A quintessential Bucks County estate on the outskirts of New Hope. The renovated main house & detached garage with luxe guest suite are surrounded by 12 private acres. Offered for $5,950,000
Melrose Lane
This 5,700 sqft home is ready to be built to your specifications & could be complete in under a year! Located on an expansive 2 acres surrounded by luxury homes on large lots. Starting at $3,250,000
Stony Brook
This exceptional property has been immaculately cared for & features a beautifully restored stone farmhouse & contemporary amenities, all set on over 2 picturesque acres. Offered for $1,075,900
Expansive 58-acre property in Bucks County. The updated farmhouse is complemented by an outdoor kitchen, pool, pool house, 5-stall bank barn & indoor riding arena. Offered for $4,000,000
Mill Run Farm
This Bucks County gentleman’s farm combines the best of country living with the convenience of a modern home, with 21+ acres with frontage on Cooks Creek. Offered for $2,100,000
Holly Farm
A quintessential stone colonial on over 36 preserved acres. The updated & expanded home is complemented by a bank barn with garage, inground pool, and wooded trails. Offered for $1,060,000
This custom crafted Tudor home & vineyard includes unique touches throughout as well as a stunning panoramic view over 55 acres of big sky & Pocono Mountains. Offered for $3,945,000
Old World Villa
Renovated in 2021 and set on 3 private acres with views over pristine Cooks Creek, this stunning villa is a rare blend of 19th century touches & outstanding modern luxuries. Offered for $1,199,000
Cherry Avenue
Curb appeal, a sizable .4-acre lot, and superior amenities define this impeccably maintained home with 4,900+ sqft of living space on three finished floors. Offered for $775,000
Conklin
Celebrating the Best
When we started work on our July edition, our publisher, Pam Deller, warned me it would be the toughest edition I would work on all year. And she was right. But let me tell you, it was so worth it.
Every month, the Style team gets together for a meeting to go over the latest on our ad sales and upcoming editorial material. And every month Pam starts the meeting with our mission statement: “To create content that connects, celebrates and supports our community while providing platforms to help local businesses grow.” And while we hew to that statement for every edition, it rings especially true in July, when we devote the bulk of our book to bringing the Lehigh Valley community together by celebrating everyone’s favorites in 150 categories.
Work on this edition actually began in December, when we started to finalize this year’s categories. Voting happened
online back in February (13,000 readers participated!), with tabulation completed in April and winners receiving their notifications that same month. Then began the hard work of organizing our editorial coverage—no small feat with 150 different categories and 150 different winners, each one deserving so much attention.
I’m immensely proud of this year’s Best of the Lehigh Valley feature, and of our writers, photographers, editors and designers who worked together to create this celebration of the people and businesses that make the Lehigh Valley so great. The entire list is here for you to enjoy starting on pg. 48.
We’re excited to keep the celebration going—join us for our Best Of party on Thursday, July 31 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown, where there will be no shortage of food, drink, music and more. Get your tickets now at bestofthelehighvalley.com!
our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com
96 Relaxing with a Liquid Appetizer at blue!
29
Celebrating with the BEST on July 31!
30
A summer Friday happy hour at Clever Girl Winery.
BTS BOTLV Makeup by Roxy
BTS BOTLV ThreeBirds
Spend a morning with Jason A. Ulrich over coffee, and you’ll quickly understand why so many local officials and business owners keep his number on speed dial. Jason’s approach to the law is refreshingly down-to-earth, blending deep legal know-how with a knack for making even the most complex zoning or licensing issue feel manageable. He’s the kind of attorney who remembers your kids’ names, cracks a self-deprecating joke about his running pace, and then seamlessly pivots to guiding a borough through a thorny land use dispute.
Jason’s story is rooted in service to the communities of the Lehigh Valley and beyond. He has served as Solicitor for cities, townships and zoning boards across Eastern Pennsylvania. His practical counsel is sought for everything from property assessments to construction contracts. When it comes to liquor law, Jason’s extensive knowledge of PLCB regulations and his steady hand have helped countless bars, restaurants and venues open their doors with confidence.
But there’s more to Jason than legal briefs and council meetings. He’s happiest while supporting our community, giving back to the townships and boroughs that make up the Valley. He’s a runner, a devoted husband to his wife Kate, and his sense of humor—equal parts snarky and sincere—puts people at ease.
For Jason, practicing law isn’t just about statutes and regulations; it’s about building trust, solving problems, and helping local communities thrive. That’s why, when you ask around the Valley who to call for municipal or liquor law, you’ll hear his name again and again. Jason A. Ulrich is the face of municipal law in the Valley.
Jason A. Ulrich partners with municipalities and businesses to provide legal counsel in the areas of land use, zoning, real estate and construction matters.
We’re excited to announce The Suites at Fellowship Community, luxurious independent living apartments scheduled to open in 2026.
Enjoy spacious, open floor plans with contemporary finishes you can customize to reflect your personal style.
Nestled on our beautifully landscaped, petfriendly campus, The Suites offer access to a tranquil park, walking paths, and a peaceful pond with a soothing water feature.
Learn about the opportunities available to live your best life!
July 17 at 5:30 pm or August 20 at 3:00 pm
Scan QR code to register or call Laura at 610-769-4332.
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VOLUME 27, ISSUE 7
I’m excited to celebrate with all of the winning businesses that will be sampling their “best” food and drink at our Best of the Lehigh Valley party on July 31! And I can’t wait for The Weekenders to rock the party again this year!
I love good lattes and I adore a good pun, so I’m excited for Nowhere Coffee Co.’s win for best specialty lattes—they’re all delicious, and their names are hilarious!
I’m so excited to celebrate The Shelby this year! It’s always our go-to spot for great food, drinks and of course the vibes. The staff is always amazing!
President/CEO
Paul Prass
Vice President/COO Lisa Prass
Publisher Pamela Deller
Managing Editor Angela Vennemann
Digital Strategy Director Jason Chrin
Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson
Graphic Designers
Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski
Marketing & Events Coordinator Jaiden Vazquez
Marketing Advisors
Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor
Client Specialist Emily Markovich
Contributing Writers
Heather Mayer Irvine, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
Contributing Photographers
Marco Calderon, Colin Coleman, Alison Conklin
Editorial Intern Erin O’Neil
Proofreader Lori McLaughlin
Accounting Jobelle Aleño, Kim Kressman
What Best Ofwinning business are you excited to celebrate?
PrimoHoagies for sure!
I am excited to see Stoke Coal Fire Pizza and Bar and Mister Lee’s Noodles, two of my faves! I am also happy to see Owowcow since I worked there all throughout high school!
As a barre3 instructor I guess I’m a little biased, but I can’t wait to celebrate b3 winning best barre. Bias aside, El Jefe’s is an all-time favorite of mine that I’m looking forward to celebrating. Their burrito is truly the BEST!
ANGELA VENNEMANN
Managing Editor
Helming my first Best of the Lehigh Valley edition was a whirlwind in an amazing way. It’s Lehigh Valley Style ’s mission to celebrate local businesses every month, but BOTLV brings it to another level. Seeing the winners’ reactions to being named best in their categories and working with our talented team of freelancers to bring their stories to life was a great reminder of why we do what we do here at Style
CHOOSE LOCAL, STAY CONNECTED:
Service
Lehigh Valley Humane Society Garden Gala
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12 |
4 |
13 | Elissa
Snyder 15 | Hillary and Kevin Spear 16 | Jason Decker and Barbara
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10 |
17 | John
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and Lisa Deutsch 18 | Lucy and Pat
14 | David and
1 | Avery Taylor and Pam Taylor 2 | Madison Xander, Stephanie Skyriotis, Carson Kressley, Jackie Folsom, Teisha Jones, Shellie Reid-Warner and Hal Warner 3
Isabelle Dunham and Carolyn and Brad Dunham
John Ville, Randy McKinley, Arthur Rees and Denny Mauro 5
Matt Porter and Nichole Shoenberger 6
Emma Ville, Ruth Smith, Erin Mauro and Bethany Bankovich
Terry and Ali McMahon
Gabriella Salicetti, Victor and Nadya Salicetti and Isabella Salicetti
Siena Almonti and Jennifer Almonti
Mike and Susie Peters and Patty O'Dell
Brian and Jennifer Bloch, Jaccii Farris and Rob Bloch
Audrey Yuhas and Morgan Reid
Graner, Shirlee Neumeyer and Susan and Bill Harris
Cathy
Collier
Sisak
Holleran
19 | Julie Huber, Laila Huber and Jo-Ann Temple 20 | Kellon Poole and Marah Hoffman Poole 21 | Kent and Lisa Zwikl 22 | Laura Thompson, Merle Happ and Debbie Mangifesta 23 | Kristen and Basil Leonetti 24 | Lindsay Fly and Gina Gaglione 25 | Louise Malloy and Kim Janiga 26 | Marianela Cabrera and Felicia Wiedemann 27 | Matt and Renae Yeager 28 | Marta Countess, Michole Petruska and Abby Silfies 29 | Richard Matthew and Katherine Restuccia 30 | Tammi Jand, Caitlyn Murphy, Becky Simmons, Amanda Murphy, Shannon Baatz, Andrea Eygnor and Lori McCabe 31 | Ron Gowland, Len Roselli, Frank Idzik and Bob Frye 32 | Jerry Roba and Teisha Jones 33 | Doris Hoffman and Jodi and Rob Homa 34 | Terry O'Neill, Debbie Idzik, Claire Gowland and Bernadette Frye 35 | Nicholas and Irene Bartolomei 36 | Stacey Albright, McKenzy Leauber, Karolina Fosbenner and Melissa Moser
Were you photographed at an event?
