that requires less planning and more relaxing, the real answer is just up the Northeast Extension.<\/p>\n
From wooded trails in Macungie to concerts at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley <\/a>is the kind of place where you can experience a little of everything without feeling rushed. You can also tap into the energy building around America 250<\/a>, whether that\u2019s strolling through the historic locations on the Lehigh County Treasure Trail<\/a> or joining a guided trip<\/a> tracing the path of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n Spend a day, turn it into a weekend, or come back more than once\u2014there\u2019s enough variety to make each visit feel different. Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/p>\n Get out<\/p>\n If your idea of a reset starts with fresh air, towns across the Lehigh Valley deliver a variety of trails and parks for all experience levels. The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor<\/a>, locally known as the D&L Trail, spans 165 miles along the Lehigh Canal towpath, making it an easy starting point for walking, running, or biking.<\/p>\n Cool off with a tubing trip down the Delaware River.<\/p>\n Follow it along the river, stop for scenic overlooks, or break for a shaded picnic. If you\u2019re looking to add time on the water, head to Historic Bethlehem River Tours<\/a>, where you can paddle a 5-mile stretch of the Lehigh River, pass the iconic Steel Stacks, and even swap your kayak for a bike ride back along the D&L Trail.<\/p>\n Because everything is close by, you don\u2019t have to overcommit. A few hours outside can easily turn into a full day or leave you time to explore what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n Browse galleries<\/p>\n Lehigh Valley may have started in steel, but what\u2019s grown alongside its industrial past is a creative scene that\u2019s equal parts gritty and refined.<\/p>\n Spend an afternoon at the Allentown Art Museum, where exhibitions range from historic works to contemporary pieces, including \u201cRevolution Retold<\/a>,\u201d an exhibit that commemorates American independence.<\/p>\n Faith Ringgold (American, 1930\u20112024), \u201cTaxes on us Without our Consent\u201d on display at Allentown Art Museum.<\/p>\n In Easton, the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College<\/a> highlights the spirit of creativity and cultural expression with a diverse lineup of performances and exhibitions spanning dance, music, theater, and the visual arts.<\/p>\n Break curfew<\/p>\n When the sun goes down, the valley shifts gears. Throughout the summer, outdoor concerts, local performances, and events make it easy to turn a day trip into an overnight stay.<\/p>\n Enjoy live music under the stars at Levitt Pavilion in Bethlehem all summer long. Photo credit: Colin Coleman Photography.<\/p>\n Catch a show at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks<\/a> in Bethlehem, where free outdoor concerts draw a mix of local and national acts. For a larger venue experience, Wind Creek Event Center<\/a> brings in big-name headliners, while Coca-Cola Park hosts Lehigh Valley IronPigs games and epic summer experiences. This year at the park, Let Freedom Sing<\/a> and Liberty Ignited <\/a>feature live music and one of the largest fireworks displays in the state\u2014both part of the America 250 festivities.<\/p>\n Dine out<\/p>\n Any good getaway calls for a few standout meals. Across the region, there\u2019s cuisine for every mood.<\/p>\n Take in downtown Easton\u2019s public art and lively local scene. Photo credit: Henry Hung Photography.<\/p>\n Easton Public Market<\/a> and the downtown area make an easy starting point for a laid-back lunch, while nearby Bethlehem and Allentown add even more options for post-hike brunch or a relaxed dinner after a full day of exploring.<\/p>\n Craft beer enthusiasts can make stops at one of the many local breweries throughout the region (Bonus: sign up for Ales & Tales<\/a> on June 6 for a Revolutionary-era bar crawl through Historic Bethlehem).<\/p>\n If beer isn\u2019t your first choice, explore local wineries <\/a>like Vyncrest in Breinigsville, or one of the area\u2019s unique distilleries<\/a> like Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, a veteran-owned, sustainability-focused labor of love in New Tripoli.<\/p>\n Stay over<\/p>\n What starts as a quick day trip can easily turn into a weekend away.<\/p>\n Book a stay at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, an iconic spot in the heart of downtown, or a luxurious retreat at the Wilbur Mansion.<\/a> For pet parents, Glasbern<\/a> in Fogelsville is a gorgeous, laid-back inn that welcomes four-legged friends, plus the on-site spa makes it easy to take your trip to next-level relaxation.<\/p>\n Cozy accommodations and scenic views make Glasbern the perfect countryside getaway.<\/p>\n So whether it\u2019s a spontaneous day trip or a long weekend out of the city, Lehigh Valley is easy to get to but just far enough away to feel like a true getaway.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DelawareRvrTubing-DLV-HenryHung-009-2.png\")
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