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Fun-tastic Allentown Adventure: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Pennsylvania’s Quirkiest City!

Allentown was built on Mack Trucks, and this town still says so. The Mack Trucks Historical Museum holds the trucks and the whole of the story behind them. There is even a Mack Trucks Club inside the PPL Center. Give it a morning. The Liberty Bell Museum is the other half of why this town matters, because the bell came here from Philadelphia during the American Revolution.

Are you planning a trip to Allentown, Pennsylvania and wondering what to do while you are here? This is the place. Allentown covers everybody, from amusement parks to museums, parks to shopping.

If you follow food, you are in the right city. Allentown runs a broad range of cooking, from Italian to Mexican to classic American. And try the famous Philly cheesesteak while you are in the area.

But Allentown is not only the food. Take a walk through its history at one of the many museums and historical sites, or get outdoors at one of the many parks and trails around. And if you want something faster, check out the amusement and water parks.

Key Takeaways

• Allentown has a diverse culinary scene with something for every palate.
• The city offers a rich history with plenty of museums and historical sites to explore.
• Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many parks and trails, while thrill-seekers can enjoy the amusement and water parks.

Tickling Your Taste Buds: Food in Allentown

Allentown feeds you properly, with a broad range of restaurants and local specialties to work through. Classic American fare or something further afield, you will find what you came for. Here are the places to eat in Allentown:

Farmers Market Fun

If you want fresh, locally-sourced produce, head to the Allentown Farmers Market. This indoor market runs over 60 vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to meats and cheeses. You can also find baked goods, candies and other things worth carrying out.

Local Delicacies

On local specialties, Allentown runs plenty. Here is what to try:

• Amish Village Bake Shop: This bakery is famous for its fresh-baked pies, breads, and other goodies. Be sure to try their whoopie pies, a local favorite.
• New York Pickle: If you’re a fan of pickles, you won’t want to miss this place. They offer a wide variety of pickles, from classic dills to spicy horseradish.
• Mink’s Candies: This family-owned candy shop has been in business since 1933. They offer a wide variety of chocolates, caramels, and other sweets.
• Meats and Cheeses: Allentown is home to several butcher shops and delis that offer high-quality meats and cheeses. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, like Lebanon bologna and cheddar cheese.

Prices in Allentown run fair, so you will not spend heavily to eat well. Sandwiches, baked goods, candies, or meats and cheeses, Allentown runs all four. So go ahead and eat properly.

A Stroll Through History: Museums and Historical Sites

If you follow history, Allentown runs plenty of museums and historical sites to hold you. From the museums to the sites themselves, you will find something worth working.

Museums Galore

Allentown holds a range of museums worth the time. The Allentown Art Museum earns the stop for anybody who follows art, running a collection of over 19,000 works from around the world. If you follow Native American culture, the Museum of Indian Culture earns the stop. You work the history, art and culture of the Lenape and other Native American tribes.

For anybody who follows the Civil War, the Lehigh County Historical Society Museum is where to start. You find exhibits and artifacts that put the Civil War in front of you. And if you follow Renaissance art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art earns the trip, running a serious collection from the Renaissance period and from other periods too.

Historical Sites

Allentown runs plenty of historical sites to work. The Liberty Bell Museum earns the stop, holding a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell. You will also find exhibits carrying the story of how the Liberty Bell became a symbol of American freedom.

If you follow the history of Mack Trucks, the Mack Trucks Historical Museum earns the stop. You find a collection of trucks and artifacts carrying the story of the company and what it did to the trucking industry.

For Amish culture, head to Lancaster County, where guided tours carry the history and traditions of the Amish. And if you want somewhere quiet, the Allentown Rose Garden earns the visit. You will find over 100 varieties of roses, as well as other flowers and plants.

Allentown carries a long history, and there is plenty of it to work through. The Civil War, Native American culture, or the history of Mack Trucks, all three are here.