Style Insider Happy Hour
Located at The Shelby
1 | Carmen Gonzalez and Mike Makhoul 2 | Cuong Tran, Kaylee Herrmann, Tim Silvestri and Susan Bonnie 3 | Manny Angelopoulos and Jeremy Angelopoulos 4 | Nan Berrian and Mel Lawson 5 | Brittany Godorov, Bernadette Rabel and Rebekah Doyle 6 | Dakota Cramsey and Kimberly Cramsey 7 | Chris Doocey and Amy Bray 8 | Cindy James, Jennifer Kohler and Jennifer McKinley 9 | Elaine and Leonard Luba 10 | Kaitlin Kerwick, Erin Corsa and Tim Shaner 11 | Basil and Kristen Leonetti and Michael Pierce 12 | Liz Hunt and Joe McDermott 13 | Beatrice Gadal, Scot Appnel and Gi Kobordo 14 | Lynn Benninghoff, Krissi Brogna, Handan Gokce and Romy Stengel 15 | Reese Schilling, Xavier Shive-Sanchez and Addison Dacey 16 | Melinda Aguilar, Evy Firsta, Shakia Williams and Evelyn Dee 17 | Tasia Hatcher and Georgina Lorii 18 | Tim Burke, Conor Hickey and Nehemiah Lindo
Who’s Who in Business
Breakfast and Awards Ceremony located at Historic Hotel Bethlehem
1 | Jon
Katie Brown, Dennis
Alison Ehret, Sean Roth and Karen Garrison 2 | Lucy Soriano, Kelly Ronalds, Amanda Merriman, Emilie Elias and Amber Grace 3 | Melanie Falcon and Jim Vaughn 4 | Ainsley McCool and Tim Miller 5 | Holly Lader and Amanda Bertino 6 | Dorah Ganchoso and Brynn Levine 7 | Lauren Detweiler and Karen Boksan 8 | John Baterick, Brandon Buchanan, Chris Boty, Tony Calcagni and Mike Christie 9 | Jessika Haynos 10 | Jenn Swan, Rosie Selvaggio, Kelsea Drozda and Jes Rodriguez 11 | Greg Ebert 12 | Jody Selverian, Ashley Temlin and Ally Intezar 13 | Matt Connell, Jamie Connell and John Connell 14 | Amie Allanson-Dundon 15 | Loana Mendez-Solano and Abril Hammerstone 16 | Roxy Williams, Kevin Ramaley and Michelle Quier 17 | Sameerah Elder and Kady Blake 18 | Triniti Miller 19 | Waad Haddad and Qies Hadeed
1 | Ann and Dennis Benner 2 | Ashley Harlacher, Alexis Moyer, Jeanene Riegel, Staci Warsaw and April Sigodd 3 | Buddy Lesavoy, Laurie Lesavoy, Susan Lopez and Patrick Bower 4 | Christina Zelko-Bennick, Laura Wetzel, Janice Concilio and Keri Angelozzi 5 | Christine Sonday and Charlie Sonday 6 | Gary Blockus, Lois Blockus, Gayle Kellett and John Graham 7 | Karen Matz and Joseph Beel 8 | Jesse Pfiefer and Melanie Nelson 9 | Joe Grispo, Sally Grispo, LeAnna Freeman and Bill Freeman 10 | James Dalkiewicz and Laura Wetzel 11 | Kelly Chando, Jen Gora, Ted Gora and Katie Santana 12 | Kevin Tamerler and Julie Tamerler 13 | Michael Caruso and Joe Helbie 14 | Michael Abgott and Lynn Abgott 15 | Ping Wang and Lina Wang 16 | Rick and Donna Sabol 17 | Cyndi Brauzer and Mitch Brauzer 18 | Robby Wax and Laurie Wax 19 | William Moyer IV and Victoria Ferrao
Baumer Wealth Management
Wealth Management Client Associate Named to Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” list in
Glenn W. Baumer, CRPC™, C(k)P® Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor
Christopher S. Baumer, CRPC™, C(k)P® Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Breanne N. Granger, CRPC™, AWMA™ Vice President, Senior Business Manager
Tiffany A. Nguyen, CRPC™
Registered Wealth Management Client Associate
Emily Kern
Data and sources for all Forbes awards and their rankings provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. Awards are based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and apply an algorithm that measures best practices, client retention, industry experience compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and firm generated income. Investment performance is not a criterion.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.
Merrill and the Bull Symbol are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.
1 | Alissa O’Hara, Laura Weller and Susan Logomasini 2 | Diane Pagano and Kendal Conrad 3 | Jerry Porter and Nadia Lescott-Porter 4 | Marsha Eichelberger, Karen Olson and Roslyn Kuba 5 | Keisha Macenet, Dr. Alle Porter, Pete Snyder and Dr. Mireille Myerhoefer 6 | Janine Hensinger, Pastor Janet Newett, Sandy Lakatosh, Bonnie Bates, Karen Griffith and Sue Roth 7 | Mary Kovacs and Pattie Engler 8 | Milou Mackenzie and Kevin Brown 9 | John and Kathy Kling and Nitsa and Stan Vasiliadis 10 | Rudy and Chris Amelio 11 | Kerry Snyder and Wally and Kelly Frisch
| Mayor Sal and Pam Panto, Keith Lampman-Perlman and Kim Checkeye 2 | Jeffrey and Misty Holmes and Larry and Diane Holmes 3 | Dan Lopez, Justin Keiper and Rocco Zegalia 4 | Laurie Siebert and Kim Checkeye 5 | Susan Worobec and Bill Zane 6 | Elaine and Zeke Zelker
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Expanding
Think of it as repotting into a larger container—The Wicked Botanist has expanded into a bigger space with their recent move to Bethlehem’s Broad Street after outgrowing their New Street location. thewickedbotanist.net
HISTORY FOR SALE
It’s a family affair—Aaron and Heather Bachstein, along with their children, Abby and Ethan, have expanded their collective love of history into Blackbird Antiques, now open in Nazareth. blackbird-antiques.com
NEW LOCATION
While the Downtown Allentown Market is sadly no more, Chez’s Delicatessen is still serving up gourmet sandwiches and salads now that they’ve found a new location! Visit them on the ArtsWalk in Allentown. eatwithchez.com
Seven Sirens Brewing Company is now serving at a new location in Parryville, Carbon County Called The RiverWalk, it has the same lineup of beers as their other locations, plus food and live music. sevensirens.beer
On the Move
Those in the western portion of the Valley are now closer to the Bayou Boys’ steaks, ’rogies and wings. Wiz Kidz Cheesesteaks closed their Bethlehem Township location in April to move to Allentown, where they’ll have better Valley-wide reach; the Bethlehem location will remain open. wizkidzlv.com
Now Open
If you’re looking for beachy home décor vibes, you’ll love Lovely by Brianna, the Valley’s newest housewares boutique. Score goods curated from national brands as well as local small businesses in this Downtown Bethlehem shop. lovelybybrianna_llc
COURTESY OF LOVELY BY BRIANNA
PARADISE COFFEE CO.
TURKISH COFFEE AND MORE
What started out as a joke between two high school friends has turned into a serious business venture in Bethlehem. Wajahat Siddique and Mohamed Abdelaziz, 2021 grads of Parkland High School, opened Paradise Coffee Co. this spring after years of bantering about the quality of the coffee at school and joking that they should open their own coffee shop. “It just started as a joke throughout the years, and then it came up again a couple months ago, and we were like, ‘Why not?’” Siddique says. The highlight of Paradise’s drink menu is their Turkish coffee, made in a showstopping process that involves brewing strong coffee over hot sand. Most food will be made in-house and reflect their Middle Eastern and Pakistani heritages, Abdelaziz says, with items like pastries, crêpes, Dubai chocolate and specialty croissants, some made to order. Paradise’s space, filled with greenery, is inviting to everyone— “Who doesn’t like nature?” Siddique says—and is the perfect spot for locals, and especially students from surrounding schools, to come in to socialize or study. Open-mic music nights are offered a few times a month to bring the community together, and don’t miss the works from local artists hanging on the walls.
