Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution and its vibrant industrial past. Founded in 1762, Allentown famously hid the Liberty Bell in its Zion Reformed Church during the war to protect it from the British, a legacy still celebrated today. Once a booming hub for iron and steel manufacturing, the city has since transformed into a lively destination with a mix of history, arts, and entertainment.
Visitors can explore the Allentown Art Museum, catch a game at Coca-Cola Park, or stroll through the scenic Lehigh Parkway. With its deep historical roots and modern revitalization, Allentown offers a fascinating blend of past and present, making it a must-visit in eastern Pennsylvania.
Fun Activities in Allentown
Explore the Allentown Art Museum
Located in downtown Allentown, the Allentown Art Museum boasts a collection of over 13,000 works spanning various cultures and time periods. Visitors can admire European Renaissance paintings, American art, textiles, and decorative arts.The museum frequently hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and interactive events suitable for all ages. Additionally, the museum offers ArtVentures, a creative space where families can engage in hands-on art activities. The museum store provides unique art-inspired merchandise, making it a delightful visit for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Experience Thrills at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a premier amusement and water park offering a diverse range of attractions. Thrill-seekers can ride eight
roller coasters, including the renowned Steel Force, one of the tallest and longest steel coasters on the East Coast.Families can enjoy Planet Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed area with rides and activities for younger guests. During the summer months, Wildwater Kingdom provides a refreshing escape with numerous water slides, wave pools, and a lazy river. The park also features live entertainment, dining options, and special events throughout the season, ensuring a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
Visit the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
The Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is a bustling indoor market featuring over 60 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and specialty items. Open Thursday through Saturday, the market provides a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can sample local delicacies, purchase handcrafted goods, and enjoy ready-to-eat meals from various food stalls. It’s an excellent place to experience the local culture, meet friendly vendors, and savor the flavors of the Lehigh Valley.
Places to Eat in Allentown
Grille 3501
Established in 2001, Grille 3501 has become a cornerstone of Allentown’s dining landscape, renowned for its sophisticated yet unpretentious
atmosphere. The restaurant offers a unique blend of New American cuisine, seamlessly integrating Asian and French influences.Signature dishes include the pan-seared blue nose sea bass and the grilled ostrich steak, reflecting the chef’s commitment to innovative and flavorful creations. The interior exudes modern elegance, with a warm ambiance that caters to both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. Patrons consistently praise the attentive service and the restaurant’s ability to provide a memorable dining experience.
Henry’s Salt of the Sea
A beloved establishment in Allentown, Henry’s Salt of the Sea specializes in French-inspired seafood cuisine. The menu showcases a variety of fresh seafood dishes, with the lobster française and broiled seafood platters standing out as customer favorites.The restaurant’s cozy, nautical-themed interior creates an intimate dining environment, reminiscent of a classic seaside bistro. Guests often commend the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the consistently high-quality meals that have made Henry’s a local favorite for years.
Union and Finch
Union and Finch offers a contemporary twist on the classic American
bistro, providing a menu filled with comfort foods and familiar favorites. Diners can enjoy dishes such as gourmet burgers, inventive salads, and hearty brunch options on weekends.The restaurant’s ambiance is both casual and refined, featuring modern décor that appeals to a wide range of patrons. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Union and Finch has quickly become a staple in Allentown’s dining scene.
The Dime
Situated on the third floor of the Renaissance Allentown Hotel, The Dime offers an elevated dining experience with panoramic views of the city. The menu emphasizes Italian steakhouse fare, including house-made pastas, premium-cut steaks, and a selection of fine wines.The sophisticated interior, coupled with floor-to-ceiling windows, creates an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service and the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Bolete
Housed in a beautifully restored 1740s stagecoach inn, Bolete is dedicated to farm-to-table dining, offering a menu that evolves with the seasons to
highlight the freshest local ingredients. Dishes such as the roasted duck breast and wild mushroom risotto exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.The rustic yet elegant interior, featuring exposed wooden beams and a cozy fireplace, provides a warm and inviting dining environment. Patrons often laud the impeccable service and the restaurant’s ability to create a memorable culinary journey with each visit.