Outdoor Adventures: Parks and Trails

If you want fresh air and time outdoors, Allentown, Pennsylvania runs plenty of parks and trails. A picnic or a hike, everybody is covered. Here are the strongest parks and trails in the area:

Parks to Picnic

Lehigh Parkway: This park has everything you need for a perfect picnic, including picnic tables, grills, and plenty of green space. Take a walk along the Little Lehigh Creek or check out the Allentown Rose Garden for a beautiful view.

Cedar Beach: This park is located on the shores of Lake Muhlenberg and has plenty of picnic tables and grills. After your meal, take a stroll along the lake or play a game of frisbee.

Dutch Springs: While not a traditional park, Dutch Springs is a great spot for a picnic with a unique twist. This freshwater lake has a beach area and plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy the scenery.

Trails to Trek

Lehigh Parkway Trail: This trail follows the Little Lehigh Creek through the Lehigh Parkway and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Ironton Rail Trail: This trail follows the path of an old railroad and offers a unique view of the area. The trail is paved and perfect for walking, running, or biking.

Jacobsburg State Park: Located just outside of Allentown in nearby Bethlehem, this park has over 18 miles of hiking trails to explore. Check out the historic buildings or take a walk around one of the ponds.

Whatever kind of day outdoors you are after, Allentown and the area around it run plenty. So pack a picnic, lace up your boots, and get out into it.

Thrills and Spills: Amusement and Water Parks

Looking for something with real speed in it in Allentown? The amusement and water parks are where to go. From free entry to hard rides, everybody is covered.

Amusement Parks

If you want the fast version, do not miss Dorney Park. This theme park runs over 100 rides, 8 roller coasters among them, and they will take the voice out of you. And with free entry to the park, you will not spend heavily to get your day.

But if you want something lower-key, check out the rides at Dutch Wonderland. This family amusement park runs over 35 rides and attractions, a train ride and a water play area among them.

Water Parks

When the weather turns hot, cool off at Wildwater Kingdom. This water park runs over 22 water attractions, a lazy river, a wave pool and serious water slides among them. And with plenty of shade and food, you can hold the whole day there.

But if you want something you will not get elsewhere, head to Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark. This water park sits in the Pocono Mountains and runs over 37 rides and attractions, a zip line and a mountain coaster among them.

Whichever park you choose, the day will hold. Bring plenty of sunscreen and a sense of adventure.

You walk into the Mack Trucks Historical Museum and the trucks are the size of the room. That is the scale this town was built at. The Liberty Bell Museum holds a full-size replica and the story of how the bell got here from Philadelphia. And the Allentown Sports Arena has stood since 1929.

Retail Therapy: Shopping in Allentown

Looking to shop? Allentown has it covered with its markets and malls, as well as finds you will not get elsewhere.

Markets and Malls

Allentown Farmers Market, at 1825 W. Chew St, earns the stop for anybody after fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more. With over 60 vendors, something in there will suit you. And stop by the Pretzel Stand for some of the strongest soft pretzels you will eat.

If you want indoor shopping, head over to Lehigh Valley Mall at 250 Lehigh Valley Mall. This two-story mall runs over 150 stores, retailers such as Macy’s, H&M and Sephora among them. Take a break from shopping and catch a film at the AMC theater or eat at one of the many dining options.

Unique Finds

For finds you will not get elsewhere, Downtown Allentown Market at 27 N 7th St earns the stop. This indoor market runs a range of vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to handmade jewelry. And stop by the Scratch bakery for the pastries or take a drink at the HATCH Cocktail Bar.

If you follow antiques, check out Weil Antique Center at 2200 31st St SW. This family-owned antique center has been running for over 60 years and holds a range of antiques and collectibles from around the world. You never know what turns up in there.

So fresh produce or finds you will not get elsewhere, Allentown covers both. Get on with the shopping.

Art and Culture: Museums and Galleries

Allentown works hard for anybody who follows art and culture. The city holds some of the strongest museums and galleries in Pennsylvania. History follower or art follower, you will find something here.