552 N. New St., Bethlehem | paradise.coffee.co
HOMETOWN SPARK PERMANENT JEWELRY
NOW OPEN IN SLATINGTON
There is nothing that completes an outfit better than a touch of jewelry. Courtney Corona, owner of Hometown Spark, knows this. “I've always been a jewelry girl—I seriously don't leave the house without at least four pieces on,” says Corona. Embarking on that passion, she decided to share her love for permanent jewelry through pop-ups and private parties. “I love making meaningful connections with my customers and seeing their faces light up when they get a piece they love. When I found permanent jewelry, it all just made sense,” says Corona. After two years of growing her business, it finally came time to open her own storefront. Hometown Spark is unique in its field, offering over 80 custom-fitted chains in solid gold, gold filled, rose gold filled, sterling silver and colorful enamel. Additionally, there is a full charm bar experience, with 12 different chains and over 100 charms. Within the studio, there is also a small boutique section that stocks goods from creators throughout the Lehigh Valley, an ode to their “hometown” theme. The store is available for both appointments and in-studio parties. “People love being able to build something that's totally their own,” says Corona.
NATURALE BEAUTY SALON
NEW BRICK-AND-MORTAR
With its roots in hair and makeup services for wedding parties, Naturale Beauty Salon has since opened a storefront, expanding their services. Owner Ty Alexander is a hair loss practitioner, and within her team, each stylist specializes in a variety of skills. Stylist Tyke Franklin, or “Ty 2,” offers wash and gos, silk presses and loc maintenance. “But braids? That’s my love language,” says Franklin. She finds it is not only a style but a way for her to connect to tradition, culture and creativity. “It’s my way of telling stories with my hands,” says Franklin. Stylist Emani Williams specializes in sew-ins, wig installs and custom wig making. “Helping people feel beautiful is my passion, and it's the reason I love what I do every day,” says Williams. Naturale Beauty Salon welcomes people of all ages and offers a wide range of services including various protective styles, cuts, balayage, blowouts and nail and wax services. Additionally, treatment for alopecia is available with a focus on low-level laser therapy to stop hair loss and restore natural beauty. “Every head of hair is a new canvas, and I'm here to make sure you leave my chair feeling confident, seen and stylish. Let's create something beautiful together,” says Franklin.
COURTESY
JOINT GOODS
HANDCRAFTED IN NAZARETH
The immediate plan was not to open a storefront, confesses Martina Calluori, owner of Joint Goods. She was comfortable selling her handmade goods at local farmers markets, with no big plans for change. “Then, my dream storefront became available and I knew I had to at least try,” says Calluori. Joint Goods is now open to customers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while it converts into Calluori’s studio Monday through Thursday. Housing not only Calluori’s work but also a wide variety of small businesses from across the country, Joint Goods offers products ranging from candles and incense sticks to cards, knit blankets and all goods in between. Calluori also holds hands-on candle-making classes. After picking from a range of over 30 fragrances, customers leave with their own candles, adorned with hand-pressed flowers and the pride of their hard work. Calluori will take care of the measuring, while people learn how to mix in fragrances, pour their own wax pitcher and watch as it cools. Once the candle runs out, Calluori sells refills for every product, offering a sustainable way to reuse candle jars. “Joint Goods is where all my interests join together,” says Calluori.
45 E. Belvidere St., Nazareth | jointgoodspa.com
and Allentown,
SPICE CRUST PIZZERIA
ITALIAN WITH AN INDIAN TWIST
Here’s one you may not have heard of before—Indian-Italian fusion. The two flavors come together in the best way at Spice Crust Pizzeria. “We wanted to create a place where traditional pizza meets the richness of Indian spices—a unique fusion that reflects both our roots and our love for comfort food,” says owner Nick Cheema. Spice Crust’s pizza has a unique signature sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs and a touch of Indian spice, with toppings ranging from the traditional (premium mozzarella, peppers, olives) to the unexpected (paneer, cilantro, ginger). “The chicken tikka pizza, paneer pizza and our tandoori chicken pizza are definitely fan favorites,” Cheema says. In addition to their signature and gourmet pizzas, Spice Crust also offers wraps, burgers, cheesesteaks, pasta and wings, and all of their meats are 100 percent halal—Cheema says the pizzeria proudly offers this option so more of the community can enjoy their cuisine with confidence. “Spice Crust is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a fusion of cultures and a celebration of flavor,” says Cheema. “We invite everyone to come try something new and unforgettable!”
2910 Easton Ave. Unit 11, Bethlehem | 610.419.1319 | spicecrustpizzeria.com
BE PART OF THE STORY!
Is there a category that you’d like to see included in next year’s Best of the Lehigh Valley survey? Email editor@lehighvalleystyle.com!
DID YOU KNOW?
You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!
Win It
Enter to win two tickets to our Best of the Lehigh Valley party on Thursday, July 31 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown, a $100 value. Head to lehighvalleystyle.com/ share-with-us to enter!
LVS Weddings
Tying the knot in 2025? Submit your photos for a chance to be featured in our 2026 Weddings edition! Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us SUBMIT NOW!
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ALANIA MARIANO
GET THE GOODS
Clever Girl Winery
Lehigh Valley residents can consider themselves lucky that one hobby got out of hand. Growing from a home winemaking kit into a tasting room in The Commodore in Easton, Clever Girl Winery has spent the last seven years perfecting the fun of crafting local wines. Owner and winemaker Don Andreas spills the tea—er, wine—about what’s now and what’s next for Clever Girl.
QTell us a little about Clever Girl Winery’s history!
Funny story—my wife, Pamela, told me to get a hobby! Sunday used to be our day to relax. We spent a lot of Sundays visiting local wineries together where I gained a new interest in wine. I purchased a basic home winemaking kit in the summer of 2018, and Iʼm one of those people that either goes zero miles per hour or 150 miles per hour, so that's what I did with the wine. I found courses at Northampton Community College, plus a lot of online information about winemaking. Before we knew it, we created the LLC and applied for the federal and state liquor licensing in the summer of 2019.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
How did Clever Girl come to downtown Easton?
We opened our tasting room in downtown Bangor on Labor Day weekend of 2020. Downtown Bangor is a great little community that I can see is headed in the right direction, but that kind of change doesn't happen overnight. We felt that we couldn't wait out the transformation there, so we looked into other options. During the stretch of time when we were attempting to move our operations to land we had purchased in Plainfield Township, we stumbled across the opportunity to take a space at The Commodore building.
What can customers expect on a visit to your tasting room?
There are three things that customers can expect when coming to Clever Girl Winery: we are unintimidating, we offer a great variety and we are very affordable. Our motto at Clever Girl is “ fun over fancy.” We want everyone to feel welcome, unintimidated and free to explore new things in an inviting atmosphere. As for variety, we offer 20 different wines. In addition to wines, we make some of the best sangrias you will ever try! We always have four varieties available, so you can enjoy a flight of sangria anytime. We also have draft and bottled beers as well as a small cocktail, mocktail and martini list. Finally, with all of our wine bottles priced at $25 or less, we are very affordable.
How many varieties of wine do you make? Are they available all year round?
We currently have 20 different wines—drys, semi-sweets, sweets, reds and whites. There’s something for everyone! Our wines are not seasonal. We produce them in various-sized batches (based on popularity) and sell them until they are sold out.
What’s your recommendation for a good way for customers to find a wine they love?
That's easy—taste them! Many people feel intimidated by wine. The wine industry often suggests the aid of sommeliers to explain wines to our “ lessdeveloped palates.” It doesn't matter what someone else thinks of a wine, you are an expert on what you like.
What are some customer favorites?
Our pear fruit wine “Claire” is kind of our flagship wine. In the beginning, it was one of the wines that really turned people's attention our way. Itʼs just so unique and different. It was the first fruit wine we created, and we took a little gamble in a sense. All the local wineries already had apple wines and blueberry wines, so I wanted to try something different. It was one of those risks that paid off for us. Itʼs actually a higher-end semi-sweet wine, but it's so well-balanced between its up-front sweetness and its pear-tart finish that even dry wine drinkers aren't put off by it. Additionally, our peach wine “ Janet” is also very popular. On the other side of the coin, we get a lot of compliments on our dry reds for their low oak and low tannin content.
Tell us about your sangrias!
We call my wife “ The Sangria Queen” because she creates all of our sangrias. They are all on the sweeter side since we do not add any additional spirits. Sheʼs probably created over 50 of them in the four and a half years weʼve been in business, including a Bacon Sangria that we offer at Baconfest! Every July, we host a five-week-long event called Sangria WARS where we have our customers vote for their favorites. Starting July 4, customers can come in
and enjoy a flight of four of our most popular sangrias and vote for their favorite. This happens for four straight weekends with four different sangrias each weekend, producing four weekly winners. Then, on the fifth weekend, we create a flight of those four winning sangrias and customers vote for the Sangria WARS winner! Perennial favorites include Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Spicy Mango, Apple Pie, Red Raspberry and Blueberry Black Tea.
Do you host regular events?
While not on a weekly basis, we host weeknight events throughout the year such as charcuterie classes and paintand-sips.
What’s next for Clever Girl?
