Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau: News RSS Feed

MORE ?OOH-LA-LA? FOR LESS MOOLAH WITH ?BE MY VALLEY VALENTINE? DISCOUNT PACKAGES

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (January 18, 2010) – Celebrating the most romantic day of the year just became a bit simpler – and more affordable – with “Be My Valley Valentine” discount packages (www.tinyurl.com/valleyvalentine) featuring select destinations in Lehigh Valley.

Even sweeter: many of the offers last the entire month of February, offering lovebirds multiple opportunities to escape conveniently to Lehigh Valley, which is only an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. (Please see details and restrictions at http://tinyurl.com/valleyvalentine before making purchases or reservations.)

Arts & Culture
• Allentown Symphony Orchestra - 10% discount (box office or online) to Feb. 13 and 14 performances of Romeo And Juliet using the promo code “VALENTINE”
• State Theatre (Easton) - $70 for two tickets to Michael Amante ($20 saving off of original two ticket price) on Feb. 13.
• Zoellner Arts Center (Bethlehem) - One complimentary admission to Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour (Feb. 20) when a second admission of equal or greater value is purchased.

Lodging
Special accommodations range from Jacuzzi suites with amenities including chocolates, champagne, flowers, keepsake glasses, and complimentary breakfast. Participating locations: Allentown Comfort Suites, Comfort Suites – Bethlehem, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Allentown Airport, Hampton Inn – Easton, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Hotels (Allentown), Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lehigh Valley Airport, The Lafayette Inn (Easton), Ramada Inn (Whitehall), Steckel House Bed & Breakfast (Bath), TownePlace Suites Bethlehem/Easton. Offerings and cost vary by location. See http://tinyurl.com/vvlodging for details.

Restaurants
What’s more romantic than dinner for two? Lehigh Valley restaurants are offering everything from complimentary desserts and champagne to multi-course meals and special discounts. Participating eateries include: Allentown Brew Works, Braveheart Highland Pub, Buckeye Tavern (Macungie), Edge Restaurant Bar & Lounge (Bethlehem), King George Inn (Allentown), Made in Brazil – Brazilian Steak House (Allentown), Rascal’s Food and Fun (Allentown). Details for each restaurant are at http://tinyurl.com/vvdining.

Services/Shopping
• American Hairlines Body and Soul (Bethlehem) – One-hour deep tissue massage and use of the spa facility, complete with sauna, whirlpool, steam room at fitness center for the day. $100 per couple.
• Monsoon Gallery (Bethlehem) - Receive 15% off your fine jewelry or watch purchase through Feb. 28.
• Cherry Valley Vineyards (Saylorsburg) - 15% off wine by the glass or on bottles.
• Easton Main Street Initiative - 4th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree, Friday, January 30, from 7 – 10 p.m. featuring decadent chocolate desserts created by the Valley’s premier chefs.
• Ironton Livery and Coach - Take a relaxing, romantic horse drawn carriage ride through the village of Ironton. 15, 30, and 45 minute rides available.
• The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley (Center Valley) - Shop and Stay package at participating hotels includes goodie bag with $50 gift card and tasty treats.

MEDIA ONLY: To request photos of Lehigh Valley Valentine’s Day attractions and events, please send an e-mail to drabenstott@sparkcreatives.com. Most of the discounts – other than events and performances – are available for the entire month of February.

BEAT BUDGET BLUES WITH BOGO BONANZA IN LEHIGH VALLEY

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (December 13, 2009) – Enjoying some of Lehigh Valley’s favorite attractions just became twice as affordable.

Several of the region’s cultural, culinary and recreational destinations -- as well as many lodging options -- are offering BOGO (Buy One, Get One) specials through March 14, 2010. Details are available at www.LehighValleyPA.org

Arts and culture BOGO deals include:
• Act 1 Theatre at DeSales University, Center Valley, to any production on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
• Kutztown University, on tickets to their performance artist series: Cherish the Ladies Celtic Christmas, Rick Benjamin’s Ragtime Orchestra and STREB Extreme Action Company.
• The Allentown Art Museum and the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Allentown, on the purchase of one ticket.
• The Moravian Historical Society, Bethlehem, on regular adult admission to the special Christmas Through the Ages exhibit.

BOGO activities include:
• Apple Blossom Village, a sports and recreation complex in Mount Bethel, on admission to the playplace.
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Eckville, on admission to the sanctuary trails.
• Always Pretty Salon and Spa on microderm services and on cervical pillow rolls.

Restaurant BOGO deals abound:
• The Bethlehem BrewWorks Steelgaarden Lounge, on appetizers each Monday from 5 - 9 p.m.
• BrewWorks on the Green at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course, on appetizers all day on Sundays as well as burgers on Mondays.
• McCarthy’s Tea Room, Bethlehem on a weekday breakfast special of two-for-one Paddy Wacs.
• Buckeye Tavern, Macungie, on all appetizers.
• Nawab Indian Restaurant, Bethlehem, on one appetizer with the purchase of two or more entrees.

Lodging BOGOs include:
• Stay one night and get the second night at Allentown Comfort Suites, Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center, Comfort Inn Bethlehem, Holiday Inn Express Dorneyville, and The Sayre Mansion.
• With a night’s stay at The Hampton Inn Easton, the hotel offers tickets for paintball at Skirmish USA, which includes admission to Skirmish fields, guns, goggles, facemask, unlimited CO2/N2, field judges, and all day play. Additional tickets may be purchased at check-in for $26.95 and the BOGO deal applies for all additionally purchased tickets.

Some limitations apply to the BOGO deals. More information can be found at www.LehighValleyPA.com

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

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NEW YEAR?S EVE NO LONGER FOR ADULTS ONLY; FAMILY OPTIONS HIGHLIGHT AFFORDABLE PACKAGES

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – Lehigh Valley attractions are offering a variety of unique activities—from family-centered events to traditional New Year’s Eve parties for couples—to celebrate the optimism of a new year. And special promotional offers allow visitors to customize an affordable and convenient getaway with 11 lodging options and more than a dozen entertainment attractions and parties at local establishments.

New Year’s Eve activities for families with children include:
• DaVinci Science Center in Allentown, Pa, will host a New Year’s Eve Science Party, presented by Lehigh Valley Mall and Weis Markets from 6 - 10 p.m. featuring magic and comedy by John Cassidy, dinner activities, Mystery Blast by guests and swag bags. ($39 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.)
• The Crayola FACTORY®, Easton, Pa., will offer a chance for kids to be creative from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. with hands-on activities, party hats and refreshments.
• Blue Mountain Ski Area, Palmerton, Pa., will have a New Year’s Eve Family Party in its Adventure Center from 9 p.m. - 12:20 a.m. featuring music, snowtubing, food, soft drinks and a champagne toast for adults 21 and over. ($35 for adults, $15 for children under 17.)
• The First Night Bethlehem celebration will feature live music, fun children’s activities, fireworks and more. Purchase First Night admission buttons by Dec. 25, 2009, and save 20% off regular admission price. One can also enjoy an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage in historic Bethlehem. ($5 per person).
• Apple Blossom Village, a sports and recreation complex in Mt. Bethel, Pa., will offer a free round of mini-golf for children with the purchase a child’s playplace admission.

Lehigh Valley also offers celebration options for adults on New Year’s Eve, including a range of events at all three Brew Works restaurants and Vintage Restaurant and Bar in Easton. The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem will give away a new Ford Edge at 9 p.m. and show the musical “BEATLEMANIA NOW” free of charge from 10 p.m. - midnight.

Even dogs can enjoy the evening with a vacation of their own at the Cold Nose Lodge. They can play late into the night while their families can watch via online web cams.

Revelers can spend the night at one of 11 hotels and inns that are offering New Year’s Eve specials. The Historic Wydnor Hall, The Lafayette Inn and The Globe Inn are offering romantic get-away packages ranging in price from $120 - $295 a night. Other area hotels are offering a range of reduced rates, welcome gifts, on-site parties and food options. And American Hairlines Body and Soul is offering a couple’s special including complimentary gym usage, one-hour massage and use of the spa facility ($100/couple).

Lehigh Valley, Pa., is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Located one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City, it is easily reached via Interstates 78 and 476 as well as PA Routes 33, 22, 309 and 222. Its central location in the Mid-Atlantic region is within a 100 mile drive of more than 30 million people.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY OFFERS CONVENIENT, AFFORDABLE OPTIONS FOR FUN ON THE SLOPES WITH LODGING

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY OFFERS CONVENIENT, AFFORDABLE
OPTIONS FOR FUN ON THE SLOPES WITH LODGING
__________

Overnight “Stay& Ski” packages start at $54 per person and include
accommodations and voucher for skiing, snowboarding or tubing

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (December 1, 2009) – With cold winter weather imminent, it is never too early to start thinking of a winter getaway close to home. The ski resorts of Lehigh Valley, located less than two hours west of New York City and an hour north of Philadelphia, provide outstanding skiing, snowboarding and tubing for snow lovers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Special “Stay & Ski” packages (lehighvalleyski.com) allow snow lovers to ski, snowboard or tube the slopes at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie or Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton and then relax overnight in accommodations at one of 13 local hotels and inns. Rates start at $54.00 per person, per night for overnight accommodations and a voucher for a lift ticket or tubing at either mountain.

Bear Creek, a 330-acre resort with a luxurious mountainside hotel, features 21 trails and seven lifts (including a quad lift) on more than 86 acres as well as three terrain parks on over 13 acres. The mountain also includes a family terrain park, premium snowmaking technology and a snow tubing park. For non-skiers, the resort has a full-service salon and spa and two dining facilities. www.bcmountainresort.com

Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical drop in the state (1,082 ft.) with two hi-speed detachable lifts as well as a six-seater and a quad. There are also four terrain parks for snow boarders, 34 trails and 19 snowtubing slides. The mountain offers trails for every level of skier and snowboarder from beginner to advanced. For families with small children, Blue Mountain has babysitting services available. The resort also features two lodges with various dining options and a relaxing atmosphere. www.skibluemt.com

Packages are available through March 31, 2010, weather permitting. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Packages are subject to availability and are not valid with any other offer.

Participating hotels include popular brands such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Staybridge Suites and Courtyard by Marriott, among others. To book a Stay & Ski package, visitors should go to lehighvalleyski.com, call the participating lodging property of their choice and mention the travel package by name. Upon checking in to their hotel, travelers will receive a voucher to present at either Bear Creek or Blue Mountain for skiing, boarding or tubing.

MEDIA ONLY: To request photos of Lehigh Valley winter attractions and events, please send an e-mail to drabenstott@sparkcreatives.com.

CHRISTMAS CITY, SPECIAL EVENTS, ?SPIRIT OF THE SEASON? DEALS ADD TO HOLIDAY CHEER IN LEHIGH VALLEY

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

CHRISTMAS CITY, SPECIAL EVENTS, ‘SPIRIT OF THE SEASON’ DEALS ADD TO HOLIDAY CHEER IN LEHIGH VALLEY

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (November 19, 2009) – With “The Christmas City” of Bethlehem as the epicenter of activities, Lehigh Valley offers families, couples and groups a wide assortment of unique and memorable holiday attractions. And with affordable “Spirit of the Season” Stay & Celebrate promotional packages from participating hotels, overnight visitors will have even more reasons to rejoice.

Holiday sights, sounds and activities across the convenient eastern Pennsylvania region include:
• Christkindlmarkt, an expansive German-style outdoor holiday marketplace in downtown Bethlehem
• Lights in the Parkway, a drive-thru lights extravaganza in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway
• The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton, where families can join the Gingerbread Man to learn how holidays are celebrated in the Caribbean
• Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, a dazzling spectacle with more than a half million lights, visits with Santa and shopping
• Historic Bethlehem, offering night tours into the city’s past with guides in traditional Moravian clothing, the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem and Kemmerer Museum of Decorative Arts, plus horse-and-carriage rides through the historic downtown
• Horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside by Ironton Livery and Coach
• The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, which will perform a baroque Christmas concert of Bach’s masterpieces and traditional Christmas carols at First Presbyterian Church Allentown

Lodging promotions available through January 2, 2010, include:
• Best Western Lehigh Valley Conference Center, Bethlehem. Starting Rate: $99.99
• Comfort Suites Bethlehem. Starting Rate: $65
• Courtyard by Marriott – Bethlehem. Starting Rate: $69.50
• Hampton Inn & Suites, Bethlehem. Starting Rate: $119.99
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport. Starting Rate: $129
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem Starting Rate: $179
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown – Bethlehem, Starting Rate: $99
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport. Starting Rate: $129
• Hampton Inn Easton, Starting rate: $69

All packages and promotional rates are subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Travelers can visit www.LehighValleyHolidays.com to obtain details on holiday events and participating hotels.

MEDIA ONLY: To request holiday photos of Lehigh Valley attractions and events, including the city of Bethlehem, please send an e-mail to drabenstott@sparkcreatives.com.

AUTUMN ADVENTURES & FRIGHTENING FROLICS AWAIT VISITORS TO LEHIGH VALLEY, PA THIS FALL

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (September 15, 2009) – Visitors to eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley (www.lehighvalleypa.org) can easily combine spectacular autumn activities with overnight accommodations as part of the season’s “Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics” travel package.

Through October 31, a variety of attractions, events, services, hotels and inns are offering special events, discounts and more. Highlights include:
• An autumn scavenger hunt at the America On Wheels museum in Allentown
• Horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside by Ironton Livery and Coach
• Guided, candlelight walking tours of the historic haunts of downtown Bethlehem
• Fun for all ages at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton during BooFest, including indoor trick-or-treat and discounted admission for costume-wearers
• Events in Easton, including the Easton Garlic Festival, an Apple Festival and a Scarecrow Festival all during the month of October
• A Time of Thanksgiving Festival at Allentown’s Museum of Indian Culture
• Experiencing life in an 1850s farmhouse on 28 acres with an overnight stay at Flint Hill Farm in Coopersburg

Times and locations of these events and many others are available at www.LehighValleyPA.org. The Web site also offers information about the assortment of year-round activities, dining and shopping options, and unique cultural institutions that make Lehigh Valley an ideal destination for families, couples or groups.

Hotel packages start as low as $69 per night based on single or double occupancy, making autumn the perfect time for an affordable and memorable overnight getaway in the region’s distinctive cities or surrounding countryside. Participating lodging properties include Comfort Inn Allentown, 1804 Steckel House Bed & Breakfast, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Ramada Allentown/Whitehall and others.

For more information on Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org/visitors/specialoffers/travelpackages.

Lehigh Valley is conveniently located one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. It is easily accessed via Interstates 78 and 476, as well as US-22 and PA-33.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to promote and develop Lehigh Valley as a leisure and business travel destination. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

BECOME A LOVACORE AT THE LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL'S HARVEST WEEKEND

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

During the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s annual Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker, The Winemaker, visitors will have the opportunity to savor local products direct from the farmers who grow and cultivate them. Eating locally has many benefits, from supporting small farmers and the local economy to finding fresher and healthier foods.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is proud to be a part of PA Preferred, a major statewide campaign designed to showcase and promote the excellent quality of local products from within the state. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the sponsor of PA Preferred, agriculture is the state’s leading industry, meaning supporting local producers is crucial to improving the state’s economy. Eating locally can be beneficial to all parties involved, from the nearby farmer producing cheese to the consumer enjoying that fresh cheese with a bottle of award-winning local wine.

Recent books including Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100 Mile Diet and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle have helped spark a new movement known as locavorism, meaning eating only what grows around you. The authors of these books committed themselves to only eating foods found within 100 miles of their homes, popularizing the “100-mile diet.” We in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas are lucky to have a wide variety of producers well within a 100-mile radius, including award-winning wines!

To further the PA Preferred program’s mission, each winery is partnering with other Pennsylvania producers as part of Harvest Weekend. By showcasing local foods and wines, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail hopes guests will be encouraged to try local foods and maybe attempt their own 100-mile diet, even if it is just for one special meal. The public is invited to visit the wineries for a weekend of entertainment, education and fun as the 2009 harvest season kicks off.

Harvest Weekend: The Butcher, The Baker, The Winemaker will be held at all nine wineries on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Wine Trail glasses will be available at all locations for $1 per glass. Some events happening along the trail include:

Amoré Vineyards & Winery will partner with Amoré Farms, featuring an array of cheeses and homegrown fruits and vegetables.
Big Creek Vineyard will be pairing its wines with produce from Heckman Orchards.

Blue Mountain Vineyards will be pairing a Harvest Sausage Soup made with local ingredients with its 2005 Chambourcin/Shiraz blend. On Saturday, come out and participate or cheer on the contestants in a Bobbing for Grapes Competition, held at noon and 3:00 p.m. On Sunday, enjoy Sunday blues featuring Rob & Marty. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon. Admission is $5.

Cherry Valley Vineyards will be partnering with Tumbler's Home Bakery for Harvest Weekend.
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery is celebrating 24 years in business! The winery is partnering with Breakaway Farms this Harvest Weekend, who will be sampling and selling a selection of organic meats and cheeses. There will also be music on the patio from 1:30 – 5 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday. To mark the winery’s anniversary, visitors will receive a 24 percent discount on wine purchases (some restrictions apply) from September 10 - 13, 2009.

Franklin Hill Vineyards will be celebrating the harvest with PA Preferred partner Klein's Farms from Forks Township. This is a third-generation family-run farm that produces delicious certified raw gourmet cheeses. The winery will also be serving dips from Robert Rothschild Farms and a great favorite - local tomato pie.

Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery will offer a grown-up twist on peanut butter and jelly by pairing its Winter Mountain Red (the "jelly") with PA Preferred Gertrude Hawk Chocolates’ decadent Peanut Butter Cups. This isn't the sandwich you ate when you were a kid! Additionally, they will be tasting and selling Galen Glen Wine-A-Ritas, a delicious frozen wine beverage.

Pinnacle Ridge Winery will be hosting "Blues in the Barn." This two-day event features local blues bands performing live on Saturday, September 12th. Sunday, September 13th, is the wildly popular, "Blues Jam." Folks are invited to bring their instruments and their voices and perform the blues on stage in the barn. Tim's Smoked Products will do his pig roast onsite, selling pulled pork and savory side dishes. Tim's pork comes from Schick Farm (less than five miles away). Now that's local!

Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery will be partnering with fellow Macungie Farm Market PA Preferred commodities StoneCroft Farm (goat cheese) and Hereford Country Store (artisan bread). There will be bread, cheese and wine available all weekend for sampling and for sale. A spokesperson from StoneCroft Farm will be at the winery from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, and the baker from Hereford Country Store from 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Live music will be in the Vyneskeller both days from 1 - 4:30 p.m., and a Winemaker Tour will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com often for information on upcoming events and more. Visitors interested in making a weekend out of their winery visits can book a local lodging facility by visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org.

Discover wine’s East Coast valley! The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is home to nine family-owned vineyards and wineries that have brought home the Governor’s Cup for eight out of the last nine years and won countless regional, state, national and international awards, including more than 50 for wines made from Chambourcin, its signature grape. Designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2008, the Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest growing wine region. The fertile farmlands of the area provide an ideal growing environment, and the area’s close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City make the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail a beautiful and easy escape for wine lovers across the Mid-Atlantic region.

A SURE BET: NEW ?STAY & GAME? PROGRAM SIMPLIFIES

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – August 31, 2009 – Out-of-town visitors to the new Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem can now choose a sure winner: one of three convenient “Stay & Game” packages (www.LVStayAndGame.com) that combine overnight accommodations, shuttle service to and from the casino, and $10 in Sands slot credit.
Developed jointly by Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.LehighValleyPA.org.) and the Sands (www.pasands.com), the packages simplify the planning of multi-day trips to the region.

Expanding on the core “Stay & Game” offering, visitors can also opt for a package that includes breakfast at the lodging facility and a minimum of $25 food credit at one of the Sands’ restaurants, or an option that just includes breakfast at the lodging facility.

Some of the participating lodging establishments include Courtyard by Marriott in Bethlehem, Hampton Inn Easton, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Comfort Suites Bethlehem, Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport and Homewood Suites Allentown/Bethlehem Airport.

Built on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, the new $550 million Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem is situated amid 20-story blast furnaces and expansive steel manufacturing buildings giving the entire facility a unique character and setting. The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem features 3,000 slot machines and electronic table games, four restaurants – including Emeril’s Chop House and an Irish pub, St. James Gate – and a lounge with live music nightly. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem is only a 90-minute drive from the New York City metro area and only 60 minutes from the Philadelphia region.
Guests must be at least 21 years of age to book the Stay & Game package.

In addition to an extraordinary gaming experience at the Sands, overnight visitors to the region can enjoy a variety of other Lehigh Valley attractions such as fine dining, more than two dozen golf courses, shopping, professional sports, outdoor activities, historic sites and other attractions.

To find out more about the Stay & Game packages, visit www.LVStayAndGame.com or call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to promote and develop Lehigh Valley as a leisure and business travel destination. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

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LEHIGH VALLEY DINING & DISCOUNT GUIDE OFFERS TRAVELERS and LOCALS DINING and AREA ATTRACTION DEALS

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

New Lehigh Valley Dining & Discount Guide Offers Travelers and Locals
Dining and Area Attraction Deals

Two Popular Lehigh Valley Brochures Merge to Create New Guide

Lehigh Valley, Pa. – Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announces the release of a new resource for travelers and locals alike looking to save money in Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley Dining & Discount Guide stretches the dollar further in this tough economy with deals on dining, golfing, shopping, hotels and more.
The new guide combines the former Lehigh Valley Dining Guide and Coupon Brochure into one easy-to-use resource, offering special discount coupons for numerous local activities, cultural attractions, hotels, restaurants and other services, including:

Activities - Center Valley Club, Lost River Caverns, The Crayola FACTORY and National Canal Museum
Arts and Culture - Allentown Symphony Orchestra, America On Wheels, The Moravian Historical Society
Lodging - Comfort Inn Allentown, Hampton Inn Easton, Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport
Restaurants - Bellissimo Ristorante, Buca di Beppo, Dunderbak's
Services - AAA East Penn, Iacocca Hall on Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus

In addition to the discount coupons, the extensive restaurants section highlights some of the region’s most popular dining establishments, from fine dining to fast food. With a wide variety of restaurants categorized into 25 different cuisine types, there is something to fit everyone’s taste.

Discounts in the guide vary and include buy one admission, get one free; dollar-off admission; and special rates on hotel rooms. Coupon expiration dates vary but most are valid until June 30, 2010. To redeem a special offer, visitors simply present the appropriate coupon to the establishment when ordering, making a reservation or buying their services. Some restrictions apply.

Brochures can be obtained one of the following ways:

Call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561.
Visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and clicking on the "Free Brochures & Maps" button on the left side of the homepage.
Pick one up at more than 60 brochure racks located at area hotels and attractions.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA?S LARGEST FESTIVAL, MUSIKFEST, RETURNS WITH AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT PACKAGES

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. –– Music lovers can get their fill of free concerts this summer when they spend the night during the 10 days of Musikfest in Bethlehem.

Starting July 31 and ending August 9, affordable overnight packages are being offered at:

• Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem-Lehigh Valley - starting at $179 per room, per night
• Hampton Inn Easton – starting at $189 per room, per night
• Homewood Suites – Bethlehem Airport – Starting at $139 per room, per night

Each package includes overnight accommodations along with two Musikfest mugs, $20 worth of food tickets and two adult shuttle passes. Kids 10 and under ride the shuttle free with an adult.

