Day 2
After exploring everything Philadelphia has to offer, groups can head north of the city to the picturesque region of Lehigh Valley, where arts and innovation culminate in several distinct attractions.
Based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, C.F. Martin & Company has made its mark as an esteemed American brand for more than 180 years building guitars and other products for legendary musicians like Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney. At the Visitors Center, the Martin Guitar Museum and the Martin Guitar Factory, visitors can take a free, one-hour guided tour of the facility to watch these world-famous instruments take shape in the hands of hundreds of skilled craftspeople. Afterward, guests can stop by the music store to pick up a T-shirt or a fresh set of Martin’s trademark acoustic guitar strings.
The nearby town of Bethlehem has also played a vital role in American manufacturing, most notably as the home of the former Bethlehem Steel Company. At one point, the company was the largest producer of steel in the United States, supplying steel for the construction of landmark structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Chrysler Building and the Lincoln Tunnel. Though the plant closed in 2003, the local community fought to preserve the historic mill, leading many of the original buildings to be refurbished and reopened as public attractions.
Today, the Bethlehem Steel Campus has evolved into a thriving arts and entertainment district, with the towering blast furnaces of the old steel mill looming in the background. The Hoover Mason Trestle allows groups to climb a series of stairs and follow a walkway along the rusted furnaces, 100-ton flywheels and giant ore cars, providing a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a steel mill.
Housed inside the Bethlehem Steel Company’s former electrical repair shop, the National Museum of Industrial History details the rich history of industrial machines and innovative technologies. Next door, the ArtsQuest Center hosts more than 1,000 concerts each year as well as eight annual festivals, including nationally recognized events such as Christkindlmarket and Musikfest, the largest free music festival in the country.
Just a few minutes from the main campus, the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem provides lodging, entertainment and shopping in one premier location that features 3,000 slot machines, 180 table games and world-class cuisine from celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse.
Day 3
After a scenic hour-and-a-half drive through rolling green farmland, groups will arrive in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, home to the largest and oldest Amish community in the United States. The name “Pennsylvania Dutch” derives from the Amish, Mennonite and other German-speaking groups that settled the area during the 18th century after fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Over the past two decades, the local Amish population has nearly doubled in size, now numbering about 30,000, and visitors can experience everything this unique culture has to offer in the county seat of Lancaster.
To find the perfect Amish Country souvenir, visitors can stop by Lancaster’s Kitchen Kettle Village, a quaint little shopping district with over 40 artisan shops. These locally owned stores offer everything from heirloom quilts to fine pottery and fresh fudge. One of the most popular venues is the Jam and Relish Shop, where guests can sample dozens of homemade dips and sauces on complimentary crackers.
Just across town, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania explores the rich history of Pennsylvania’s railroad systems, which once served as a major crossroads for train lines across the nation. Inside, the museum displays more than 100 vintage locomotives and railroad cars in a reconstructed train station complete with yard tracks and a 100-foot turntable.
Set against a bucolic backdrop of Amish farmland, the Amish Experience enables newcomers to learn more about the fascinating history and culture of the Amish community. The attraction offers guided Amish Country excursions, a tour through a replica Amish home and one-room schoolhouse, and a multimedia theater production titled “Jacob’s Choice.”
For dinner, many groups take advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffet at Miller’s Smorgasbord, a Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant that offers heritage Amish cuisine and other specialty dishes.
The largest Christian theater in the country, Sight and Sight Theatre is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws to the area. The palatial theater contains a 2,000-seat auditorium and a 300-foot stage that encircles the audience on three sides. This immersive quality enables the theater to bring biblical stories to life with state-of-the-art technology and props. Following the immense success of last year’s production of “Jonah,” Sight and Sound will present the show “Jesus” throughout 2018.