After leaving downtown Bangor last year, we returned to the Slate Belt area in April by teaming up with an incredible business called All Aspects at the Barn in Mount Bethel where our wines are now available for purchase. They have the most beautiful outdoor space with a petting zoo and a playground. Itʼs the ultimate family-friendly place.
Dr. Abby Mahone EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, MORAVIAN ACADEMY moravianacademy.org
School’s out! It’s time for freedom, fun and flexibility— but what about the summer slide? Time away from the classroom can cause students’ hard-earned skills to fade. Fortunately, Dr. Abby Mahone of Moravian Academy offers expert guidance on navigating summer learning loss, and it doesn’t have to be a drag!
WHAT AND WHY?
“It’s not about intelligence or motivation,” Mahone says of summer learning loss. “It’s about time away from structured learning. Children, especially in elementary school, tend to lose academic skills over summer break, simply because they’re not practicing them.”
Every child’s summer looks different. Some have access to books, educational camps or museum trips; others may not. Students with learning differences, those learning English as a second language or those who lack academic support at home are especially vulnerable. “For kids who are already struggling to keep up, summer can widen existing disparities,” Mahone says.
Socioeconomic factors do play a role, but libraries, free community events and engaged parents can go a long way toward keeping learning pathways limber. Any child who spends the summer by
85 YEARS OF KNOWING YOUR WATER WELL
themselves scrolling TikTok is going to face academic atrophy, and those few months of inaction can transform into a lasting learning gap.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
Pennsylvania still hasn’t fully caught up on educational setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how far-reaching the effects of slide can be. And summer learning loss—though less extreme—can have a cumulative impact.
“By the time a student reaches middle school,” Mahone says, “they may be significantly behind peers who had more consistent summer support.”
This gap can ripple into high school and beyond, influencing confidence, academic engagement and even long-term outcomes like job readiness and salary. A few months of inaction each year can quietly snowball into a lasting disadvantage.
SUBJECTS THAT SLIP: MATH VS. READING
Reading for fun strengthens vocabulary, background knowledge, critical thinking and imagination, and it’s easier to sustain the habit over the summer thanks to accessible materials—yes, that includes graphic novels and magazines! “Kids don’t have to read all Newbery Honor books,” Mahone says. “It’s great for kids to read whatever they enjoy.” Reading four to six books over the summer will maintain a child’s reading level, while exceeding that number can move them ahead.
Mahone says that meanwhile, “multistep problems and procedural skills like long division or fractions are especially easy to forget if they’re not enforced.” While reading or being read to will boost literacy, math and scientific concepts can be woven into the leisure months in ways that reinforce their usefulness. “Talk about managing money while planning a trip, budgeting, shopping, measurements in cooking, statistics in sports,” Mahone suggests. “Try to incorporate math into daily activities.”
You can always consult with your child’s teachers if you want input on setting realistic summer goals and expectations.
Mike McGrath
Bet Your Garden®
Grace Mansfield Twenties Toolbox
Dr. Hasshan Batts
Talk
ROUTINE, NOT RIGIDITY
“Summer is a beautiful thing,” Mahone emphasizes. “I want families to totally embrace it.”
While you’re connecting, exploring and taking the time and space to experience things you can’t during the school year, remember that children thrive on predictable routines, even in a flexible season. Balancing play and fruitful boredom with light academic habits gives the best of both worlds.
Every household is unique. Some kids might thrive in summer school or math camp; others might read in the morning, play math games after lunch, and spend the rest of the day frolicking. “Consistency matters more than intensity,” Mahone says. “The goal isn’t to replicate school at home, or cram at the last minute, but to keep brains active in everyday ways.”
One of Mahone’s favorite strategies is to invite her kids to set their own goals. Her daughter set a summer goal to study Spanish—enough to read Spanish books aloud to her younger sister. That kind of self-motivated learning fosters confidence and agency.
CURIOSITY AND CONNECTION
Above all, model your own love of learning. “Whatever your kid’s into,” Mahone says, “follow them. Meet them there, get books on the subject, talk about it. That will lead to more curiosity and connection.”
And when it comes to screen time, keep it supplemental. “I recommend being very thoughtful about how technology is used, what kids have access to and setting clear limits,” Mahone says. Kids reading about sea animals on a beach vacation can grab the iPad to find pictures of a shark. Targeted games or apps for little ones can reinforce phonics, but parental involvement is crucial. Hours of unsupervised Bluey binging is not it.
From nature walks and museums to family game nights and thoughtful conversations, there are countless ways to stay mentally active and have a good time doing it. “Summer is a powerful time for wonderful things,” Mahone says, “a different kind of learning that can be equally important.”
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Inés Maldonado
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MARCO CALDERON
Moving your body to music is something that everyone can enjoy. Whether you can pick up moves easily or you have two left feet, dancing is a great way to boost your mood and your physical activity. Inés Maldonado of Lehigh Valley Salsa Social is bringing her brand of wellness to the area with energizing classes teaching everyone from beginners to experts how to dance salsa as well as bachata, a dance style from the Dominican Republic. Read on to learn about how Maldonado strives to achieve wellness through dance and other healthy habits.
QHow long has dance been a part of your life?
I have loved to dance ever since I was nine years old. I started to take salsa classes in October 2013 with my youngest son. I had the desire to continue dancing to see how far I could go. By 2016, I was teaching others.
Tell us about Lehigh Valley Salsa Social!
Lehigh Valley Salsa Social was established a little over thirteen years ago by prior instructors. The studio was given to me in 2016 due to my experience, but I learned from scratch on how to teach and keep salsa alive in the Lehigh Valley.
What inspired you to teach at this studio?
I took classes in New York City and New Jersey that were taught by a lot of amazing dancers. I was moved by how the classes in these studios made me feel, and I wanted to share this passion with others.
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LIVING WELL WITH
Who can take dance classes at Lehigh Valley Salsa Social?
Anyone can take classes with Lehigh Valley Salsa Social as long as they are willing to learn and have fun. There are no limitations, and there is no excuse not to dance.
What levels of dance classes do you offer?
We offer classes for everyone, from prebeginners (level 1) to beginners (level 2) to intermediate (level 3).
How can you achieve wellness through dance?
Because I am a type 1 diabetic, I’m aware of the advantages that salsa and bachata dancing provide, and they have helped me health-wise. I have had students that have lost weight and received good reports from their doctors.
Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you can’t start your day without?
My morning routine starts with asking Alexa to play music. This helps me coordinate steps for my daily and weekly routines for my students.
How about your nighttime routine?
My nightly routine consists of me relaxing, which includes foot and body massages— the best!
What has your own health and wellness journey looked like?
My doctors are impressed with my good cholesterol numbers due to my cardio activities!
What is something you love to indulge in?
Knowing that my dance studio helps others by destressing their daily lives.
How do you relieve stress?
By hanging out with others with the same passion as myself.
What goals do you have for your personal wellness?
My goal is to stay active and keep my body mobile.
What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?
I focus on eating healthy and keeping my diabetes numbers in a normal range. Keep up with all the latest and the BEST, delivered right to your door!
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley?
My favorite places to eat are BJ’s Brewhouse in Breinigsville, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market in Easton, Orizaba Mexican & Costa Rican Kitchen in Bethlehem and B Social in Lower Saucon Township.
What do you order?
At BJ’s I like burgers, ribs and calamari, and I love their tomato basil salad. At 3rd & Ferry I get shrimp, calamari and fish. I get carnitas tacos with onions, queso fresco, tomatoes and guacamole at Orizaba, and my favorite at B Social is their burger with an espresso martini.
Who is someone you look up to and why?
Griselle Ponce—she is beautiful inside and out and especially in her dances. Her moves are flawless and her confidence is what made me want to be as good as her. I was always shy, but in the past seven years I transitioned myself to love myself first and be the best I can be.
How do you stay motivated?
The faces of my team when they learn a new move make me want to teach them more and have them break out of their shells.
Do you have a personal mantra? Feel the music, don't listen to the music.
What’s one takeaway about wellness you would share?
To be healthy is not to work at it; to be healthy is to have fun while doing it.
484.799.9055 | lehighvalleysalsasocial.com
Mallory Zondag
MIXED-MEDIA FIBER ARTIST AND EDUCATOR
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
A festival that’s been on the Lehigh Valley’s summer calendar for more than 40 years doesn’t have a lot of firsts yet to achieve. First one-million-attendee year, first fried Oreo (or Twinkie or pickle or mac and cheese), first comedian on the main stage—it’s all been done. And yet, Musikfest racked up a notable never-happened-before when it enlisted artist Mallory Zondag to work her magic on the 2025 poster. Zondag’s creation represents the first time the fiber arts have been given their time to shine on what has become the visual embodiment of the fest that out-fests them all in Bethlehem.
In selecting Zondag, who is 31 years old, ArtsQuest once again leaned on its very creative inner circle; Zondag, a mixed media artist who specializes in fiber felting, grew up in Bethlehem and took a number of classes at the Banana Factory in her youth. She’s been a teaching and exhibiting artist with ArtsQuest since 2017.