Now in its 26th year, Musikfest is a free outdoor celebration of music, culture, food and fun that averages more than 1 million visitors each year. It features:

• More than 300 performers from across the country and around the globe
• Musical programming at 14 different indoor and outdoor stages (11 stages are free)
• 10 nights of headline entertainment
• Mouth-watering foods, children's fun and activities and a closing-night fireworks display

Festival-goers can add tickets to one of the paid concerts which include The Commodores, Chris Issak with The Wallflowers, The B-52s with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and George Thorogood and the Destroyers & Jonny Lang, among others. Concert tickets can be purchased at www.musikfest.org.

Musikfest is presented by ArtsQuest, a community-focused nonprofit arts organization founded to celebrate arts and culture in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Proceeds from the event go to the Banana Factory, ArtsQuest's community arts center and gallery located in South Bethlehem, as well as other nonprofit groups in the region.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is located along the state border with New Jersey and is approximately one hour north of Philadelphia and an hour-and-a-half west of New York City. It is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton and is the state’s third largest metro region.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA?S TOURISM BUREAU LAUNCHES ?25 GIVEAWAYS IN 25 DAYS? PROMOTION FOR JULY

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

WHAT: In celebration of Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s 25th anniversary this year, the eastern Pennsylvania region’s official tourism bureau has launched a new promotion called “25 Giveaways in 25 Days.”

Each day a new giveaway prize will be posted to the Bureau’s Web site. Visitors can register to win a prize by filling out the registration form on the day the desired prize is listed. Each visitor may enter the contest multiple times but they may only win once. One winner will be randomly selected each day of the promotion. (See Web site for disclaimers.)

Prizes range from tickets to an attraction, concert or event, to overnight accommodations at a hotel, inn or bed and breakfast.

WHEN: July 6 - 30

WHERE: www.LehighValleyPA.org/winagetaway - the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley, Pa.

WHO: Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the non-profit, tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.

MEDIA CONTACT: For more information, please contact Tracey Werner, Director of Public Relations, at (610) 973-3819 or Tracey@LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA SENDS OUT AN S.O.S. TO TRAVELERS WITH NEW SUMMER RELIEF TRAVEL PROMOTION

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Summer vacations won’t break the bank this year when savvy travelers take advantage of Lehigh Valley, Pa.’s new S.O.S. (Summer of Savings) Web-based travel promotion.

To help visitors to the state’s third largest metro region enjoy their summer vacation on a budget, more than 50 area hotels, attractions, restaurants and shops are offering a wide range of discounts through Labor Day weekend.

Discounts are arranged in six categories: Activities, Arts & Culture, Lodging, Restaurants, Shopping, and Services. The valuable offers include reduced price admission, buy-one-get-one-free, or a percentage off a meal or purchase, and more.

Details on the Summer of Savings promotion and coupons can be found at: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/specialoffers/travelpackages. Most coupons are good through September 7, 2009.

Highlights include:
• $1 off adult admission - Becky’s Drive-In in Walnutport
• $2 off general admission and $1 off child admission - Dutch Springs in Bethlehem
• $5 off carriage ride from the livery - Ironton Livery and Coach in Allentown
• Buy one admission, get one free – America on Wheels museum in Allentown
• 10 percent off any food purchase – Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works
• 20 percent off one in-stock item – Donegal Square in Bethlehem

Travelers can visit the Travel Packages section of Lehigh Valley’s official tourism Web site to download and print out the discount coupons. Simply present the coupon when placing an order or making a purchase, at the time of admission to an attraction, or when making a room reservation in order to receive the discount.

7th ANNUAL KICK-OFF CLASSIC FOOTBALL LUNCHEON TO BE HELD THURSDAY, AUG. 6

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh Valley Sports Commission will hold its 7th Annual Kick-Off Classic Football Luncheon on Thursday, August 6 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Fogelsville.

Michael Zambelli, host of Service Electric’s "TV2 Sports" show, will again be master of ceremonies. This year’s keynote speaker will be Mike Quick, former wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, 1982-1990. Currently an announcer for the Eagles’ radio broadcasts on WYSP, Quick played his entire career with the Eagles and is known as one of the most graceful wide receivers ever to play for the team. In 1983, he lead the league with 1,409 receiving yards and played in five Pro-Bowls.

The 2009 pre-season high school football rankings will be highlighted in a video presentation by WFMZ’s "Big Ticket" program. The award for Lehigh Valley Football Ambassador of the Year will also be given out and speakers from Lehigh Valley football-related organizations will give presentations.

Student tickets are $15 and individual tickets are $25. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Tickets can be purchased by calling 610-882-9200.

LVSC is a division of the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, a non-profit 501c6 organization. Its goal is to attract sporting events and tournaments to the Lehigh Valley as well as to support the efforts of local sporting events and facilities. Proceeds from the luncheon are used by LVSC toward bidding fees for future sporting events which, when hosted in the region, generate revenues for the area’s tourism industry. Visit LVSC online at www.LVSports.net.

LEHIGH VALLEY?S TOURISM BUREAU LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP WITH TRANS-BRIDGE LINES TO PROMOTE REGION

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today a partnership with Trans-Bridge bus lines and the valley’s three cities to promote the region for tourism through a pair of new bus wraps.

Designed by jangle A.M.C. of Nazareth, the wrap features iconic symbols of the each of the region’s three cities along with “Lehigh Valley, Pa.” and the tourism’s bureau’s Web site address, www.LehighValleyPA.org. Allentown’s PPL tower and 8th Street Bridge are featured, as are the Star of Bethlehem and the smoke stacks of Bethlehem Steel, and the Easton bugler from atop the Soldiers and Sailors monument at Centre Square.

Trans-Bridge Lines donated the cost of the buses while LVCVB paid for the design of the wraps and their installation. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and Easton Mayor Sal Panto were consulted on the wrap’s design and its representation of their respective cities.

The wrap has so far been installed on one bus with another one to be installed in the next two weeks. The two buses will be for charter use only thereby giving the wraps and the Lehigh Valley region greater visual exposure throughout the Mid-Atlantic region which Trans-Bridge services.

DORNEY DEALS TRAVEL PACKAGES HELP FAMILIES CELEBRATE DORNEY PARK?S 125 SUMMERS OF FUN IN 2009

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

When Solomon Dorney started “Dorney’s Trout Ponds and Summer Resort” in 1884, he probably never could have imagined that 125 years later it would grow into the northeast’s most complete entertainment experience – Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

This summer as Dorney Park observes this milestone, visitors to the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pa. can join the celebration and save money too when they book an affordable Dorney Deals travel package at more than 25 Lehigh Valley hotels. The promotion offers park guests overnight accommodations along with discounts on admission tickets to both parks.

Hotels include popular brands such as Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, Wingate by Wyndham, Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn, among others. Travelers directly contact the participating hotel of their choice to book their stay. Some packages include tickets to the park, while others offer them a la carte at a discounted rate off the gate price of $39.99 for regular daily summer admission.

Dorney Deals are available May 23 through September 7, 2009. Rates are based on availability and are not good with other offers. For complete details on Dorney Deals or to request a 2009 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide brochure with a Stay & Save insert containing details on the Dorney Deals program, visit www.DorneyDeals.com.

Dorney Park adds a new live entertainment venue and show for 2009 - “Snoopy Rocks on Ice.” Premiering in June, the show takes place in the new 18,000 square-foot Good Time Theatre. The multi-purpose, air-conditioned, 600-seat facility features a 60-foot wide by 35-foot deep ice stage where Snoopy and over a dozen world-class skaters will perform. Access to the theatre and show is included with park admission.

Located in Allentown, Dorney Park is home to nine world-class roller coasters including Possessed, Hydra The Revenge, Talon and Steel Force, and more than 50 other rides. Families that want a slower pace enjoy riding the antique carousel, Ferris wheel and Zephyr miniature train as well as playing around at Camp Snoopy and Tot Spot. On the Wildwater Kingdom side of the park, guests can experience two wave pools, 22 water slides, two winding rivers, and the Aqua Racer water mat ride. For more information on both parks, visit www.DorneyPark.com.

Dorney Park opens for the season on Saturday, May 2 for weekends only. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom open daily beginning Saturday, May 23. Summer admission includes access to both parks.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City, eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region is home to the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. In addition to Dorney Park, families can visit the area’s other kid-friendly attractions including The Crayola FACTORY® and National Canal Museum in Easton, the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org. LVCVB’s official blog can be found at http://lehighvalley.typepad.com/insite/.

NINE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER FOR 2009 LEHIGH VALLEY STAY & PLAY GOLF TRAVEL PACKAGES

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Good golfers need to know plenty of numbers: yardage, par, rating, slope, and so on. But this summer, the only number golfers need to know to book an affordable and convenient golf getaway is the number nine. Why? Because it’s the lucky number that keeps popping up in 2009 Stay & Play travel packages in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania.

Stay & Play packages are a turnkey way to visit the region since they feature all of the necessary components for a great golf trip: overnight accommodations at one of nine area hotels, breakfast, and 18 holes of golf with greens fee, cart and taxes at one of nine participating golf courses. Package rates start at $95 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and vary depending on mid-week or weekend tee times. Surcharges may apply to certain courses. Packages are available now through December 2009 (weather permitting).

Golfers who book a Stay & Play package receive access to preferred tee times at the course of their choice, guaranteeing them a better chance of playing when they want. And since Stay & Play packages are designed to be convenient, participating hotels act as a one-stop-shop, booking the tee time and cart directly with the golf course of their choice. To view a list of participating courses and hotels, visit www.LVGolfing.com.

The courses participating in this year’s Stay & Play packages are:
• Allentown Municipal Golf Course – www.allentowngolf.org
• Bethlehem Golf Club – www.bethlehemgc.com
• Center Valley Club, Center Valley – www.centervalleyclubgolf.com
• The Club at Morgan Hill, Easton – www.theclubatmorganhill.com
• High Bridge Hills Golf Club, High Bridge, NJ – www.highbridgehills.com
• Jack Frost National Golf Club, Blakeslee – www.jackfrostnational.com
• Olde Homestead Golf Club, New Tripoli – www.oldehomesteadgolfclub.com
• Riverview Country Club, Easton – www.riverviewcountryclub.com
• Southmoore Golf Course, Bath – www.southmooregolf.com

Golfers can book Stay & Play packages by contacting one of the participating hotels below:
• Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center, Macungie
• Comfort Suites Bethlehem
• Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem
• Hampton Inn & Suites – Bethlehem
• Hampton Inn Easton
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem
• Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport

Travelers can request a 2009 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide which contains a “Stay & Save” insert section featuring details on the Stay & Play package program. Call 1-800-747-0561 or visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the “Free brochures & maps” button on the homepage.

Lehigh Valley is located in eastern Pennsylvania and is a one hour drive north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. The region is proud to host the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, July 6 - 12 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Center Valley, Pa. Visit www.2009USWomensOpen.com for details and to order tickets.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB, call 1-800-747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org. LVCVB’s official blog can be found at http://lehighvalley.typepad.com/insite/.

IF IT?S FREE (OR LOW FEE), IT?S FOR ME!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

That saying has become a mantra lately for travelers everywhere. So we’ve put together a list of our most popular free attractions and events in Lehigh Valley to help make your trip to our affordable region of Pennsylvania even easier on the budget. (Some may charge a low fee - less than $5 per person)

Please note: This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all things free in the region, but rather a list of highlights. Visit www.LehighValleyPA.org for additional options.

1. Museums & Galleries
• Liberty Bell Shrine Museum, Allentown – (no fee, but donations are appreciated) see a replica of the original Bell which was hidden from the British in this church.
• Allentown Art Museum – admission to the facility’s main galleries is free on Sundays only. (A $5 fee is charged for admission to the special exhibit area.)
• Banana Factory, Bethlehem – watch a glass blowing demonstration, tour the galleries and 23 artists’ studios and visit the gift shop selling handmade crafts.

2. Wineries - Lehigh Valley Wine Trail – (some wineries may charge a nominal fee for tastings) Visit all nine of the family-owned and operated wineries in the region.

3. Factory tour - the C.F Martin Guitar Company, Nazareth – (a small fee is charged for groups of 10 or more.) The one-hour tours are offered from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After the tour, check out the 1833 gift shop, Pickin’ Parlor and company museum.

4. The Outdoors
• Go for a walk in Trexler Park, Lehigh Parkway or Cedar Beach Park, all located in Allentown; take a hike in Jacobsburg State Park, or discover nature during a walk along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem from Illick’s Mill Road to Sand Island.
• Request a free Lehigh Valley Cycling Maps brochure for places to ride your bike.
• Fish along the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers as well as at numerous creeks and streams that traverse the region.

5. Trails and Tours
• Request a Two Rivers Area Birding and Natural History Trail brochure for places in Northampton County to discover the region’s birds, flora and fauna.
• Request a free Lehigh County Log Cabin Trail brochure to discover its 22 historic log cabins.
• Take a driving tour to visit the Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley when you request a free brochure with driving directions that takes you past all seven of them.

6. Music
• Bach at Noon concerts by The Bach Choir of Bethlehem – held the second Tuesday of each month in spring and fall at Central Moravian Church in downtown Bethlehem. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
• Tunes at Twilight – held in Bethlehem’s Sun Inn Courtyard on Thursday evenings in May and June from 6 – 8 p.m.
• Allentown Band at Allentown’s West Park – bring a folding chair or blanket and listen to a free concert in this picturesque park.

7. Festivals
• Musikfest each August and Celtic Classic each September, both in downtown Bethlehem
• Heritage Day each July and Garlic Fest each October, both in downtown Easton

8. Miscellaneous:
• First Friday on Bethlehem’s Southside, along 3rd and 4th Streets. A monthly celebration of arts and culture with shops, galleries, live music, in-store specials, and refreshments.

Save money when dining out in Lehigh Valley by requesting a copy of our annual Lehigh Valley Dining Guide featuring listings of more than 50 restaurants and dozens of discount coupons. And don’t forget to also request a Lehigh Valley Coupon Brochure with discounts at shops, attractions, events and restaurants across the region.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is located along the state border with New Jersey and is approximately one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. It is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton and is the state’s third largest metro region.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org. Lehigh Valley InSite, LVCVB’s blog, is online at http://lehighvalley.typepad.com/insite/.

Media Contact:

Tracey Werner, Director of Public Relations
Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
Toll-free – 1-800-747-0561
Direct – 610-973-3819
Cell – 484-241-9793
Tracey@LehighValleyPA.org
www.LehighValleyPA.org

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA MAKES A LASTING IMPRESSION ON VISITORS WITH NEW TRAVEL PACKAGE

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

First impressions are lasting impressions. And the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania knows that first-hand thanks to a premier exhibit of Impressionist paintings and pastels at the Allentown Art Museum.

“Monet to Matisse: French Masterworks from the Dixon Gallery and Gardens” features 30 19th Century and early 20th Century French masterworks from notable Impressionist artists including Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Cassatt, Chagall, Gauguin, Seurat, Money, Cezanne and Matisse.

To celebrate this exciting exhibit, a first for the region, Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has created the Lasting Impressions travel package. Available now through May 3, 2009, packages include overnight accommodations and two tickets to “Monet to Matisse.” The packages are offered at the following hotels and inns:
• Hampton Inn Easton – starting at $149
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport – starting at $131
• The Sayre Mansion, Bethlehem – starting at $160
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport – starting at $128
• Wydnor Hall Inn, Bethlehem – starting at $150

All package rates are per room, per night and based on double occupancy. Some packages also include breakfast.

Travelers staying at Wydnor Hall Inn or Hampton Inn Easton can add on tickets to theatrical performances at DeSales University in Center Valley or Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

From April 22 through May 3, DeSales University’s Act 1 Theatre will perform the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sunday in the Park with George.” Based on Georges Seurat’s painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the musical brings the painting to life in a poignant and profoundly moving performance.

Muhlenberg College will present “A Flea in Her Ear” from April 23 through 26 in Baker Theatre. Written by Georges Feydeau, the play follows Madame’s plan to uncover her husband’s infidelity, which ends up revealing the foolishness and decadence of many others.

Visitors can get complete details on the Lasting Impressions travel packages by visiting www.LVLastingImpressions.com. To watch a short video tour of the Allentown Art Museum and the “Monet to Matisse” exhibit, visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/about/podcasts.

2009 LEHIGH VALLEY MAP & GUIDE CELEBRATES TOURISM BUREAU?S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Wrapped in a large silver ribbon and bow, the 2009 edition of the Lehigh Valley Map & Guide looks like a gift but is actually a comprehensive resource for visitors to the state’s third largest metro region. The 52-page guide is a comprehensive overview of activities, events and attractions in the two-county, three-city region in eastern Pennsylvania.

This year’s brochure includes special features highlighting the 25th year anniversary of Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. The guide’s first five pages feature 25 fun facts about the region followed by a list of 25 famous Lehigh Valleyans.

The “Stay & Save” insert at the center of the Map & Guide details the area’s four most popular travel packages:
• Stay & Play golf – Includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and 18 holes of golf, greens fee, cart and all taxes.
• Stay & Ski – (for winter 2009-2010) Includes overnight accommodations and a voucher for your choice of skiing, snow boarding or snow tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area or Bear Creek Mountain Resort.
• Stay & Scream (Dorney Deals) – While package prices and features vary by hotel, some include tickets to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, while others offer park tickets at a discounted rate off the gate price.
• Stay & Celebrate (Spirit of the Season) – This holiday promotion allows visitors to build their own holiday package based on their time, interests and budget.

Other sections include “See & Do” for attractions and activities; “Eat & Drink” for restaurants and bars; “Sleep” for overnight accommodations at local hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds; and “Shopping & Spas” for malls, specialty stores, boutique shops, salons and spas. The 2009 Calendar of Events features more than 75 events including classic car shows, musical and theatrical performances, holiday-themed celebrations and craft fairs.

The guide’s removable fold-out map includes five separate maps: one of each city’s downtown district, a view of eastern Pennsylvania and one of the U.S. Route 22 corridor. A row of coupons attached to the map provide visitors with 11 opportunities to save at select restaurants, hotels and attractions.

The 2009 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide is complimentary and can be requested by calling
1-800-747-0561 or visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org. Guides are also distributed at more than 60 brochure racks located in hotels and at select attractions throughout the region.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is located approximately one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. It is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

LVCVB TO HOLD RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW EASTON VISITOR CENTER

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

WHAT: Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau will formally open its newest visitor center located in downtown Easton. Known as the Lehigh Valley Visitor Center – Easton, the new location satisfies the non-profit organization’s commitment to operating a staffed visitor center in each of the region’s three downtowns. It currently operates a downtown Allentown visitor center at 9th & Hamilton Streets and co-operates a downtown Bethlehem visitor center on Main Street with Historic Bethlehem Partnership.

Staff members at the Easton visitor center can assist travelers with travel-related questions, driving and walking directions, hotel reservations, restaurant recommendations, and general information on the city and region. Visitors and residents can also pick up free brochures on local attractions, events, hotels and restaurants, as well as the bureau’s signature Lehigh Valley Map & Guide. It will be open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will include comments by Easton Mayor Sal Panto and LVCVB President Michael Stershic.

WHEN: Monday, February 9 at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Two Rivers Landing building on Northampton Street at Centre Square, first floor

WHO: Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the region’s designated tourist promotion agency, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL ANNOUNCES DATES FOR ITS ANNUAL EVENTS

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail have announced their 2009 schedule of special events. They include:

• Anniversary Weekend – July 11 & 12 - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail’s anniversary with their own unique events. Specials could include a complimentary food and wine pairing, Sangria or a surprise.

• Wine on the Mountain – July 25 & 26 - Held in conjunction with Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event includes wine samplings, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, light fare available for purchase, and live entertainment. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at each winery as well as at the door.

• Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker – September 12 & 13 –The wineries proudly promote the state’s “Pennsylvania Preferred” program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities are featured.

• Chambourcin Weekend – October 17 & 18 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the “official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley,” the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.

• Nouveau Weekend – November 21 & 22 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.

All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain at Penn’s Peak. Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m.

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

The wineries are now part of an American Viticultural Area (AVA), as designated by the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. It enables vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they are purchasing. The Lehigh Valley AVA includes portions of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, Carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania. There are more than 220 acres devoted to viticulture.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. To watch a short video tour of a Lehigh Valley winery, visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/about/archivedpodcasts.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

VALLEY VALENTINE PACKAGES HELP COUPLES CELEBRATE THEIR LOVE ALL MONTH LONG

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Rather than confine celebrations of love to only one day on the calendar, the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania celebrates love all month long with its annual Be My Valley Valentine promotion.

Couples can plan a turnkey romantic getaway by taking advantage of Valentine packages being offered at more than 12 local hotels, inns and B&Bs that include all the ingredients for a romantic weekend.

Package highlights include:
• Cupid’s Amore Package at Allentown Comfort Suites - $199.99
• Sweet Romance Getaway at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie - $225.95
• St. Valentine’s Package at Historic Hotel Bethlehem - starting at $269
• Godiva Getaway Package at Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville - $184.95

All package prices are per night and based on double occupancy. Discounts, rates and expiration dates vary. Consult www.LehighValleyPA.org for restrictions.

Once the accommodations are booked, couples can add on a range of discounted activities available on the Web site. Valuable savings are available on the following:

• Tickets to see Michael Amante at The State Theatre in Easton; Cirque Eloize’s NEBBIA at Zoellner Arts Center in Bethlehem; and soprano soloist Angela Meade’s performance at Allentown’s Symphony Hall.
• Admission to the “Monet to Matisse” Impressionist exhibit at Allentown Art Museum and the “Legends of Speed” race car exhibit at America on Wheels in Allentown.
• Dining at Jessica’s Tea Room/Historic Weaversville Inn in Northampton; Lee Gribben’s on Main in Emmaus and Mex-Tex Trio in Easton.

For a complete list of Valentine promotions during the month of February, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the “Travel Packages” button on the homepage.

LVCVB RE-LAUNCHES ?DESTINATION LEHIGH VALLEY? TRAINING PROGRAM WITH NCC

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the region’s designated tourist promotion agency, has partnered with Northampton Community College to bring back the bureau’s popular Destination Lehigh Valley training program.

Now a key component of NCC’s new Hospitality Career Institute, Destination Lehigh Valley’s goal is to provide training and motivation to hospitality professionals who meet visitors to the region and interact with the general public. The program consists of three half-day sessions attended by business owners, managers and front-end employees in the Valley’s travel and tourism industry.

LVCVB President Michael Stershic teaches participants about the importance of regionalism and how it impacts tourism and business development, as well as about the region’s many tourist attractions. They will also be introduced to LVCVB and its role in working with members to promote the region and will receive an overview of the bureau’s current marketing activities.

NCC’s Director of the Hospitality Career Institute David Schweiger educates attendees on how to deliver outstanding customer service by listening to guests, being empathetic, and wowing them.

Destination Lehigh Valley culminates with the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town” bus tour designed to acquaint attendees with area attractions, historic sites, hotels and other tourism-related venues. Participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

The program will be offered three times during the spring semester.
• February 11, 18, & 25
• March 25, April 1 & 8
• May 6, 13 and 20

Destination Lehigh Valley is $35 per person. To register for the course, visit www.northampton.edu or call 1-877-543-0998.

