Christmas time in the city is a beautiful thing, but sometimes we all need a weekend escape, especially around the holidays. Want to get a taste of farm life with a side of urban adventure? A trip to the Lehigh Valley should be on your holiday wish list. From wine tasting at the gorgeous Galen Glen Winery to picking your own Christmas trees at Seiple Farms to dining at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, there is holiday fun to be had for everyone in the family. The best part? It’s only a 90-minute drive away.
Galen Glen Winery
255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas
galenglen.com
Want to feel like you’re in Europe without leaving Pennsylvania? Then head over to the Galen Glen Winery, where all of their grapes are grown on-site. Founded in 1995, the vineyards go for miles and the tasting room sits on top of a hill with the perfect view. Galen Glen Winery is also getting noticed beyond the Lehigh Valley, being lauded by The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Wine Enthusiast for their exceptional wines. Picking up a few bottles as gifts is highly recommended.
The Crayola Experience
30 Centre Sq., Easton
crayolaexperience.com/easton
Bringing the kids along on your weekend holiday adventure? Then you should definitely stop by the Crayola Experience in Easton. Featuring 65,000 square feet of attractions spread across four floors, you can name and wrap your own crayon, get your hand molded into wax, create stunning spin art using crayon wax and much more.
Easton Public Market
325 Northhampton St., Easton
eastonpublicmarket.com
If you have foodies on your shopping list, making a stop at Easton Public Market (across from the Crayola Experience) is a must. Find one-of-a-kind balsamics and olive oils at Olive with a Twist (the Sicilian Lemon balsamic is incredible) and artisan chocolates by master chocolatier, Jean-Paul Hepp at Chocodiem. The coffee lover in your life will also appreciate fresh beans from Fieldstone Coffee Roasters.
Seiple Farms
5761 Nor Bath Blvd, Bath
seiplefarms.com
This family-owned farm has been around since 1889, featuring seasonal outdoors activities for all. Beginning Nov. 24, you’ll even able to cut your own Christmas trees there. Choose from Douglas Fir or Canaan Fir if you’re cutting your own and if you’re okay with a pre-cut tree, Frasier Firs are available as well. They also have wreaths, candles, ornaments, tree bags and treestands for sale as well.
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
437 Main St., Bethlehem
hotelbethlehem.com
Looking for a dining experience that’s something out of a Christmas card? The Historic Hotel Bethlehem is beyond picturesque, and if you happen to go when it’s snowing, that’s simply icing on the cake. Their Sunday brunches are spectacular and even feature live music to go along with their unlimited buffet, which features everything from made-to-order omelets, a carving station, seafood and an exquisite dessert table.