During those early years in the Christmas City, when adults posed that question so commonly asked of children (“What do you want to be when you grow up?”), Zondag never faltered. “‘Artist’ was always the first thing that I said, and then it varied what type of art I wanted to do over the years,” she recalls. “A painter, a sculptor, a glassblower, all the variations, but I always wanted to be an artist.”
It helped that her parents were both creative in their own ways, Zondag says. She recalls her mother, Sharon, making elaborate scrapbooks for her and her older sister, Marissa. Her father, Ed, worked as an engineer and had a knack for figuring out how things worked. “So I feel like I have both of those aspects in me, and then I took it in a weirder direction,” Zondag says, laughing.
Perhaps more important than the genes they passed on to their daughter, though, was the way Ed and Sharon Zondag nurtured their budding artist. Besides signing her up for those Banana Factory classes, they sought out people like Deb Berkner, a tailor in Bethlehem, who helped Zondag master stitching and sewing when she began to show an interest in fiber art.
Following her graduation from Moravian Academy, Zondag decided to study fashion design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. That was after an eye-opening trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where, as a teenager in 2011, she visited the Savage Beauty exhibit, a posthumous retrospective of the work of designer Alexander McQueen. “That’s what showed me that textile and fashion and art were all one thing,” Zondag says. “You can make sculpture for the body. You can work in razor clam shells and wood and glass and ceramic and fabric all at the same time and put it on a body. I was like, ‘Okay, that’s what I want to do.’”
Post-Pratt, she was back in the Lehigh Valley and planning her next move, taking on teaching gigs, paint-and-sips, summer camps, studio assistant roles and the like; anything to get her closer to becoming a professional working artist. By that time, she had figured out that, while she appreciated fashion as an art form, she didn’t want to be in the fashion industry. A prior internship with the New York-based artists and brothers Steven and William Ladd, known for their large communal pieces, inspired her to try something similar here
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28 Years as a
The Fiber Living Wall program invites students to work together to make a felted wall that looks like something lifted from a lush garden in a fairy tale. She’s partnered with a number of Lehigh Valley schools and organizations over the past few years, teaching them the art of wet felting to create these three-dimensional pieces made of wool. “I love explaining a process to someone, watching it click with them and seeing how they take what I’m teaching and maybe create a brand-new thing that I wouldn’t have thought of,” says Zondag.
While she finds collaboration fulfilling, she sometimes craves solitude, too.
Inspiration for her solo pieces comes largely from the natural world and humankind’s relationship to it, for better and for worse, “especially the time that we’re in with the challenge of climate change and the challenge of losing [animal] species, environmental degradation. This is a really anthropocene time,” Zondag says.
For those who view her work, she hopes simply for an emotional reaction. “If they look at my work and feel absolutely nothing, I don’t think I’ve done my job right,” Zondag says. “I create my art for me because I feel like I have to express myself in this way. There’s no other option. I feel that I have to be an artist. It’s how my mind works. It’s how my hands work. But for people to come and see my work, if they have an experience in viewing it, that is the most important part to me.”
Bringing one of her pieces to life requires preparation and planning, peeling back the layers of the structure she can see in her mind. She credits her father’s engineering acumen with guiding her through that part of the process. But it doesn’t always work out, Zondag says. “Especially with a lot of the wet felting, when you’re working with wool and water and you’re trying to sculpt it, sometimes the material will be like, ‘Nope, I don’t want to do that, I’m going to do this instead.’”
She has exhibited widely in the Lehigh Valley, with shows at the Banana Factory, the Allentown Art Museum and Muhlenberg College’s Baker Center, among others, but her reach extends well beyond her old stomping grounds—shows
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in New York City; New Orleans; Berkeley, California; and even as far away as Ukraine pepper her curriculum vitae.
Zondag also has been an artist-inresidence at Acadia National Park, the Wassaic Project in Wassaic, New York, and the Allentown Art Museum, where she led workshops and created the installation Cocooned in 2020, as the museum was coming out of its own cocoon after being shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of Zondag’s crowning achievements as an artist came in 2022, when she was commissioned by the artist Amalia MesaBains to craft a large moss rug for one of her installations at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. The rug, which was created entirely by hand and took over 600 hours to make, is now part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Zondag now lives in Schenectady, New York, but she returns to the Lehigh Valley often for school and community programs, to teach workshops, to show her work and to visit her parents and sister. “I’ve stayed pretty well connected to the area because it is a wonderful, wonderful place,” she says.
A return trip is already planned for early August, when Musikfest 2025 will be in full bloom. The poster Zondag designed for the festival shows Bethlehem’s north and south sides connected through an underground, intertwined root system. Among those roots are music staffs, representing the unifying power of music and Musikfest: 10 days of community connection under the summer sun in the Christmas City. Zoom out, and the same themes apply to how Zondag views the arts in general. “Arts and music and creative expression is a way for us to share our stories with each other,” she says. “And that’s how we connect and create a strong, stable community.”
malloryzondag.com
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Gluten-Free Fare
BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY COLIN COLEMAN
Options in the Valley are such that folks with diet restrictions can eat out without compromising their health or their taste buds, and those who are gluten-free are no exception. These five mouthwatering morsels can be scrumptious options for those avoiding gluten.
1. CANNOLI DIPPED IN SWISS CHOCOLATE
VEGAN TREATS
1444 Linden St., Bethlehem | vegantreats.com
With gorgeously decorated confections and intriguing soft-serve flavors (grapefruit basil??), this plant-based bakery entices even the omnivore. For gluten-free folks, custom cakes can of course be made to accommodate, and the pastry case includes GF cannoli: crunchy, creamy and dipped in chocolate chips or Swiss chocolate.
2 . CHICKEN BITES DRIP
1310 Main St., Hellertown | driptheflavorlab.com
Famous for fried chicken sandwiches, Drip invites guests to indulge in burgers, beers and onion rings from a menu replete with glutenfree and vegan options. GF kids will especially love a chance to order their beloved nuggies, as Drip’s Chicken Bites are delightfully crunchy and dunkable. Follow ʼem up with a gluten-free Oreo milkshake.
3. WAFFLES
BEDHEAD VEGAN BRUNCH HOUSE
310 E. Goepp St., Bethlehem bedheadbethlehem.com
This weekend spot on the North Side offers to start your sunny summer day with indulgent breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy, sourdough cinnamon rolls and hand-made hash-tots. The gluten-averse are provided for with gluten-free waffles available with decadent toppings like strawberry compote and chocolate ganache or the tiramisu treatment.
4. POUTINE
THE FLYING V
201 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem theflying-v.com
Fear no cross-contamination from the fryer at The Flying V—all poutines are gluten-free! These mouthwatering mounds of fries laden with gravy and cheese curds are famously Canadian and hit just right, especially from their food truck when it’s stationed at a local brewery. Check the menu for special toppings including GF fried chicken!
5. HOT WINGS
UNION & FINCH
1528 W. Union St., Allentown unionandfinch.com
This casual bistro fills up fast with loyal regulars, including those avoiding gluten, who know that Union & Finch provides a separate fryer to keep your succulent order of wings segregated from the offending element. Try them tossed in parmesan garlic, Carolina Reaper or “Sweet and Sweaty” sauce.
ARTSQUEST
and community partners allow ArtsQuest to provide over half of its programming free to the public with scholarships available for individuals facing financial hardship.
ArtsQuest has its eye on the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center slated to be built in 2025 in addition to the renovation of the historic Turn & Grind Shop, located next to the Bethlehem Visitor Center on the SteelStacks campus. The Cultural Center will serve as a visible and creative gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide; provide much needed space, new programs and advanced technology that will double the number of students and families ArtsQuest currently serves; implement new partnerships as a Communications Career Pathway Program with the BASD; and further foster economic development and tourism across the Lehigh Valley, which will improve property values and further civic pride. The Turn & Grind Shop will allow ArtsQuest to significantly expand its private event space to further accommodate corporate events, weddings, proms and additional functions. Its beautiful and historical location and structure will significantly further travel and tourism
HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES
By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment
community-based mental health services from organizations like Haven House has grown post-pandemic. Looking in from the outside, one wouldn’t know that over 70 staff members are working to keep seven distinct programs and countless partnerships running to support around 3,000 individuals in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Haven House continually searches for new opportunities to expand and improve access to services to fulfill their mission. In addition, Haven
the public around mental health to foster a stigma-
Haven House is committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers in their lives and provide them with support and an opportunity to reach their full potential. To support Haven House, or to learn more about their different programs, visit haven-house.com.
resume poverty simulations, grow group therapy options and host a gala-type event, in order to reach new and different audiences regarding community mental health. Please follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter to avoid missing any of their exciting updates.