The Hospitality Career Institute at NCC was established to increase overall service excellence in all areas of hospitality and to accommodate a growing industrial sector within the greater Lehigh Valley and Poconos. The Institute works closely with industry leaders. Its curriculum exceeds industry standards and provides the tools for participants to be successful in their careers.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA. RINGS IN 2009 WITH OVERNIGHT PACKAGES FOR COUPLES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR FAMILIES

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

This New Year’s Eve, travelers can bring their special someone to Lehigh Valley for an exciting night out, a romantic dinner for two, or an overnight getaway. Or they can bring the kids for a family-friendly celebration at one of the region’s entertaining attractions or events.

Celebrations abound at area hotels, B&Bs and inns with overnight packages featuring a wide range of amenities. Highlights include packages designed for a night out on the town, such as the package offered by the Allentown Comfort Suites. It features music, dancing, dinner buffet and drinks in its Legends restaurant followed by an overnight stay.

Or visitors can spend the night in at Belle Reve B&B in Bangor with a two-night stay, room with a view of the river, breakfast for two and a bottle of champagne.

Other lodging properties offering New Year’s Eve packages include:
• Comfort Suites Bethlehem
• Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
• Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Allentown Airport
• The Globe Inn
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West

Adults can also receive a discounts on a limo rental from A&A Limousine Service and a dozen roses from Phoebe Floral in Allentown; take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Bethlehem Carriage Company; and rock the house at the “recession-proof” New Year’s Eve Party at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe featuring a performance by The Machine – a Pink Floyd tribute band.

And adults don’t get to have all of the fun on New Year’s Eve in Lehigh Valley. Kids can have fun too at several family-friendly events throughout the region including:

Highlights include:
• First Night Bethlehem – This non-profit, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration is centered on the arts. A purchased admission button provides access to kid-friendly performances, live concerts, glass blowing and ice carving demonstrations, s’more making, ice skating, films, comedy acts and much more. Attendees should not miss the Peep® drop and fireworks at midnight in Payrow Plaza! (Fee)
• The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton - Families can celebrate on Dec. 31 with the kids from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. by making party hats, festive eyeglasses and other crafts. Noisemakers, live music and snacks add to the celebration. (Fee)
• Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown – From 6 – 10 p.m. parents and kids can enjoy a performance by magician John Cassidy, a fireworks show, food buffet, kid’s activities and more. Party favors and gift bags will also be distributed. (Fee)

Admission fees vary by attraction/event. For complete details, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the Travel Package button on the homepage.

Several Lehigh Valley restaurants are also offering special New Year’s Eve meals including Café del Mar in Belfast, Grille 3501 and Pistachio Bar & Grille in Allentown, and Vintage Restaurant and Bar in Easton. And for dessert, diners can enjoy a discount on the signature holiday ice cream dish at Heavenly Hedgehog Ice Cream in downtown Bethlehem – an eggnog sundae.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA WELCOMES EARLY COLD SNAP WITH AFFORDABLE STAY & SKI PACKAGES

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Thanks to recent daytime temperatures reaching just above freezing, Lehigh Valley’s two ski resorts have already started making snow and expect to open during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. And with the snow comes the annual Stay & Ski overnight travel packages from Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Stay & Ski packages let snow lovers ski, snowboard or tube the slopes at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie or Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton and then relax overnight in accommodations at one of 14 local hotels and inns. Rates start at $59.99 per person, per night and include overnight accommodations and a voucher for skiing, snowboarding or tubing at either mountain.

Packages are available through March 31, 2009, weather permitting. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Packages are subject to availability and are not valid with any other offer.

Participating hotels include popular brands such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Staybridge Suites and Four Points by Sheraton, among others. Travelers can log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org and click the “Travel Packages” button on the homepage for complete package details. To book a Stay & Ski package, visitors simply call the participating lodging property of their choice and mention the travel package by name.

Bear Creek, a 330-acre resort with mountainside hotel, spa, two restaurants and meeting facilities for groups, features 21 trails on over 86 acres, seven lifts and three terrain parks on over 13 acres. It has added a new quad chairlift, which doubles the resort’s uphill capacity; added a new family terrain park; and increased snowmaking capacity by 30 percent through the addition of 14 new snow guns. www.bcmountainresort.com

Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical in the state (1,082 ft.) with two hi-speed detachable lifts as well as a six-seater and a quad. There are also three terrain parks for snow boarders, 14 snowtubing slides and 33 trails. It has invested more than $3.1 million in improvements for the upcoming season including a new intermediate trail called Dreamweaver and upgrades to its snowmaking functions, as well as tubing expansions and upgrades. www.skibluemt.com

Located less than two hours west of New York City and an hour north of Philadelphia, skiers in the Mid-Atlantic region can quickly and easily reach Lehigh Valley for a weekend getaway of outdoor activities.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH COUNTY, PA. LAUNCHES LOG CABIN TRAIL

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh County Log Cabin Trail Committee has launched the new Lehigh County Log Cabin Trail, a unique historic and educational resource, via its Website www.lehighcountylogcabintrail.org. The result of more than a year of research by a volunteer committee, the driving trail consists of 22 historic log homes in Lehigh County, Pa.

Visitors interested in exploring the trail can download a field guide and detailed driving directions for the trail’s three routes (northern, central, and southern) from the Web site, and read descriptions of each cabin’s past and present day uses. A county map on the site indicates where each building is located along the trail.

Each of the trail’s three sections has its own driving tour route complete with detailed driving instructions, allowing visitors to explore one or more section at a time. Visitors should allow four to five hours to drive the entire trail.

The 22 18th and 19th century log buildings on the trail were selected from a list of nearly 100 log buildings identified in Lehigh County by the log cabin trail committee as the result of extensive field surveys and archival and literature research. Some are located in public parks and owned by municipal governments or non-profit organizations, while others are privately-owned residences.

Two of the log buildings on the Lehigh County Log Cabin Trail are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are the Shelter House on South Mountain near the Borough of Emmaus, and the Leaser Log Cabin near Leaser Lake in Lynn Township.

Several points along the log cabin trail intersect with the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour, allowing tourists to also visit Bogert’s Bridge, the Manasses Guth Bridge, Rex’s Covered Bridge and Geiger’s Covered Bridge. A Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley brochure can be downloaded (PDF) at http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/travelsupport/form.

A portion of the northern part of the log cabin trail in Lynn, Heidelberg, and Washington townships also overlaps the Kittatinny Raptor Corridor where major autumn raptor migrations occur annually along the 185-mile Kittatinny Ridge, also known as Blue Mountain.

The Lehigh County Log Cabin Trail Committee consists of representatives from six local historical societies, as well as volunteers with expertise in the log buildings of Lehigh County. The Website and related field and research tasks were completed by Eagle Scout candidate Chris Jones, a member of Boy Scout Troop 131, who also supervised a group of assistants.

VISITORS STAY & CELEBRATE IN LEHIGH VALLEY, PA WITH SPIRIT OF THE SEASON TRAVEL PACKAGES

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Staying close to home for the holidays doesn’t just make good fiscal sense this year, it’s also a great way to discover the holiday attractions and events in your own backyard. With that in mind, Lehigh Valley is bringing back its popular Spirit of the Season travel promotion that allows families and couples to take in the sights and sounds of the centrally-located eastern Pennsylvania region.

Available November 1, 2008 through January 2, 2009, Spirit of the Season is a holiday getaway promotion that features special rates and packages at participating area hotels that can be combined with shopping, dining, historical tours and holiday-related attractions.

Packages include:
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport – deluxe accommodations for up to four people, hot breakfast buffet, admission to Lights in the Parkway, goody bag with holiday cookies, disposable camera and holiday-themed audio CD. Rates start at $126 per room, per night based on double occupancy.
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem – overnight accommodations, two adult admission tickets for Christkindlmarkt or Historic Bethlehem’s Moravian sites, and breakfast for two. Rates start at $199 per person, per night based on double occupancy.
• Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville – overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, admission for two to Christkindlmarkt, discount coupon booklet for area attractions and welcome gift. Rates start at $119.95 per room, per night based on double occupancy.
• Ramada Inn Allentown/Whitehall – overnight accommodations and a $50 gift card to the Lehigh Valley Mall for holiday shopping. Rates start at $129 per room, per night based on double occupancy.
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport - overnight accommodations and two tickets to either Christkindlmarkt or the Gingerbread Festival at The Crayola FACTORY®, breakfast and shuttle rides to downtown Bethlehem. Rates start at $139 per room, per night based on double occupancy.

Special holiday rates include:
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bethlehem – starting at $89 per room, per night
• Homewood Suites by Hilton – Allentown-Bethlehem Airport - starting at $89 per room, per night
• Quality Inn Allentown - starting at $49.99 per room, per night

All packages and promotional rates are subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Travelers can log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the Travel Packages button on the homepage for a list of participating hotels. A complete list of the region’s holiday-related events can also be found on the Web site.

The following holiday attractions can be added onto a travel package or overnight stay at a participating hotel for an additional fee:
• Christkindlmarkt, a German-style outdoor holiday marketplace in downtown Bethlehem
• Lights in the Parkway, a drive-thru lights extravaganza in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway
• “Where in the World is the Gingerbread Man?” holiday festival at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton
• Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, a dazzling lights spectacle with more than a half million lights, visits with Santa and shopping
• Horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside by Ironton Livery and Coach
• Moravian Christmas Concerts at Central Moravian Church in downtown Bethlehem.

Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. It located one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City, and is easily reached via Interstates 78 and 476 as well as PA Routes 33, 22, 309 and 222. Its central location in the Mid-Atlantic region is within a 100 mile drive of over 30 million people.

MEDIA ONLY: To request holiday photos of Lehigh Valley attractions and events, including the city of Bethlehem, please send an e-mail to tracey@LehighValleyPA.org.

TASTE THE FIRST VINTAGES OF THE HARVEST DURING NOUVEAU WEEKEND ON THE LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will proudly introduce their first vintages from this fall’s harvest during the annual Nouveau Weekend event on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 from noon – 5 p.m.

"Nouveau" is the French word for "new" and in wine making it applies to a specific style of wine produced just weeks after harvest. Nouveau typically is a red wine that goes through a rapid fermentation. This style of winemaking produces an aromatic, fruity, soft wine with vivid colors that are delicious and ready to drink shortly after harvest. These Nouveau wines can age for several years, however they are meant to be drank while young and at the height of flavor.

Visitors can purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinners. The wine trail members will also have special food items available for purchase at the event. Some weekend food and drink highlights include:
• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – will feature new releases of Chambourcin Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay along with Goot Essa cheeses.
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville – will turn back the clock, releasing a traditional style of Nouveau, made with Gamay Beaujolais, along with a seasonal spiced apple wine for the holidays.
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli – will be pairing their 2008 Nouveau with cranberry glazed chicken. Also their Mountain Spice wine will be heated and served with pumpkin spice cake.
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg - will be pairing "Mary's Marinated Mushrooms” with DeChaunac Wine.
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – will be featuring the new release of Turtle Rock Red. They will be joined by Breakaway Farms of Manheim, Pa. who will be sampling and selling their 100 percent organic and chemical free cheeses and meats.
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor – will get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday with pairings of several wines with a delicious sampling of roast turkey, stuffing and homemade cranberry sauce.
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – will warm up with Chambourcin mulled wine tasted with Vinkaka (wine cake) made using our Barrel 29, a Chambourcin port-style dessert wine.
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – will be sampling a taste of Austria. Their NuVo follows the Austrian tradition of Heuriger wines. This freshly fermented white wine of the new harvest is offered in the taverns surrounding Vienna. They will be pairing the winery’s white NuVo with Austrian goulash and tiny homemade dumplings.
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – will release its first vintage of the 2008 season, a Gamay Beaujolais Nouveau wine. They will be pairing it with caramelized onion herb & cheese focaccia bread.

This event is the last of the Wine Trail’s six themed events this year. The events begin anew in March 2009 with the annual March Madness for Wine Lovers promotion. Also known as Passport Weekends, this month-long event celebrates the arrival of new vintages as well as the spring. Guests purchase passports which are stamped by each winery and, when completed, are entered into drawings for prizes. The sale of 2009 passports, which are $30 each, begins during Nouveau Weekend.

Visitors interested in staying for the weekend can book a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package by visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org and clicking on the “Travel Packages” tab on the right side of the homepage.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

Media Only: For Wine Trail photos, contact Tracey Werner at tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

REGION?S TOURISM BUREAU LAUNCHES LEHIGH VALLEY INSITE BLOG

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourist promotion agency, has created a new blog to help inform visitors and residents alike about the region’s many attractions and activities.

Titled Lehigh Valley InSite (http://lehighvalley.typepad.com/insite/), the blog is written by staff members of the Bureau based on their own experiences in the area. New posts are published daily and cover a wide range of interests from dining, the arts and family activities, to concerts, sports and wineries.

The continued popularity of consumer-generated content, especially in the tourism industry, served as the catalyst for the creation of Lehigh Valley InSite. The Bureau hopes it will create dialogues between residents and visitors by providing a forum for them to share input.

Visitors and residents are encouraged to join in the conversation by reading the blog and replying with comments to posts that interest them by sharing their observations and experiences in Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@LehighValleyPA.org or visit the official tourism Web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

D&L ARTISAN TRAIL ANNOUNCES FIRST STUDIO TOUR WEEKEND EVENT

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Lovers of fine arts and crafts can connect with artists during the first D&L Artisan Trail Studio Tour Weekend on Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th. It will feature 23 participating artist sites in Lehigh Valley, Jim Thorpe and Stroudsburg, Pa.

The free event allows visitors to interact with artists in their studios and galleries, learn about their creative process, see their artwork on display and purchase it for their homes. Artistic mediums include oil and watercolor paints, blown and stained glass, clay, metal sculptures, apparel and jewelry. All participating studios will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

Several of the participating artists have donated works of art which will be raffled off during the weekend. Studio Tour Weekend attendees simply fill out a registration form at one of the participating studios or galleries in order to be entered into the raffle.

A free Studio Tour Weekend brochure that features descriptions of all 23 participating artists, directions to their studios and a map of the region can be requested by calling Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau at
1-800-POCONOS.

The ARTSPACE Gallery in Stroudsburg and the Carbon County Cultural Project in Jim Thorpe will act as host centers for tour participants. Brochures and light refreshments can be picked up at both locations, and staff can assist with driving directions and answers to tour-related questions.

Organized by The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the Studio Tour Weekend is a joint initiative with Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pocono Arts Council, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Studio Tour Weekend event is an outgrowth of the two-year-old D&L Artisan Trail initiative which features 35 art galleries, museums, and private studios located in Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon and Monroe counties. The Artisan Trail brochure is distributed statewide at Pennsylvania Welcome Centers and locally at the trail’s sites and by the two tourism promotion organizations.

The Delaware & Lehigh Artisan Trail is one of five Pennsylvania artisan trails that were developed over the last four years to bring attention to the Commonwealth’s unique spectrum of art venues. Each trail offers visitors the opportunity to visit artists in their studios or galleries.

To download a Studio Tour Weekend brochure (PDF), visit www.delawareandlehigh.org/artisan. Click the “Things to Do” button on the homepage and then click the “Artisan Trail” link. It can also be downloaded at www.PoconoArts.org.

The Delaware & Lehigh National and State Heritage Corridor fosters stewardship of historical, cultural and natural resources along the early canal and railroad systems that carried anthracite coal from mine to market in eastern Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.delawareandlehigh.org or call 610-923-3548.

LEHIGH VALLEY DINING GUIDE RETURNS WITH UPDATED LISTINGS, DISCOUNT OFFERS

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

Dining and shopping remain in a neck and neck tie for the top activity visitors participate in when they travel. So making it easy for them to find restaurants and save money on their meals is a priority for Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Representing the two-county, three-city eastern Pennsylvania region, the Bureau recently released the 2008-2009 version of its Lehigh Valley Dining Guide. The free 32-page color brochure features more than 70 dining venues with special discounts at more than 25 restaurants.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide highlights some of the region’s most popular dining establishments, from fine dining to fast food. Each is classified as one of 24 different cuisine types, such as Japanese, American, French, Italian, German, Indian and others.

Restaurant listings include the dining facility’s address, phone number, Web site and hours of operation. Symbols denote average dinner price (from under $10 to over $30); credit cards accepted; meals served; children’s menu availability; Wi-Fi and handicap accessibility; alcohol availability; and totally smoke-free facilities. A new, yellow star symbol denotes that a discount coupon for that restaurant can be found in the back of the brochure.

Discounts vary and include offers such as 10 or 15 percent off the total bill; a complimentary appetizer or dessert; or buy one get one free. To redeem a special offer, visitors simply present the appropriate coupon to their server when ordering.

To receive a copy of the free Lehigh Valley Dining Guide, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 747-0561 or visit www.LehighValleyPA.org. Guides can also be picked up from hotel brochure racks throughout the region.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide can be downloaded (PDF) at www.LehighValleyPA.org by clicking on the “Free Brochures & Maps” button on the left side of the home page. While on the site, visitors can also peruse the area’s dining options in the “Eat & Drink” section.

SAMPLE THE REGION?S HARVEST DURING HARVEST WEEKEND ALONG THE LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

The sweet smell of ripened wine grapes blown across the vineyards by cool autumn winds signals the start of harvest season in the Lehigh Valley. The nine family-owned-and-operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will toast the bounty of our region’s agricultural heritage during its annual event, “Harvest Weekend: The Butcher, The Baker, The Winemaker.”

On Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14 from noon – 5 p.m., the wineries will pair their wines with products from their agricultural neighbors as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred program. Highlights include:

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – will feature new releases of Red Rapture, White Delight and Peach Mist. PA Preferred Amore Farms will offer homegrown sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomato/cucumber salad and other seasonal treats. Live music from Lifetime of Romance will be featured.
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville – will feature fresh, locally-grown fruit from Heckman Orchard and Sangria by the glass.
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli - will offer a selection of cheeses compliments from Goot Essa along with freshly baked bread and summer sausage provided by Peters Brothers Meats. A walking tour with the winemaker can be taken on Saturday at 4 p.m. and acoustic entertainment by Kurt Strohecker from 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday highlights include a Fall Foliage Wine Tasting and acoustic entertainment by The Wow Brothers from 2 – 5 p.m. for a $5 admission fee. A complimentary tank room tour with the winemaker will be held at 3:30 p.m.
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – will pair with their favorite PA Preferred friend, Mr. Bill's Poultry Market. Beat the heat with cool sounds from Margaret and Randy Ritter’s New Passages from 1:30 - 5 p.m. both days.
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor - will celebrate a dual harvest. Tour the winery and learn about the 2008 grape harvest and celebrate the apple harvest as they release their new apple wine made exclusively from local Cortland, Granny Smith, and Red and Yellow Delicious apples. Klein Farms will have a wide variety of homemade cheeses and cheese spreads for sale.
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – will feature a taste of autumn with their Bavarian spice sweet wine paired with spiced apple raisin bread from Martin's Farm Market, a local family Mennonite business and a PA preferred member. The release of their 2006 Chambourcin wine will be sampled and a walking tour of the vineyard & cellar with the winery’s owners will be held at noon.
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – will welcome harvest season with Blues in the Barn featuring live blues music from acts including Blues Factor and Bluestone. Listen to great music and enjoy the scenery of the surrounding vineyards along with a pig roast and barbecue which will be available for sale by the plate or sandwich.
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg – will offer special tours with the winery’s owners from 1 - 3 p.m. Their farm neighbors, AJ's, will have fresh, local vegetables and specially priced tickets for their corn maze for sale. Tombler's Home Bakery of Easton will have goodies for sale. On Sunday, special harvest drinks will be available for purchase with live jazz music in the pavilion from 1 – 4 p.m.
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – will offer vineyard/winery tours at 2 p.m. StoneCroft Farm will feature herb-infused goat cheeses and related products, while Haika's Kitchen will have samples of delicious breads. Jams and jellies from the Eagle Point Farm Market will also be for sale. Live acoustic music will be featured in the Vyneskeller starting at
1 p.m.

Visitors interested in making a weekend out of their winery visits can book a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package at a local lodging facility by visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org and clicking on the “Travel Packages” button on the right side of the homepage.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting agri-tourism and wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards in national and international competitions.

In April, the wineries were granted an American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation by the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This designation enables vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they purchase. The Lehigh Valley AVA includes portions of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, Carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania. There are currently nine wineries and 13 vineyards in this designation with more than 220 acres devoted to viticulture.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s A Journey in Wine brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-747-0561 or log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org. The brochure is also available at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com or call 866-870-7800. For Wine Trail photos, contact Tracey Werner at Tracey@LehighValleyPA.org.

COOL FALL ACTIVITIES AND SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN MAKE FOR AN EXCITING AUTUMN IN LEHIGH VALLEY, PA

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Fall foliage tours, festivals, corn mazes and Halloween spooks mean autumn has arrived in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. And families looking for a wide range of fall-themed activities can experience this and more when they create their own Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics getaway.

From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, visitors to Lehigh Valley can combine their favorite autumn activities with overnight accommodations at five participating hotels and inns offering special discounts.

Seasonal highlights include:
• Horse-drawn fall foliage carriage rides by Ironton Livery and Coach and scenic airplane tours by Moyer Aviation, Inc.
• A corn maze and pick-your-own-pumpkin patch at Mike Fink’s Greenhouse and Farm Market in Breinigsville.
• The Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park in Allentown for frightening thrills, chills and monsters.
• Fun for all ages at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton during BooFest, including indoor Trick or Treat and discounted admission for costume-wearers.
• “Dying to be Seen: A Victorian Funeral” at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown, an exhibit of antique funeral relics from the Victorian era including a hearse, superstitions and customs.

For the dates, times and locations of these events and many others, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org.

Five local hotels and inns are offering special fall packages and rates starting at $72 per night, based on double occupancy. Participating properties include Allentown Comfort Suites, Classic Victorian Estate Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Holiday Inn Center City Allentown, and Holiday Inn Conference Center.

For more information on Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org/visitors/specialoffers/travelpackages.

Lehigh Valley is conveniently located one hour north of Philadelphia and less than two hours west of New York City. It is easily accessed via Interstates 78 and 476, and Routes 33 and 22.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL TRAVEL PACKAGES RETURN FOR THREE FALL GETAWAYS

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

One of the best ways to experience the Lehigh Valley region in eastern Pa. is with a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package. And fall is the best time of year to make the trip to the two-county, three-city region.

Centered on the wine trail’s three fall events, the travel packages combine accommodations at a participating bed and breakfast, inn or hotel with a passport for free gifts at each of the nine member wineries on select weekends in 2008. Rates start at $69 per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Hotels include popular brands such as Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn and Comfort Suites, among others.

Travelers can get complete details on LVWT travel packages by visiting the Travel Packages page on www.LehighValleyPA.org. After selecting a participating lodging property, visitors then call the facility of their choice to book the package. Upon check-in, travelers are given a wine trail passport and “A Journey in Wine” brochure. As they explore the wine trail, travelers simply show the passport at each winery to receive a free gift.

