Bethlehem, Pa, June 13, 2011 - The old Bethlehem Steel headquarters is in the middle of a complete renaissance. Between the new Sands Casino, several restaurants run by Emeril Lagasse, music fests, wine fests, quaint shops and cafe’s in the historic part of town, and even an indoor go kart track, you’ll find lots of fun things to do this summer.
The Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa
Staying at the new hotel at the Sands Casino puts gaming, three Emeril Lagasse restaurants — including the elegant Emeril’s Chop House and the more rustic Emeril’s Italian Table — as well as Emeril-run room service, and even fests right under your roof. At night, the old blast furnaces are lit up in multi-colors: a veritable Emerald City for grown-ups. The casino recently hosted the Lehigh Valley Food and Wine Fest.
Emeril’s Italian Table has exclusive wines
The interior design is modern, yet pays beautiful homage to its steel heritage. The cool mix of textures throughout the hotel and casino suggested to me a steampunk feeling.
Room at the Sands Casino Hotel
A fun work in progress is the SteelStacks arts/educational center. There are already music fests, exhibits, and a neat gift store in place.
In the historic commerical section of town, there are several antique stores, clothing boutiques, and interesting shops of all kinds. If you get a little peckish, Alando Kenyan Cuisine has authentic and tasty fare. The sumptuous historic Hotel Bethlehem has a Sunday brunch that lives up to its decor.
The whole family will have fun at the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix: the area’s only indoor go kart track. It’s exhilarating but not terrifying. Kids love it, corporate retreaters love it, couples love it… you’ll have fun, too.
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