1411 Union Blvd. Allentown 610.433.6181 haven-house.com
Members of the Haven House leadership team
ArtsQuest is a nonprofit with a mission of providing access to the arts for all. Its programs reach more than 1.9 million people annually. Fundraising events, sponsors
Providing access
EXPERT APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS
Trained
Dedicated Logistics Coordinators
Over a Century of Excellence
Mission-focused, ArtsQuest has its eye on the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center slated to be built in 2025 in addition to the renovation of the historic Turn & Grind Shop, located next to the Bethlehem Visitor Center on the SteelStacks campus. The Cultural Center will serve as a visible and creative gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide; provide much needed space, new programs and advanced technology that will double the number of students and families ArtsQuest currently serves; implement new partnerships as a Communications Career Pathway Program with the BASD; and further foster economic development and tourism across the Lehigh Valley, which will improve property values and further civic pride. The Turn & Grind Shop will allow ArtsQuest to significantly expand its private event space to further accommodate corporate events, weddings, proms and additional functions. Its beautiful and historical location and structure will significantly further travel and tourism to the Lehigh Valley.
HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES
By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment
Members of the Haven House leadership team
Haven House is committed to empowering individuals to overcome barriers in their lives and provide them with support and an opportunity to reach their full potential. To support Haven House, or to learn more about their different programs, visit haven-house.com.
Best OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY THE 12 TH ANNUAL
BEST HUMMUS Daddy’s Place
Put down the Sabra—the real thing is at Daddy’s Place. Six different flavors of hummus appear on their menu, including classic (chickpeas blended with garlic, lemon and tahini), spicy (blended with Lebanese cayenne pepper) and Daddy’s hummus (topped with sautéed beef, onions and pine nuts).
Everyone has a favorite place in the Lehigh Valley to get ice cream. Or a haircut. Or the perfect gift. We made it our mission to find out which local businesses top them all, in 150 categories. You know them, you love them—these are the people and places that were voted the best of the best by readers of Lehigh Valley Style
Food & Drink
BEST CHEESESTEAK Giacomo’s Italian Market and Grille
What’s the right way to order a cheesesteak? A controversial question for sure, but for fans of Giacomo’s, it comes with American cheese, fried onions and sauce on a 12-inch roll.
700 Cattell St., Easton 610.438.1945
4041 William Penn Hwy., Easton | 610.438.0720 giacomositalianmarket.com
BEST FROZEN YOGURT Menchie’s
Dozens of froyo flavors and dozens of available toppings make for… a lot of possible combinations (we’re not good at math). Choose your own delicious adventure at two Valley locations.
943 Airport Center Dr., Allentown | 610.841.4913
353 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown | 610.841.1900 menchies.com
BEST BREAD Egypt Star Bakery
For more than 80 years, Egypt Star Bakery has been serving up some of the Valley’s favorite breads, from rye and pumpernickel to raisin, cinnamon, challah and more. With four different locations to choose from, you’re never far from fresh baked goodness. Multiple area locations egyptstarbakery.com
BEST CUPCAKE Sweet Girlz Bakery
The choices might be overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with any of the 75-plus cupcake flavors at Sweet Girlz Bakery. The bakery’s most popular cupcake is the peanut butter bomb—a moist chocolate cake with fresh peanut butter baked right inside, topped with peanut butter buttercream and peanut butter morsels. Over the past 13 years, the Easton bakeshop has “yes and”-ed its offerings, which started with jam and moved from cake pops to cupcakes and cakes. “We’ve been able to grow all these years because of our customers,” says co-owner Andriana Gionis. Look for Sweet Girlz Bakery at this summer’s local festivals and events, including Lehigh Valley Pride and Clam Jam in August.
40 N. 3 rd St., Easton | 610.829.1030 | sweetgirlzbakery.com
BEST HIBACHI Steak & Steel Hibachi Inc.
Bethlehem’s Steak & Steel Hibachi is, first and foremost, a hibachi restaurant—and a darn good one. “What sets us apart is our commitment to quality,” says manager Wei Huang, “using the freshest ingredients, mastering the art of hibachi cooking and delivering not just a meal but a show filled with energy and fun.” But even if you’re not feeling fiery for lunch or dinner, Steak & Steel has a vibe for you. It’s like four venues in one: hibachi eatery, gastropub, sushi bar and a relaxed dining area where you can nosh surrounded by local art.
44 W. Walnut St., Bethlehem 610.849.2323 steakandsteelpa.com
BEST GRILLED CHEESE McCall Collective Brewing Company
If you’re serious about grilled cheese, you have to try the Barbacoa Beef version at McCall, made with garlic butter, cheddar cheese, barbacoa beef, chimichurri and cilantro lime onions. Even the kids’ menu version is top notch, made with sourdough bread.
102 E. Susquehanna St., Allentown | 610.973.5403 mccallcollectivebrewing.com
BEST HOAGIE
PrimoHoagies
Who knew there were five ways to order an Italian hoagie? Try those and 35 other types of sandwiches at the chain voted Best Sandwich Shop in America by readers of USA Today
Multiple area locations primohoagies.com
Alison Conklin Photography
Food & Drink
BEST CAKE
The Farm Bakery & Events
The Farm, as the family calls it, is in Becca Lynde’s blood. She was born and raised on the Quakertown property, and after college, she and her husband were married there. Eventually they purchased the property and ultimately turned it into a wedding and events venue. They also created The Farm Bakery in 2016, which creates custom cakes for weddings and special occasions and uses her dad’s and grandmother’s recipes—from her family’s Meyers Restaurant, which served Quakertown for more than 50 years—in some of their favorite items, like apple dumplings. “What excites us the most is the legacy that continues through our farm and bakery,” Lynde says.
2475 W. Zion Hill Rd., Quakertown | 215.645.9343 meyersfarmbakery.com
BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE Mia & Maddie’s Bakery
These decadent desserts are just what the doctor ordered—literally. Owner and physician-turned-baker Eileen Mason-Newman has perfected her cookie recipe, featuring plenty of two types of European chocolate hand-mixed into the dough.
34 N. 2 nd St., Easton 484.548.2045 mia-maddie.com
BEST PIEROGI Bayou Boys Pierogies
These tasty treats made in small batches can be found dressed up at The Bayou, dressed down at Wiz Kidz and for sale at school and program fundraisers around the Valley. bayouboyspierogies
BEST BURRITO El Jefe’s Taqueria
There are plenty of ways to build your perfect burrito just how you like it at El Jefe’s Taqueria, from the 10 protein options to the wide variety of rices, beans, veggies and salsas. Night owls are welcome (they’re open until 3 a.m.), but so are early birds, who can snag a hearty breakfast burrito when they open at 8 a.m.
506 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.419.2000
eljefestaqueria.com
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST ICE CREAM Owowcow
It doesn’t get better than this—Owowcow’s handmade ice cream is made with local organic cream, local cage-free eggs, local raw honey and non-GMO cane sugar. They also make a vegan version you’d swear was the real thing, and the BowWowCow pumpkin pup cup is the perfect treat for your best friend.
1262 Simon Blvd. Suite B106, Easton | 610.438.5269
owowcow.com
BEST MACARON
The Modern Bakery
Promising “playful luxury with every bite,” The Modern Bakery is the place to go for a regularly rotating selection of macaron flavors like salted caramel and chocolate, pistachio and PB&J. Try a “Fatcaron,” a comically oversized macaron that comes in flavors like cinnamon lavender, s’mores and mint cookies & cream.
128 N. 3 rd St., Easton 484.578.9040
themodernbakery.com
BEST MAC & CHEESE
Three OAK Steakhouse
The macaroni and cheese at Three OAK Steakhouse is listed on the sides menu, but there’s nothing stopping you from making a meal out of it, especially when there’s a lobster version.
323 Northampton St., Easton | 610.559.5510
threeoaksteakhouse.com
BEST POKE BOWL
ChopFin Poke + Taqueria
ChopFin bills itself as a new, clean alternative to the fast-casual market. Meaning, just because you’re in a hurry you don’t have to fill up on junk. “Poke bowls are a great fast and healthy food option,” says Steve Kilroy, co-owner and co-manager of ChopFin in South Whitehall Township. “Poke bowls at ChopFin have a base of either white rice, black rice, spring mix or cold noodles.” From there, you can stick with one of their specialties, like the High Roller, Mad Tuna or Pineapple Express, or build your own bowl. ChopFin offers vegan and gluten-free options, too.
1403 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 140, Allentown | 610.351.9230 | chopfin.com
Alison Conklin Photography
Food & Drink
BEST HOT DOG Yocco’s
A Lehigh Valley institution since 1922, Yocco’s serves their dogs well done on a steamed bun with mustard, chopped onions and Yocco’s Famous Secret Chili Sauce. If you’re having a party, a tailgate or a campout, pick up a Doggie Pac with everything you need to make this classic on your own.
Multiple area locations yoccos.com
BEST BARBECUE Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse
With a unique blend of flavors from New Orleans, St. Louis, the Carolinas and Texas, this low-and-slow barbecue joint has it all, from spare ribs to beef brisket to burnt ends to chicken wings.
Located on the top floor of Melt at the Promenade Saucon Valley, Top Cut exclusively features Black Angus USDA Prime cuts, from filet mignon to a dry-aged tomahawk ribeye. Enjoy your steak as it’s prepared, or add garnishes like South African lobster tail, white truffle butter and béarnaise sauce.
