Lehigh Valley with Love made a national appearance this morning on Fox & Friends First, as one of our photos from Bethlehem’s annual tree lighting was featured during a segment on “Christmas City, USA.”
Lehigh Valley Snubbed from National Geographic’s Best Places to Visit in 2026
National Geographic just dropped its Best of the World 2026 list, 25 must-visit destinations ranging from Milan’s Dolomites to Dominica’s whale reserve and even Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
That’s right. Pittsburgh!!!!
The Steel City made the cut for its museums, art scene, and downtown revitalization. And while that’s great news for Western PA, those of us on the other side of the state were left flipping through the list like: no Bethlehem? no Easton? not even Tatamy?
Sure, the Dolomites have stunning mountain views, and Dominica’s getting a whale reserve. That’s great. But have the folks who made this list ever watched Musikfest from the top of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge?
Have they ever wandered through Bacon Fest in Easton, elbow to elbow with thousands of hungry people and the smell of sizzling pork in the air?
Have they ever lined up at Yocco’s for a hot dog that’s somehow both simple and perfect?
Have they ever sat trackside at the Velodrome in Trexlertown on a Friday night?
Have they even been to The Great Allentown Fair Demolition Derby?
Have they ever driven down Freemansburg’s finally omg took forever newly paved Main Street, windows down?
Have they ever biked the Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown on a crisp fall day and ended up in a tavern debating who makes the best wings in the Valley?
And if the National Geographic team really wants to see world-class tourism, they should try visiting Jim Thorpe in the fall if they can find a parking spot. That town’s been so good at it, you can’t even visit!
We’re not saying National Geographic got it wrong. We’re just saying maybe they’ve never walked Main Street Bethlehem in December.
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Bethlehem Running Festival Runs Through the Christmas City (PHOTOS / VIDEO)
The Bethlehem Running Festival ran through the Christmas City for another weekend in 2025.
Pass the Budget Episode Featuring Meals on Wheels Greater Lehigh Valley
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In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we talk with Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Development and Communications for Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, about what happens when politics stall and how delayed budgets are putting real lives at risk.
Allentown Rescue Mission’s “Thanks for Giving” Drive Returns Nov. 8, with Meal Match Challenge
The Allentown Rescue Mission will host its annual Thanks for Giving Food & Supplies Drive on Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., marking the nonprofit’s 125th year of service. Donations of non-perishable food and essential supplies will be accepted at both Josh Early Candies locations in Allentown and Bethlehem.
“We Will Not Be Erased” Event to Highlight LGBTQ+ Visibility in Bethlehem on October 11
On Saturday, October 11, community members in Bethlehem will gather at Payrow Plaza to take part in the “We Will Not Be Erased” national day of action, a grassroots effort highlighting LGBTQ+ visibility and resilience amid rising attacks on queer expression.
Mostly Lehigh Valley Basketball Stars
The Lehigh Valley’s got a pretty wild basketball history. Some of the names on this list were born here, others showed up for college or to play with the Allentown Jets, but they all helped put local hoops on the map.
We rounded up a few who stood out the most:
Basketball runs deep in the Lehigh Valley. Some of these players were born and raised here. Others came through for college, for a few pro seasons, or to coach local teams like the Allentown Jets or the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs. Together, they helped build a basketball legacy that stretches from packed high school gyms to NBA courts and overseas leagues.
Here are a few names that tell the story.
Pembroke Trunk or Treat to Celebrate Final Choice Neighborhood Plan October 9
Pembroke residents are invited to a special Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center located at 1161 Fritz Dr., Bethlehem, PA.
WDIY Celebrates 30 Years of Community Radio in the Lehigh Valley
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WDIY is celebrating 30 years of community radio from its home in Bethlehem’s historic Flatiron Building. Since first going on air in January 1995, the station has become a hub for local voices, diverse music, and civic engagement across the Lehigh Valley.
We had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Margaret McConnell on the roof of the Flatiron Building, overlooking the valley WDIY serves. She talked about everything from the station’s ten-year founding journey, to its 130 dedicated volunteers, to the challenge of replacing federal funding cuts.
“Try to replace 15 percent of your personal budget,” McConnell said. “That is a part time job. We have to fill that gap.”
We also talked about WDIY’s commitment to future generations through its youth media program, which has already trained more than 200 students to host shows and create podcasts.
“Through WDIY we combat homelessness, address mental health, prevent teen suicide, alleviate senior citizen loneliness, and spread joy,” McConnell said. “WDIY is not just a radio station. It is a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for everyone in our community.”
The 30th anniversary celebrations continue with concerts, community programming, and a unique new fundraiser at the State Theatre in Easton — Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares.
🎟 Learn more about Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares at: https://www.wdiy.org/lehigh-valley-hollywood-squares
Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY 88.1 FM
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
Kaleidoscope Collective: Local Artistry and Creativity in Bethlehem
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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/QEdkLxv-fBU
We’re talking to Melis, the owner of Kaleidoscope Collective, located at 77 W Broad Street, Suite 12C, Bethlehem, PA 18018 (between Crave and Into the Myst). Melis shares her journey of creating a space that celebrates local artisans and their unique crafts. From handmade gifts to one-of-a-kind art pieces, Kaleidoscope Collective is your go-to spot for creative finds this holiday season.
