Friday, September 3

First Friday in Bethlehem has recently received a facelift and now it’s better than ever! There is so much going on tonight on and around Third and Fourth Streets on the South Side including the opening reception for “More Serious Business: Art of the Valley” at Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center on Third Street featuring more than 55 local artists. For the rest of the lineup, visit firstfridaybethlehem.com.

Saturday, September 4

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Cedar Crest College Butterfly Garden, the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley will host The Wings of Hope Butterfly Release. Free and open to the public. Help release 250 butterflies in honor and memory of those who have faced a cancer diagnosis. Crafts, raffles, refreshments, and more.

Sunday, September 5 & Monday, September 6

Get your last Great Allentown Fair fix in on Sunday and Monday. Catch the Jeff Dunham show on Sunday and the J & J Demolition Derby on Monday plus so much more (including my favorite part: the petting zoo!).

Truthfully, seafood is one of those topics that I know very little about. And rightly so–I don’t have much of a taste for it so I don’t eat it. It’s definitely a texture thing, for one. But I’m also a picky eater with a rather bland palate. When my friend Marty Desilets invited me to a benefit dinner for the Gulf to help support clean-up efforts for the worst oil spill disaster in our history held at Starfish Brasserie in Bethlehem, I admit I was a bit hesitant.

Aside from the five-course menu and optional wine pairing, both a world-famous sustainable seafood chef and a guest speaker were attending. That piqued my interest. Maybe it’s time I learned a little more about where some of our seafood comes from.

Thanks for taking a snapshot of the menu, Marty!

My co-worker, Denise Conlin, attended the event alongside me. I was excited that she could enjoy an evening of delicious seafood dishes while I soaked up the ambiance and sipped a vodka tonic. Although I had Marty mention to the chefs that I would not be partaking in the dinner, I still found myself getting hungrier by the minute after the Seaweed Seared Yellowfish Tuna and first course, the Crabcake, had arrived at our table.

Not to worry, though! To my pleasant surprise, a specially made vegetarian sushi roll plate landed on my placemat. I savored every delectable piece–quite a feat for me, as the last time I tried sushi I hated the seaweed taste.

My next course, a filet over caramelized potatoes, was cooked to perfection. Denise and guests enjoyed Amberjack. (I should quietly mention that I have given up beef for several months now; however, I couldn’t possibly stand to send the plate back since they had been so kind about accommodating my other food restrictions. I guess I’m allowed to cheat every once and awhile, and what better time to do it than this event.)

Music by Dan DeChellis.

For those following the menu, the fourth course was Drumfish. My final course was pork loin atop braised tomatoes, chorizo sausage, and fresh ricotta grits (yum!). I even tried a sliver of pickled okra, too, for the first time. Didn’t like it, but at least I tried!

Before dessert (French Lemon Yogurt Cake) was served, the co-founder of Sea to Table, Sean Dimin from Brooklyn, NY, briefly spoke about the importance of serving sustainable seafood. His family has sought out sustainably managed fisheries and for years has provided a direct connection between those fishermen and chefs. This means, the chefs know who produces the food they serve and the how and where of its harvest.

Sean (Sea to Table) and his girlfriend Bethany.

The evening’s guest chef and head chef/owner of Miya’s Sushi in New Haven, CT, Bun Lai, spoke next and said something that really stuck with me: The Starfish Brasserie is one of the top 10 sustainable seafood restaurants in the country, and head chef/owner Kristofor Sandholm has helped Starfish achieve this honor. From the seafood to the ingredients and even the wine list, Kris has maintained an eco-friendly, sustainable farm-to-table and sea-to-fork establishment. No need to travel far for big-city ambiance and outstanding taste; it’s right in our very own backyard!

Although Denise and I skipped the dessert (shocking on my part, I know!), we’re sure it was delightful. Thanks, Marty, for the invite and thanks to Kris and his friendly staff for having us and preparing a meal suited for my diet. I do enjoy a good Coquettini martini at the Star Bar, so I’m sure you’ll see me there again soon!