Wine trail travel packages are available only on the following 2008 event weekends:

• Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker – Sept. 13 & 14 – Each of the LVWT wineries partners with makers of Pennsylvania Preferred products to showcase and promote the excellent quality of Pennsylvania products. Many of the wineries feature food, tours, music and special events throughout this fun-filled weekend. Food and wine is available for purchase.

• Chambourcin Weekend – Oct. 18 & 19 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the “official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley,” the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the wineries.

• Nouveau Weekend – Nov. 15 & 16 – This is the best chance to sample the first vintages of the harvest. Each winery offers a ‘nouveau’ wine which is a light, fruity, semi-dry to dry red wines which make an excellent partner for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Each winery will offer food pairings to enjoy with their delicious nouveau wines.

Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m. Admission to all three events is free, but a wine tasting fee may be charged.

LVWT is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards including those at national and international levels. The members include:

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – amore-4u.com
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown – bigcreekvineyards.com
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli – bluemountainwine.com
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – cloverhillwinery.com
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor – franklinhillvineyards.com
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – galenglen.com
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – pinridge.com
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg – cherryvalleyvineyards.com
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – vynecrest.com

The wineries were granted an American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation by the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau on April 10, 2008 which enables vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they are purchasing. The Lehigh Valley AVA includes portions of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, Carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania. There are currently nine wineries and 13 vineyards in this designation with more than 220 acres devoted to viticulture.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

MEDIA ONLY: For images of wineries or wine trail events, contact Tracey Werner at Tracey@LehighValleyPA.org.

NEW LEHIGH VALLEY COUPONS & DISCOUNTS BROCHURE GIVES TRAVELERS SPECIAL DEALS AT AREA ATTRACTIONS

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Travelers to the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania can make their trips even more affordable thanks to the recently updated 2008-2009 Lehigh Valley Coupons & Discounts brochure.

The 26-page brochure features more than 40 special discount coupons arranged into categories including the following companies, among others:
• Activities – Bounce U Lehigh Valley, Center Valley Club, The Crayola FACTORY®
• Arts and Culture – Allentown Art Museum, The State Theatre, Liberty Bell Museum
• Lodging – Comfort Suites Bethlehem, Glasbern, Globe Inn, The Sayre Mansion
• Restaurants – Allentown Brew Works, Bethlehem Brew Works, Jack Creek Steakhouse & Cantina

Brochures can be obtained one of the following ways:
• By calling Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561.
• By visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org and clicking on the “Free Brochures & Maps” button on the left side of the home page. A PDF of the brochure can also be downloaded from the Web site.
• By picking one up at more than 60 brochure racks located at area hotels and attractions.

These coupons are a great way to make LVCVB’s many money-saving travel packages even better. Packages include Dorney Deals, Stay & Play Golf, Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, and Pain in the Gas. For details on these packages, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the Travel Packages button on the right side of the home page.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism Web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

JULY IS FOR LEHIGH VALLEY WINE LOVERS

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The summer is heating up for lovers of wine as the nine members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail prepare to celebrate all things wine at two July events.

First, the organization will celebrate its 11th anniversary with an Anniversary Weekend event July 12 and 13. Each winery will offer its own special amenities including food and wine pairings, live music or sangria. Logoed Wine Trail wine glasses are $1 each at all nine wineries for this event only.

Once again the event will support the PA Breast Cancer Coalition with its “Drink Pink Weekend” theme. Winery guests are encouraged to purchase rose ? and blush wines by the glass and bottle over the weekend. One dollar will be donated to PBCC for every bottle of pink wine purchased. Event hours at Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.

Next, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and Penn’s Peak will co-host the fifth annual “Wine on the Mountain” event on Saturday, July 26 from noon – 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 27 from noon – 5 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass, wine tastings and sales, and live music. Light fare will be available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant. Arts and crafts from local vendors will be on display and door prizes will be given away to select winners.

Tickets can be purchased at any of the nine participating wineries and their retail stores or at the Penn’s Peak box office. Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pa. offers breathtaking views of Beltzville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck. For driving directions, visit www.PennsPeak.com.

Event attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter Wine on the Mountain. Valid identification is required.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards including those at national and international levels. The members include:
• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.LehighValleyWineTrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

?PAIN IN THE GAS? TRAVEL PROMOTION MAKES SUMMERTIME TRIPS TO THE LEHIGH VALLEY ANYTHING BUTT

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

With this summer’s gas prices already at $4 a gallon, families and couples planning their summer vacations might be inclined to let it get them down. But in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, the “Pain in the Gas” travel promotion is helping to ease the squeeze on travelers’ wallets by offering special summertime discounts to help defray the cost of the fill-up for the drive home.

Lodging discounts include:
• The Globe Inn, East Greenville – www.globeinn.net
Get a $20 gas rebate on overnight accommodations. Rates are $89 – 169 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.
• Holiday Inn Center City Allentown – www.holidayinn.com
Receive a $25 gas gift card with overnight stay. Rates start at $139 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.
• The Inn at Bear Creek – www.skibearcreek.com
Book any getaway package during June, July and August and receive a $25 gas card at check-in. Package themes include romance, spa, family fun, golf and wine tastings. Rates start at $225.95.
• The Lafayette Inn – www.lafayetteinn.com
Stay two nights, Sunday – Thursday, and receive a $25 gas rebate on your accommodations. Rates start at $125 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.
• 1804 Steckel House Bed & Breakfast – www.steckelhouse.com
Book two nights and one of their historic artisan classes and receive a 10 percent discount. Classes include stenciled canvas, lavender wands, sterling and crystal bracelets and memory crocks. All projects are completed in one class. Packages start at $223.

Attraction discounts include:
• America On Wheels museum – www.americaonwheels.org
Buy one adult admission ticket and get one free each Sunday through August 31.
• Delaware River Tubing – www.delawarerivertubing.com
Print out the Pain in the Gas promotion page to receive an additional $1 off the price of admission per person on weekdays only. A free barbecue meal is included. http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/specialoffers/travelpackages/Pain_in_the_Gas

Offers are available through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Room rates do not include taxes. Certain restrictions may apply. For complete details on the Lehigh Valley’s “Pain in the Gas” travel promotion, visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the Travel Packages button on the homepage.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located for a quick summer getaway. Popular family attractions include:
• Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown
• The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton
• Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown
• Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville
• new Lehigh Valley IronPigs Triple-A Minor League Baseball team in Allentown

To hear a short audio podcast on Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom’s new Voodoo roller coaster, visit http://www.LehighValleyPA.org/visitors/about/podcasts.

The Lehigh Valley is also known for its many outdoor summer events including Musikfest in Bethlehem, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this August and The Great Allentown Fair, which will feature an all new mid-way section this summer. The region is also home to several classic car shows including Das Awkscht Fescht and the Antique Truck Club of America’s National Show, both in Macungie. To view the Lehigh Valley’s calendar of events, visit http://www.LehighValleyPA.org/visitors/calendar.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2008 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCE WINE-THEMED EVENTS FOR 2008

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail have announced their 2008 schedule of special events.

• Anniversary Weekend – July 12 & 13 - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail’s anniversary with their own unique events. Specials could include a complimentary food and wine pairing, Sangria or a surprise.

• Wine on the Mountain – July 26 & 27 - Held in conjunction with Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event includes wine samplings, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, light fare available for purchase, and live entertainment. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at each winery as well as at the door.

• Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker – September 13 & 14 –The wineries proudly promote the state’s “Pennsylvania Preferred” program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities are featured.

• Chambourcin Weekend – October 18 & 19 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the “official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley,” the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.

• Nouveau Weekend – November 15 & 16 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.

All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain at Penn’s Peak. Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m.

The wineries were recently granted an American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation by the Federal Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau which enables vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they are purchasing. The Lehigh Valley AVA includes portions of Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, carbon and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania. There are currently nine wineries and 13 vineyards in this designation with more than 220 acres devoted to viticulture. The Lehigh Valley AVA takes effect on April 10, 2008.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

MEDIA ONLY: For images of wineries or wine trail events, contact Tracey Werner at tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA WELCOMES SPRING WITH FOUR FREE BROCHURES TO GET TRAVELERS OUTDOORS

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

With the recent start of spring and warmer weather just around the corner, Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is encouraging visitors to explore its eastern Pennsylvania region by offering four free brochures that are guaranteed to get them outdoors.

Lehigh Valley Cycling Maps features eight road-rides ranging from a leisurely six mile jaunt to a challenging 50-mile trek with skill levels labeled easy, moderate and difficult. Routes include Jordan Creek Park and Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, and the scenic Lehigh Canal Tow Path which connects each of the region’s three cities. The brochure includes turn-by-turn driving directions and a map with an illustration of each route’s path.

Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley is a self-guided driving tour of the region’s seven remaining covered bridges, most of which are still open to vehicular traffic. The brochure includes an explanation of the Burr arch truss design used in the bridges’ construction, the history of each bridge, and the reason why the bridges were covered. The driving tour, which is approximately 50 miles long, begins at Bogert’s Bridge in Allentown and ends at the Kreidersville Covered Bridge near Northampton.

Two Rivers Area Birding and Natural History Trail brochure highlights the best places to go hiking and birding in Northampton County. Fifteen locations are plotted on a map with detailed driving directions to each. It also includes a list of the bird species that can be found at each location and a check list of the area’s most common flora and fauna.

The Lehigh Valley Farm Product Map & Guide helps visitors discover local farmers’ markets, farm stands and vineyards. A chart lists over 90 farm locations, their contact information, hours of operation, and what they sell. Products range from produce, honey and fruit, to dairy products, flowers and pumpkins. Each location is plotted on a map of Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

To request one or more of these free brochures, call 1-800-747-0561 or visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the “Free Brochures & Maps” button on the homepage.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@LehighValleyPA.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW E-MARKETING MANAGER

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today the recent hiring of Jenny Poust of New Tripoli as its new e-Marketing Manager.

Jenny will revitalize the design, writing and distribution of the non-profit’s monthly e-newsletters as well as create and maintain its various pay-per-click campaigns. She will also contribute to the management and on-going development of the bureau’s redesigned Web site which was launched in 2007.

Most recently, Jenny was an assistant clubhouse manager at Olde Homestead Golf Club in New Tripoli where she coordinated outing sales and events along with the facility’s marketing efforts. Prior to that position she was an associate editor for Pulse Weekly in Allentown, an editorial assistant at Rodale’s Prevention Magazine in Emmaus, and worked as a freelance writer for Lafayette College in Easton and the Northwestern Press in Allentown.

She holds a Master of Arts in Humanities and a Bachelor of Humanities in Communications, both from Pennsylvania State University.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2008 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

STAY & PLAY GOLF TRAVEL PACKAGES BRING VISITORS BACK TO LEHIGH VALLEY REGION YEAR AFTER YEAR

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That simple statement is true for Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s popular Stay & Play golf travel packages. The eastern Pennsylvania region has been offering the affordable deals to duffers and scratch players alike from across the Mid-Atlantic for nearly a decade.

One reason for the package’s success is that it features all of the necessary components for a great golf trip including overnight accommodations at one of seven area hotels, breakfast and 18 holes of golf with greens fee, cart and taxes at one of seven participating golf courses. Package rates start at $119 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and vary depending on mid-week or weekend tee times. Surcharges apply to some courses. Packages are available now through December 2008 (weather permitting).

Another reason the package is so well-liked by savvy golfers is because they receive access to preferred tee times at the course of their choice, guaranteeing them a better chance of playing when they want. And since Stay & Play packages are designed to be convenient, participating hotels act as a one-stop-shop, booking the tee time and cart directly with the golf course of the visitor’s choice.

The Lehigh Valley is home to world-class golf courses, several of which have received four or more stars in Golf Digest’s Places to Play rankings. The courses participating in this year’s Stay & Play packages are:
• Allentown Municipal Golf Course, Allentown – www.allentownpa.org
• The Architects Golf Club, Phillipsburg, NJ – www.thearchitectsclub.com
• Center Valley Club, Center Valley – www.centervalleyclubgolf.com
• The Club at Morgan Hill, Easton – www.theclubatmorganhill.com
• Olde Homestead Golf Club, New Tripoli – www.oldehomesteadgolfclub.com
• Riverview Country Club, Easton – www.riverviewcountryclub.com
• Southmoore Golf Course, Bath – www.southmooregolf.com

Golfers can book Stay & Play packages by contacting one of the lodging participants below:
• Four Points Sheraton Allentown Airport – (610) 266-1000
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport – (610) 443-1400
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem – (610) 625-5000
• Holiday Inn Conference Center – (610) 391-1000
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bethlehem – (610) 838-6110
• Ramada Allentown/Whitehall – (610) 439-1037
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport – (610) 443-5000

Travelers can request a 2008 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide which contains a “Stay & Save” insert section featuring details on the Stay & Play package program. Call 1-800-747-0561 or visit www.LehighValleyPA.org and click on the “Free brochures & maps” button on the homepage.

The Lehigh Valley is located in eastern Pennsylvania and is a one hour drive north of Philadelphia and one and half hours west of New York City. It is easily reached via Interstates 78 and 476 and U.S. Routes 22 & 33.

The Lehigh Valley is proud to host the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open Championship, July 6 - 12 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Center Valley, Pa. Visit www.2009USWomensOpen.com for details and to order tickets.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB, call 1-800-747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

2008 LEHIGH VALLEY MAP & GUIDE BOASTS NEW FOLD-OUT MAP, STAY & SAVE CENTER SECTION

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Even the most experienced traveler can experience challenges finding things to do, places to eat and sleep, and how to get where they’re going in an unfamiliar city or region. So every year Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau improves its annual Lehigh Valley Map & Guide brochure by adding new features and revising existing sections to make it more user-friendly for visitors.

The 52-page 2008 edition of the Map & Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the two-county, three-city region in eastern Pennsylvania. Produced by Media Two, Inc. of Towson, Md., this year’s brochure features an improved removable fold-out map of the region and a new “Stay & Save” insert section.

The brochure begins with a “City Profiles” page highlighting Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, followed by an overview section of the region’s many outdoor activities, web-based travel packages and web site technologies such as podcasts, RSS feeds, virtual tours, interactive map, and build-your-own travel itinerary feature.

The new “Stay & Save” insert at the center of the Map & Guide highlights the area’s four most popular travel packages:
• Stay & Play golf – Includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and 18 holes of golf, greens fee, cart and all taxes, starting at $119 per person, per night.
• Stay & Ski – For winter 2008-2009, includes overnight accommodations and a voucher for your choice of skiing, snow boarding or snow tubing at Blue Mountain Ski Area or Bear Creek Ski Resort. Rates start at $59 per person, per night.
• Stay & Scream (Dorney Deals) – While package prices and features vary by hotel, some include tickets to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, while others offer park tickets at a discounted rate off the gate price.
• Stay & Celebrate (Spirit of the Season) – This holiday promotion allows visitors to build their own holiday package based on their time, interests and budget. Rates start at $49 per night.

Other sections include “See & Do” for attractions and activities; “Eat & Drink” for restaurants and bars; “Sleep” for overnight accommodations at local hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds; and “Shopping & Spas” for malls, specialty stores, boutique shops, salons and spas. The 2008 Calendar of Events features 70 events including classic car shows, musical and theatrical performances, holiday-themed celebrations and craft fairs.

The “About the Lehigh Valley” section at the back of the guide serves as a resource for visitors who need to locate a bank, medical facility or area college. The guide ends with the “Travel Support” page which helps visitors find transportation, travel agencies and local visitor centers.

The new removable fold-out map includes five separate maps: one of each city’s downtown district, a view of eastern Pennsylvania and one of the U.S. Route 22 corridor. A row of coupons attached to the map provide visitors with 11 opportunities to save at select restaurants, hotels and attractions.

The 2008 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide is complimentary and can be requested by calling
1-800-747-0561 or visiting www.LehighValleyPA.org. Guides are also distributed at more than 60 brochure racks located in hotels and at select attractions throughout the region.

VALLEY VALENTINE PACKAGES LET LOVERS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY ALL MONTH LONG

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Rather than confine celebrations of love to only one day on the calendar, the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is celebrating love all month long with the Be My Valley Valentine promotion.

Couples can plan a romantic turnkey getaway by taking advantage of one of 15 Valentine packages being offered by local hotels, inns and B&Bs that include all the ingredients for a romantic weekend.

Highlights include:
• The Globe Inn’s Romance & Champagne Package - $109 - 169
• A Wine & Romance Getaway at the Hampton Inn & Suites - $179
• A Romantic Escape package by Homewood Suites by Hilton – Allentown/Bethlehem Airport - $179
• The Ramada Allentown’s Romantic Getaway Package - $179.99

Travelers can visit www.LehighValleyPA.org to find out about packages with special features such as roses, chocolate, champagne, continental breakfast or massages.

Once the accommodations are booked, couples can add on a range of activities with discount coupons also available on the Web site. Discounts are available for limo rides by J & J Luxury Transportation, horse-drawn carriage rides in the countryside by Ironton Livery and Coach, private scenic flights by Moyer Aviation in Easton, buy-one-get-one-free tickets to shows at The State Theatre in Easton and Zoellner Arts Center in Bethlehem, couples ice skating at Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem, and facials and hot stone massages at Young Medical Spa in Center Valley, among others.

Expiration dates and prices for packages and attraction discounts vary. Consult www.LehighValleyPA.org for restrictions. All package prices are per night and based on double occupancy.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently situated off of Interstates 78 and 476.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism Web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

PODCASTS HELP HI-TECH TRAVELERS TO LEHIGH VALLEY REGION LEARN ABOUT AREA ATTRACTIONS, EVENTS

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

As the number of travelers researching a destination online before visiting it continues to grow, tourism organizations are starting to adapt their Web sites to include the new types of high-tech features that today’s travelers are looking for. Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau in eastern Pennsylvania has developed a series of audio and video podcasts for its Web site, www.LehighValleyPA.org, and added many other new features.

LVCVB produces audio podcasts in two formats – one-on-one interviews and weekly updates. The interview podcasts, which are updated quarterly and are approximately five minutes long, feature a Bureau representative interviewing a representative from a local attraction, shop owner, event manager, chef or official. To date, topics have included Musikfest, one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country, the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, which is reported to be the longest continuously operating bookstore in the country, and The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, the oldest Bach choir in the country, among others.

The weekly audio podcasts, which are posted every Monday and run for approximately three minutes, highlight things taking place in the region that week with a goal of helping last-minute travel planners find something exciting to see or do during their visit. Each podcast focuses on three topics which range from art exhibits, special events and promotions, to wine and beer dinners, family attractions and the performing arts.

The Bureau has produced video podcasts of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and the C.F. Martin Guitar Factory, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes tour of how the award-winning wine and guitars are made. A new video podcast is posted on the Web site each quarter.

Podcasts can be downloaded to an iPod/MP3 player, although such a device is not required to watch or listen to them. Travelers can enjoy the podcasts on their computer using popular multimedia programs such as RealPlayer, Windows Media Player and QuickTime. Previous podcasts can be located in the podcast archive section. The Web site’s podcast page can be found at the following link: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/about/podcasts.

LVCVB launched the latest version of its Web site in April 2007 and has been adding new features to it since then, including:
• RSS feeds – a great way for travelers to get Lehigh Valley updates sent to them on a regular basis. Choose from themed feeds including events, press releases and podcasts.
• 360 degree virtual tours – Choose from over 30 tours of area hotels, attractions and sports facilities.
• Trip itinerary builder – travelers now have the ability to add any event, attraction or facility on the Web site to their travel itinerary which they can then save or print out.

Some of the Web site’s most popular existing features include the win a getaway contest, online calendar of events, brochure request and download section, and registration for the bureau’s monthly e-newsletter.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is home to the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, and is the third largest metro region in the state. It is located approximately one hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism Web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW MARKETING ASSISTANT

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that Kendall Schmiedel of Alburtis has joined the staff as a marketing assistant.

She will assist Director of Marketing Kim Lilly in developing the bureau’s yearly marketing plan and will institute its many initiatives throughout the year. This includes developing promotional travel packages, coordinating the design and printing of brochures and direct mail pieces, managing the bureau’s advertising and marketing agency, and evaluating the success of all marketing initiatives.

Schmiedel is a recent graduate of Millersville University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications with a focus in Public Relations. Her work experience includes two internships through the university in the Communications and Marketing Department and in the Student Programs Office.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA PREPARES FOR A SNOWY WINTER WITH AFFORDABLE STAY & SKI PACKAGES

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing back their popular Stay & Ski travel packages created for outdoor enthusiasts who want to make an overnight stay or weekend trip out of their ski experience.

Stay & Ski packages let snow lovers ski, snowboard or tube the slopes at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie or Blue Mountain Ski Area in Palmerton and then relax overnight in accommodations at one of 11 local hotels and inns. Rates start at $59.99 per person, per night and include overnight accommodations and a voucher for skiing, snowboarding or tubing at either mountain.

Packages are available from the start of the local ski season (approximately mid-December) through March 31, 2008, weather permitting. All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy. All packages are subject to availability and are not valid with any other offers.

Participating hotels include popular brands such as Best Western, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Four Points by Sheraton, among others. Travelers can log onto www.LehighValleyPA.org for complete package details and to request a free Stay & Ski brochure.

Bear Creek is a 330-acre resort with mountainside hotel, spa, two restaurants and meeting facilities for groups. It recently doubled its water storage, increased pumping capacity and added 20 new automated guns to improve its snowmaking capacity. Recent renovations have been completed and feature a new 80,000 sq. ft. facility with 65 additional hotel rooms, a spa, a new dining facility, more meeting space and an outdoor pool with entertainment deck.

For its 30th anniversary, Blue Mountain has also increased its snowmaking capacity by up to 20 percent. Its snowtubing facility added a new building with restroom and a party room and it also plans to host a Retro Day anniversary celebration in which all skiers are invited to wear old-style ski clothing and use “classic” equipment. Blue Mountain boasts the highest vertical in the state with two hi-speed detachable lifts as well as a six-seater and a quad. There are also three terrain parks for snow boarders, 14 snowtubing slides and free ski and board check services.

Located an hour and a half west of New York City and less than an hour north of Philadelphia, skiers from a wide Mid-Atlantic region can quickly and easily reach the Lehigh Valley for a day, weekend or week of outdoor winter activities.

Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville offers a special three-day, mid-week “Learn to Turn” package created to help novices learn to ski or snowboard. The package includes a voucher booklet for three consecutive day visits at any one of seven ski areas and overnight accommodations for three nights. Each visit includes a lift ticket, rentals and a group lesson. Guests can go to one ski area for all three days or experience a different ski area each day. Participating mountains include: Alpine Mountain, Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Jack Frost, Shawnee Mountain and Ski Big Bear.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.LehighValleyPA.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY HOLIDAY EXCURSIONS GET EVERYONE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST

Every year parents and couples search for ways to make the holiday season special for themselves and their loved ones. This year, a holiday excursion to the nearby Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania will delight everyone with the region’s Spirit of the Season travel promotion.

Available November 1, 2007 through January 2, 2008, Spirit of the Season is a create-your-own holiday getaway promotion that features special rates and packages at participating area hotels that can be combined with shopping, dining, historical tours and holiday-related attractions. Rates start at $89 plus tax per room, per night, based on double occupancy.