GUESTS
Melis – Owner, Kaleidoscope Collective
LINKS
Kaleidoscope Collective – www.kaleidoscopelv.com
Gobble Up the Good: New Bethany’s Turkey Drive on November 22 AND Their New Pantry Launch
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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/gl0JhFLVPno
In this episode, we take a walk with Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany, through the heart of South Bethlehem. Marc shares how New Bethany is helping Lehigh Valley residents in need, including the recent transformation of their food pantry into a choice pantry. Families can now shop for fresh produce and groceries in a setting that feels like a real store, giving them the dignity of choice and empowering them in a meaningful way.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and New Bethany’s Turkey Drive on Friday, November 22nd, is set to be a huge event at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
This year, they’re aiming to collect 1,200 turkeys to meet requests from local organizations, ensuring that hundreds of families from Allentown to Bethlehem have everything they need for a memorable Thanksgiving.
Want to get involved? Drop off a 10-12 lb frozen turkey at Coca-Cola Park or donate virtually by texting “LVturkeydrive” to 41444.
They’re also collecting holiday meal sides like stuffing and green beans, so feel free to add a little extra to the donation!
For more details, visit New Bethany’s Turkey Drive page: https://newbethany.org/event/turkey-drive/
Tune in to learn more about New Bethany’s work and how you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season.
Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, and WDIY 88.1 FM!
GUESTS
Marc Rittle: Executive Director of New Bethany
LINKS
TURKEY DRIVE: https://newbethany.org/event/turkey-drive/
A Ride Along with Oogie’s Ice Cream Truck
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Thank you to our Partners!
Lehigh Valley Health Network
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/UMz_Hflevw8
We take a ride with Oogie’s Ice Cream Truck owners Lori and David to learn more about how they started out 18 years ago taking a chance on a dream! We also make a few stops along the way, including visiting their cutest customer as well as Jimi Honochik with YMI Insurance and their podcast.
All of this culminated in a stop at Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub in Molly’s where we sold ice cream for an hour and made more than $300 for the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem!!!!
GUESTS
Lori and David: Oogie’s Ice Cream
LINKS
Oogie’s Ice Cream Truck: www.oogiesicecream.com
Donate to the Boys and Girls Club: https://bit.ly/BethlehemBoysandGirlsClub
Musikfest 2024
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Thank you to our Partners!
Lehigh Valley Health Network
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtube.com/live/bLNHXJdo6vI
Join us as we talk all things Musikfest with an incredible lineup of guests!
Kassie Hilgert The Taste Smokers John Bloys Slingshot Dakota Wes Harris and Nicole Loconte: Liberty Jams Theo’s Gyros And more!
Twisted & Dipped (Ice Cream, Truffles, and Treats) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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Thank you to our Partners!
Lehigh Valley Health Network
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/JcY8UPPxzIw
Welcome to another sweet episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast!
Today, we’re chatting with Brooke Dietrick from Truffle Bar and Rick Pongracz from Batch Microcreamery about their exciting new venture, Twisted & Dipped. (Shout out to their business partner Manny Rodriguez as well!)
Located in the former Chocolate Lab spot in Bethlehem, this new dessert shop offers soft serve ice cream with a twist – think traditional toppings, rich chocolate dips, and a variety of truffles and dipped snacks!
Join us as we discuss how this delicious collaboration came to be, what tasty treats you can expect, and even sample some of their mouth-watering offerings. Tune in for a fun and flavorful conversation!
GUESTS
Brooke Dietrick and Rick Pongracz: Twisted & Dipped
LINKS
Twisted & Dipped: https://www.facebook.com/p/Twisted-Dipped-61559101678855/
Tour The Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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Thank you to our Partners!
Lehigh Valley Health Network
WDIY
Wind Creek Event Center
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
Banko Beverage Company
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/OOnTDxlVhU8
We take an exclusive tour of the historic Sayre Mansion with General Manager and Director of Sales, Sarah Trimmer. Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, PA, this meticulously restored mansion beautifully blends historic charm with modern comfort. Sarah shares captivating stories about the mansion’s original owner, Robert Sayre, a key figure in Bethlehem’s industrial past.
We explore the mansion’s exquisite rooms, each uniquely decorated with period antiques and contemporary amenities. Among the highlights is the stunning Conservatory with its 180-degree view of Bethlehem and the cozy Robert Sayre Library suite, once part of Sayre’s private collection. Sarah reveals a beautiful ceiling uncovered during restoration and recounts the mansion’s colorful past as a fraternity house.
We learn about the variety of events hosted at the mansion, from elegant weddings to corporate retreats, all set in this historic gem. And for those interested in the supernatural, Sarah shares some friendly ghost sightings that add a touch of mystery to the mansion’s allure.
Whether you’re visiting for business, a romantic getaway, or to soak in history, the Sayre Mansion promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the rich tales and cultural significance of this Bethlehem landmark.