Bethlehem

Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a wonderful city with many wonderful things to offer. Known throughout the world as Christmas City USA, it is a tourist delight to say the least, Bethlehems rich culture blend with modern day lifestyle gives this town a unique likeable feel. Located in eastern Pennsylvania, United States, the city has gained importance because of the unlimited fun options and worthy attractions.

It lies in Northampton and Lehigh counties. Bethlehem borders with the cities of Allentown and Easton and is part of the greater Lehigh Valley community.

Bethlehem is known for its rich colonial and industrial history that takes us back to 1741 when a small group of Moravians settled on the banks of the Lehigh River near the Monocacy Creek. On Christmas Eve of that year, the Moravians' patron, Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf of Saxony, Germany, visited the new settlement and christened the community called Bethlehem. By 1747, thirty-six different trades and industries exported their wares from Bethlehem throughout the colonies.

Bethlehem passed its first glorious century with leaders like George Washington, Samuel Adams and the Marquis de Lafayette as its visitors. By 1845, the village was incorporated into a free borough in the County of Northampton. Bethlehem became a center of heavy industry and trade during Industrial Revolution. Soon the city has transformed from its humble beginnings as a Moravian settlement to the modern booming town and become the heart of the thriving Lehigh Valley.

An important milestone for Bethlehem occurred when in 193, when the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce decided that since the city was named at Christmas, it should be named Christmas City. Today, Bethlehem shines as brightly as its huge electrical star atop the South Mountain.

Bethlehem is a travel destination with something to captivate everyone in the family. From its rich history to alluring music and from its booming education scene to colorful festivals; you will be touched by everything the city offers.

A detailed visit to Bethlehem and you will be surprised that how carefully the city has preserved its past. Although the Moravian influence remains strong in its architect, but many more traditions from many lands have joined in to make this city a melting point of cultures. Experiencing an economic and cultural renaissance, Bethlehem promises a future as bright as the city's past.

For travelers, Bethlehem offers unforgettable experience with warmth and hospitality that will keep you coming back again and again. The city houses the world headquarters of Bethlehem Steel Corporation and the prestigious Lehigh University. However, tourists find pleasure in exploring its streets, parks, museums and cultural events.

Your Bethlehem visit should kick off with a walk on the historic Downtown. This is the best place to enjoy good things in life and for nice family outing. The greens of the city are also worth a visit. You can check out the Illick's Mill Park, Johnston Park, Monocacy Park, Saucon Park and South Mountain Park besides many others.

The Burnside Plantation is a delightful experience whose 6.5 acre historic plantation illustrates everyday life on a Moravian farm from 1748-1848. The mid-19th century bank barn complete with horsepower wheel in the farmhouse is liked by everyone.

Some other attractions of Bethlehem include the Church Street & Heckewelder Place. Goundie House that is believed to be the 1st brick house in town is also aesthetically pleasing experience. Bethlehem boosts of some of the best museums in the region that include the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts that presents more than 250 years of design history with its elegant period rooms, galleries and changing exhibits. HistoryWorks! is also a lot of fun for the kids to explore new things.

If you like to adventure then Sand Island is the best place for you for biking and boating down the Lehigh River. The Island has beautiful trails for walking and biking along the canal and river. It also has tennis and basketball courts and a play grounds that makes it top-most attraction of Bethlehem.

Bethlehem proudly homes the Lehigh University that remains among the best and most selective universities in the latest national rankings. Lehighs picturesque 1600-acre wooded campus is actually built into the side of what is affectionately known as Old South Mountain in Bethlehem.

Now if you are looking for the heavy dose of Bethlehem culture, then you should attend its various festivals and live events. Celtic Classic is a celebration of Celtic culture and heritage presented on Historic Bethlehem's festival grounds, along the banks of Monocacy Creek. It is the largest highland games and festival in North America.

The festival features authentic food and wares, invitational Pipe Band and Drum Major competitions, Irish and Highland dancers, the best in local, national and international Celtic music, and the U.S. National Highland Games Championships.

Harvest Festival is held on Bethlehem's Main Street to celebrate both the past and the present of Historic Downtown Bethlehem. From the morning produce market to the evening entertainment in the Beer Garden, under the big tent, Main Street comes alive during this event. Finally the Annual Bethlehem Bach Festival with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem is also a wonderful experience for everyone.

Bethlehem has all the great things and some of the most joyous attractions that will surely make you feel good about the city. So make sure to visit Bethlehem at least once and you will love its lifestyle, arts, culture and all. Go for it!