Lehigh Valley Grand Prix: Rev Up and Race

Happily providing the incredible adrenaline rush of indoor go-kart racing, Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown will give you a heart-pounding time at the track. These little vehicles can reach speeds of up to 45 mph, making the 1/4 mile track a ride that's full of excitement. All the karts are very well maintained, and there are junior heats for child racers. The track is a frequent host of large parties, too, making it a wonderful option for birthdays and other events. The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix offers several pricing options, and group rates are also available. Also on the premises is Octane, a full service restaurant and bar, so you can fill up and refresh in between races! Race on over to Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, and have a thrilling time around the racetrack.

Lehigh Valley Grand Prix
649 S. 10th Street
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 432-7223
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lehigh-valley-grand-prix-allentown

 

Lehigh Valley Laser Tag: Fast-Paced Fun

For fast-paced fun in a family friendly environment, consider a visit to Lehigh Valley Laser Tag. Using high tech computer technology, laser tag combines action and strategy to create a exciting adventure that's one of a kind. Lehigh Valley Laser Tag has the only multi-level arena in the area, thrillingly enhanced with fog, sound, and blacklight effects. There are numerous game formats, all of which are a an exhilarating journey through a futuristic environment. With all of the running and hiding, the games can make for a great workout, as well! Sessions are reasonably priced, each including three games, along with scorecards for comparing your performances. Wildly entertaining for visitors of all ages, Lehigh Valley Laser Tag is a great stop for a fun adventure.

Lehigh Valley Laser Tag
874 Marcon Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 443-2230
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lehigh-valley-laser-tag-allentown

Coca Cola Park: Take me Out to the Ball Game!

Coca Cola Park is the home base for minor league baseball's most prestigious league. Open since 2008, the brand new stadium offers the best ballpark experience outside of the majors—if anywhere. With a sea of constantly excited crowds, a vast 360-degree concourse, and a classic billboard with announcements, cheers, and notes, this is the quintessential American baseball destination. And, of course, the concession options exceed standards as well. From classics like hot dogs and burgers to sweet treats like funnel cakes and indulgent ice cream sundaes, Coca Cola Park offers up all the decadent dining options you want while cheering and chanting from the bleachers. Beer is limited to Coors and Bud, but when you're stuffed full of pork nachos and sipping out of a plastic cup it's all just about having fun.

Coca Cola Park
1050 IronPigs Way
Allentown, PA 18109
(610) 841-7447

Apple Blossom Village: Fun For Kids of All Ages

There aren't many local places for real, wholesome family fun, but luckily Apple Blossom Village, an old-school entertainment destination for kids of all ages, is not too far away. This “family fun farm” was opened in 1998 by the Correll family to provide a safe play space with a variety of exciting activities in pleasant Mt. Bethel, and for the last thirteen years it has been going strong. This isn’t a big-budget facility, but everything here is kept in good condition and packs a ton of fun. The indoor play area is designed for kids age 2 and up, boasting a giant climbing structure, inflatable slides, a ball pit, and much more. For older kids, a paintball arena lets them work out some aggression in a safe manner. A video arcade, mini golf, and more just round out the experience.

Apple Blossom Village
690 Allegheny Road
Mt. Bethel, PA 18343
(570) 897-5900

Up, Up in the Air in an Air Escapes Balloon

If your dreams have ever included riding in a hot air balloon, you might consider Air Escapes Ballooning in Stroudsburg. Pack up your cares and put them in the hands of the winds, and owners Bart and Toni Geentiens. You’ll be steered by a professional balloon pilot in appropriate weather conditions that require gentle breezes that do not exceed 8 mph.  Learn a bit about the mechanics and stand in awe as your basket floats over the countryside.  You’ll be followed by the company’s official chase vehicle, and your friends and family can follow in their own cars as well. If you’ve never witnessed a balloon festival, do note the schedules and try to see one. They’re oh-so-cool to watch! Balloons make impressive advertising vehicles and a balloon ride might just be the gift of a lifetime.

Air Escapes Ballooning, LLC
(570) 402-2318

Have a Blast at Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays

Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays invites year-round target shooting and spirited outdoor recreation.  Dynamic clay presentations satisfy non-hunters, while their variety and challenging trajectories entice experienced shooters. The course is automated, with different stations for those with advanced or beginner/intermediate skills. Special events, fundraisers, and parties are held at LVSC, a facility that is accessible and welcoming to wheel chair shooters.