2880 Center Valley Pkwy. Suite 625, Center Valley 610.841.7100 topcutsteak.com
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST BURGER Union and Finch
Whether you order the classic burger (lettuce, onion, tomato), the Union burger (red onion marmalade, pickles, bacon) or the rotating burger of the month, you know you’re getting a solid handheld made with Pat LaFrieda beef and the freshest ingredients.
1528 W. Union St., Allentown | 610.432.1522 unionandfinch.com
BEST FRENCH FRY
Two Rivers Brewing Company
The hand-cut fries are serious business at Two Rivers, whether you get them Belgian style tossed with rosemary and sea salt, fried in duck fat and served with Pecorino-Romano cheese and white truffle oil, or the ultimate dish: short rib poutine with cheddar cheese curds, caramelized onions and demi-glace.
What kind of doughnuts don’t they have at Naz-O-Nut? With dozens of varieties to choose from, you’ll have a hard time deciding which ones to take home. Oh well, that just means you’ll have to come back again.
64 E. Lawn Rd., Nazareth 610.365.2244 nazonutshop.com
BEST TACO Geakers Tacos
Inventive flavors win the day at Geakers, where you can get tacos as simple as beef and chicken or as exotic as gator, then pair them with flavorings like mango habanero, bourbon, jerk and chili pineapple.
Chicken and waffles is a great brunch dish, but this dressed-up version works just as well for dinner, with a waffle made from mac and cheese and topped with double-breaded chicken, pickles, sriracha honey hot sauce and maple aioli. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
With 47 (!) signature rolls and 52 regular rolls plus sushi and sashimi pieces available à la carte, you won’t leave this seafood paradise hungry. For date night, try the Love Boat— 10 pieces of sushi, 18 pieces of sashimi, a California roll and a Dragon roll.
1855 Sullivan Trl. Suite E, Easton | 610.438.8811 jasminesushiandthai.com
Matthew Cannon Photography
Food & Drink
BEST COFFEE SHOP
ThreeBirds Coffee House
You can get a great cup of coffee at ThreeBirds Coffee House in Easton. But that alone isn’t what has landed this gem in downtown Easton on the “Best Of” list five years in a row. It comes down to the atmosphere: warm and welcoming, with a touch of local history (the building is the former Bull Mansion) for good measure. Customers have taken notice. “We’ve had a lot of people over the years tell us that ThreeBirds has felt like their second home,” says co-owner Jennifer Murray. “Knowing that people have met the love of their life here, studied for important exams, connected with friends and just generally felt safe and comfortable here means so much to us.”
Is avocado toast’s moment over? We don’t think so, and neither does The Flying Egg. Their version comes with chili flakes, sliced red pepper, poached eggs and a seasonal side salad—the perfect light lunch or brunch.
451 Main St., Bethlehem 610.691.5100
theflyingeggbethlehem.com
BEST SALAD Penn Pizza Restaurant
All of Penn Pizza’s salads come with onions, roasted peppers, olives, artichokes, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, but why stop there? Add proteins like grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, calamari or tuna. There’s even a cheesesteak salad! 1251 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown | 610.434.7366
orderpennpizza.com
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST PAD THAI White Orchids Thai Cuisine
The best pad thai starts with the best ingredients, and White Orchids Thai Cuisine imports top-shelf products from Thailand like tamarind juice and fish sauce. Add locally sourced, extra-firm tofu, fresh hand-cut chicken breast or fresh seafood delivered several times a week from Philadelphia and you have the makings of a top-notch dish.
2985 Center Valley Pkwy. Suite 200, Center Valley 610.841.7499
whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com
BEST ICED COFFEE Plants + Coffee
Whether it’s for your morning cup, a midday pick-me-up or a break from work surrounded by lush greenery, Plants + Coffee is the place to go for a delicious iced coffee. There are plenty of iced lattes available as well.
This family-run operation has been in business since 1951, and you won’t find any corners cut here. Terry’s kitchen puts out pasta dishes like penne vodka prosciutto, puttanesca and homemade ravioli filled with cheese, spinach and feta, and mushroom and Parmesan.
200 S. Delaware Dr., Easton | 610.252.5330 terrysrestaurant.com
BEST SMOOTHIE & BEST FRESH PRESSED JUICE BAR
Green Vida Co.
You can feel good about what goes into Green Vida Co.’s smoothies and juices because they choose fresh, whole, organic, non-GMO and minimally processed ingredients. Order the best-selling Monkey Muscles protein smoothie, or make sure you’re getting your greens with the Super Greens cold-pressed juice.
1800 Sullivan Trl. Suite 330, Easton | 610.438.4112
A favorite of Lehigh University students and residents of Southside Bethlehem and beyond since 1976, Lehigh Pizza has plenty of variety on their menu to satisfy any craving. Cheese, Sicilian and Margherita pizzas are always a safe bet, but take a chance on some of their more creative concoctions like taco pizza, Greek pizza and pulled pork BBQ pizza. 13 W. 3 rd St., Bethlehem 610.866.1088 lehighpizza.com
BEST SPECIALTY LATTE OR COFFEE DRINK
Nowhere Coffee Co.
Cardamomma Tried, Whole Lotta Lav and Vanilla Spice Spice Baby—punny names or some of the specialty lattes available at Nowhere Coffee Co.? They’re both! Creativity and customer service make these lattes one of the best parts of your day.
The Flying V Poutinerie was born out of homesickness, owner Matt Vymazal says. His then wife was homesick for Canada and its quintessential dish: poutine. Vymazal, with his culinary background, worked with his wife’s memory of the french-fries-with-cheesecurds-topped-with-hot-gravy delicacy to finally nail it. The pair served the dish from a tent before moving to their now-famous Lehigh Valley food truck, later opening a storefront in Southside Bethlehem. “To bring a relatively unknown food to an area and years later be recognized as the best in the Valley is really amazing to me,” Vymazal says. He and his team work to serve up a perfect classic version of poutine as well as fun, innovative riffs on the dish.
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST SEAFOOD MARKET Todd’s Island Seafood
For seafood boils, clam bakes, shrimp trays and more, Todd’s Island Seafood has everything you need for an island-style feast. They also offer prepared dishes like buffalo crab dip, fish tacos and clams casino.
711 N. 17th St., Allentown 484.221.8385 toddsislandseafood
BEST WINGS
Stoke Coal Fire Pizza & Bar
They’re not just “wings” on the menu—they’re “Stoke Famous Wings.” These customer favorites arrive at your table with caramelized onions, banana peppers and gorgonzola, and they pair well with a glass of Altavilla Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a dry red wine.
With 30 varieties of wine to choose from, who can decide? Try a flight of four samples to narrow down your favorite, and check Clover Hill’s events calendar so you don’t miss out on events like yoga, charcuterie workshops and winery tours. 9850 Newtown Rd., Breinigsville 610.395.2468 cloverhillwinery.com
BEST BUTCHER Saylors & Co
The name of the game at Saylors has always been highquality meats at affordable prices. They pride themselves on sourcing local meats that are antibiotic- and hormonefree and they also offer fresh artisanal sausages and homesmoked meats.
1105 Main St., Hellertown 610.838.6363
saylorsandco.com
BEST PUBLIC MARKET/ FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Mr. Bill’s Poultry Market
Located in the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market, Mr. Bill’s has been in the poultry business since 1992, offering stuffed chicken breasts, chicken and turkey sausages and more. Don’t miss their display of prepared foods like chicken bone broth, chicken croquettes and red wine-braised turkey stew.
1825 W. Chew St., Allentown | 610.432.1108 mrbills.com
BEST APPETIZER/ SMALL PLATE MENU
Apollo Grill
This appetizer menu is like the Energizer Bunny—it keeps going and going. Grab a few friends, order a slew of apps and try as many as you can! 85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 apollogrill.com
It’s no wonder that Mister Lee’s Noodles topped this category, with 12 different varieties of hot and cold ramen available across both their locations. Exclusive to the Easton Public Market spot is their bacon ramen—everything is better with bacon!
512 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem | 610.900.4888
325 Northampton St., Easton |
Alison Conklin Photography
Food & Drink
BEST LOCALLY BREWED BEER & BEST BEER MENU
Craft breweries are no longer an anomaly in the Lehigh Valley. Lost Tavern Brewing aims to stand out from the pack with its variety of styles and flavor profiles. “Our slogan is ‘Honor the Past. Craft the Future’ and we try to live that motto,” says Kenny Rampolla, one of three co-owners. “[We] never forget the styles and traditions of brewing that got us here while also looking to be actively involved in experimentation with new styles and ingredients that make our industry a true mix of science and art.” Beer aficionados can taste that ingenuity for themselves at Lost Tavern’s taprooms in Hellertown and Bethlehem.
