Allentown is located just north of Philadelphia and south of Bethlehem, PA. With over 200 restaurants, bars, breweries, and coffee shops, it is easy to find great entertainment here. There are lots of museums, parks, historic sites, and shopping venues too. I've rounded up some of my favorites below.
1. Visit the Allentown Art Museum. This museum features modern art and local artists.
2. Explore the Allentown Historical Society & Research Center. You can learn about the history of the area and see exhibits on display.
3. Check out the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. They perform classical music throughout the year.
4. Take a tour of nearby Mount Carmel Cemetery. It contains gravesites of famous people such as Babe Ruth, Jim Thorpe, and Frank Sinatra.
5. Enjoy live theater at the Benedum Center. They offer musicals, dramas, comedies, and children's productions.
6. Attend a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park. If you're looking for cheap tickets, try StubHub.
The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center opened in 1998 and it houses exhibits that focus on the history of LeHigh County. There are several permanent displays, including a Civil War exhibit, a World War I exhibit, and a Civil Rights exhibit.
In addition to the museum, there are several historic sites open during normal operating hours. These include the Lehigh Canal, the Lehigh Coal Mine Museum, the Lehigh County Courthouse, and the Lehigh County Prison.
+16104351074
Allen Park, 432 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18102
The history of Dorney Park goes back to the 1880s. In 1887, John W. Dorney opened his first Amusement Park in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. He called it the "Lehigh Valley Amusement Park," and it operated successfully for over 50 years. In 1938, he sold the park to the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which changed the name to Dorney Park.
In 1943, the park added a wooden roller coaster named the "Flying Turns." This ride was replaced by another wooden coaster named the "Narrow Gauge Railroad Coaster" in 1959. In 1960, the park began adding steel roller coasters. One of the most well-known steel roller coasters is the "Wildcat." The park also added several smaller rides like bumper cars and carousels.
Today, Dorney Park is home to seven rollercoasters, a waterpark, and more than 60 rides. The park also hosts a popular Halloween event every year.
4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104
+16103953724
The Lehigh Valley IronPig’s are the Triple-A affiliates of the Philadelphia Phillies. They play their home games at Coca-Cola park located just outside Allentown. This is an excellent stadium that has a great atmosphere and seats that are close to the action. Plus, since these players just one step below the majors, you know you’ll see some great baseball. The team plays six home games per season against teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.
1050 Ironpigs Way, Allentown, PA 18109
+16108417447
At the Allentown Farmers' Market, located within the historical Allentown Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania, feast your eyes (belly!) on all manner of local foods: freshly baked breads and rolls, aged cheeses, handmade chocolates, infused olive oils, imported specialty items from around the world, and much more.
The market offers everything from locally grown produce to artisanal meats, gourmet coffees, and even gluten-free products. And don't miss out on the free entertainment offered throughout the day, including live music performances, kids activities, and family fun.
1825 W Chew St, Allentown, PA 18104
+16104328425
Tucked away on the second level of the antiques epicentre of Merchants Square Mall, tucked behind a glass door, you'll find a small exhibit called "The Model Train Exhibit." Inside are more than 40 model trains displayed in a miniature world of little buildings, towns, and landscape. There’s even a train station complete with ticket counter. And it’s free to enter.
This isn't just some ordinary model railroad either. This is the largest collection of antique model trains in Canada, according to the owner. He says he spends about $30,000 each year building and maintaining his display.
There are many different types of model trains including Lionel, Thomas & Friends, DCC, HO scale, N Scale, and others. But there are no rules — you can build anything you like. You can make a train run around a track, stop at stations, travel across bridges, and even go underground.
In addition to the trains themselves, there are also numerous accessories such as buildings, trees, cars, and people. There are even several different kinds of tracks, including concrete, wooden, and metal.
If you want to take home something special, there's also a gift shop where you can buy models of your favorite real-life cities.
1901 S 12th St 2nd Floor, Allentown, PA 18103
+16107977743
The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix is one of the largest events held in Pennsylvania, attracting thousands of people each year to experience the thrill of racing indoors. With over 300 competitors and spectators, it’s easy to see why this event is known as one of the most exciting races in the Northeast.
You don’t even have to worry about getting wet because there are no rainouts during the season. In fact, the weather is usually perfect for enjoying some fun on the track. If you want to make sure you don’t miss out on the action, here are five things you should know about attending the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix.
649 S 10th St, Allentown, PA 18103
+16104327223
The Allentown Fish Hatchery is located on Fish Hatchery Road and is open daily from 10am - 5pm. Admission is $3 per person and includes access to the hatchery, nature center, picnic area, playground, and fishing pond.
2901 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown, PA 18103
+16104377656
The Allentown Rose Garden is located at 1301 N. Parkway Boulevard in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This beautiful garden offers a variety of roses, including climbing roses, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs. Guests can enjoy the many different types of flowers throughout the season. They can even take advantage of the free rose delivery offered during certain months.
Allentown, PA 18104
+16104377750
The Allentown Art Museum is one of Philadelphia’s most underrated attractions. Situated right next to the historic center of town, it boasts a vast array of fabulous paintings, photographs, sculptures and prints with a huge emphasis placed on local artists.
Established in 1934, its expansive collection of 19,000 artworks occupies a grand Neoclassical-style building as well as a more modern extension that almost doubled its available exhibition space. Its light and airy gallery spaces showcase not just Japanese textiles but Renaissance and Baroques masterpieces that date back hundreds of years.
Loads of American artists also figure prominently alongside their European and Asian contemporaries, while a room designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright stands out among the museum’s highlights.
31 N 5th St, Allentown, PA 18101
+16104324333
Dutch Springs is one of the most popular recreational parks in the United States. With over ten million visitors every year, it boasts plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Situated in and around an old quarries, the well-loved recreation are offers lots of exciting attractions for visitors to take part in. There's even a chance to dive into the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan.
The park is home to many different types of inflatable rides including giant floating icebergs, bouncy water trampoline and a whole host of other fun inflatables. Visitors can also explore the surrounding nature trails, climb up the numerous rock faces and go zip lining across the lake.
The park is open 365 days a year making it perfect for families to spend quality time together.
The Pines Dinner Theatre is a country-style theater that serves dinner while you enjoy their performances, which range from live music shows to comedy acts, all performed on their scenic stage. The menu consists of hearty, home-cooked dishes prepared by a team of professional chefs. The restaurant prides itself on being friendly and inviting, making guests feel like part of the family. The venue is located on the grounds of the Lehigh Valley Expo Center, where it regularly hosts special evenings and holiday celebrations. Tickets are sold online and at the box office.
448 N 17th St, Allentown, PA 18104
+16104332333