Set on an abandoned quarry, LV Sporting Clays offers many exciting and unusual stations from which to shoot. The facility makes use of old buildings, water, fields, and woods across the property.  Clays release in pairs, coming from any imaginable direction, at variable speeds and flight paths. A wobble trap adds to the fun. Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays provides classes for visitors interested in instruction and for seasoned shooters wishing to improve their game.  The public can pay per visit or consider joining in one of the membership categories. 

Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays
2750 Limestone Street
Coplay, PA 18037
(610) 261-9616

Crocodile Rock Cafe: Musical Entertainment and More

The Crocodile Rock Café is the place to be for musical entertainment in the Allentown area. From rock bands to singer-songwriters, the multiplex venue makes room for all kinds of artists, night revelers, and musical performers. The main room features top sound and light equipment along with a stage that's visible from any point in the 2,500 person capacity room. Even if you're not interested in seeing whoever is playing on the bill on a given night, there's still plenty of reasons to swing by the venue. Other than the main stage, there are additional levels that include the '80s Retro floor, the Dance Downunder Club, and an ever-popular karaoke setup for uninhibited singers. Whatever your mood, there's something fun to be found at the Crocodile Rock Café. 

Crocodile Rock Café
520 W. Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 434-4600

Explore the Natural Joy of Bushkill Falls

If you enjoy hiking through pretty scenery, Bushkill Falls should be on your to-do list! The Pocono property includes the drop of the Bushkill Creek by stages toward the Delaware River. Visitors have a number of scenic trail options depending on their time, energy, and passion.  A counter-clockwise route on the Red Trail attracts great interest: a two-hour hike to the main falls includes lots of rugged wooden stairs and bridges along with beauty. Visitors with strollers and children under 6 are typically advised to pick a different trail. In addition to the Falls, there’s a lake for paddle-boat rentals, a miniature golf course, fishing, and other entertainment.  Special events are scheduled across the calendar, including wildlife lectures, demonstrations on how to make apple butter, and more. It’s possible to cook out on grills provided for visitors or to purchase food; many folks bring their own picnic lunches and pack plenty of beverages.

Bushkill Falls has been owned and operated by the Peters family for over a century. It is closed from December through late March. For more information check out: www.visitbushkillfalls.com

Lehigh Valley Zoo: A Small Zoo With A Lot to See!

In 1924, local industrialist Harry Clay Trexler—maybe the richest man in Allentown—started purchasing land in Lehigh County to serve as a game preserve for elk and white-tailed deer. He ceded it to the County on his death, and it was declared an official state-controlled game preserve. As more visitors came to the site, the decision was made to construct a zoo on some of the land, as the species that Trexler was concerned about were no longer in danger. Now the zoo welcomes visitors from all over the area who rave about the small but well-constructed zoo. Some of the most popular exhibits include a bird area where visitors can purchase small cups of nectar and have the winged creatures flock to them, land on their arms and drink; as well as a nice penguin pavilion. The Lehigh Valley Zoo lacks some of the larger animals—no elephants or tigers, for example—but it’s still a very fun visit.

Lehigh Valley Zoo
5150 Game Preserve Road
Schnecksville, PA 18078
(610) 799-4171
www.lvzoo.org

Fruit of the Vine from Clover Hill

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery was established and opened to the public by the Skrip family in 1985. Today, with vineyards in additional sites throughout the region, the winery produces 65,000 gallons of wines annually. Retail outlets extend beyond Breinigsville at Robesonia, King of Prussia, and Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.

Clover Hill’s 2008 Chambourcin won the Double Gold Medal at 2010 Pennsylvania Wine Competition.  At the same time, its Turtle Red Rock won gold; its 2007 Merlot and Vignoles won silver. Vignoles took a gold medal at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show Wine Competition, where Turtle Rock Red landed a silver and several of its other wines received bronze medals. Clover Hill is also known for its many varieties of fruity, sweet wines, including its Spiced Apple and Holiday rosé.

Each outlet offers tastings, and special tasting events take place throughout the year. Check their website or get on their mailing list to see the schedule for wine festivals, wine and cheese weekends, and special grape celebrations. Cooking demonstrations and regional artisans are often featured.

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery
9850 Newtown Road
Breinigsville, PA 18031
(610) 395-2468
www.cloverhillwinery.com

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