Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Allentown, PA

  • Published 2023/02/20

If you are looking for a perfect holiday getaway to enjoy ample old-world charm with a dash of cultural sophistry, look no further than Allentown, Pennsylvania.

This little city in the state’s eastern region retains some homely warmth sorely missing in modern metropolitans.

Visit its magnificent museums filled with interesting artifacts, or loiter around carefree on its many streets. You can enjoy any pleasure here.

Loads of different varieties of beverages and delectable recipes will give your taste buds a lot of pleasure.

Sports fans can cheer on their favorite minor league teams and enjoy exciting games.

The city is a complete holiday package with something on offer for everyone visiting it.

On your next trip, you must try the 20 best things to do in Allentown, Pennsylvania, to enjoy a genuinely mesmerizing holiday.

Marvel at the Bikes at America on Wheels

Display at America on Wheels

Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

America on Wheels is a vehicle lover’s heaven; you can feast on everything ever rolled on wheels.

You have multiple galleries here, each housing collection of every kind of imaginable transport form.

Marvel at the ingenious self-propelled bicycles that amaze you with their apparent magical movement.

Explore some of the innovative vehicles like the famous Segways.

Exterior of America on Wheels

Alphageekpa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn about these fantastic modern forms of transport that have been immortalized by their most famous fan-boy, the legendary Steve Wozniacki.

If you love heavy monster-type vehicles, you will undoubtedly enjoy this museum’s vast tractors and trailers.

This museum strongly emphasizes education, and you will find several activities and displays here imparting valuable transportation knowledge.

Kids can enjoy being car mechanics at the dedicated Restoration Learning Centre that teaches them vehicle restoration in a hands-on and engaging manner.

Interior of America on Wheels

Klaus Nahr from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience the Thrill at the Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Ride in Dorney Park and the Wildwater Kingdom

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lehighvalleypa/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This amusement park and water park are rolled together in the same complex.

It is midway between Emmaus and Allentown, and you can spend numerous hours here enjoying its attractions.

Enjoy the thrills and shrills as you soar on its exciting roller coasters.

Take your excitement to unreal heights by taking any thrilling rides for adults.

Otherwise, sit in some toned-down family-oriented rides and enjoy some fun family gossip along with the ride.

People on Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom's rollercoaster

Coasterman1234 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get a taste of rollercoasters as they were in the olden days.

The Thunderhawk is a huge wooden roller at this place that had its first ride in 1923.

The material and the technologies behind these fantastic machines might have changed over the years, but we assure you the fun, and the thrill remain the same.

After this, take a splash in the cooling waters of the adjacent water park.

Enjoy sliding and riding on the many wet and wild facilities here.

Fill Your Shopping Bags at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Fresh produce in Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is a traditional home-grown market in the Lehigh Valley region.

You can enjoy the freshness of the fantastic local produce of over 60 vendors who display their food here.

Choose from a wide variety of meat and poultry products, deli items that are locally produced, and the rich seafood on offer.

Alternatively, try some delicious home-baked preparations or pick up a handful of freshly plucked vegetables.

Signage of Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can purchase great gourmet groceries at the Italian market for all the die-hard Italian food lovers.

Multiple specialty stores in this region are packed with exotic and toothsome flavored ingredients.

If you get tired and hungry after the ingredient buying, feast on a sumptuous meal at any lovely restaurant.

From Vietnamese bistro to Amish homely eating joints, you can have the finest dining experience here.

Explore the Exhibits atLiberty Bell Museum

Entrance door of Liberty Bell Shrine Museum

Zeete, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Liberty Bell Museum is an iconic place in Allentown that was once used to hide the bell during the high times of the American Revolutionary War.

The Liberty Bell Museum is the perfect haven for history buffs.

Rare exhibits related to exciting events around the Liberty Bell are exhibited in plenty here.

The star attraction, of course, is the stunning replica of the original bell, which looks eerily accurate.

Other exhibits tell the story of human ideals and values that have been the hallmark of the American way of life.

You can find marvelous artifacts about freedom, liberty, and patriotism.

When you have had enough of the serious stuff, treat yourself to some fun with Pip the Mouse, a famous puppet from the local puppet scene.

This iconic mascot performed at the renowned children’s show, The Mouse Before Christmas.

Admire the Antique Trucks atMack Trucks Museum

Interior of the Mack Trucks Museum

Lehigh Valley, PA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mack Trucks Museum displays many marvelous antique trucks for vintage automobile enthusiasts to have a blast.