Musikfest has come and gone. This year, since I now live in Bethlehem’s South Side, I decided that I would write pre- and post-Musikfest blogs with my thoughts on festing in my backyard.

Many of my family members and friends have asked me how many times I went to Musikfest. The answer: Three. I hung out on the lawn for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, I spent a Wednesday evening at my friend Amanda and Eric’s apartment (who actually live on Main Street) and joined the crowd for an hour or two that night, and I entertained a long-time friend in town from Brooklyn at ‘fest on Friday night. Not too shabby, right?

Here are the things I noticed, and some friendly advice for next year:

• Musikfest is not an excuse for a club in AC. Sequin shirts and mini skirts should not apply.
• Heels? Get real! Unless you enjoy throbbing blisters, wear flats.
• It is not okay to walk around with your stomach completely exposed or your butt falling out of your shorts or skirts.
• Guys, do not ask for another girl’s phone number if you have a girlfriend who is also at Musikfest at the very same time.
• Giving out free high fives is totally cool!
• Filling your mug or grabbing a beer at the convenient corner spot located next to Hotel Bethlehem will save time and money.
• Theo’s gyros are THE BEST!
• Lawn seats are just as good–if not better–as sitting in the crowd.
• If you visit ‘fest, you should also make it a point to patronize our wonderful local businesses that line Main, Broad, and the surrounding streets, as well as the South Side.
• Traffic was not nearly as terrible as I expected. Sweet!
• I always manage to catch the Los Straitjackets show. They’re awesome! Add them to your list for next year.
• Exposing yourself is just not cool.

There ‘ya have it! I survived Musikfest in my backyard and I’m happy to admit that living downtown has not ruined this annual event for me. Until next year…

To check out ‘fest photos by ArtsQuest, click this link.

Friday, August 20

Happening now and until about midnight tonight, join DJ Cap Cee at Red Robin at Tilghman Square in Allentown for the End of Summer Bash featuring a balloon artist and face painter, flaming hula hoop girls, food eat contests, drink specials, giveaways and more.

Friday, August 20

Another great Friday night event is happening in Easton beginning at 8 p.m. Tonight the Third Street Alliance presents Dancing on the Thirds where you can learn the West Coast Swing. A free dance following will end at 11 p.m. It’s the perfect night to dance! Admission is $10. Visit eastonmainstreet.org for more.

Saturday, August 21

Allentown Brew Works will host a unique event from 5-8 p.m. this Saturday called Bourbon, Beer, and Bryson featuring an evening of Bourbon, brews, bountiful bites, and Bourbon round table seminars hosted by the award-winning writer Lew Bryson. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 610.433.7777 ext. 25. Visit thebrewworks.com for more info.

Announcing the "What's Your Lehigh Valley Style" contest. Silk jumper courtesy Loose Threads Boutique, Bethlehem.

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of announcing a very special contest after each of the Lehigh Valley Mall’s Fall Fashion Shows alongside my Friday afternoon co-host, B104’s Eric Chase.

If you were there, thanks for coming! The chairs were filled and it was standing room only along the runway’s perimeter. There were even onlookers from the second level peering down below at the upcoming season’s best fashion statements as modeled by the Mall’s Teen Board.

After each show, I (nervously) announced the “What’s Your Lehigh Valley Style” contest where you have a chance to win a $5,000 Lehigh Valley Mall shopping spree in addition to gift cards, concerts, and more.

Here with Eric Chase.

The best part is, entering is easy as one, two, three. All you have to do is update your wardrobe with a new piece, upload the photo to lehighvalleymall.com, and vote for your favorite looks.

If I were allowed, I would totally enter this contest! The show went off without a hitch, and everyone involved came together to produce a great afternoon event.