Museums

If you follow history, the Allentown Art Museum will hold you. This museum runs a collection of over 17,000 works spanning 2,000 years of cultural heritage. From ancient sculptures to contemporary art, it is all in there. The museum also runs educational programs, the ArtVentures program among them, which works for families with young children.

Another museum to work in Allentown is the Liberty Bell Museum. This museum is given over to the history of the Liberty Bell and its journey from Philadelphia to Allentown during the American Revolution. You see a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell and work what it came to mean.

Art Galleries

Allentown also holds a number of art galleries showing the work of local and national artists. The Family Gallery is where art followers go, running a broad collection of contemporary work. You will find everything from paintings and sculptures to mixed media installations.

If you want an art experience you will not get elsewhere, check out the Miller Symphony Hall. This venue hosts art exhibitions through the year alongside its music performances. You get both in the same evening.

So history follower or art follower, Allentown covers both. Do not walk past the chance to work this city’s cultural side.

Sporting Spirit: Stadiums and Arenas

Are you a sports follower after something to watch in Allentown? This city has it covered with its stadiums and arenas. Here are the places to go for it.

Stadiums

First up, Coca-Cola Park, home to the IronPigs, a minor league baseball team. With a seating capacity of about 8,200 to 10,100, this stadium works for a ballgame. Grab a hot dog and a cold drink while you are there and get behind the home team.

If you follow Mack Trucks, the PPL Center is where to be. This multi-purpose arena hosts a range of events, concerts and ice hockey games among them. But the part worth knowing about is the Mack Trucks Club, where you take a drink and some food with the game in front of you.

Arenas

If you want indoor sport, the PPL Center covers that too. Alongside ice hockey, this arena also hosts indoor football, basketball and professional wrestling. So come down and get behind whoever you are backing.

And there is the Allentown Sports Arena, which has stood since 1929. This arena has seen its share of sport, from basketball to roller derby. It may not be as new as the rest, but it earns the visit for what it has held.

So there you have it. Baseball follower, Mack Trucks follower, or simply after indoor sport, Allentown has it covered with its stadiums and arenas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Allentown that tourists often miss?

Allentown holds plenty that even the locals walk past. One we go back to is the Mack Trucks Historical Museum. It earns the stop for anybody who follows the history of transport. Another is the Allentown Art Museum. You will find a serious collection of art from around the world, and it costs nothing on Sundays.

Are there any free activities in Allentown that won’t break the bank?

Yes. You can spend a whole day working the parks in Allentown. Cedar Beach Park is what people go to, for its walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas. You can also visit the Allentown Rose Garden, where you find over 1,200 rose bushes in bloom over the summer months. And if you want to be indoors, check out the free exhibits at the Liberty Bell Museum.

Where can I find the best shopping deals in Allentown?

If you want a deal, head to the Lehigh Valley Mall. You will find the stores you know, plus some local boutiques. And if you want to shop outdoors, check out the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, where you find fresh produce, handmade crafts and plenty of food.

Is it worth risking a visit to Allentown, or should I just stay home?

Allentown has its quirks, and that is part of why it works. You will find plenty here you will not get elsewhere. And with this much to do and see, the days fill themselves. So pack your bags and come to Allentown.

Frequently asked questions about Allentown, Pennsylvania

What exactly is inside the Mack Trucks Historical Museum over there in Allentown, then, really now?

A collection of trucks and artifacts covering the company and what it actually did out here today. Mack Trucks is a large part of the reason that this whole city of Allentown exists here at all. There is a club named after them inside the arena as well. Trucks.

How big exactly is the collection at the Allentown Art Museum over there, then, really now?

Over 19,000 works of art from around the whole of the world in that one single place. It spans some 2,000 years of cultural heritage inside that one single building out there. The ArtVentures program is the one for families with the young children with them in tow. Sundays.

How many rides does the Dorney Park have over there in Allentown, then, really now?

Over 100 of them, with some 8 roller coasters sitting among the whole lot out there. Wildwater Kingdom next door runs over 22 water attractions as well as all of that too. Dutch Wonderland is the gentler one of them, with over 35 rides on it out there instead. Camelbeach, 37.

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