Participating hotels and their starting at rates include:
• Comfort Suites Bethlehem – $89
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport - $126
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem - $199
• Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville - $120
• Homewood Suites by Hilton – Allentown-Bethlehem Airport - $89
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport - $139

Travelers can log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org for hotel descriptions and a complete list of the region’s holiday-related events.

Holiday attractions include:
• Christkindlmarkt, an outdoor holiday marketplace with new features for 2007, including liquid fireworks and performances by Cirque des Amis
• Historic Bethlehem Walking Tours by Historic Bethlehem Partnership
• Horse-drawn carriage rides by Ironton Livery and Coach
• Lights in the Parkway, a drive-thru lights extravaganza in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway
• Bethlehem by Night motorcoach tour of the city
• The Crayola FACTORY’s® “Where in the world is the Gingerbread Man?” celebration
• Shopping along Main Streets in Historic Downtown and Third and Fourth Streets in Southside Bethlehem
• Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, a dazzling lights spectacle with over a half million lights, visits with Santa and shopping

For more information on the Lehigh Valley’s Spirit of the Season promotion or to request a free holiday brochure, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org or call 1-800-747-0561.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

MEDIA ONLY: To request holiday photos of Lehigh Valley attractions and events, including the city of Bethlehem, please send an e-mail to tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL WINERIES CELEBRATE THEIR LOVE OF THE GRAPE DURING CHAMBOURCIN WEEKEND

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will honor the region’s premier wine grape – Chambourcin – during an October weekend of tastings and food pairings. On Saturday, October 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 21 from noon – 5 p.m., the nine wine trail members will sample their versions of this local treasure during Chambourcin Weekend.

In the greater Lehigh Valley, there are more than 40 acres of Chambourcin grapes that become 150,000 bottles of wine. Chambourcin produces a red wine that each member winery crafts into their own unique wine style, including nouveau, rose?, semi-sweet, sweet, dry barrel aged, sparkling and port. Together, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail members have been honored with more than 50 awards for their Chambourcin vintages.

Chambourcin Weekend highlights include:

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – four styles of Chambourcin will be released as well as new releases of Spiced Apple, Rose Amore and Peach Mist wines. Crivellaro Artisan Breads and Cheese will be featured with butters, Italian pastries and cookies.

• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville – will pair their 2006 Chambourcin with Stevo’s Three Meat Chili and Goot Essa cheeses.

• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli – this winery will unveil its 2005 Chambourcin/Shiraz blend paired with braised beef with tomatoes and herbs. Also try the warm mulled 2003 Chambourcin Reserve. A chocolate fountain for dipping finishes off the visit.

• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – join them for a vertical tasting of their Chambourcin vintages and learn about this grape and their wine making styles.

• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor – this winery will pair its beef stew with its Chambourcin.

• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – a Chambourcin mulled wine will be featured with its slightly sweet, spiced and citrus-infused taste. They will also offer tastings of their Stone Cellar Chambourcin 2004 and 2005.

• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – will debut their 2005 Chambourcin reserve, a deep dry red. Paired with it will be roast pork with various dipping sauces.

• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg – their Chambourcin wine will be paired with spicy Italian meatballs.

• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – Similarly, Vynecrest will pair their signature meatballs with their Vynecrest Red, a Chambourcin blend.

Each year, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds six themed weekend events. Its next and final event for 2007 is Nouveau Weekend which takes place Nov. 17 & 18. This event is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the recent harvest. It’s also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors interested in making a weekend out of their winery visits can book a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package at a local inn or bed and breakfast by visiting www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on the “Travel Packages” button on the upper right side of the homepage.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800. For Wine Trail photos, contact Tracey Werner at tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

COOL FALL ACTIVITIES AND SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN MAKE FOR AN EXCITING AUTUMN IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

Fall foliage tours and festivals, Halloween parades and winery tours mean autumn has arrived in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. And families who are looking for a wide range of fall-themed activities can experience this and more when they create their own Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics getaway.

From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, visitors to the Lehigh Valley can combine their favorite autumn activities with overnight accommodations at 12 local hotels and inns.

Event highlights include:

• Civil War Voices: A Walk Among the Dead in Allentown brings the heroes and horrors of the Civil War to life in the city’s Union and West End Cemetery on October 5 & 6.
• HalloWeekends at Dorney Park in Allentown offers monster fun and spooky screams as the amusement park transforms into a giant haunted playground.
• Fun for all ages at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton during BooFest, weekends in October. Indoor Trick or Treat and discounts for costumer-wearers.
• Fall Foliage Cruises along the canal at Hugh Moore Park in Easton by the National Canal Museum on October 6, 7 and 13 include dinner and entertainment.
• Harvest Weekend along the nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, including Clover Hill Vineyards, Franklin Hill Vineyards, and Galen Glen Vineyards on Sept. 8 & 9 includes winery tours, free tastings and live music.
• Boo at the Zoo, October 27 & 28, at the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville features Trick or Treat and the 2nd Annual Mascot parade.

For the dates, times and locations of these events and many others, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Twelve local hotels and inns are offering special fall packages and rates starting at $72 per night, based on double occupancy. Participating properties include the Comfort Inn Lehigh Valley West, Crowne Plaza Allentown, Hilton garden Inn Allentown Airport, Holiday Inn Conference Center and Quality Inn & Suites Allentown.

For more information on Autumn Adventures & Frightening Frolics, visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/specialoffers/travelpackages.

The Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania is conveniently located one hour north of Philadelphia and one and a half hours west of New York City and is easily accessed via Interstates 78 and 476, and Routes 33 and 22.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY DINING GUIDE RETURNS WITH UPDATED LISTINGS, DISCOUNT OFFERS

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has released the 2007-2008 edition of its popular Lehigh Valley Dining Guide. The free, 28-page color brochure features 75 dining venues in the two-county, three-city eastern Pennsylvania region. It also offers special discounts at more than 30 participating restaurants.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide highlights some of the region’s best and most popular dining establishments, from fine dining to fast food. Each is identified by one of 20 different cuisine types, such as Japanese, American, French, Italian, German, Pennsylvania Dutch, Indian and others.

Restaurant listings include the dining facility’s address, phone number, web site address, and hours of operation. Symbols denote average dinner price (from under $10 to over $30); types of credit cards accepted; meals served; children’s menu availability; Wi-Fi and handicap accessibility; alcohol availability; and totally smoke-free facilities.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide also features several special discounts or offers such as 10, 15 or 20 percent off the total bill, or a complimentary appetizer or dessert. To redeem a special offer, visitors should present the guide to their server when ordering.

To receive a copy of the free Lehigh Valley Dining Guide, call the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 747-0561 or visit www.lehighvalleypa.org. Guides can also be picked up at hotel brochure racks throughout the region.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide can also be downloaded (PDF) at www.lehighvalleypa.org by clicking on the “Free Brochures & Maps” button on the left side of the homepage. While on the web site, visitors can also peruse the area’s dining options by cuisine type in the “Eat & Drink” section (located within the “Visitors” section) and link to their web sites.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

5th ANNUAL KICK-OFF CLASSIC FOOTBALL LUNCHEON TO BE HELD FRIDAY, AUG. 10

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST

Event is Fundraiser for Lehigh Valley Sports Commission

The Lehigh Valley Sports Commission will hold its 5th Annual Kick-Off Classic Football Luncheon on Friday, August 10 from noon – 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Fogelsville.

Michael Zambelli, host of Service Electric’s “TV2 Sports” show, will again be master of ceremonies. This year’s keynote speaker will be local sports hero Andre Reed. A graduate of Dieruff High School in Allentown and a Kutztown University alum, Reed played for the Buffalo Bills and is now retired. He is expected to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 2007 pre-season high school football rankings will be highlighted in a video presentation by WFMZ’s “Big Ticket” program. The award for Lehigh Valley Football Ambassador of the Year will be given out. Speakers from Lehigh Valley football-related organizations will also give presentations.

Student tickets are $15 and individual tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased by calling 610-882-9200.

LVSC is a division of the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, a non-profit 501c6 organization. Its goal is to attract sporting events and tournaments to the Lehigh Valley as well as to support the efforts of local sporting events and facilities. Proceeds from the luncheon are used by LVSC toward bidding fees for future sporting events which, when hosted in the region, generate revenues for the area’s tourism industry. Visit LVSC online at www.LVSports.net.

WEGMANS NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY SPORTS COMMISSION?S ALL SPORTS SERIES

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh Valley Sports Commission announced today that Wegmans of the Lehigh Valley will be the title sponsor of its new All Sports Series. Its official name will be “The Wegmans/MVP All Sports Series.” MVP is Wegmans’ brand of sports drink. The series is presented by The Express-Times and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications who are also media sponsors.

As part of the sponsorship, Wegmans will place an All Sports Series kiosk in each of its three Lehigh Valley stores promoting upcoming sporting events. The kiosks are expected to help create awareness with local residents for sporting tournaments and events taking place in the region. The grocery store chain will also provide coupons for a free bottle of MVP to be distributed to athletes competing in local tournaments.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 70-store supermarket chain with three stores in the Lehigh Valley. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by Fortune magazine for ten consecutive years, ranking #1 in 2005. In 2007, Wegmans ranked #3 on Fortune magazine’s list.

“Wegmans is committed to making a difference in the Lehigh Valley and building strong communities,” said Mike Kier, Allentown Store Manager. “Participating as a partner with the Wegmans MVP All Sports series was a natural fit for us as a store and a company.”

“The Sports Commission is proud to have Wegmans as the title sponsor of our All Sports Series,” said Michael Kusmuk, sports marketing manager for LVSC. “The addition of Wegmans brings one of the most respected names in American business to our program.”

The LVSC was formed in July 2002 as an arm of the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its goal is to promote the Lehigh Valley as a sports destination by attracting sporting events and tournaments to the Lehigh Valley. It also supports the efforts of local sporting events and facilities. By recruiting and retaining sporting events, the Commission increases tourism to the Lehigh Valley, thereby resulting in economic benefits for the region. Visit LVSC online at www.lvsports.net.

Additional All Sports Series sponsorships are available. Contact Michael Kusmuk at (610) 882-9200 for more information.

Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh Valley’s designated tourist promotion agency announced today its slate of officers for 2007-2008 and three new board members.

Bruce Hoegg, general manager of the Staybridge Suites - Allentown Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Allentown - Airport has become Chairman of the board. Steve Carletti, vice president of marketing and sales for C. F. Martin & Co., Inc., is the new Vice-Chairman. Kathy Frazier, regional community relations director for PPL Corp., will continue as Secretary and Robert Shelly, director of finance for the consumer products division of Crayola, Inc., will also continue as Treasurer.

New board members include Mark LePine, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Allentown, David Yanoshik, vice president of business development and advancement for The State Theatre, and John Cusick, Northampton County Councilman, who will serve as an ex-officio.

The board also expressed its gratitude to Jeffrey Parks, president of ArtsQuest and outgoing LVCVB chairman, for the hard work and effort he put into chairing the Board of Directors.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

NEW LEHIGH VALLEY COUPON BOOKLET GIVES TRAVELERS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AT TOP AREA ATTRACTIONS

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST

Travelers to the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania can make their trips even more affordable thanks to more than 50 special discounts in the new 26-page Big Savings Lehigh Valley! coupon booklet.

Coupons are arranged into categories and include the following companies, among others:

• Activities – Dutch Springs, Lehigh Valley Zoo, The Crayola FACTORY®
• Arts and Culture – Allentown Art Museum, Godfrey Daniels, Liberty Bell Museum
• Lodging –Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western
• Restaurants – Robata of Tokyo, The Grille at Bear Creek, Parma Pizza
• Services – Azani Medical Spa, Lehigh Valley Style Magazine

Discounts vary and include buy one admission, get one free; dollar-off or percentage-off admission; and special rates on hotel rooms. Coupon expiration dates also vary but most are valid until May 31, 2008. Travelers simply present the coupon when ordering, at the admission desk or at the time of purchase in order to redeem the special offer. Some restrictions apply.

Booklets can be requested by calling Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or visiting www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on “Free Brochures & Maps.” A PDF of the brochure can also be downloaded from the web site. They can also be picked up at more than 60 brochure racks located at area hotels and attractions.

These special discounts are a great way to make LVCVB’s many great travel packages even better. Packages include Dorney Deals, Stay ‘N Play Golf, Musikfest 2007, Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, Get Your Music On!, and Pain in the Gas. For details on these packages, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the Travel Packages button on the right side of the home page.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

JULY IS FOR LEHIGH VALLEY WINE LOVERS

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EST

The summer is heating up for lovers of wine as the nine members of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail prepare to celebrate all things wine at two July events.

First, the organization will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an Anniversary Weekend event taking place July 14 and 15. Each winery will offer its own special amenities including food and wine pairings, live music or sangria. Highlights include red and white sangria at Amore Vineyards & Winery, the 3rd Annual World’s Greatest Sangria Contest at Big Creek Vineyard, and the new “Sex in the Vineyard” wine cooler at Pinnacle Ridge.

Next, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and Penn’s Peak will co-host the fourth annual “Wine on the Mountain” event on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass, wine tastings and live music. Light fare will be available for purchase from Roadies Restaurant with special cooking demonstrations. Arts and crafts from local vendors will be on display and door prizes will be given away to select winners.

Event attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter Wine on the Mountain. Valid identification is required. Event hours are noon – 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon – 4 p.m. on Sunday.

MUSIKFEST TRAVEL PACKAGES BRING MUSIC LOVERS TO THE LEHIGH VALLEY FOR 10-DAY OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST

While strains of rock music emulate from the main stage, festival-goers munch on funnel cake and lemonade, shop for crafts made by artisans, and watch performances by local bands. This snapshot of Musikfest, the free 10-day music festival in Bethlehem, Pa., is a window into the types of activities that travelers who visit this annual outdoor festival can expect when they book a Musikfest travel package.

Available August 3 – 12, 2007, the package includes overnight accommodations at a participating hotel or inn, two refillable plastic Musikfest mugs, $20 of food tickets, and two adult shuttle passes to the festival. Children younger than age 12 ride the shuttle for free with an adult. Rates start at $149 per room, per night plus taxes.

Participating hotels and inns include:
• Best Western Allentown Inn & Suites – bwallentowninnsuites.com
• Crowne Plaza Allentown – allentownpahotel.com
• Glasbern Inn, Fogelsville – glasbern.com
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem – hotelbethlehem.com
• Holiday Inn Conference Center Lehigh Valley, Breinigsville – hilehighvalley.com
• Homewood Suites Allentown-Bethlehem, Bethlehem – bethlehemairport.homewoodsuites.com

For details on the participating properties, visit the Travel Packages page on Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s web site at www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on Musikfest Packages. Simply call the participating hotel or inn of your choice to book the package.

Celebrating its 24th year, Musikfest is a Lehigh Valley tradition bringing an estimated 1.1 million people to the region each year over its 10-day event. Attendees can experience over 550 free performances on 13 indoor and outdoor stages, plus 22 ticketed international headlining concerts. Musikfest showcases numerous musical styles including hip hop, jazz, rock, country, blues, and many others. This year’s headlining concerts include The Black Crowes, Ludacris, Meat Loaf, Joan Osborne, Patti LaBelle, Big & Rich, Joe Walsh, The Moody Blues and more. Special children’s activities, a wide variety of ethnic foods and beverages, and a closing night fireworks spectacular make it an event not to be missed each year. For more information on Musikfest, visit www.musikfest.org.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL TRAVEL PACKAGES TURN WINE EVENTS INTO WEEKEND GETAWAYS

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EST

One of the best ways for couples to experience the Lehigh Valley region in eastern Pa. is with a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package. Centered on the wine trail’s annual themed events, the travel packages combine accommodations at a local bed and breakfast or inn with a passport for savings at each of the nine member wineries on five select weekends in 2007. Rates start at $100 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.

Travelers can learn about Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel packages by visiting the Travel Packages page on www.lehighvalleypa.org. After reviewing the descriptions of the six lodging properties, they then call the participating bed and breakfast or inn of their choice to book the package. Upon check-in, travelers are given a wine trail passport and “A Journey in Wine” brochure. As they explore the wine trail, they simply show the passport at each winery to receive a ten percent discount on wine purchases.

Participating bed and breakfasts and inns are: (event weekend participation varies by property)

• Belle Reve Bed & Breakfast, Bangor – bellereveriverside.com
• Filbert Bed & Breakfast, Danielsville – filbertbnb.com
• The Globe Inn, East Greenville – globeinn.net
• Lafayette Inn, Easton – lafayetteinn.com
• Sayre Mansion Inn, Bethlehem – sayremansion.com
• Wydnor Hall Inn, Bethlehem - bedandbreakfast.com

Wine trail travel packages are available only on the following 2007 event weekends:

• 10th Anniversary Weekend – July 14 & 15 - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail’s anniversary with their own unique events. Specials could include a complimentary food and wine pairing, Sangria or a surprise.

• Wine on the Mountain – July 28 & 29 - Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe hosts this event on its open-air deck with views of nearby Beltzville Lake and the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to sampling wine, there is light fare available for purchase prepared by Penn's Peak chefs, local artisans displaying their collections and live entertainment. Tickets are available in advance or at the door.

• Harvest Weekend – The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker – Sept. 8 & 9 – Each of the LVWT wineries partners with makers of Pennsylvania Preferred products to showcase and promote the excellent quality of Pennsylvania products. Many of the wineries feature food, tours, music and special events throughout this fun-filled weekend. Food and wine is available for purchase.

• Chambourcin Weekend – Oct. 20 & 21 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the “official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley,” the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.

• Nouveau Weekend – Nov. 17 & 18 – This is the best chance to sample the first vintages of the harvest. Each winery offers a ‘nouveau’ wine which is a light, fruity, semi-dry to dry red wines which make an excellent partner for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Each winery will offer food pairings to enjoy with their delicious nouveau wines.

Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon – 5 p.m. All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain at Penn’s Peak. Admission to this event is not included as part of the wine trail travel package.

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a non-profit organization of wineries whose mission is to promote agri-tourism and to create a premiere wine destination and grape growing region while promoting Pennsylvania wines from the region. All of the member wineries have won numerous awards including those at national and international levels. The members include:

• Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth – amore-4u.com
• Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown – bigcreekvineyards.com
• Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli – bluemountainwine.com
• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville – cloverhillwinery.com
• Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor – franklinhillvineyards.com
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas – galenglen.com
• Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown – pinridge.com
• Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg – cherryvalleyvineyards.com
• Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville – vynecrest.com

To request a copy of the Wine Trail’s “A Journey in Wine” brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. A PDF of the brochure can also be downloaded on the web site.

LEHIGH VALLEY TRAVEL PACKAGES KEEP SUMMERTIME TRIPS FROM BECOMING A ?PAIN IN THE GAS?

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 EST

Families and couples planning their summer vacations shouldn’t let near record gas prices get them down. Six lodging properties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania are offering “Pain in the Gas” travel packages that include either a free gas card or a special rebate to help travelers pay for an extra tank.

Participating hotels include:
• Courtyard by Marriott, Allentown-Bethlehem – www.marriott.com/abecy
• The Globe Inn, East Greenville – www.globeinn.net
• Hampton Inn and Suites Bethlehem – www.hamptoninnbethlehem.com
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Allentown/Dorneyville –
www.hiexpress.com/abe-dorney
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Lehigh Valley Airport, Bethlehem – www.hiexpress.com/lehighvalley
• Sunny Rest Resort, Palmerton – www.sunnyrest.com

Travel package rates start at $109 per room, per night and are available May 25 through September 3, 2007. For complete details on the Lehigh Valley’s “Pain in the Gas” travel packages, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the Travel Packages button on the homepage.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located for a quick summer getaway. Home to great family attractions such as Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton, the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, families will find plenty of activities to keep them busy during their visit. To hear a podcast on Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom’s new AquaRacer ride and about its other attractions, visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/about/podcasts.

The Lehigh Valley is also known for its many outdoor summer events including Musikfest in Bethlehem, The Great Allentown Fair, Heritage Day in Easton, Das Awkscht Fescht in Macungie, Concours d’Elegance in Bethlehem, and the Blueberry Festival in Bethlehem. To view the Lehigh Valley’s calendar of events, visit http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/calendar.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

UPDATED LEHIGH VALLEY FARM PRODUCT MAP & GUIDE HELPS TO LOCATE REGION?S HOME GROWN GOODS

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 EST

Just in time for the warm days of spring and summer, the 2007 version of the popular Lehigh Valley Farm Product Map & Guide has been introduced. Now visitors and residents alike can use the map to find the eastern Pennsylvania region’s freshest fruits, vegetables, dairy products and more.

Produced jointly by Lehigh County Cooperative Extension and Northampton County Cooperative Extension, the map details 91 of the region’s farm stands, farmer’s markets, orchards, greenhouses, and fruit stands. Each one is listed in a grid featuring the market’s name, address and phone number. Hours and additional information such as web site address (when available) are also included.

To ensure that consumers visit markets selling the items they are interested in the most, the grid also denotes which markets sell specific items including: vegetables, sweet corn, tree fruit, nursery stock, bedding plants, flowers and herbs, pumpkins, beef and pork, dairy products, poultry and eggs, wine, lamb and wool, honey, and Christmas trees.

Each of the 91 markets is located by number on the two-county map which also denotes major roads, highways and interstates. The map also provides a harvest calendar for fruits and vegetables grown in the Lehigh Valley so that consumers can

The goal of the farm map is to bring farmers who sell products directly to consumers together with consumers who are interested in purchasing fresh foods and other goods. This mutually beneficial relationship helps the local agricultural industry prosper by purchasing directly from the farmer. The map is also intended to showcase the Lehigh Valley’s diverse agricultural products and to introduce visitors and residents to the home grown goods available at these venues.

The map was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred Program and Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Lehigh Valley Farm Product Map & Guide is free and can be found throughout the Lehigh Valley at brochure racks located in hotels and at popular attractions. It can be requested by calling LVCVB at 1-800-747-0561. For information on local agriculture, contact Lehigh County Cooperative Extension at 610-391-9840.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

DORNEY DEALS GIVE FAMILIES MORE TIME TO TACKLE RIDES AND WAVES AT DORNEY PARK & WILDWATER KINGDOM

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST

Over the years, families that visit Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pa. have quickly learned that the best way to fully experience both parks is to stay overnight, thereby allowing them to tackle a different park each day.

With that in mind, Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing back its popular Dorney Deals travel package program for 2007. Thirty-two Lehigh Valley hotels offer park guests overnight accommodations along with discounts on tickets to the northeast’s most complete entertainment experience.

Dorney Deals accommodations can be booked on-line at www.dorneydeals.com or by calling a participating hotel. Hotel brands include Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, Wingate Inn, Four Points by Sheraton, Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn, among others. A complete list of participating hotels can be also found on the web site.

New this season is the AquaRacer ride at Wildwater Kingdom. This 300-foot long, six-lane mat racing ride allows friends to challenge each other to the finish line in a wet and fast ride. The addition of AquaRacer brings the total number of water slides in Wildwater Kingdom to a record 22 in addition to three aquatic playlands for children, a water funhouse, two wave pools, two tubing rivers and other water activities.

Dorney Park is home to eight world-class roller coasters including Hydra The Revenge, the first and only floorless coaster in Pennsylvania. The park’s other thrill rides include Thunder Creek Mountain, White Water Landing, Revolution, Dominator, Wave Swinger and many more. Families looking for a slightly slower pace enjoy riding the antique carousel, Ferris wheel and Zephyr miniature train as well as playing around at Camp Snoopy and Tot Spot.