Style’s Pam Deller stayed behind the lens to capture some of the runway show. Check out the gallery here:

Thanks again, Shannon and Amanda from the Lehigh Valley Mall, for inviting me to announce this fall’s biggest contest! I’m flattered and had a blast. Thanks, also, to my great friends at Loose Threads Boutique for outfitting me in the gorgeous blue strapless, 100 percent silk jumper. It was stunning!

Get shopping and good luck!

Friday, August 6

It’s a double whammy in Bethlehem tonight! Take your pick or be a little adventurous and check out both. Dust your mug off and let the official ‘festing begin at Musikfest’s kick off night beginning at 5 p.m. featuring the Counting Crows concert at Sands RiverPlace. Hop over the bridge for South Side’s First Friday, too. I’m stopping by Apotheca Salon & Boutique for its grand opening celebration. The Wildflower Café is also having a 6^th Anniversary party with six of the best local bands and BYOB.

Saturday, August 7-Sunday, August 8

If you’re into classic cars, arts and crafts, and fireworks, check out the 47^th Annual Das Awkscht Fescht event at Macungie Memorial Park. Entry fee is $7 or $2 for kids 14 and younger. This year’s event highlights the T-Bird. Fireworks are on Saturday  night. For additional info, click awkscht.com.

I’ve attended Musikfest ever since I was a toddler rolling around in a stroller. Up and down Main Street, my eyes would dart from one sight to another. Of course, things have changed over time and so have the herds of crazed, hormonal teenagers who line the main drag, but I still make it a point to get in my fair share of ‘festing.

This year will be no different, except that Musikfest is practically in my backyard. For as long as I can remember, my family has always parked (probably illegally) in one of the bank lots along Broad Street. We’d walk across the bridge and land at the beginning of it all on Main and Broad Streets then meander through the crowds to look at jewelry and listen to the tunes. Does anyone remember when the section of Broad Street near The Boyd used to be closed off to vehicle traffic all year round, at all times of the day? I do! Foot traffic only, folks!

Truthfully, I’m excited to simply cross the Fahy Bridge without a worry regarding parking. Or so I hope. You see, I have a J Permit, which means I can park legally for any amount of time in any J zone. Great, right? Except I’m not exactly guaranteed a spot. Luckily, one of the girls who lives across the hall from me is conveniently out of town until the end of the month and she graciously offered her driveway parking spot to me. Sweet! OK, so maybe this won’t be so bad after all. We shall see…

But then there will be traffic. And lots of it I’m sure. The congestion downtown can be slightly annoying even during a typical rush-hour commute so I can only imagine what it’s going to be like for the next 10 days. At least I live on the South Side.

Fortunately for me and my Musikfest mug, I can fill up on the South Side at one of the several participating bars and make the short trek to the festivities. It’s cheaper that way, after all! Another great place to stop for a mug refill is Roseanna’s on Broad Street. Hint, hint.

Here’s to hoping living in Bethlehem doesn’t ruin Musikfest for me this year! If you happen to see me out and about, come say hello. I’ll be back for my post-Musikfest thoughts shortly.

Friday, July 30

It’s the perfect night to sit out under the stars and enjoy the movie theatre outdoors. Grab your lawn chairs, a blanket, and even some snacks and watch “Where the Wild Things Are” at Community Arts Park at 5^th and Court Streets in Allentown. The show begins at dusk, but I suggest arriving early to score a good seat. For more, visit allentownpa.gov.

Saturday, July 31-Sunday, August 1

Immerse yourself in the rich Lebanese culture and all of its delicious foods and authentic dancing at this year’s Lebanese Heritage Day on Saturday from 5-11 p.m. and on Sunday from noon-11 p.m. Enjoy two fun-filled days at this annual event that takes place at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Easton. Visit mountlebanon.org.

Sunday, August 1

For the Philadelphia Eagles fans, training camp is back! Practice begins at 8:15 a.m. and again at 2:45 p.m. at the Lehigh fields at Stabler Arena. There will also be an autograph session. Don’t forget to pick up your official football merch! For a schedule and more, visit philadelphiaeagles.com.