Many of these have been restored and now mesmerize the visiting public with their vintage charm.

You can take a guided museum tour at the Mack Customer Center.

A vehicle displayed in Mack Trucks Museum

Lehigh Valley, PA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can also look at their Mack memorabilia and learn exciting trivia.

You can also scroll through the museum archives and find some surprising and interesting facts about Mack trucks.

Please note that the Mack Trucks Historical Museum does not open all weekdays. So make sure to check out the schedule before you go here.

Fire truck displayed in Mack Trucks Museum

Lehigh Valley, PA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Discover a Different Lifestyle at the Museum of Indian Culture

Exterior of the Indian Culture Museum

BobertCockney, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get a glimpse into the indigenous people’s lifestyle and culture at the Museum of Indian Culture.

This non-profit museum has exciting artifacts that retell the sage of the Lenape and other Woodland peoples native to this region.

You can enjoy looking at a large variety of exhibits here.

You can have a look at farming and other tools of the trade that the native people in the past used.

You can enjoy starting your fire (no matches or lighters allowed) and throwing spears just as the natives used to do.

Catch a glimpse of beautiful and intricate Indian artwork at the Inter-Tribal Room.

You can also learn more about the locals’ habits and lifestyles at one of the educational programs on offer.

See aDrama at the Pines Dinner Theatre

You can enjoy one of the notable productions at the country-style Pines Dinner Theatre.

The productions here span various genres, from comedies to soulful musicals.

You can enjoy delicious food served in conventional home style by their highly welcoming staff.

You can also visit this place at one of their special dinners and have unlimited culinary pleasures.

Admire the Architecture of theTrout Hall

Exterior of Trout Hall

Rcamuse, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This historic house, which has now been converted into a museum, is an architectural marvel.

Constructed entirely out of solid stone, this is the oldest house in Allentown, dating back to the 1760s.

This house was initially used as the summer home for James Allen, after whom Allentown takes its name.

There is an impressive library here which has a great collection of historical and rare books.

You can review some of these and learn exciting nuggets about Allentown’s history.

The place also has a museum maintained by the local historical society.

This museum exhibits many essential pieces from the American Revolutionary War era.

You can get to lay your sights on some legendary but rare artifacts related to this event here.

Take a Tour of Colony Meadery

Colony Meadery still uses traditional techniques that produce the choicest flavors and the right amount of fermentation.

The master brewers at this place have been fine-tuning and improving these techniques over the years.

Today, you can enjoy some of the smoothest meads in this facility.

You can learn about the beautiful process of mead-making here and the peculiarities at this meadery that make their brews exceptional.

Located inside a removed Mack Truck Factory, you will also enjoy the architectural magnificence.

End the tour at the tasting room. Munch on some much-need delicious sandwiches and sip on their delicious meads.

Purchase Liquor atKiliminjaro Distillery

Kiliminjaro Distillery has a strong focus on only producing the best quality spirits.

Therefore, it keeps its volumes low and takes out small batches of these fine liquors.

This distillery is run by the father-daughter migrant team from Tanzania, Kishor Chosky and Niki Chosky.

They bring their rich experience gained through long world travels to ensure the spirits are of the highest quality and flavors.

You can tour this massive production facility spread across a vast 4,000 square feet area.

You get to know interesting facts and tales from the history of the distillery and the unique process they use to craft their small-batch incredible drinks.

Soak in the Aesthetics at Allentown Art Museum

Exterior of Allentown Art Museum

Alphageekpa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Allentown Art Museum was set up in 1934 by the renowned impressionist painter Walter Baum.

Baum was born in Bucks county, which is located nearby.

In the Museum’s vast expanses, you can feast your eyes on the remarkable aesthetics of impressionist paintings.

This museum started with 70 impressionist paintings originally. Nowadays, their collection is much more extensive.

The galleries in this Federal-style house feature many beautiful artworks.

European paintings, textile works, and paper artifacts adorn the spaces with their splendor.

Check out the Interactive Exhibits atDa Vinci Science Center

Exterior of Da Vinci Science Center

CyberXRef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Science lovers can attend the amazing Da Vinci Science Center to enjoy its many hands-on science, math, and engineering-related exhibits and activities.

The interactive exhibits at this museum are designed to spark scientific creativity in young children under 12 years of age.

You have one of the most engaging and fun playschool areas at this place you could ever find.