Dorney Park opens for the season on Saturday, May 5 for weekends only. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom both open daily beginning Saturday, May 26. Admission includes access to both parks.

Dorney Deals packages are available May 26 through September 3, 2007. Rates are based on availability and are not good with any other offer. For complete details on Dorney Deals packages or to request a program brochure, visit www.dorneydeals.com. To download a Dorney Deals brochure (PDF) or a Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom brochure (PDF), visit the following link: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/travelsupport/form

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and half west of New York City, eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region is an ideal location for a summer family getaway. Spend an extra day at the area’s other family attractions including The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton, the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville.

To listen to a podcast about Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, visit the following link: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/about/podcasts

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

EDITORS: To receive a digital version of this press release by e-mail, a PDF of the Dorney Deals brochure, or high quality digital images of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, please e-mail tracey@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the Image Library section of this web site.

NEW LEHIGH VALLEY TOURISM WEB SITE HELPS VISITORS PLAN TRIPS TO PENNSYLVANIA?S THIRD LARGEST REGION

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 EST

Planning a trip to the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania has gotten easier due to the recent launch of Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s redesigned web site, www.lehighvalleypa.org. Visitors to the two-county, three-city region can now use the site to rediscover the area, get information on sites and attractions, and create a trip itinerary.

Designed by Pipeline Interactive of Lebanon, Pa., the new web site has an updated look, new technologies and features, improved navigation and enhanced functionality. Highlights include:

• Expanded listings – listings for events, attractions, hotels, and restaurants now include contact information, web site link, a short description and photo as well as GPS coordinates.
• Build My Itinerary – create unique travel agendas by adding items of interest to a Lehigh Valley trip itinerary.
• Interactive Map – a helpful feature for travelers trying to locate attractions, hotels, restaurants and other sites.
• Podcasts – updated on a quarterly basis, the podcasts let travelers listen in on what’s happening in the region.

• Image Library – media members can download images of the region’s most popular sites and attractions in the new Image Library located in the Media Professional section.
• E-newsletter – sign up to receive the Bureau’s free monthly e-newsletter, “Lehigh Valley Live,” which provides information on upcoming exhibits, new attractions and special travel packages.
• Virtual tours – see select attractions, hotels and sites before visiting with 360º virtual tours.
• RSS Feeds – sign up for the Bureau’s RSS feeds which distribute the latest announcements and information.
• Download Section – travelers who don’t want to wait to receive a brochure in the mail can download PDF versions of select brochures.

These new features supplement the web site’s already popular Calendar of Events, Win a Getaway, and Travel Packages sections.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located off of Interstates 78 and 476 and is home to the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. With over a half million residents, it is the third largest metro region in the state.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY GETS BACK INTO THE SWING OF THINGS WITH THE RETURN OF STAY ?N PLAY GOLF PACKAGES

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST

Warmer weather, sunnier days and changing clocks signal the start of spring and golf season for aficionados throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. But these indicators also signal the return of Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s popular Stay ‘N Play travel packages.

The affordable Stay ‘N Play packages include overnight accommodations at one of six area hotels, breakfast and 18 holes of golf including greens fee, cart and taxes at one of seven participating golf courses. Mid-week and weekend package rates start at $124 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Surcharges apply to some courses. Packages are available March through December 2007 (weather permitting).

The Lehigh Valley is home to world-class golf courses, several of which have received four or more stars in Golf Digest Places to Play 2007 rankings. The courses participating in this year’s Stay ‘N Play packages are:
• Allentown Municipal Golf Course, Allentown – www.allentownpa.org
• The Architects Golf Club, Phillipsburg, NJ – www.thearchitectsclub.com
• Center Valley Club, Center Valley – www.centervalleyclubgolf.com
• The Club at Morgan Hill, Easton – www.theclubatmorganhill.com
• Olde Homestead Golf Club, New Tripoli – www.oldehomesteadgolfclub.com
• Riverview Country Club, Easton – www.riverviewcountryclub.com
• Southmoore Golf Course, Bath – www.southmooregolf.com

Golfers can book Stay ‘N Play packages by contacting one of the participating hotels below:
• Best Western Allentown Inn & Suites, Allentown – (610) 530-5545
• Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites Lehigh Valley, Allentown - (610) 266-1000
• Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport Allentown – (610) 443-1400
• Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem – (610) 625-5000
• Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville – (610) 391-1000
• Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport, Allentown - (610) 443-5000

Travelers can request a free Stay ‘N Play golf brochure by calling 1-800-747-0561 or logging onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. Or to download a PDF version of the brochure, use the following link: http://www.lehighvalleypa.org/visitors/travelsupport/form. Each brochure includes a map of the area which denotes the locations of participating golf courses and hotels, and listings of each course’s yardage, rating, slope and par.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area’s economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB or to request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

MUSIC THEME AND NEW DESIGN FOCUS OF 2007 LEHIGH VALLEY MAP & GUIDE

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST

The vivid image of a spiky-haired lead singer playing guitar against a bright orange backdrop sets the tone for the music-inspired theme of the new 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide.

Designed to highlight Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s year-long “Get Your Music On” promotion, the front and back covers invite travelers to visit the Lehigh Valley for its more than 100 musical events, festivals and performances in 2007. The promotion includes special travel packages for select events and discounts at area restaurants. Package, restaurant and performance information can be found at www.GetYourMusicOnLV.com.

LVCVB’s signature marketing brochure, the 52-page Map & Guide provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of the two-county, three-city region in eastern Pennsylvania. Produced by Media Two of Towson, Md. and featuring a cover designed by Saraceno Design of Bethlehem, Pa., the new brochure has an enhanced design with improved, user-friendly sections.

The new “Welcome to the Lehigh Valley” section at the front of the guide tells a few of the region’s best kept secrets including its many events and festivals, Christmas in Bethlehem and 18th Century historical sites. The “City Profiles” section highlights Allentown, Bethlehem and

Easton’s unique attractions and events. Other sections include “See & Do” for attractions and activities; “Eat & Drink” for restaurants and bars; “Sleep” for overnight accommodations at local hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds; and “Shop” for malls, specialty stores and boutique shops. The “Business & Education” section at the back of the guide serves as a resource for visitors needing to find a bank, medical facility or area college.

The center section of the Map & Guide contains a few of the guide’s most referenced areas. The Lehigh Valley Calendar of Events features over 75 events including classic car shows, musical performances, holiday-themed celebrations and craft fairs. The coupon page provides visitors with up to 15 opportunities to save at select restaurants, hotels and attractions. The detachable fold-out map includes five separate maps: one of each city’s downtown district, a view of eastern Pennsylvania and one of the U.S. Route 22 corridor.

The 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide is complimentary and can be requested by calling 1-800-747-0561 or visiting www.lehighvalleypa.org. Guides are also distributed at brochure racks located in hotels and at select attractions throughout the region.

?GET YOUR MUSIC ON!? PROMOTION BRINGS FESTIVALS, PERFORMANCES AND FACTORY TOURS TOGETHER IN 2007

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST

Trace the sounds of the beating drums, trumpeting horns, electric guitar riffs and dulcet voices emanating from eastern Pennsylvania and you’ll discover the Lehigh Valley’s 2007 “Get Your Music On!” promotion. Created to highlight the more than 100 music-related events, festivals, performances, concerts, theater and factory tours, the year-long promotion covers all musical genres, from bluegrass and country, to classical and the blues.

Already known by visitors for its popular outdoor festivals such as Musikfest, Celtic Classic and Mayfair, the Lehigh Valley is also home to several performing groups including The Allentown Band, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. Highly respected musical venues such as Symphony Hall in Allentown, Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center and Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem and The State Theatre for Performing Arts in Easton provide performers and attendees alike exceptional environments in which to witness a show.

Visitors can also see how it’s made at the C.F. Martin Guitar factory and museum tour in Nazareth and learn about the history of the Allen Organ Company in Macungie during a museum tour and short recital.

A calendar of festivals, events, and performances as well as a list of venues can be found online at www.GetYourMusicOnLV.com.

As part of the promotion, local hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts are offering special rates for the following events:

• The Bach Choir of Bethlehem’s 100th Bach Festival in Bethlehem– May 3-6 & 10-12
• Muhlenberg College’s Summer Music Theatre in Allentown featuring:
o “Nunsense” – June 13 – July 1
o “Fiddler on the Roof” – July 11 – 29
o “Pump Boys & Dinettes” – July 25 – August 12
• The 20th Anniversary of Celtic Classic in Bethlehem – September 28 – 30

Rates start at $62 per room, per night based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Hotel brand names include Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Quality Inn and Suites and Staybridge Suites, among others.

Select restaurants are also offering special discounts related to these three events, such as a free appetizer or dessert, or a percentage off the total bill. For a complete list of participating hotels and restaurants, visit www.GetYourMusicOnLV.com.

To request a 2007 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

"ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND THE PROMISE OF AMERICA" OPENS ON PRESIDENT'S DAY

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center & Museum in Allentown, Pa. will host a once in a lifetime exhibit devoted to the epic life of Abraham Lincoln. This exhibit has been reviewed and endorsed by the federal Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the United States Historical Society.

Titled Abraham Lincoln and the Promise of America, the exhibit encompasses over 1,000 items including historic artifacts from the Lincoln era. The exhibit will open at noon on President's Day, Monday, Feb. 19 and will run until Sept. 30. It is described by Museum Director Joseph Garrera as the largest Lincoln exhibit ever held in the Mid-Atlantic States. The opening ceremony will include officials from the State of Pennsylvania and noted Lincoln scholars, including Dr. Edward Steers, the preeminent authority on the Lincoln assassination. Lehigh County Executive Donald T. Cunningham, a long-time admirer of Abraham Lincoln, will be the keynote speaker.

The more than 8,000 sq. ft. exhibit was created by Museum Curator Jill Youngken who has studied Lincoln since she was a child. To make the exhibit responsive and interactive for students, Youngken created an advisory panel of more than 30 professional educators from the Lehigh Valley. "My goal is to engage students. I want to encourage them to learn more about the Lincoln legacy and the complexities associated with his presidency," said Youngken. According to Youngken, the educators offered critical advice on how to best illustrate Lincoln's life. They encouraged her to consider an essay and poster competition which would appeal to all grade levels. They also recommended the exhibit include sections on the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln's family, and his place in American history.

The exhibit is composed of four sections. The opening section greets visitors in the Linny and Beall Fowler Grand Atrium of the Museum where nationally acclaimed Lincoln Artist Wendy Allen of Connecticut will display more than 20 of her most prominent Lincoln portraits, mounting what Allen describes as the largest Lincoln portrait exhibit of her 25 year career as a professional artist. Other sections will include a photo gallery of more than 40 enlarged Lincoln photographs, a section on Lincoln folk art and statuary, and a final gallery displaying vintage Lincoln images.

Key artifacts in the exhibit are on loan from the Lincoln College Museum in Lincoln, Illinois. They include the ballot box which Lincoln used during the election of 1860, Mary Lincoln's mourning clothes, a rocking chair previously owned by Abraham Lincoln's young son Tad, and a fragment of the dress worn by actress Laura Keene who was playing the lead role on stage at Ford's Theatre the night Lincoln was assassinated. The fragment of her dress is stained with President Lincoln's blood. The exhibit also contains a clock that was in Ford's Theatre on the night of Lincoln's assassination. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois also provided Lincoln's lapdesk from Lincoln's home. The exhibit was made possible by funding from the State of Pennsylvania, the County of Lehigh, Pennsylvania and the Century Fund of Allentown.

Several prominent Lincoln scholars served as advisors to the exhibit including Dr. Edward Steers of West Virginia, Dr. Barry Schwartz of the University of Georgia, and Dr. Michael Gray of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. According to Garrera, the exhibit represents an unprecedented collaboration between three prominent museums. It also draws heavily upon several private Lincoln collections.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Center & Museum is located at 432 W. Walnut Street in Allentown, PA. Visit us online at www.lchs.museum, or call 610-435-1074 extension 13.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

VALLEY VALENTINE PACKAGES HELP HOLIDAY PROCRASTINATORS WITH A MONTH OF GETAWAY OPTIONS

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 EST

Every year, couples across the country put off planning their Valentine's Day celebrations until the last minute thereby resulting in booked hotels, crowded restaurants, rose-less florists and chocolate-less candy stores.

But in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, Valentine's is being celebrated all month long with the Be My Valley Valentine promotion. Couples can plan a last minute getaway any time in February by combining discounted hotel rates with special offers from local attractions. Or for couples interested in a turnkey getaway, several hotels are offering their own Valentine packages that include all the ingredients for a romantic weekend.

Travelers can visit www.lehighvalleypa.org for a list of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts offering packages and special rates. Popular hotel brands include Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton, among others.

Once the accommodations are booked, travelers can add on a range of activities with discount coupons also available on the web site. Discounts include:

Allentown Symphony Hall - 20 percent discount on tickets to a Saturday or Sunday concert.
Franklin Hill Vineyards, Bangor - free private tour and logoed wine glass.
Youell's Oyster House, Allentown - free dessert with purchase of an entree.
Steel Ice Center, Bethlehem - two for one admission offer for the couples-only skate on February 17.

Expiration dates for packages, room rates and attraction discounts vary. Consult www.lehighvalleypa.org for restrictions.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located off of Interstates 78 and 476.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL MEMBERS WIN BIG AT STATE FARM SHOW

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Five Lehigh Valley wineries took home 11 of 16 Gold Medals awarded at the 2007 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. This also marks the fifth consecutive year that a LVWT winery has won the prestigious Governor’s Cup.

Medals include:

• Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery - NV Blanc De Noir – Gold; 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon – Gold; NV Concord – Gold.
• Franklin Hill Vineyards - 2004 Brut – Gold.
• Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery - 2005 Vidal Ice Wine – Gold; Best Dessert; Best of Show; Governor’s Cup.
• Pinnacle Ridge - 2005 Chambourcin – Gold; NV Cuvee Chardonnay – Gold; 2005 Chambourcin Reserve – Gold and Best Hybrid; 2005 Blanc de Blanc – Gold and Best Sparkling.
• Vynecrest - 2005 Cabernet Franc – Gold and Best Vinifera; 2005 First Blush – Gold.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

SCHEDULE FOR ALL-AMERICA SOCCER WORKSHOP ANNOUNCED

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

The schedule for the three-day All-America Soccer Workshop has just been finalized. The workshop takes place February 23-25, 2007 at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center on Routes 22 and 512 in Bethlehem, Pa.

The overall theme of the workshop is player and family soccer development with a goal of improving the enjoyment, awareness, interest and passion for the sport for everyone. It will demonstrate the right way of introducing players and their parents to the sport and making soccer a fun-filled lifetime experience. The workshop is for players, their parents and their coaches, regardless of state and league affiliations.

Three-time U.S. Soccer Men's National World Cup star Tab Ramos will be the featured guest. Ramos, who is now retired as an active player, was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. He will help kick-off the workshop on Friday evening at 6 p.m. during a reception, autograph session and panel discussion where he and other soccer pros will discuss what it takes to become a special player at every playing level.

Weekend passes are available in advance only for $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 - 14. The fee includes admission to all programs and a boxed lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Day tickets will be available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 - 14. The fee includes access to that day's programs only and a boxed lunch. To register for the workshop, visit www.lvsports.net and click on the link to download a registration form (PDF) or call 1-800-747-0561 for additional information.

All-America Soccer Workshop Schedule
February 23 - 25, 2007
Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center
Bethlehem, Pa.

Friday, 2/23/07
6:00 p.m.
Franklin/Jefferson Rooms: Kick-off Reception, Autograph Session and Panel Discussion with Tab Ramos, Walter Bahr, Doug Moore and Jim Stamatis on "what it takes to make it to the top!"

Saturday, 2/24/07
9:00 a.m. Exhibits' Open
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: Skill's Fun Stations by Lehigh Men's Soccer
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "The Kearny Affect" by Gerry McKeown. One community's secret in producing so many talented impact players.
Muhlenberg Room: "How multi-sports can develop soccer players from anearly age" by John Williams of the U.S. Sports Institute.
Lafayette Room: "Role of the Parent" by Bob Ehrlich.
Moravian Room: "Learning from the Game" by Coach Manfred Schellscheidt of Seton Hall University.

10:30 a.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: "Street style games that enhance skill and create flair" by MarkWilson of United Soccer Academy & LV Premier Coach.
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Whose Choice Is It? The Consequences of a FarePlayModel" by Dr. Ted Fay of SUNY Cortland.
Muhlenberg Room: "Preparing Your Kids for College Athletics" by Coach Dean Koski of Lehigh University.
Lafayette Room: "Playing Right/Coaching Right" by Coach Doug Moore of Lock Haven University.
Lehigh Room: "Championship Team Building" by Jason Chartrand, Director - NorthStar Adventure.
Moravian Room: "Fueling for Optimal Performance" by Jen Doane, MS, RD, LDN, ATC. This workshop will enable the participant to better understand proper use of sound nutritional practices for improved soccer performance.

1:00 p.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: Skill's Fun Stations/Lehigh Men's Soccer
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "The Kearny Affect" by Gerry McKeown. One community's secret in producing so many talented impact players.
Muhlenberg Room: "How multi-sports can develop soccer players from anearly age" by John Williams of US Sports Institute.
Lafayette Room: "Playing Right/Coaching Right" by Coach Doug Moore of Lock Haven University.
Moravian Room: "Learning from the Game" Coach Manfred Schellscheidt of Seton Hall University.

2:30 p.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: "Street style games that enhance skill and create flair" by MarkWilson of the United Soccer Academy & LV Premier Coach.
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Whose Choice Is It? The Consequences of a FarePlay Model"by Dr. Ted Fay of SUNY Cortland.
Muhlenberg Room: "Coaching Outside the Lines" - A discussion on how coaches and parents can be more effective in developing young players by Coach Dean Koski of Lehigh University.
Lafayette Room: "Role of the Parents" by Bob Ehrlich.
Lehigh Room: "Championship Team Building" by Jason Chartrand, Director of NorthStar Adventure.
Moravian Room: "Heat Illness and Having an Emergency Action Plan in Soccer" by Mary Piechota, ATC, NASM - PES. Recognition of heat illness in soccer, first aid response and a review ofsafetyconsiderations will be discussed. This will raiseawareness of the importance of developing an emergency action plan to promote safe participation in sports.

4:00 p.m.
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: Introduction and airing of "The Game of Their Lives," a story of the1950 U.S. World Cup Team by Walt Bahr.

6:00 p.m.
Franklin Room: Social gathering, storytelling and discussion about soccer's pastin the LehighValley.

Sunday, 2/25/07

9:00 a.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: "Play Together to Stay Together" presented by Northampton Laurels FC & Lehigh Valley Jazz FC. Soccer games & drills for the whole family. Coordinated by Laurels FC players and coaching staff to include Gina Lewandowski, Warren Salandy, Director of Coaching, and Richard Goddard, Goalkeeper Coach.
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Soccer Moms and Dads: Becoming Your Child's Most Supportive Fan" by Rick Meana.
Lehigh Room: "Developing Yourself as a Goalkeeper in Your Own Backyard" by Todd Hoffard of OneonOne.

10:30 a.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: Juggling Wars
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Building small-sided games from the ground up;" breaking soccer down into six basiccomponents and how they relate to the learning process. Presented by Larry Paul, USSF 'A' License, U.S .Youth Soccer National Youth License and author of "Street Soccer, An Introduction to Small-Sided Games" and "Playing Better Soccer is More Fun."
Lehigh Room: Goal Keeper Dance by Coach Dan Gaspar of University of Hartford.
Moravian Room: "Improving Speed, Agility and Stabilization of the Soccer Player" by Ron Hoffman, NASM-PES, PULSE Coach and Frank Lupin, MS, ATC, NASM-PES, PULSE Coach. This hands-on workshop will demonstrate exercises and techniques used by our PULSE athletes to improve their soccer performance.

1:00 p.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: Juggling Wars
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Soccer Moms and Dads: Becoming Your Child's Most Supportive Fan" by Rick Meana
Lehigh Room: "Developing Yourself as a Goalkeeper in Your Own Backyard" by Todd Hoffard of OneonOne

2:30 p.m.
Ballroom: Demo Clinic
Jefferson/Lincoln Rooms: "Play Together to Stay Together," presented by Northampton Laurels FC & Lehigh Valley Jazz FC. Soccer games & drills for the whole family. Coordinated by Laurels FC players and coaching staff to include Gina Lewandowski, Warren Salandy, Director of Coaching, and Richard Goddard, Goalkeeper Coach
Presentations:

Cedar Crest Room: "Building small-sided games from the ground up, breaking soccer down into six basiccomponents and how they relate to the learning process. Presented by Larry Paul, USSF 'A' License, U.S. Youth Soccer National Youth License and author of "Street Soccer, An Introduction to Small-Sided Games" and "Playing Better Soccer is More Fun."
Moravian Room: "Athletic Training 101: Injury Prevention and Care of Injuries in Soccer" by Aaron Boggs, MS, ATC and Chris Riedy, BA, ATC, CSCS. This workshop will review the basics of preventing the most common injuries seen in soccer and what to do when an injury occurs to minimize lost time.
Lehigh Room: Goal Keeper Dance by Coach Dan Gaspar, University of Hartford.

Seminars on physical training and nutrition are provided exclusively by Coordinated Heath of the Lehigh Valley.

INNS OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY BROCHURE UPDATED FOR 2007

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Planning a romantic getaway to the Lehigh Valley has just gotten easier thanks to the recently updated Inns of the Lehigh Valley brochure which helps travelers find the bed and breakfast or inn that is ideal for their visit.

Created by Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the brochure features detailed descriptions with photos of 15 local B&Bs and inns. An amenity chart inside the brochure lists which facilities have features such as whirlpools, fireplaces, high-speed Internet access, non-smoking rooms and more.

A regional map denotes each inn or B&B's location. Due to the popularity of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and the Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley, locations of the region's nine wineries and seven covered bridges are also plotted on the map for added convenience.

Known for their charm and individual personalities, the properties in the brochure are located in both downtowns and rural areas. Many offer a choice of a standard guest room or suite, and all feature private baths. Each one is a short drive to the region's three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton where a wealth of activities can be found including art museums and galleries, fine dining, performing arts, historical sites and other attractions.

The inns and B&Bs featured in the updated Inns of the Lehigh Valley brochure include:

Belle Reve Bed & Breakfast, Bangor
Bridgeton House on the Delaware, Upper Black Eddy
Classic Victorian Estate Inn, Nazareth
Filbert Bed & Breakfast, Danielsville
Glasbern, Fogelsville
The Globe Inn, East Greenville
Golden Pheasant Inn on the Delaware, Erwinna
Hawk Mountain Bed & Breakfast, Kempton
The Inn at Jim Thorpe, Jim Thorpe
The Lafayette Inn, Easton
Landhaven Bed and Breakfast, Barto
Morningstar Inn, Bethlehem
Sayre Mansion Inn, Bethlehem
Stone House Inn & Spa, Macungie
Wydnor Hall Inn, Bethlehem

To request a free Inns of the Lehigh Valley brochure, as well as brochures on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and the Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on "Request Literature" or call 1-800-747-0561.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TRAIL TO HOST SIX WINE-THEMED EVENTS IN 2007

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail have announced their 2007 schedule of special events.

