Bethlehem
Bethlehem is Lehigh Valley’s oldest city. It was named on Christmas Eve, 1741, by a group of Moravians who relocated from North Carolina and settled at the confluence of the Lehigh River and Monocacy Creek, While the Moravians constructed some water-powered mills on the Monocacy, it was the canal, railroads and resulting economic opportunities that lured large-scale industry to the south bank of the Lehigh River. The largest, Bethlehem Iron Co., soon dominated the economy, town and way of life. Steel made from local iron, coal and limestone was milled and forged into the many shapes and configurations that helped launch the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s.
Bethlehem has six distinct National Historic Districts within its boundaries, as well as two National Historic landmarks. Many of its original structures, built by the early settlers, still line the streets of the downtown historic district.
Today, Bethlehem’s art community flourishes, attracting art lovers of all kinds. Musikfest offers a week-long event that draws thousands to experience the thrill of live performances, Celtic Classic recognizes the Celtic culture while Christkindlmarkt brings visitors and residents a taste of Germany. Main Street in Bethlehem is an art form in itself. The care and maintenance of its historic past has been preserved to a pristine, inviting and invigorating destination.
Things to see and do in Bethlehem
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Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley, Inc.
Dance organization in the Lehigh Valley concentrating on classical ballet.
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The Banana Factory was established in 1998 "to kindle, support and celebrate the artistic, cultural and creative spirit of the Lehigh Valley."
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Bethlehem Department of Recreation
The City of Bethlehem offers recreational activities for people of all ages.
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Historic sites offering tours, exhibits, adult and children's activities, special events and gift shops.
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This historic farm-in-the-city opens doors to early American agricultural life. The property includes a restored 1748/1818 farmhouse, two 1840s bank barns, a high horse-power wheel, large kitchen garden and orchard, a corn crib and wagon shed.
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Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival
Enjoy the finest in Celtic arts, food, music, athletics, piping and more at this annual event.
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Experience the magic of Christkindlmarkt, a family holiday market featuring music, crafts, food and more.
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Concours d'Elegance is a vintage car exhibition featuring over 200 of the rarest and exceptional automobiles ever made.
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The D&L Trail follows 165 miles of canal towpaths and rail lines that transported anthracite coal from mine to market. It's an amazing journey for outdoor enthusiasts, families, history buffs and art lovers with hundreds of sites and stories waiting to be revealed.
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Scuba diving, snorkeling, Aqua Park, team building and picnicking, a fun time for all.
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First Night Bethlehem is a family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts that offers live music, fireworks, magic, comedy, and lots of food and drink.
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Gemeinhaus - Lewis David DeSchweinitz Residence
Gemeinhaus is a log cabin built entirely without nails.
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Historic Bethlehem Partnership
Walk the streets of Historic Bethlehem and be transported to another time and place. HBP strives to "Bring History to Life" in a variety of exciting, fresh and active ways!
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Come experience world-class service, charming guest accommodations, elegantly appointed lobby and common areas, beautiful yet efficient banquet and meeting facilities, and five-star cuisine.
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Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
The Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts uses period rooms to showcase nearly three-hundred years of folk art, furnishings and paintings.
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A tour of a natural limestone cavern. See stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. Open year 'round.
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Mock Turtle Marionette Theater
Dedicated to the creation of enduring childhood experiences through performances and workshops.
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Monsoon - Art, Sculpture, Frame Gallery
With the widest selection of fine art in the area, Monsoon is home to artists from local and international venues.
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See fascinating Moravian culture through exhibits including a set of apothecary jars and the fireplace where prescriptions were compounded.
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Welcome to the heart of downtown Bethlehem's historic district! This exquisitely restored mansion offers elegant accommodations for the leisure or business traveler.
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Each August, a million people come to the 10-day Musikfest in Bethlehem. See 600 live performances of all types of music: classical, bluegrass and blues, rock, reggae and rap.
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The Old Waterworks, built in 1762, is considered the oldest pumped water system in the country.
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Non-profit performing arts group whose mission is to educate, entertain and enrich lives.
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Sand Island boasts many scenic views of the Lehigh River with Bethlehem Steel as the backdrop.
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Located in the heart of Bethlehem's Fountain Hill Historic District, this is the Lehigh Valley's premier urban inn. Sayre Mansion Inn offers all the amenities of a modern hotel with a blend of old-world elegance and full corporate services.
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St Michael’s Cemetary Clean Up
The Annual Clean Up will be held at St. Michael's Cemetary, 4th and State Streets, Bethlehem, PA on April 10, 2010. The clean up will begin at 9:00am.
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Michelle Strader offers unique clay creations and framed art at affordable prices. Her clay work includes hand constructed and thrown pottery, sculptures and figurines. Her acrylic paintings are scenes from the garden and countryside.
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As the oldest American Bach choir, founded in 1898, this organization has been attracting thousands of national and international visitors every May to its annual Bethlehem Bach Festival.
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The Bethlehem Inn is located in the heart of historic Bethlehem and features cozy accommodations and delicious breakfasts.
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Touchstone Theatre produces and presents innovative, original and classic theater for all ages.
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This Georgian Fieldstone Manor built in 1795 was meticulously restored in 1987. Forget about the troubles of today and escape to the European ambience of Wydnor Hall.
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More than 75 theatre, music, dance and emerging artist performances, plus an art gallery.
