More than simply a Billy Joel song, Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a large, yet quaint-feeling city boasting a life full of history, art and the great outdoors. The eastern Pennsylvania town keeps residents and guests entertained through much of the year with plenty of options that keep them healthy.
Parks and Recreation
Get outside in Allentown, which is home to more than 2,000 acres of parks and about 25 miles of trails. Take your family for picnics under shady areas, biking along paths, fishing and boating in area lakes or on the Lehigh River, and visit creatures and wildlife in parks and gardens. Enjoy outdoor festivals and special events like summer concerts in the warmer months.
Golf
Between winters, golfers can step outside on some of the area courses. The 18-hole Allentown Municipal Golf Course has been open since 1952 and sits among ponds and plenty of green space. Also on site is a pro shop, restaurant and event space. Also in Allentown are the Iron Lakes Country Club, a public course, and the Lehigh Country Club, a private course, which both offer lessons for new golfers and space for avid players.
Healthy Eating
Since the late 1800s, residents and visitors to Allentown can pick out their own foods from the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market. Located at 17th and Chew streets, the market is home to more than 65 merchants serving up meat, produce, baked items, candy, flowers and other specialty items. Year round, on Thursday through Saturday, you can find plenty of American and ethnic foods.
History
Allentown has been building its life since the mid-1700s and has a lot to show for it. Tour historic buildings, learn historical facts and visit museums, which are located mainly on West Walnut Street. In separate museums, learn about the history of nearby Philadelphia's Liberty Bell in the Liberty Bell Museum at Zion's United Church of Christ and Native Americans in the Museum of Indian Culture. The town is also home to the Lehigh County Historical Society headquarters.
Arts & Sciences
Discover more about Allentown through its art. Catch live dramatic and musical performances at places like the Civic Theatre of Allentown on North 19th Street, the Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra on West Linden Street and Allentown Symphony Hall on North 6th Street. See handmade art at the Allentown Art Museum on North 5th Street, and take your kids to the Da Vinci Science Center to learn more about science and technology through hands-on activities.
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