Kids can learn important technological and engineering facts and skills playfully. Packed with a laboratory, KEVA Built It Up!

Exhibit and Water Play table, this place will bring out the latent scientist-engineer in your child and unleash his or her creative potential!

Facade of Da Vinci Science Center

CyberXRef, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Show Your Support to the Lehigh Valley Phantom

Hockey game with the Lehigh Valley Phantom

Hunter Kahn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are affiliated with the NHL’s team, the Philadelphia Flyers.

The team plays in the Minor Hockey League and is based outside the PPL Center.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms enjoy great popularity among their fans, and most of their matches are sold out.

You must book your tickets to enjoy watching one of their games.

The modern PPL Centre is a vast multi-purpose facility where you can enjoy hanging out. This arena features numerous highlights.

Players of the Lehigh Valley Phantom

Hunter Kahn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You are never hungry at a Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ match. Most people grab a coffee or a bite to eat at Tim Hortons and Chickie & Pete’s.

Allentown is a warm town buried in Pennsylvania, away from the hustle-bustle of the metropolitans.

The old-era warmth and the natural expanses of this city will leave you with many happy memories.

We strongly urge you to plan a holiday in this beautiful city and feast on its many charms!

Interior of PLL Center where the Lehigh Valley Phantom play

Hunter Kahn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shop for Unique Items at Weil Antique Center

In a sizable former warehouse, the Weil Antique Center first opened its doors in November 2002.

Located outside downtown Allentown, Weil has been a city staple for over 40 years.

It is the perfect place to find unique items for your home or business.

More than 150 sellers of antiques and collectibles presently reside there.

It offers numerous vendors selling a variety of antiques, from furniture and jewelry to vintage clothing and collectibles.

Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind item or want to add character to your home décor, Weil Antique Center has something for everyone.

With its wide selection of goods and prices that fit any budget, it is easy to make this antique center your go-to spot when shopping in Allentown!

Watch an Event Held in Miller Symphony Hall

Exterior of Miller Symphony Hall

User:Alphageekpa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is an iconic building known for its history and architectural style.

It features a 1,100 seating capacity and is home to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

The hall has served as a venue for theatrical productions and musical performances over the last century, hosting countless famous musicians, actors, and artists.

Entrance to Miller Symphony Hall

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, Miller Symphony Hall is one of the oldest music venues in America, with a long-standing reputation for excellence.

Its stately architecture serves as a reminder of days gone by when cultural events were held at the grand theater.

Interior of Miller Symphony Hall

Atwngirl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Go for a Drink at Gallows Hill Spirits

Gallows Hill Spirits has been drawing curious visitors from all over the country to its unique location and atmosphere.

The famous distillery provides a taste of spirits and a touch of the supernatural.

Founders of Gallows Hill Spirits describe their mission as “preserving history through craft beverage production,” and their craft brewery is doing just that.

With a range of traditional beers, hard ciders, specialty sours, meads, barrel-aged offerings, and more, this historic venue has something for everyone to enjoy.

But what separates them from other distilleries is their commitment to preserving the stories behind each spirit they serve.

Appreciate Nature at Allentown Rose Gardens

The Allentown Rose Gardens is an enchanting sight in the city’s heart.

The gardens offer visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Brimming with vibrant colors and fragrant aromas, the Allentown Rose Gardens provide a picturesque landscape for all who visit.

This lush garden is home to varieties of roses, including hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas.

The roses come in various hues, such as peach, pink, yellow, and red; they also produce spectacular blooms throughout the summer months.

Visitors can walk through winding paths with gazebos, benches, and fountains while enjoying all that nature offers.

Join a Tour and Explore the Haines Mill Museum

Exterior of the Haines Mill Museum

Shuvaev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Haines Mill Museum in Allentown is essential to the city’s history.

The mill, used to process grain, served as an industrial hub for many years.

Presently, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past – showcasing how early settlers established their lives in this part of Pennsylvania.

The waters of the Haines Mill Museum

Shuvaev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take a guided tour to discover more about Allentown’s past, beginning with its Native American roots and continuing through its industrial era.

They’ll also display artifacts from different time periods throughout the building.

The tour also includes demonstrations of milling techniques that process grains such as wheat and rye.

Final Thoughts

From the variety of cultural sites and activities to the abundance of nature trails and parks, there is something for everyone in Allentown.

Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Allentown has something to offer.

It has numerous parks and trails offering biking, boating, and fishing activities.

The culture and history of this Allentown make it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

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