By Meghan Decker
(orginally featured in our July/August 2006) issue
As LVS staffers and Valley residents we’re always swapping reviews and recommendations of the places we love. Every Monday morning is the inevitable discussion of where we went and what we did over the weekend. There’s a piece of paper that hangs on a wall year-round in the office so we can jot down our beloved restaurants, boutiques, and events. In 2006, we finally created “Our Favorite Things” to share our never-ending list with you knowing that perhaps these places were your favorites, or soon-to-be-discovered favorites, too.
“It started out small,” recalls Editor-in-Chief, Lisa Gotto. “We never realized that it would be so much work and we’ve certainly learned as we’ve gone along.” As “Our Favorite Things” has caught on, we’ve realized that this column has a longevity and status of highlighting things in the Lehigh Valley. “We like to highlight places that have always been a local favorite, as well as the new places we love,” adds Gotto, who points out that throughout its five-year existence the column has featured topics such as entertainment, fitness, and shopping.
Favorite Things: The Original List (July/August 2006)
As far as trendy boutiques go, Sage (formerly located on Tilghman Street in Allentown) was known as the place to find the latest designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. Sure it was small, but they had the brands we loved. Lucky for us, they moved up and out in October 2006 when they moved into new digs at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. “Sage has always been known for having a great shoe department, among other things, and a big selection in such a small store. Since their move to the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Sage has certainly grown in size, going from a mom and pop store to a bigger enterprise. They are still the only place in the area to find certain brands besides a major department store,” Gotto says.
The grocery shopping experience was definitely elevated when Wegmans came to town. Their expansive selection of gourmet ingredients and prepared meals of every culinary persuasion made them an obvious addition to our inaugural Favorite Things list. “They have ingredients you can’t find anywhere else. There’s a huge healthy, organic section with the best selection and their prices are still competitive. We love their take-out section; it seems to have anything you can imagine. There’s no way that Wegmans wouldn’t make the list,” Gotto says.
Known as the oldest continuous running bookstore in the world, the Moravian Book Shop (founded in 1745) is known for more than just books. Unique gift items, children’s toys, regional items, not to mention Christmas decorations, make the Moravian Book Shop a must-see historical landmark in Bethlehem. “I still get sensory overload when I go in there. The word bookstore is very understated, considering all that they have. If you have people staying with you from out of town you have to take them because there is a little bit of everything,” Gotto says.
As the Valley’s cultural hub for plays, independent films, and youth drama program, the Civic Theatre anchors the arts in Allentown. There’s a constant rotation of art, independent and foreign films you can’t see anywhere else, especially in such a historically and architecturally appealing space. Their stage performances often include aspiring young actors studying in their summer drama programs and it’s no wonder that after more than 80 years, “it’s still a neat cultural experience,” Gotto says. And of course Anylise’s Hava Java still ranks high as one of our beloved places to gather with friends over a nice cup of joe in the Allentown theater district.
Blue grillhouse|winebar made our list because it’s a favorite spot for an after-work cocktail or Friday date night with that special someone. Casual elegance and a cool ambience keep us coming back, not to mention their delicious menu. There’s their classic, unpretentious food like prime steaks, chops and seafood, paired with their extensive wine and martini selection. “Back in 2006 this was the new high-end chic place to go. They brought us a sophistication we didn’t have before and did it right. They have certainly elevated the dining out experience in the Lehigh Valley,” Gotto says.
A warm comforting feeling comes over you as you enter Sweet Memories. It’s like coming home to grandma’s house, with doilies and tchotchkes as far as the eye can see. Nestled in a Victorian home along Main Street in Emmaus, Sweet Memories features a quaint dining room on the first floor, and a well-stocked gift store on the second floor, making it our favorite place to treat mom or catch up with a few girlfriends. All of their food is made on-site from scratch and menu items (written on a large wall-mounted chalkboard) feature decadent and delicious meals sure to bring back childhood memories. “They have the best cake your grandmother ever made. Their food creations are the best. I hear that the owner, Jaime, never even knows what she’s going to make each day, she just wakes up and makes what she feels like,” Gotto says. The selection in their gift shop ensures that you will be walking out with more than just a full stomach!
Allentown may be the third largest city in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of preserved open spaces. The Allentown park system became one of our favorite spots because it features acres of beautifully well-maintained gardens and trails perfect for anyone seeking a little fresh air. “If you need a quiet place to sit and read, then there’s a park bench with your name on it,” Gotto says.
The Village Bake Shoppe was brought to the attention of the LVS staff through our annual Weddings in Style bridal issue. Area brides could not stop raving about their wedding cakes and the quality of their sweet treats. “I was really excited that they made the list. They have been catering to Lehigh Valley brides for decades and they never, ever disappoint,” Gotto says.
Whether it’s a relaxing spa weekend, corporate retreat, romantic dinner, or the wedding of your dreams, The Glasbern in Fogelsville is our favorite getaway without going far away. This 38-room bed and breakfast situated on a 100-acre farm near Allentown features picturesque views complete with pasture livestock and a greenhouse for growing their own produce. They offer a farm-to-table dining experience that makes their menu one-of-a-kind. “Every experience I’ve had at The Glasbern I’ve come away thinking, “I love the Glasbern,” Gotto says. “It’s always a great dining experience with their fabulous, high-quality menu and romantic dining room featuring soaring ceilings and a huge hearth.”
The Crayola Factory in downtown Easton continues to be a creative kid spot ideal for enviable birthday parties, educational school groups and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. They also offer special events and seasonal activities so there’s always something new to see and do throughout the year. Being able to color, paint, and draw with the most famous art supplies brand manufactured right in our own backyard is what the “Our Favorite Things” list is all about.
“Our Favorite Things” has been a great way to point out deserving places that excel at what they offer Lehigh Valley residents,” Gotto says.