March Madness for Wine Lovers - March 3 & 4; 10 & 11, 17 & 18; and 24 & 25 - Known as Passport Weekends, this month-long event celebrates the arrival of new vintages as well as the spring. Guests purchase passports which are stamped by each winery and, when completed, are entered into prize drawings. A limited number of passports are still available at a few wineries.

Anniversary Weekend - July 14 & 15 - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail's anniversary with their own unique events. Specials could include a complimentary food and wine pairing, Sangria or a surprise.

Wine on the Mountain - July 28 & 29 - Held in conjunction with Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event includes wine samplings, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, light fare available for purchase, and live entertainment. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at each winery as well as at the door.

Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker - September 8 & 9 - During the fall months, the wineries proudly promote the state's "Pennsylvania Preferred" program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities will all be featured.

Chambourcin Weekend - October 20 & 21 - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the "official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley," the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.

Nouveau Weekend - November 17 & 18 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.

All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain at Penn's Peak. Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon - 5 p.m.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

To request a copy of the Wine Trail's recently updated "A Journey in Wine" brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

MEDIA ONLY: For images of wineries or wine trail events, contact Tracey Werner at tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

SOCCER STAR TAB RAMOS TO HEADLINE ALL-AMERICA SOCCER WORKSHOP IN FEBRUARY

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Three-time U.S. Soccer Men's National World Cup star Tab Ramos will be the featured guest at the inaugural All-America Soccer Workshop on February 23-25, 2007 at the Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center on Routes 22 and 512 in Bethlehem, Pa.

The overall theme of the workshop is player and family soccer development with a goal of improving the enjoyment, awareness, interest and passion for the sport for everyone. It will demonstrate the right way of introducing people to the sport and making soccer a fun-filled lifetime experience. The workshop is for players, their parents and their coaches regardless of state and league affiliations.

Ramos, who is now retired as an active player, was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. He is President and Founder of Tab Ramos Soccer Programs and has been at the forefront of player development since 1995. Teams and players who train with Ramos are recognized across the country for their top quality play.

Ramos will help kick-off the workshop on Friday evening at 6 p.m. during a reception, autograph session and panel discussion where he and other soccer pros will discuss what it takes to become a special player at every playing level.

Panel members are scheduled to include: Hall of Fame member Walter Bahr, who played in every U.S. Men's National Soccer Team from 1948 - 1957 and later became the men's soccer head coach at Temple and Penn State Universities; Lock Haven University men's head soccer coach Doug Moore, a professional soccer player for 13 years in England; and Jim Stamatis, a Lehigh Valley native who won the Hermann Award as America's 1979 college player of the year. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Ted Fay, Chair of the Sport Management Program at Cortland State University (SUNY) and a research fellow for Northeastern University's Sport in Society's Disability Sport Research Initiative.

On Saturday and Sunday the soccer workshop will continue with presentations, exhibits, demonstrations and other activities. A complete weekend schedule will be released in late-January. Scheduled presentations will include:

"Playing Right/Coaching Right" by Doug Moore, men's soccer head coach, Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, Pa.
"Role of Parents" by Bob Ehrlich, manager, Iron Lakes Sports Club in the Lehigh Valley
"How Multi-Sports Can Develop Soccer Players From an Early Age" by Simon March/John Williams, U.S. Sports Institute
"Developing Yourself as a Goalkeeper in Your Own Backyard" by Todd Hoffard, founder, ONEonONE in Lancaster, Pa.
"Whose Choice Is It? The Consequences of a Fare Play Model" by Dr. Ted Fay of SUNY Cortland
"Soccer Moms and Dads: Becoming Your Child's Most Supportive Fan" by Rick Meana, director of coaching, New Jersey Youth Soccer
"Learning from the Game" by Manny Schlescheidt, mean's head soccer coach at Seton Hall University.

Weekend passes to the workshop are available in advance only and are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 - 14. The fee includes access to all weekend programs and a boxed lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Day admission at the door will be $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 - 14. The fee includes admission to that day's programs only and a boxed lunch. To register for the workshop, visit www.lvsports.net and click on the link to download a registration form (PDF) or call 1-800-747-0561 for additional information.

The All-America Soccer Workshop is being organized by Colone Associates and the Lehigh Valley Sports Commission, an affiliate of the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes the Lehigh Valley as a sports destination. By recruiting and retaining sporting events, the Commission increases tourism thereby resulting in economic benefits for the region. The Lehigh Valley is located an hour and a half from New York City, an hour north of Philadelphia, and an hour and a half east of Hershey/Harrisburg. Visit LVSC online at www.lvsports.net.

LVCVB Announces Visitor Services Manager

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. -- December 12, 2006 - Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has hired Allentown resident Tom Smith as its new Visitor Services Manager. Smith will oversee the day-to-day operations of the new Lehigh Valley Visitor Center in downtown Allentown. He will also oversee the operations of a visitor center in Easton that the bureau is planning to open in 2007.

Previously, Smith worked for the City of Allentown's Department of Community Development as Superintendent of Recreation. There he oversaw the city's municipal swimming pools, playgrounds, golf course and sports fields. He also coordinated numerous events including Mayfair, Lights in the Parkway, SportsFest and other sporting events.

The Lehigh Valley Visitor Center at 840 Hamilton Street in Allentown opened on the first floor of the new Butz Corporate Center at the end of November. Staff members at the visitor center can assist travelers with travel-related questions, driving and walking directions, hotel reservations and general information on the region. Visitors and residents can also pick up free brochures on local attractions, events, hotels and restaurants, as well as the bureau's signature Lehigh Valley Map & Guide. It is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

LVCVB co-operates a visitor center on Main Street in historic downtown Bethlehem with Historic Bethlehem Partnership and is currently researching locations for a visitor center in downtown Easton. A seasonal visitor center is located in Two Rivers Landing but is not staffed. The organization has committed to operating a staffed visitor center in each of the region's three downtowns.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Ski and Stay packages

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Overnight packages start at $59 per person and include accommodations and voucher for skiing, snowboarding or tubing

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - December 5, 2006 - Early predictions indicate that this winter could be a snowier one than last year for Pennsylvania to the benefit of skiers. The Lehigh Valley region in the eastern part of the state is getting ready for the onslaught of skiers and snowboarders by bringing back its popular Ski & Stay travel packages.

Ski & Stay packages let snow lovers ski, snowboard or tube the slopes at Bear Creek Mountain Resort or Blue Mountain Ski Area and then relax overnight in accommodations at one of 15 local hotels and inns. Rates start at $59 per person, per night and include overnight accommodations and a voucher for skiing, snowboarding or tubing at either mountain.

Ski & Stay packages are available from the start of the local ski season (approximately mid-December) through March 31, 2007, weather permitting. All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy. All packages are subject to availability and are not valid with any other offers.

Participating hotels include popular brands such as Holiday Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites and Four Points by Sheraton, among others. Travelers can log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org for complete package details and to request a free Ski & Stay brochure.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort has a new quad chair lift as well as 25 new automated ski guns for improved snowmaking. It has also built a new beginner trail and expanded several other trails. With 22 trails and a vertical rise of 510 ft., Bear Creek offers lighted trails at beginner, intermediate and expert levels. The Burton Learn to Ride Center teaches novices how to snowboard. Skiers can relax in the spacious lodge or get a bite to eat at The Mountain Eatery or The Grille at Bear Creek.

Blue Mountain Ski Area offers 30 trails for all ability levels and 14 slides for snowtubing. Home to the highest vertical drop in the state (1,082 ft.), Blue Mountain opens the season with a new hi-speed detachable six passenger chairlift. The upper portion of the Sidewinder Park trail has recently been widened and improved snowmaking can be found there and on Tut's Lane. The Valley Lodge has also been expanded to offer more seating and parking. NASTAR races take place every Thursday night and Sunday afternoon.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Christkindlmarkt travel packages

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - November 6, 2006 - This year, visitors to the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania can turn their routine holiday shopping into a weekend getaway when they book one of two new Christkindlmarkt travel packages: Christkindlmarkt Magic and A Celtic Christmas.

The Christkindlmarkt Magic travel package includes standard overnight accommodations for two, two tickets to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and a coupon for half off an event sweatshirt. Rates start at $109 per room, per night (not including tax). This package is available Thursday - Sunday from Nov. 24 through December 17, 2006.

The Celtic Christmas travel package includes standard overnight accommodations for two, two tickets to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, two tickets to Emerald Star and a coupon for half off a Christkindlmarkt sweatshirt. Rates start at $119 per room, per night (not including tax). This package is only available December 7 - 10, 2006.

Both travel packages are subject to availability and are not applicable with any other discount or offer.

Returning for its 12th year, the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem begins November 24 and runs for four consecutive weekends, Thursday - Sunday, ending December 17. Modeled after a centuries-old tradition in Germany, this holiday event is an outdoor marketplace featuring the work of fine craftsman and visual artists with more than 75 artisans taking center stage. It also includes live music, ethnic foods, a children's shopping area, demonstrations by craftsmen and an authentic St. Nicholas. Items for sale include jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, hand-knit clothing and quilts, dried floral arrangements, Victorian dolls and more.

Emerald Star is a Celtic Christmas celebration with performances by musical group Emerald City and The O'Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance, and Irish tales by world-renowned storyteller Charles Kiernan. It runs from December 7 - 10, 2006.

Participating lodging properties include:

Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem
Crowne Plaza Allentown
Hampton Inn Lehighton
The Lafayette Inn, Easton
The Sayre Mansion, Bethlehem

For details on a Christkindlmarkt travel package, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the Travel packages tab at the top of the homepage. For information on Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and Emerald Star, visit www.christkindlmarkt.org.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Nouveau Weekend on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, PA - November 2, 2006 - The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will proudly introduce their first vintages from this fall's harvest during the annual Nouveau Weekend event on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 19 from noon - 5 p.m.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - shrimp in Riesling Di Jon sauce with assorted breads accompanied by a new Riesling.
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - Minestra de Fagioli con pasta with a 2006 Gamay Beaujolais Nouveau.
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli - Beef Burgundy with vegetables paired with 2006 Gamay Beaujolais Nouveau and dark chocolate mousse garnished with fresh strawberries and paired with Victoria's passion.
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - hearty turkey chili with Turtle Rock Red wine made for the Chambourcin grape.
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas - Federweisser, a traditional German wine, and chipotle apple squash soup from 14 Acre Farm, along with assorted breads, spreads and seasonal specialties.
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - Leek and chickpea soup along with the vineyard's Nouveau wine, styled after the simple, sweet and fruity harvest wines of Vienna, Austria.
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - Smoked turkey melts topped with wood smoked Goot Essa Cheddar Cheese and their 2006 Nouveau Beaujolais.

The Wine Trail's other winery members are:

Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg

Each year, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds six themed weekend events. They are:

March Madness for Wine Lovers - Known as Passport Weekends, this month-long event celebrates the arrival of new vintages as well as the spring. Guests purchase passports which are stamped by each winery and, when completed, are entered into prize drawings.
Wine on the Mountain - Held in conjunction with Penn's Peak, this event takes place in July and includes wine samplings, arts and crafts, and food.
Anniversary Weekend - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail's anniversary with their own special events. Each one is a surprise!
Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker - On the second weekend in September the wineries partner with other Pennsylvania products for wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities.
Chambourcin Weekend - Taking place in late-October after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the "official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley," the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.
Nouveau Weekend - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Taking place the third weekend in November, it's an excellent opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner.

Visitors interested in staying for the weekend can book a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package by visiting www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on the "Travel Packages" tab at the top of the page.

To request a copy of the Wine Trail's "A Journey in Wine" brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. The brochure can also be picked up at each of the member wineries. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800. For Wine Trail photos, contact Tracey Werner at tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

Spirit of the Season travel packages

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - November 1, 2006 - Every year parents and couples search for ways to make the holiday season special for themselves and their loved ones. This year, a holiday excursion to the nearby Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania will charm and delight them with Spirit of the Season travel packages.

Available November 4, 2006 through January 2, 2007, Spirit of the Season travel packages feature special holiday rates at participating area hotels and special discounts at events, attractions, shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Rates start at $69 plus tax per room, per night, based on double occupancy. Participating hotels include:

Comfort Suites Bethlehem
Crowne Plaza Allentown
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Allentown Jetport
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West in Breinigsville
Holiday Inn Conference Center in Breinigsville
Ramada Inn Lehigh Valley in Whitehall
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Wingate Inn in Allentown

Travelers can log onto www.lehighvalleyholidays.org for hotel descriptions and a complete list of the region's holiday-related events. The web site also features valuable coupons for special discounts. Coupons should be printed out and presented at the time of order/purchase to be redeemed.

Discounts include:

Buy one admission and get the second one half-price on Thursdays and Fridays only at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem.
Receive $2 off regular admission for up to four people to the "Everything Gingerbread" festival at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton.
Get $2 off the price of regular admission to Emerald Star, a Celtic holiday celebration, in Allentown.
Save $1 off regular admission to the Old Bethlehem Historic Walking Tour, the Bethlehem by Night bus tour, the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem or the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts in Bethlehem.

To request holiday photos of Lehigh Valley sites, attractions and events, please send an e-mail to tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Lehigh Valley Covered Bridges

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

Popular brochure now features color photos and map of seven area bridges

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - October 30, 2006 - The history and charm of the Lehigh Valley's covered bridges are highlighted in the new "Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley" brochure. Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau decided to update its existing brochure due to its popularity with travelers and residents alike.

The previous version of the brochure, entitled "Tracking Covered Bridges in the Lehigh Valley," was produced almost 10 years ago. The new, full-color brochure features a map of the self-guided driving tour's route, a photo and history of each bridge, detailed driving directions, and background on three other bridges that once existed in the region. An explanation of the Burr arch truss system provides travelers with insight on what makes the bridges' structures so durable and long-lasting.

The 50-mile-long driving tour includes the following seven bridges:

Bogert's Bridge in Allentown's Lehigh Parkway, 1841
Manasses Guth Bridge, 1858
Wehr's Bridge, 1841
Rex's Bridge, 1858
Geiger's Bridge, 1860
Schlicher's Bridge, 1882
Kreidersville Bridge, 1839

Two of the bridges, Bogert's and Kreidersville, are restricted to pedestrian traffic only. The remaining five bridges can accommodate most passenger cars, SUVs, vans and small pick-up trucks. Full-size motor coaches are not recommended for this tour.

Travelers can make the Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour the centerpiece of a romantic weekend getaway to the eastern Pennsylvania region. Accommodations at a bed and breakfast or inn, a visit to the family-owned wineries along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, antique shopping and dinner at an upscale restaurant can be added to create a memorable visit.

Click here to download a PDF of the brochure. To receive an electronic version of this press release please e-mail your request to tracey@lehighvalleypa.org.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Latino Film Festival travel packages

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - October 4, 2006 - The Latino Film Festival will celebrate its second year with new travel packages created to encourage visitors to stay for the entire weekend event.

Taking place October 13 - 15, 2006, the Latino Film Festival, also known as Cine Latino, is organized by the Hispanic American League of Artists in conjunction with the New York International Latino Film Festival. It is the only film festival of its kind in Pennsylvania. Films will be shown in each of the region's three cities; Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

Packages include overnight accommodations at one of five participating hotels/B&Bs, breakfast, two tickets to the film of your choice, and a discount coupon for an event t-shirt. Participating properties include:

Allentown Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West, Allentown - Rate: $89
Best Western Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem - Rate: $109
Comfort Suites Bethlehem- Rate: $119
Hampton Inn & Suites Bethlehem - Rate: $129
The Lafayette Inn - Rate: $140

All rates are per room per night, based on double occupancy and do not include tax. For complete travel package information, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Opening this year's festival on Friday evening is a film by director Youssef Delara entitled E.S.L (English as a Second Language), starring Maria Conchita Alonso, Kuno Becker, and Danielle Camastra . E.S.L won the award for "Best Film" at this year's New York International Latino Film Festival.

Other films slated to be shown at the festival are:

BORICUA director by Marisol Torres
THE STORY OF JUAN BAGO directed by Christopher Delgado
ENTREMEDIO (A PLACE WITHIN) directed by Andres Ramirez

This year's documentaries are:

ECHANDO RAICES/TAKING ROOTS directed by JT Takagi
MUSICA CUBANA directed by German Kral
RIKERS HIGH directed by Victor Buhler

This year's short films are:

LONCHE directed by Daniel Eduvijes Carrera
JUNITO directed by Cesar De Leon
MAMA SAID directed by Yasmina Cadiz C
HICLE directed by Josh Hyde
DIEGO directed by Anthony M. Puente
FRIJOLITO, GO! directed by Tony Mosher
FLAT! directed by Nanobah Becker

For descriptions and show times, visit www.NYLatinofilm.com/Allentown. Tickets are $7 and are available in advance on the web site or at the door.

Film venues are:

Civic Theatre, 514 19th St., Allentown
Banana Factory, 25 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem
Lafayette College, Farinon Center, Easton

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

New LVCVB Staff Members

Mon, 02 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - October 2, 2006 - Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today the hiring of four new employees.

Lisa Maynor, is the bureau's first Director of eMarketing. Recognizing the importance that web and e-marketing initiatives play in the bureau's marketing of the Lehigh Valley for tourism, Lisa was hired to oversee the non-profit's growth in these two key areas. A resident of Fort Washington, Pa., Lisa's past experience includes positions as marketing manager at PointRoll in Conshohocken, and project manager and senior designer at Allegis Group in Hanover, Md. She received her Masters Degree from the University of Baltimore and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Kathleen Bellew of Bangor, Pa. has joined the staff as Sales Associate. A graduate of Mansfield University, Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She was previously an assistant department manager for Boscovs Department Store.

Deborah Snyder of Macungie is the bureau's new receptionist. Debbie spent the last decade in claim and auto dispatch roles and as a claim processor specialist for Allstate Insurance. She was also a medical secretary for a local OBGYN practice.

Megan Billowitch of Whitehall is LVCVB's new office assistant. Her previous work experience includes being an account manager for Dillon Floral Corporation in Allentown and as an administrative assistant for Keenan Nagle Advertising in Allentown. She has also been a sales associate with Phoebe Floral Shop in Allentown. She received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

LVCVB recently relocated its staff office from Bethlehem to the second floor of the new Butz Corporate Center on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown. The bureau will also be opening an Allentown visitors center at this location in November. The visitors center is a key component of LVCVB's commitment to having a staffed visitors center in each of the Lehigh Valley's three cities. The bureau operates a Welcome Center on Main Street in Bethlehem with Historic Bethlehem Partnership and is currently looking for a location for an Easton visitors center.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

2006-2007 Lehigh Valley Dining Guide

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST

New edition of popular brochure includes list of Wi-Fi restaurants and special discounts

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - September 14, 2006 - The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau recently released the 2006-2007 edition of its popular Lehigh Valley Dining Guide. The free, full-color, 28-page brochure features more than 70 dining venues in the two-county, three-city eastern Pennsylvania region. It also offers special discounts at more than 30 participating restaurants.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide highlights some of the region's best and most popular dining establishments, from fine dining to fast food. Each is identified by one of 20 different cuisine types, such as Japanese, American, French, Italian, German, Pennsylvania Dutch, Indian and others. A regional map shows the location of each dining venue so visitors can easily navigate the Lehigh Valley.

Each restaurant listing includes the dining facility's address, phone number, web site address (when applicable), and hours of operation. Symbols are used to denote average dinner price (from under $10 to over $30); types of credit cards accepted; meals served; children's menu availability; Wi-Fi and handicap accessibility; alcohol availability; and totally smoke-free facilities.

The Lehigh Valley Dining Guide is also available online at www.lehighvalleypa.org by clicking on the "Things to Do" tab at the top of the homepage. There, visitors can peruse the area's dining options by cuisine type, link to each establishment's web site (when applicable), print out driving directions and download a printable PDF version of the brochure.

To receive a copy of the free Lehigh Valley Dining Guide, call the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 747-0561. To request a brochure online, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the "Request Literature" box on the left side of the homepage. Guides can also be found in hotel brochure racks throughout the region.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Autumn Adventures and Frightening Frolics

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - August 29, 2006 - For some people, autumn means changing leaves, corn mazes and pumpkin picking, while for others it means haunted houses, scary ghosts and creepy costumes. No matter if travelers prefer the tame or the tormented, the new Autumn Adventures and Frightening Frolics celebration in Lehigh Valley, Pa. has a variety of activities in both categories for them to experience.

From Sept. 29 through Oct. 31, visitors to the Lehigh Valley can create their own fall getaway by combining their favorite activities with overnight accommodations. Some highlights include:

Civil War Voices: A Walk Among the Dead in Allentown brings the heroes and horrors of the Civil Warn to life in the city's Union and West End Cemetery.
HalloWeekends at Dorney Park in Allentown offers monster fun and spooky screams as the amusement park transforms into a giant haunted playground.
Fun for all ages can be found at The Crayola FACTORY® in Easton during Fall Family Fun Night. Trick or Treat days will feature activity stations and a costume parade.
Harvest Weekend along the nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, including Franklin Hill Vineyards and Blue Mountain Winery, on Sept. 9 & 10.
Horse-drawn hay wagon rides will be offered in historic downtown Bethlehem and guided tours of God's Acre Cemetery will be offered each Saturday during October.
Terror Hill at Terry Hill Waterpark in Trexlertown features 3-D haunted tours and hayrides.
Whitewater Challengers in White Haven offers a wet adventure on the rapids during Fall Foliage Appreciation Days, Autumn Youth Day and Women's Outdoor Weekend.
Several local restaurants will feature beer dinners, including Bethlehem Brew Works, Café Del Mar in Nazareth and the Farmhouse in Emmaus.
For the dates, times and locations of these events and many others, visit www.lehighvalleyfall.com.

Local hotels and inns are offering special fall packages with rates starting at $69 per night, based on double occupancy. Participating properties include Best Western Lehigh Valley, Classic Victorian B&B, Comfort Inn Bethlehem, Hampton Inn & Suites Bethlehem and Quality Inn Allentown. KOA Campgrounds of Allentown is offering a 10 percent discount off regular price when campsites are reserved in advance.

For more information on Autumn Adventures and Frightening Frolics, visit www.lehighvalleyfall.com. The Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania is conveniently located one hour north of Philadelphia and one and a half hours west of New York City and is easily accessed via Interstates 78 and 476 and Route 22, among many others.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail - Harvest Weekend

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, PA - August 24, 2006 - The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the harvest and toast the bounty of our region's agricultural heritage during its annual event "Harvest Weekend: The Butcher, The Baker, The Winemaker."

On Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 10 from noon - 5 p.m., the nine wine trail members will pair their wines with products from their agricultural neighbors as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's "Pennsylvania Preferred" initiative. Complimentary wine tastings will be offered and many food items will be available for purchase. Some highlights include:

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth - Goot Essa cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, three new wine releases.
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville - cheese fondue from Goot Essa, artisan sausage from Haydt's Meat Market, fresh fruit from Heckman's Orchard. Sangria will also be available for sale by the glass.
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville - chicken from Mr. Bill's Poultry and live music from 1 - 4 p.m. Also, new releases Pinot Noir, Blanc de Noirs and Blueberry.
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor - will feature produce, apple cider and pumpkins from Kachline Farms and cheeses from Klein's Farm.
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas - a Pirate Party will feature Pirate Wine and Pirate Potion, as well as breads, spreads and more from 14-Acre Farm. Free wagon tours of the vineyard will also be offered.
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown - a pig roast will be offered both days with pork sandwiches by Peter Brothers Meats and live music on Sunday.
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville - homemade pumpkin bread with pumpkin butter from Eagle Point Farm Market, Alderfer hot dogs on the grill, roasted nuts by the Nutty Bavarian. Autumn Gold wine will be featured. Also, tours with the winemaker at 2 p.m. both days and live music both afternoons.

The Wine Trail's other winery members are:

Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg

Each year, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds five themed weekend events. The fifth and final event for the year is Nouveau Weekend, Nov. 18 & 19. This event is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the recent harvest. It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner.

Visitors interested in staying for the weekend can book a Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel package by visiting www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on the "Travel Packages" tab at the top of the page.

Escapes and Excursions travel packages

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - August 7, 2006 - There's no time like the present to make an escape... to the Lehigh Valley, that is. Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau in eastern Pennsylvania has recently introduced its new Escapes & Excursions travel packages which make planning an impromptu getaway for couples, families or even girlfriends easy because each package already contains the makings of a great escape.

The eight packages are built around themes such as history, the arts, golf and family field trips. Each one includes overnight accommodations and other specific amenities such as a $50 gift certificate to the Lehigh Valley Mall in the Shop Till You Drop package, or admission to The Crayola® FACTORY and National Canal Museum in the Family Field Trip package. Travelers simply pick the package they are interested in, contact one of the participating hotels, and book their reservation. Upon check in, the hotel provides travelers with vouchers for all of the amenities associated with their chosen package.

Travel package starting rates are as follows:

Family Field Trip - starting at $119.50*
Summer Arts- starting at $149*
History Lives! - $129*
Girls' Night Out - starting at $159*
Shop Till You Drop - starting at $139*
Romantic Rendezvous - starting at $114*
Birdie Golf - starting at $79* on weekdays and $99* on weekends (rates are per person)
Eagle Golf - starting at $149* (rate is per person)

*All rates are per room, per night and are based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. See Escapes & Excursions brochure for disclaimers.

Travelers can add more activities to their packages by using the special discount coupons in the back of the Escapes & Excursions brochure. Discounts are offered at popular attractions such as the Lehigh Valley Zoo, Dutch Springs water park, and Putt U Miniature Golf; at events such as The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem; and at restaurants, spas, and shops.

Participating hotels and bed and breakfasts include Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel in Bethlehem, Crowne Plaza Allentown, the Courtyard by Marriott in Bethlehem, and The Lafayette Inn in Easton, among others. Packages are valid through April 1, 2007 unless otherwise noted. Discount coupon expiration dates vary.

To request a free Escapes & Excursions brochure, call toll free at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the "Request Literature" button on the left side of the page. Details on Escapes & Excursions packages can also be found on the web site by clicking on the "Travel Packages" tab at the top of the home page.

The Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania is conveniently located one hour north of Philadelphia and one and a half hours west of New York City and is easily accessed via Interstates 78 and 476 and Route 22, among many others.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail - Wine on the Mountain

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail wineries showcase vintages against views of Beltzville Lake

Lehigh Valley, PA - July 6, 2006 - The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail and Penn's Peak will co-host the third annual "Wine on the Mountain" event on Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass, wine tastings and live music. Light fare will be available for purchase. Arts and crafts from local vendors will also be on display. Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pa. offers breathtaking views of Beltsville Lake and the surrounding Appalachian mountainside from its large open-air deck.

Event attendees must be 21 years of age or older to enter Wine on the Mountain. Valid identification is required. Event hours are noon - 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The entertainment schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 29th
Noon - 1 p.m. - Solo piano - Gary Staples
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - The Staples Trio
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Solo acoustic guitar - Jim Meyer
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Solo piano - Gary Staples
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Jazz vocalist - Emmitt Harris Duo

Sunday, July 30th
Noon - 3 p.m. - The Staples Trio
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Solo acoustic guitar - Jim Meyer
4 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Solo piano - Gary Staples
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Jazz vocalist - Emmitt Harris Duo

Area professionals are invited to attend a networking event on Saturday evening from 5 - 8 p.m. Admission is half price when they print out a special discount coupon at www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com, attach their business card to it and present it at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at any of the nine participating wineries and their retail stores or at the Penn's Peak box office. For more information and phone sales, call Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards at (570) 992-2255 or Penn's Peak at 610-826-9000.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kresgeville
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

Each year, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds five themed events. This year's remaining events are:

Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker - September 9 & 10 - The wineries partner with other Pennsylvania products for wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other activities.
Nouveau Weekend - November 18 & 19 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel packages

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, PA - June 23, 2006 - Oenophiles can turn their love of wine and wineries into a couple's getaway with Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel packages. Created around the wine trail's annual themed events, the travel packages combine accommodations at a local bed and breakfast or inn with a passport for savings at each of the nine member wineries on four select weekends in 2006.

Travelers can learn about Lehigh Valley Wine Trail travel packages by logging-on to www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on the Travel Packages tab at the top of the page. After reviewing the descriptions of the six lodging properties, they then call the participating bed and breakfast or inn of their choice to book the package. Upon check-in, travelers are given a wine trail passport and "A Journey in Wine" brochure. As they explore the wine trail, they simply show the passport at each winery to receive a special discount on wine purchases.

Participating bed and breakfasts and inns are: (event weekend participation varies)

Classic Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Nazareth
Filbert Bed & Breakfast, Danielsville
The Globe Inn, East Greenville
Hawk Mountain Bed & Breakfast, Kempton
Lafayette Inn, Easton
Sayre Mansion Inn, Bethlehem

Wine trail travel packages are available only on the following 2006 event weekends:

9th Anniversary Weekend - "Taste Pink, Buy Pink and Drink Pink"- July 8 & 9 - Winery visitors are encouraged to "Drink Pink" as all nine of the wine trail members will donate one dollar to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition for every bottle of pink wine (rosés or blushes) sold. Volunteers from the Coalition will be on-hand with information and to answer questions.Wineries will also be offering special food pairings for purchase.

Wine on the Mountain - July 29 & 30 - Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, Pa. hosts oenophiles on its open-air deck with a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake and a picturesque 50 mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains. In addition to sampling wine, there will be light fare available for purchase prepared by Penn's Peak chefs, local artisans displaying their collections and live entertainment. Tickets are available in advance or at the door.

Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker - Sept. 9 & 10 - The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is a proud partner in the Pennsylvania Preferred statewide campaign designed to showcase and promote the excellent quality of Pennsylvania products. Each of the wineries partners with other Pennsylvania products for a weekend of entertainment and education as they kick off the fall harvest season. Many of the wineries feature food, tours, music and special events throughout this fun-filled weekend. There is no admission charge, however food and wine will be available for purchase.

Nouveau Weekend - Nov. 18 & 19 - This is the best chance to sample the first vintages of the harvest. Each winery will offer a 'nouveau' wine, some of which are produced from chambourcin grapes, the grape of the Lehigh Valley. Nouveau wines are usually light, fruity, semi-dry to dry red wines which make an excellent partner for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Each winery will offer food pairings to enjoy with their delicious nouveau wines.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

To request a copy of the Wine Trail's "A Journey in Wine" brochure, call Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org. A PDF of the brochure can also be downloaded on the web site. For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail - Anniversary Weekend

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, PA - June 16, 2006 - The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will celebrate its ninth anniversary with an Anniversary Weekend event entitled "Taste Pink, Buy Pink, and Drink Pink." Taking place July 8 and 9, 2006, the event is the Wine Trail's annual fundraiser for breast cancer research. One dollar of each bottle of pink wine (rosé or blush) sold during the event will be donated to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and unique outreach initiatives. The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization that creates the hope of a brighter tomorrow by providing action and information to women with breast cancer today. Volunteers from the Coalition will be on-hand with breast cancer information and to answer questions. For more information on this organization, visit www.pabreastcancer.org.

Each winery will be offering its own special amenities including food and wine pairings, live music or sangria. For a list of each winery's features, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

Each year, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds five themed events. This year's remaining events include:

Wine on the Mountain - July 29 & 30 - Held at Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event includes wine samplings, arts and crafts, and food as well as panoramic views of Beltzville Lake and the mountainside from the deck.
Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The
Winemaker - September 9 & 10 - The wineries partner with other Pennsylvania products for wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other activities.
Nouveau Weekend - November 18 & 19 - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner.

Pain in the Gas

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - June 2, 2006 - Families planning their summer vacations shouldn't let high gas prices get them down. Six lodging properties in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania are offering "Pain in the Gas" travel packages that include either a free gas card or a special discount to help travelers pay for an extra tank. Rates start at $69 per room, per night and are available now through September 4, 2006.

Participating hotels include:

Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center, Bethlehem
Hampton Inn and Suites Bethlehem
Hampton Inn Lehighton
Howard Johnson Inn and Suites, Allentown
Quality Inn, Allentown
The Sayre Mansion Inn, Bethlehem

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and a half west of New York City, the Lehigh Valley is conveniently located for a quick summer getaway. Home to great family attractions such as Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, The CRAYOLA Factory® in Easton, the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, families will find plenty of activities to keep them busy during their visit.

The Lehigh Valley is also known for its many outdoor summer events including Musikfest in Bethlehem, The Great Allentown Fair, Heritage Day in Easton, Das Awkscht Fescht in Macungie, Concours d'Elegance in Bethlehem, and the Blueberry Festival in Bethlehem.

For complete details on the Lehigh Valley's "Pain in the Gas" travel packages, visit www.lehighvalleypa.org and click on the Travel Packages tab at the top of the page.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Invasion of the Pop Idols

Wed, 03 May 2006 00:00:00 EST

Warhol, Haring exhibits are highlight of new travel packages

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - May 3, 2006 - The Lehigh Valley is preparing for a summer Invasion of the Pop Idols! From June 4 to September 10, 2006, the Allentown Art Museum is ground zero for the barrage during its Andy Warhol exhibit of the Pop Artist's most famous works. It includes almost 70 works of art including prints and paintings of such icons as Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, the artist himself and Campbell's Soup® cans.

At the same time, the museum is expected to be infiltrated by Pop Art from its own collection during the Pop Goes the Press: Prints from the Permanent Collection, 1960-1990 exhibition. This exhibit includes European and American prints from late 20th Century art movements such as Pop Art and Minimalism from such luminaries as Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Indiana and Jasper Johns, among others.

To handle the onslaught, Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering Invasion of the Pop Idols travel packages. Each package includes overnight hotel accommodations, breakfast for two and two tickets to Andy Warhol at the Allentown Art Museum. Packages start at $69.50 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Packagesare available June 4 - September 10, 2006 and are subject to availability. For a list of participating hotels and additional details on Invasion of the Pop Idols travel packages, log onto www.andyinthevalley.com/packages.

Buy one, get one free museum admission offer
The invasionis already under way in nearby Reading with the Keith Haring: Journey of the Radiant Baby exhibition at the Reading Public Museum, where it is expected to last through August 6, 2006.

Museum patrons who show an Andy Warhol exhibit ticket stub at the Reading Public Museum will receive one free adult admission to the Keith Haring exhibit with the purchase of another adult admission, a $7 value. In return, museum-goers who show a Keith Haring exhibit ticket stub at the Allentown Art Museum will receive one free exhibition admission to Andy Warhol with the purchase of another exhibition admission, a $5 value (museum admission not included).

Discounts at local restaurants
Select Lehigh Valley restaurants are featuring special discounts when a ticket stub from the Andy Warhol exhibit is shown upon ordering. Diners who show a lunch or dinner receipt from one of the participating restaurants at the Allentown Art Museum's box office will receive a free exhibition admission with the purchase of another exhibition admission, a $5 value (museum admission not included).

Happy Birthday, Warhol!
The Allentown Art Museum will also host a special birthday celebration on Sunday, August 6 from 3 - 5 p.m. in recognition of the artist's birthday. The free event will include a birthday cake and a Warhol look-alike contest judged by a professional impersonator.

For details on Andy Warhol, visit www.allentownartmuseum.org. To find out more about Keith Haring: Journey of the Radiant Baby, log onto www.readingpublicmuseum.org.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Dorney Deals 2006

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST

Room rates start at $69 per night, based on double occupancy

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - April 26, 2006 - Families looking for a wet and wild experience can tackle the rides and waves at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pa. this summer with affordable Dorney Deals travel packages.

Offered by Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, this popular travel program returns for 2006 with 27 Lehigh Valley hotels offering overnight accommodations combined with discounts on tickets to the northeast's most complete entertainment experience. Room rates start at $69 per night, based on double occupancy and availability.

Dorney Deals packages can be booked on-line at www.dorneydeals.com or by calling each participating hotel. Hotel brands include Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Wingate Inn, Four Points by Sheraton, Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn, among others. A complete list of participating hotels can be found on the web site.

Dorney Park opens for the season on Saturday, May 6, with Wildwater Kingdom following on Saturday, May 27. New this season is a second wavepool at Wildwater Kingdom. Approximately two-thirds the size of the existing giant wave pool, it covers over 21,000 square feet and holds approximately 500,000 gallons of water. The new wave pool is an addition to the water park's existing 18 water slides, three aquatic playlands for children, water funhouse, two tubing rivers and many other water activities. Private cabanas were also added and are available to rent for the day. Each one features lounging and dining areas, as well as waitered food and beverage service.

Dorney Park is home to five world-class roller coasters including Hydra The Revenge, the first and only floorless coaster in Pennsylvania. The park's other thrill rides include Thunder Creek Mountain, White Water Landing, Revolution, Dominator, Wave Swinger and many more. Families looking for a slightly slower pace enjoy riding the antique carousel, Ferris wheel and Zephyr miniature train as well as Camp Snoopy and Tot Spot.

Dorney Deals packages are available May 6 through September 9, 2006. Rates are based on availability and are not good with any other offer. For complete details on Dorney Deals packages or to request a program brochure, visit www.dorneydeals.com.

Located an hour north of Philadelphia and an hour and half west of New York City, eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region is an ideal location for a summer family getaway. Spend an extra day at the area's other family attractions including The Crayola FACTORY®, the Da Vinci Science Center, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

To download the 2006 Dorney Deals brochure (PDF), click here.

Stay n Play golf packages

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Packages start at $109 per person on weekdays
and $114 per person on weekends

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - March 22, 2006 - Scratch players and duffers alike will appreciate the value in the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau's Stay 'N Play golf packages. LVCVB has brought back its popular Stay 'N Play program for 2006 which combines play on challenging links with conveniently located accommodations.

Stay 'N Play golf packages include overnight accommodations at one of five area hotels, breakfast and 18 holes of golf including greens fee, cart and taxes at one of seven participating golf courses. Rates start at $109 for mid-week and $114 for weekend. All rates are per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Surcharges apply to some courses. Packages are available March - December 2006.

The Lehigh Valley is home to world-class golf courses, several of which have received four or more stars in Golf Digest Places to Play 2006 rankings. The courses participating in this year's Stay 'N Play packages are:

The Architects Golf Club, Phillipsburg, NJ - www.thearchitectsclub.com
Center Valley Club, Center Valley - www.centervalleygolf.com
The Club at Morgan Hill, Easton - www.theclubatmorganhill.com
Olde Homestead Golf Club, New Tripoli - www.oldhomesteadgolfclub.com
Riverview Country Club, Easton - www.riverviewcountryclub.com
Southmoore Golf Course, Bath - www.southmooregolf.com
Whitetail Golf Club, Bath - www.whitetailgolfclub.com

Golfers can book Stay 'N Play packages by contacting one of the participating hotels below:

Four Points Sheraton Hotel & Suites Lehigh Valley, Allentown
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport, Allentown
Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West, Breinigsville
Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville

Travelers can request a free Stay 'N Play golf brochure by calling 1-800-747-0561 or logging onto www.lehighvalleypa.org and clicking on the Request Literature button on the left side of the homepage. Each brochure includes a map of the area with icons denoting the locations of participating golf courses and hotels and each course's yardage, rating, slope and par. The same information can also be found on the web site by clicking on the Travel Packages tab at the top of the homepage and then selecting Stay 'N Play Golf from the drop down menu.

The Lehigh Valley is located in eastern Pennsylvania and is a one hour drive north of Philadelphia and one and half hours west of New York City.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

LVCVB Announces Office Relocation

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Region's tourist promotion agency to move into Butz Office Building in fall

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - March 16, 2006 - Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that it has decided to relocate its administrative office to downtown Allentown. The new office will be located in the Butz office building currently being built at the corner of 9th and Hamilton Streets. The move is tentatively planned for fall 2006 based on when construction of the building is complete.

The new 4,000 square foot office space will be on the second floor of the six-story building with an additional area for storage in the basement. Last December the bureau announced plans to open a 1,000 square foot visitors center in the same building. It will be located at street-level to provide high visibility and easy access for travelers. LVCVB's current office is located on Avenue A in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park in Bethlehem.

LVCVB is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. The bureau has 14 full- and part-time employees. The Lehigh County Commissioners voted in January to provide the non-profit agency with a $15,000 grant for four years for the visitors center and a $10,000 grant also for four years for the new administrative office. The grant monies are to be used for assistance with rent and operating costs of both facilities.

"LVCVB is committed to promoting and supporting the Lehigh Valley's three great downtowns. So it only made sense that we should show our support by relocating our office to one of them," said Michael Stershic, president of LVCVB. "These three downtowns play a significant role in the history, culture and energy of the Lehigh Valley as a whole. We are excited to have a front row seat during the important growth and developments taking place in downtown Allentown as it continues its renaissance."

The Allentown visitor center is a key component of LVCVB's commitment to having a staffed visitor center in the downtown of each of the Lehigh Valley's three cities. It currently partners with the Historic Bethlehem Partnership to operate a visitors center on Main Street in Bethlehem.

For more information on LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561 or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Celebrates March Madness for Wine Lovers

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Lehigh Valley, PA - February 24, 2006 - The nine family-owned wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail are gearing up for another mad month of March with their annual March Madness for Wine Lovers promotion.

Known as Passport Weekends, this month-long event celebrates the arrival of new vintages as well as the spring. Guests purchase passports for $25 which they take to each winery during weekends in March to be stamped. When completed, the passports are submitted for prize drawings. Each winery rewards passport holders with complimentary gifts. There are also wine and food pairings available for purchase, tours of the vineyards and special events. A limited number of passports still remain at Big Creek Vineyard, while supplies last. For a list of food and wine pairings, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com.

Amoré Vineyards & Winery, Nazareth
Big Creek Vineyard and Winery, Kunkletown
Blue Mountain Vineyards & Cellars, LTD., New Tripoli
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery, Breinigsville
Franklin Hills Vineyards, Bangor
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas
Pinnacle Ridge, Kutztown
Sorrenti Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg
Vynecrest Winery, Breinigsville

In addition to March Madness, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail holds other themed events each year. They are:

Wine on the Mountain - Held in conjunction with Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event takes place in July and includes wine samplings, arts and crafts, and food.
Anniversary Weekend - also in July, all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail's anniversary with their own special events. Each one is a surprise!
Harvest Weekend - The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker - On the second weekend in September the wineries partner with other Pennsylvania products for wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities.
Nouveau Weekend - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. Taking place the third weekend in November, it's an excellent opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink with dinner.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit www.lehighvalleywinetrail.com or call 866-870-7800.

Nature-Lovers Exploring Eastern PA with new Birding & Nature Map

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Two Rivers Area Birding and Natural History Trail Map Helps Naturalists Discover Region

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - January 16, 2006 - Birding and nature enthusiasts will be drawn to the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania due to a new, full-color map that highlights Northampton County's abundance of natural resources including nature trails, parks and birding sites.

The Two Rivers Area Birding and Natural History Trail map highlights 15 locations throughout the county where visitors can take in the flora and fauna of the area. The comprehensive map provides detailed driving directions to each location and a list with color photos of the wildflowers and bird species that can be found there. It also shows the county through land elevation, land cover and satellite inset images. A table of the various plant and animal species found in forests, wetland areas, ponds, streams and rivers, farmlands and grasslands, and gardens and hedgerows is included in a convenient checklist format.

Sites featured in the Birding and Natural History Trail map include the Appalachian Trail/Wind Gap Hawk Watch, the Forks Township and Palmer Rail Trails, Scott Park, Hugh Moore Park and the Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, among others. Visitors can rent binoculars and field guides at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center.

A steering committee which included representatives from the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Bushkill Stream Conservancy, Lafayette College and Northampton County Conservation District developed and designed the map.

The project was funded by The Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, The Wild Resources Conservation Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

To request a Two Rivers Area Birding and Natural History Trail map, call LVCVB at 1-800-747-0561 or log onto www.lehighvalleypa.org to fill out a literature request form.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call (800) 747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.

Expanded 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide Touts New Features, Improved Sections

Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

City Profiles, New Coupon Section and Improved Map Are Among the Brochure's Changes

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - January 5, 2006 - Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau recently introduced the latest version of its annual brochure, the 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide.

The full-color guide is the bureau's signature marketing piece for promoting the Lehigh Valley and provides a comprehensive overview of the region. Sections include Things To Do, What's in Store, Delectable Edibles, Calendar of Events, Places to Stay and Visitor Services, among others. It uses a combination of local photography, listings and member advertisements to promote the region's vast entertainment, historical and event offerings.

In an on-going effort to improve the popular brochure's readability and ease of use, the following new features have been incorporated into the 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide:

Expanded format - the new guide's 52-page-length is an increase of eight pages from its 2005 version.
City profiles - each of the Lehigh Valley's three cities, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, has its own dedicated page highlighting famous residents, items produced there and fun facts.
Coupon section - eighteen coupons from local restaurants, hotels, stores and attractions help visitors get the most for their travel dollar during their visit.
Improved restaurant section - local restaurants are now listed in alphabetical order by cuisine type, making it easier for travelers to find the specific kind of restaurant they are looking for.
Revised map - the map at the center of the 2006 Map & Guide has been made easier to read through the use of map coordinates for each listing.
Revised Places to Stay section - new lodging symbols were created to indicate each facility's amenities, such as indoor swimming pool, fitness center and restaurant on-site, instead of the previous grid format.

The 2006 Map & Guide's circulation was increased from 275,000 to 300,000 in order to meet the number of requests for information on the Lehigh Valley that LVCVB receives daily. A Map & Guide is sent to each person that calls LVCVB to request information. They are also distributed through the state's 11 welcome centers, at AAA offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and at the various trade and consumer shows LVCVB attends each year.

The brochures are free and can be requested by calling 1-800-747-0561 or by visiting the bureau's web site at www.lehighvalleypa.org. Copies of the Map & Guide can also be found in over 50 brochure racks at area hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is the designated tourist promotion agency of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to develop and promote the Lehigh Valley as a leisure destination and as a destination for meetings and conventions for the area's economic benefit. For more information on the LVCVB and its activities or to request a 2006 Lehigh Valley Map & Guide, call 1-800-747-0561, e-mail geninfo@lehighvalleypa.org or visit the official tourism web site of the Lehigh Valley at www.lehighvalleypa.org.