I’m not much of a golfer. Aside from a little mini golf every summer and a trip to the driving range once every couple of years, I rarely pick up a club. In fact, golf never crosses my mind unless I’m catching up in the latest Tiger scandal.

Growing up, I used to accompany my dad, who does golf from time to time, on his trips to the Wedgewood driving range. It was usually after he returned home from the office and just before sunset. My sister and I would roll around in the grass and feed golf balls to my dad after each shot. He even let us use his obviously oversized golf clubs to hit a few at the end of the bucket.

When my editor, Lisa, and I were approached by Diane Teti of Girls Gone Golfing at Allentown Municipal Golf Course in conjunction with Brew Works on the Green about attending an introductory class, I couldn’t help but think, “Hmm…this might be fun!”

And it was! After a series of cancellations and rain delays, we finally took a class on July 21. Unless you read the FAQs beforehand, there are no signs to direct you where to go. Lisa and I decided to hang by the driving range and watch the obviously better, more seasoned golfers until our instructor came down. Turns out, we were really supposed to sign in at Brew Works on the Green.

Diane was seated at a table with a cute little “Girls Gone Golfing” sign. After some chatting, becoming acquainted with some of the other ladies (who were taking the class for various reasons), and chugging a glass of water, we walked back down to the range where we met our instructor, Zach.

He handed out a sheet of golf terms and briefly explained each before showing us a proper club grip. This is when I started feeling pretty awkward about the whole thing. As if being plopped into a scene with a bunch of ladies who I didn’t know wasn’t weird enough, there I was trying to learn how to shift my hands around and position my thumbs correctly while still trying to look like I kind of knew what I was doing.

(Ladies, just a note, if you’re single I highly recommend taking up this sport. There are lots of men–lots of men! You just never know when you might get lucky.)

When it came time to swing, I started gaining some confidence. I felt pretty good about my performance. I was actually hitting the ball and it was actually going somewhere. As Zach came around, he pointed out that I needed to work on following through with my stance. Fair enough! Of course, I’m sure there were lots of other things I needed to improve.

Soon enough, dark clouds quickly rolled in and lightening pierced through the sky. We ended our class and hurried back to the restaurant for our glass of wine (every class ends with a glass of wine or beer). The skies opened up and a heavy rain fell for a few short moments before the sun showed its pretty face again.

Overall, I thought the class was informative. I now know where to correctly position my club before taking a swing. I’m more aware of my body position and how it’s supposed to move. I doubt I will take another class, but I would definitely recommend it to someone who wants to try the sport for the first time, someone who wants to meet new people, or for someone whose husband plays the game and you simply just want to know why. If you’re one of those people, click this link for more info or visit Girls Gone Golfing on Facebook.

Have you ever taken a class? What did you think?

Friday, July 23-Sunday, July 25

Looking for some action? Blue Mountain is only a short drive from the Lehigh Valley, and if you’re into camping, live music, and mountain bikes you need to check this event out. Introducing the first ever Fat Tire Festival, a weekend filled with camping, kids activities, demos, a bike bog, music, and more. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday. Festival entry is free. Visit skibluemt.com or verticalearthpa.com.

Saturday, July 24

An event for a good cause! This Saturday enjoy live music, belly dancing, activities, entertainment, craft workshops, and more at the “Every Breath” Fundraiser for Lung Cancer from noon-6 p.m. at the Rose Garden in Bethlehem sponsored by Community Artists of Bethlehem. Free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged at the entrance to benefit the Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Partnership.

Sunday, July 25

Experience Bethlehem’s first Rooftop Fancy Flea Market atop the North Street Parking Garage from noon-4 p.m. Featuring more than 40 local retailers and food vendors. Great goods at wallet-friendly prices! Free and open to the public. Free parking in the garage.