Once the calendar turns to March, set your sights on these 5 spring things to do in the Lehigh Valley. After a particularly rough winter, the first signs of the season are especially comforting. Plan a mini break to enjoy the early holidays of spring and experience some of the simple pleasures afforded in and around Bethlehem. Longer days and warmer temps are extra motivation to get moving.
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1 Bethlum Go Bragh (March 9-15)
Lucky for us, the Irish Cultural Alliance has joined forces with Visit Historic Bethlehem to present a week of Irish festivities. Enjoy Celtic-inspired music, entertainment, food, cocktail to-go trails, Irish Elves, and a scavenger hunt. Those over 21 can take a trip on the Beer Trail. Get a passport to visit participating restaurants and businesses and pick up St. Patrick’s Day themed samples to take home and enjoy. Vote for your favorite online afterward to be eligible to win a “Pot of Gold.” Everyone can join in the Clever Clover Scavenger Hunt. Search throughout the Historic District for items on the Clever Clover Card. Snap a pic when located and upload it to VisitHistoricBethlehem.com. People with the most correct uploads will be in the running for a special prize drawing. Amateur sleuths and puzzlers will love The Irish Gnomes. Solve limericks that lead you to a location. Take a selfie and upload it to the Heart of Bethlehem Facebook or Instagram page with the hashtag BethlehemGnomesto be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate.
2 Afternoon Tea (Thursdays)
Relive a more gracious era every Thursday afternoon at The Sayre Mansion. In the grand tradition of the great estates of the 19th century, guests may enjoy a socially distanced traditional English tea from 2 to 4 p.m. amid the elegant surroundings of the 1858 mansion. Guests may be seated in the formal dining room or elegant parlor. The menu boasts the delicate finger sandwiches, scones and decadent desserts that are customary for afternoon tea. The Sayre Mansion in-house caterer, Karen Hunter, chose sandwich selections such as Salmon and Curried Egg Salad, Herbed Chicken and Cherry Salad plus Date and Nut Cream Cheese. Guests may also delight in a variety of tea scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and preserves. The elegant dessert options feature Lemon and Almond Madeleines and miniature fruit tarts. Refreshment also include freshly brewed tea or unsweetened iced tea. Reservations are required.
3 Storywalk at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
Set out to discover the first signs of springs and enjoy a tale along the way. Storywalk is a great family activity. The self-guided trail extends a third of a mile with pages of a storybook placed throughout the route. The trek ends in the garden with a special surprise. Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is a 1,168-acre state park located at the foot of Blue Mountain in Northampton County. The natural area boasts countless hiking trails through Henry’s Woods, an old growth forest surrounding Bushkill Creek.
4 Lehigh Valley Auto Show (March 21-24)
Get revved up! This four-day car show at Bethlehem’s Stabler Arena is an automotive extravaganza featuring over 110,000 square feet of the best cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans the world. Featured brands including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
5 Parde of Shamrocks (March 16)
Get in on all the shenanigans at Bethlehem’s Parade of Shamrocks. Local high school and middle school bands, community groups, pipe bands, Irish dancers, dancing groups, a kazoo band, local dignitaries, and businesses participate in the parade. After the parade, many stores and businesses have special activities planned throughout the day along Main Street & Broad Streets. Pubs and restaurants will have Irish themed menus and drink specials.
Spring at The Sayre Mansion
Experience springtime at The Sayre Mansion. The first blossoms on the picturesque grounds announce the arrival of the season. Sunlight pours in through the floor to ceiling windows and we throw open the doors to the veranda with sweeping views of Bethlehem’s Southside. Celebrate spring with a stay in an elegant guestroom to soak in the peace and quiet. Check out the specials and packages and book your spring escape today.