The Lehigh Valley is an easy destination for Philadelphians being just a short drive from the city. And with the spring season around the corner, the scenic area of Pennsylvania is not only an easy trip, but a necessary one with all there is to do this time of the year.
“It’s officially that time of the year when temperatures are warming up, the hustle and bustle of the spring season begins and folks are craving a warm escape,” said Alex Michaels, President and CEO for Discover Lehigh Valley in a statement.
Michaels continued: “Spring in Lehigh Valley is when things truly come to life, we see families rally together to enjoy the limitless outdoor activities the region has to offer, and visitors can celebrate the season with a crisp beverage and a picturesque view at one of our award-winning wineries. For those looking to satisfy their urge to travel, Lehigh Valley’s endless activities are waiting for you.”
First up, sports fans will be able to check out the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Opening Day on April 4. IronPig baseball games are filled with live entertainment, on-site food options and a lot of family fun throughout the season. A full schedule of games and ticket options can be found online at milb.com.
Additionally, a fan-favorite recurring occurrence, the Valley’s variety of Farmers Markets will also be in full swing for the season. The activations feature locally-grown produce, specialty drinks, food trucks, live music and entertainment. Shopping-wise, visitors will be able to peruse through local goods and hundreds of seasonal fruits and vegetables while at these popups. Options span the Easton Farmers’ Market, Bethlehem Rose Garden Farmers Garden, Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market and others.
And for those who are looking to get outdoors to sweat, the Valley Preferred Cycling Center also known as “T-Town,” is seen as the Bicycle Racing Capital of the World, and it serves everyone from recreational cyclists to Olympians on the velodrome’s 333.3m concrete surface. The venue also hosts events, one being the Breakaway Bierfest on May 20. While there, Philadelphians will be able to enjoy an afternoon filled with local and imported beers from Shangy’s the Beer Authority, and tickets are already available online.
The following week, on May 27, another biking event will take place in Easton—the Easton Twilight Criterium. This particular race features a course of fast turns, uphills, and a long homestretch.
Music fans can be fully immersed in what they love most when the Bethlehem Bach Festival takes place. Visitors can enjoy performances, lectures, dinners, and more while at this year’s event, which takes place May 19-20. Presented by the Bethlehem Bach Choir, the festival is a tradition enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the country and beyond since the American premiere of Bach’s Mass at the first Bethlehem Bach Festival in 1900.
Vino lovers will also be in good company while in the Lehigh Valley Viticultural Area, which offers more than 230 planted acres and over 30 wineries. From Vynecrest Winery in Breinigsville, to Binah Winery in Allentown, to Soaked Winery in Walnutport—there’s plenty to choose from no matter what kind of blend you’re looking for in the area.
The Lehigh Valley is also, obviously, very scenic and in the spring time, there is more than one way to enjoy it. The 165-mile Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor for one is comprised of railroads, canals, rivers and trails. The Lehigh Valley section of the D&L Trail on the other hand is about 48 miles and spans the central region with adventures for everyone.
Additionally, there’s the LINK—an interconnected network of multi-use trails that is open year-round for a plethora of activities ranging from outdoor recreation, alternative transportation, and healthy living. The LINK spans 125 miles and is led by a coalition of trail partners across Lehigh and Northampton Counties and made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation. A full list of what visitors can expect from the LINK is available on Discover Lehigh Valley’s website.
Hawk Mountain has plenty to see as well, and once here, visitors will get a charming view of the wild bird sanctuary located along the Appalachian flyway. Typically, the sanctuary is a hotspot for hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike and that sentiment is elevated even more in the spring season. The 8-mile trail system there is open for everyone through the new accessible trail through the South Lookout. The official trail map is also located on Discover Lehigh Valley’s website.
Finally, there’s also plenty of family fun to check out for the spring in Lehigh Valley. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom opens on May 13 this year, and whatever your thrill level may be, there is plenty of fun to be had for the entire family while there. There’s also the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Nature Preserve which is home to the Zoo, and visitors will find more than 300 animals representing over 100 species.
For a full look at all things happening in Lehigh Valley, visit DiscoverLehighValley.com and for more things to do and follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