RV Parks Nearby
Allentown, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas offer several RV parks catering to travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Here are three notable options:
Allentown KOA Journey
Nestled in a serene mountain valley, the Allentown KOA Journey spans 40 acres and features a picturesque stream running the length of the property. This family-friendly, alcohol-free campground offers spacious RV sites with full hookups, accommodating rigs up to 90 feet. Amenities include a game room, two playgrounds, a swimming pool, and weekend activities such as hayrides, bingo, and arts and crafts. Its strategic location allows for convenient day trips to New York City, Philadelphia, Amish Country, and the Pocono Mountains.Quakerwoods Campground
Situated near Allentown, Bethlehem, and Quakertown, Quakerwoods
Campground provides a variety of camping options, including spacious wooded sites with full hookups for RVs and tent sites with 15-amp service.Guests can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, adult and kiddie swimming pools, a fishing pond, game room, miniature golf, ballfield, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, basketball court, and shuffleboard courts. The campground also features a camp store, laundry facilities, and hosts themed weekends, ensuring an engaging experience for all visitors.
Stonybrook RV Resort
Located approximately 18 miles from Allentown in Lehighton, PA,
Stonybrook RV Resort offers a tranquil retreat amidst the Pocono Mountains and Lehigh Valley.The resort features full-hookup RV sites, a heated swimming pool, stocked fishing pond, arcade, golf cart rentals, playground, ice cream shop, basketball and GaGa ball courts, sports field, shuffleboard, and a general store. Guests can also participate in various special events and activities organized throughout the season, making it an ideal destination for families and groups seeking both relaxation and recreation.
»Don’t forget to check out Stearns RV Service Center!! Where they provide amazing customer service! Be sure to ask for Mark or Tom. Their website & phone number is linked below:
#610-730-9140
Stearns RV Service Center
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Allentown for Propane Fill-up
Allentown Service Plaza for RV Dumping
Books About Allentown
1. “Allentown (Images of America)” by Ann Bartholomew and Carol M. Front
This book offers a visual journey through Allentown’s past, featuring over 200 vintage photographs accompanied by insightful anecdotes from local residents. It chronicles the city’s evolution from its founding in 1762 by William Allen to its growth into the largest city in the Lehigh Valley. Readers will discover images and stories about landmarks like the Pennsylvania Power & Light tower, the impact of floods on the Lehigh River, and the city’s industrial roots in iron and silk manufacturing. The book also delves into cherished memories of Hamilton Street’s department stores, the trolley systems, Central Park, and local breweries, painting a vivid picture of Allentown’s vibrant community life over the years.
2. “Trackside around Allentown, PA 1947-1968 with Arthur Angstadt” by Jeremy F. Plant
This book provides a nostalgic look at Allentown’s significance as a railroad hub during the mid-20th century. Featuring over 250 vintage photographs, it captures the essence of the city’s bustling rail activity from 1947 to 1968. The book highlights the operations of major railroads like the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ), Lehigh Valley Railroad (LV), Reading Railroad (RDG), Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W), and Lehigh & New England Railroad (L&NE). Notably, it includes rare images such as President Harry S. Truman’s campaign train, offering readers a unique glimpse into the era’s railroading scene and Allentown’s pivotal role in it.
Final Thoughts for The Smart RVer
Allentown, Pennsylvania, offers a perfect mix of history, culture, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. History buffs can explore the Liberty Bell Museum and America on Wheels Museum, while art lovers will enjoy the Allentown Art Museum. Sports and entertainment thrive at PPL Center and Coca-Cola Park, home of the IronPigs. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails in Lehigh Parkway or visit Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom for thrills. The city’s diverse food scene, rich in Pennsylvania Dutch flavors, adds to its charm. With ongoing revitalization and a vibrant arts scene, Allentown is a dynamic destination worth exploring.