Resting an hour and a half north of Philadelphia, Bethlehem is located in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, steeped in rich industrial and colonial history. It’s endured a revitalization over the years, but its surge in popularity hasn’t hampered its old-city charm. While Bethlehem may be under 20 square miles, there is a ton to discover.
Experience the city’s beginnings in the historic downtown district, which houses several museums and landmarks. Spend a day learning about mills, wash house, and other structures in the Colonial Industrial Quarter, or the town’s role in the steel industry at the National Museum of Industrial History. After your history lesson, visit some of the specialty shops, galleries, and local eateries in the downtown area.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll fit right in because this quaint town is home to a vibrant visual and performing arts scene, with several spaces dedicated to artistic expression.