Best Bets for Winter Fun in the Lehigh Valley
Winter offers plenty of wonder for those who are willing to explore. Check out our summary of the best bets for winter fun in the Lehigh Valley. You’ll find opportunities abound for recreation and relaxation. Beat the winter blues with a getaway to Bethlehem, PA. Download our free vacation guide to help you navigate all the area has to offer.
Bear Creek Ski Area
Skiers, snowboarders and riders can revel in 86 acres of slopes, trails and terrain at Bear Creek Ski Area. There’s something for snow sport lovers of every ability level. Choose from beginner, intermediate or expert slopes. The terrain parks are progressive and offer a mix of freestyle features. Sasquatch boasts a 50 percent slope and is the most challenging black diamond trail. Lehigh Valley’s only ski resort is less than 20 miles from The Sayre Mansion.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to get some outdoor exercise during winter. A day out at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center lets you experience the peace and serenity of the natural setting. The park offers 19 miles of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Encompassing 1,168 acres, visitors will find pristine forests, fields and creeks. The area not only preserves the natural landscape but also its past. Jacobsburg National Historic District resides within the park and tells the story of the region’s role in colonial gun manufacturing.
Three generations of the Henry family produced firearms here that were part of conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. The Henry Rifle was one of the most prevalent arms on the western frontier and was known for its durability, accuracy and affordability. Take a side trip to Boulton Historic Site within the park. Visitors can tour preserved buildings and take a self-guided trail that interprets the history of the Henry Family and the Boulton Gun Works. Check the park’s calendar of events for regularly held learn to snowshoe events. There are even a number of loaner snowshoes for beginners to get their feet wet. Jacobs Environmental Education Center is about 20 miles from The Sayre Mansion.
Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour
There’s something iconic about a covered bridge in a snow-covered landscape. Pennsylvania has 200 covered bridges, the most in the nation. Lehigh Valley is home to seven of the romantic structures, five of which are actually open to traffic. Take a leisurely drive along this self-guided route to see the bridges in person.
The trip begins in Allentown at Bogert’s Bridge. Built in 1841, today the bridge is accessible only to foot traffic and resides in Lehigh Parkway. It’s a landmark in the area and perfect opportunity for a photo op. The tour wraps up at Kreidersville Covered Bridge. The structure, which has been meticulously preserved, dates to 1839 making it the oldest in the Lehigh Valley. Park and walk across the bridge and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Take advantage of the quieter, less crowded season to see these Pennsylvania treasures. The beginning of the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is eight miles from The Sayre Mansion.
Historic Bethlehem Chocolate Trail
How far would you go for decadent chocolate treats? The Bethlehem Chocolate Trail on February 11 makes it easy to get your hands-on tasty bites that run the gamut from savory to sweet, but all feature chocolate. Purchase a $30 passport and you will have entry to between 15 to 20 participating businesses to sample their chocolate-centric creations. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Bethlehem Association. Participants pull out all the stops to treat visitors to a unique bite.Past offerings have included chocolate stout and diced Cajun scallops with white chocolate beurre blanc sauce, pineapple chocolate brownies and hot chocolate with salted caramel. The Chocolate Trail begins at the Hotel Bethlehem, which is about a half mile from The Sayre Mansion.
Lehigh Valley Brew Tour
When the temperature drops, head indoors to sample the rich offerings of Lehigh Valley’s many breweries. A number of microbreweries have popped up in recent years thanks to the popularity of craft brewing. We came up with our own list of 10 breweries to visit near Bethlehem. Most are locally owned and operated by beer enthusiasts. Each is unique in its pours and offerings. Spend a leisurely weekend sampling what’s on tap, listening to live music and enjoying hearty snacks. The closest brewery is just two miles from The Sayre Mansion.
Ice Skating
It’s one of the most popular winter sports and appeals to everyone from 2 to 92. Steel Ice Center is located on the Steelstacks campus within walking distance of The Sayre Mansion. The year-round facility features two NHL-size rinks, eight locker rooms, a full-service pro shop, a snack bar and heated seating area. In addition to public skate sessions, Steel Ice Center offers programs in figure skating, ice hockey and speed skating. Beginners can get professional instruction in figure skating or ice hockey. The rink is also home to a number of skating clubs and teams.
Earl E. Schaffer Memorial Ice Rink is the only covered outdoor Olympic-sized ice rink in the Lehigh Valley. The rink is open daily from November-March and offers public skating, group lessons and stick time for hockey lovers. Skate rental is available and there is a snack bar on site. Earl E. Schaffer Memorial Ice rink is three miles from The Sayre Mansion.
A Warm Welcome
Experience the warmth and hospitality of a stay at a Bethlehem landmark. The Sayre Mansion has been a fixture in the Lehigh Valley since 1858. Spend the night in a guest room that exudes elegance and old-world grandeur yet boasts every modern amenity. Browse the selection of distinctive rooms and book your winter getaway today.