782 Main St., Hellertown | 444 Main St., Bethlehem
484.851.3980 | losttavernbrewing.com
BEST LOCAL BREWERY EXPERIENCE Yergey Brewing
Of course they have great beer, but Yergey dials up the fun with live music, food trucks, trivia and game nights and other activities, like T-shirt tie-dying, pop-up shops with local vendors and their annual Beer-ster Egg Hunt.
235 Main St., Emmaus | 484.232.7055 | yergeybrewing.com
BEST COCKTAIL MENU
Social Still
Social Still uses Pennsylvania grains and corn to craft their spirits—and then they go straight into your cocktail at their bar. There are loads of hand-crafted options to choose from, whether the base spirit is vodka, gin, whiskey, agave or their White Witch spiced rum.
530 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem | 610.625.4585 | socialstill.com
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST SANGRIA Tapas on Main
There’s no better place to get this classic Spanish drink than at a Spanish restaurant. Tapas on Main always has a red and a white sangria available, but they also have a rotating sangria menu featuring several seasonal flavors. Can’t decide? Try a flight!
500 Main St., Bethlehem
610.868.8903 tapasonmain.com
BEST BREAKFAST SPOT Billy’s Downtown Diner
There’s truly something for everyone on this breakfast menu. Whether you like decadent French toasts and pancakes, rich eggs Benedict (with 10 varieties!), a hearty breakfast sandwich or an omelet, Billy’s has you covered.
10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.867.0105
123 S. 3rd St., Easton 610.438.3100 billysdiner.com
BEST LUNCH SPOT Coopersburg Diner
Lovingly nicknamed “The Coop” by locals and regulars, this spot has sandwiches and wraps galore on its extensive menu. For a quick midday bite, they offer a half sandwich and a cup of soup for just $6.95.
336 N. 3 rd St., Coopersburg 610.282.1853 coopersburgdiner.com
BEST PATIO/OUTDOOR DINING & BEST BRUNCH
The Shelby
Weekend mornings (and afternoons) are made for The Shelby and its extensive brunch menu, with plenty of sweet and savory options. If the weather is right, the best way to enjoy your brunch is on their patio with plenty of covered seating and lush greenery.
707 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown | 610.841.0808 shelbyrestaurant.com
BEST BAGEL SHOP
3 Men and a Bagel
With 20 varieties of bagels available here, there’s no wrong choice for how to start your day. Sliced, toasted, topped with cream cheese, lox, butter or jelly, or as an egg sandwich— you make the call.
3350 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.868.5805
7150 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown | 610.366.9520 3 menandabagel.net
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH Back Home Bagels
You can get a bacon, egg and cheese, but why stop there? Try one of their specialty sandwiches like the Carnivore Kid (grilled pork roll, sausage, fried egg and Cooper sharp American cheese on an everything bagel) and you’ll keep coming back for more.
4041 Route 309 Suite 103, Schnecksville | 610.760.3262 backhomebagels.com
BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY
& BEST
DRINK FLIGHT
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Made from grain grown on their own farm, Eight Oaks’ spirits are rooted in tradition and sustainability. They’re known for their rye whiskey, bourbon and barrel-aged applejack, but don’t miss out on their gin and vodka or their ready-to-drink cocktails. Visitors to the distillery can try a little bit of everything with their whiskey-lovers flight or cocktail flight.
7189 Route 309, New Tripoli | 484.387.5287 eightoaksdistillery.com
Alison Conklin Photography
Food & Drink
BEST NACHOS La Maya
Piled high with toppings— cheese, black beans, pickled jalapeño, pico de gallo, crema, cilantro, queso cotija and avocado salsa—La Maya’s nachos are a true Mexican indulgence.
650 Main St., Hellertown 610.628.2134
lamayarestaurant.com
BEST DATE LOCATION Taste of Italy Ristorante
This “old school” Italian joint is the perfect spot to have a bella notte with your better half. Bring a bottle of wine and share a spaghetti smooch in the romantic low light.
639 Main St., Hellertown 484.851.3056 tasteofitalyhtown.com
BEST HAPPY HOUR blue
grillhouse
After a long day, whether that’s at the office or at home with rambunctious kids, treat yourself to an upscale happy hour at blue grillhouse. “We’ve redefined what happy hour can be in a fine-dining setting,” says Jon Brittain, the restaurant’s general manager. “We offer upscale bites and handcrafted cocktails in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.” The patio offers a fun and airy spot for summer beverages and is one of the most sought-after spots in the Lehigh Valley, Brittain says. This summer, sidle up to the patio’s bar or a high-top table for a seasonal cocktail and appetizers ($8–9 during happy hour, weeknights 4:30–6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 3–5 p.m.).
Tucked inside the charming Townley House, Bar Bix invites you to “Espress Yourself” with this signature cocktail, made with chicory coffee-infused vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlúa and vanilla simple syrup.
130 N. 3 rd St., Easton 484.544.4801
townleyhouse.com/bar-bix
BEST MOCKTAIL MENU Bar Torino
Made with nonalcoholic spirits, you’d swear these mocktails were the real thing. Light flavors of fruits and herbs blend into a refreshing yet responsible way to imbibe at Bar Torino.
56 N. 3 rd St., Easton 610.438.4460 bar-torino.com
Alison Conklin Photography
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST SPECIALTY CANDY
Josh Early Candies
J. Mark Early, also known as Josh Early III, was onto something when he began selling candy in the early 1900s. More than 100 years later, his family is still churning out every kind of sweet treat imaginable: chocolates, fudge, caramels, nonpareils, buttercreams and so much more. Siblings Barry Dobil, Jr. and Amy Barnett are the fifth-generation owners of Josh Early, which has locations in South Whitehall and Bethlehem townships. Dobil said the best part of the job is seeing the joy their products inspire: “Whether it’s seeing a child’s eyes light up in our shop or hearing stories from customers who’ve made us part of their family traditions, it’s a privilege to be part of those moments.”
For a night in when you just don’t feel like cooking, U & Tea hits the spot with Cantonese and Szechuan food you can order to-go. But the Ma La Dry Hot Pot and steamed dumplings may just be worth a dine-in visit.
119 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem | 610.866.4900
uandteabethlehem.kwickmenu.com
BEST VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN MENU VegOut
When Mary Lopresti noticed the lack of vegan options in the Lehigh Valley, she did something about it. The VegOut owner creates comfort food that appeals to vegans and the veg-curious alike. Try the mac and cheese!
1 E. Church St., Bethlehem 610.419.0126
vegoutbethlehem.com
BEST SPECIALTY GROCERY STORE
Frey’s Better Foods
You can feel good about shopping at Frey’s Better Foods. This Hellertown shop stocks natural and organic groceries, gluten-free products, vitamins and more.
1575 Main St., Hellertown 610.838.6989 freysbetterfoods
BEST GOURMET FOOD SHOP
Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom
There’s no shortage of gourmet kitchen provisions at Seasons. Extra virgin and infused olive oils, balsamic and fruit vinegars, salts and seasonings, pastas and sauces—it’s all here.
508 Main St., Bethlehem 610.866.2615
20 S. 3 rd St., Easton 484.212.5605
seasonstaproom.com
BEST DIRTY MARTINI 3 rd & Ferry Fish Market
It doesn’t get dirtier than the Filthy Viking—Reyka Icelandic vodka and olive juice shaken hard with ice, strained then garnished with house-stuffed blue cheese olives.
56 S. 3 rd St., Easton 610.829.1404 thirdandferry.com
BEST LOCALLY PREMADE MEALS Zekraft
We love that Zekraft’s meals can be preordered and delivered straight to your home. The menu changes weekly and features expertly crafted meals like orange-glazed salmon and braised short ribs, plus salads, soups, desserts and more. zekraft.com
Alison Conklin Photography
Alison Conklin Photography
Health + Self
St. Luke’s highly trained staff are here to help you reach your fitness goals, whether you’re looking to get in shape, recover from injury or improve physical performance.
Multiple area locations slhn.org/fitness BEST
barre3’s classes blend strength, cardio and mindfulness to deliver a whole-body workout that will leave you feeling energized, not depleted.
3303 Bath Pike, Bethlehem 610.625.5955
3900 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.841.8200 barre3.com
BEST SPIN/CYCLE 6ycle
Emma Lacey knows a little something about strength. A car accident in 2019 left her with a brain injury, a separated carotid artery and a herniated disc that confined her to a wheelchair. Later, while convalescing in the Lehigh Valley and looking for a cycling studio, a dearth of suitable options compelled her to open 6ycle in the West End of Allentown. With husband and co-owner Jared Nosal, Lacey seeks to redefine group fitness, with an emphasis on mental strength as well as physical.
“No one ever regrets showing up,” she says. “We will set you up for success and give you the green light to take things at your own pace. Come see what the hype is about. We’ve got a bike for everyone!”
3116 W. Washington St., Allentown 610.730.6842 | 6ycle.com
PILATES Physical Methods Pilates
This boutique studio hosts small group exercise classes with Pilates equipment like reformers, with personal attention from instructor Stacey Redfield to ensure you get the results you want.
670 E. North St. Suite 202, Bethlehem | 610.814.0603 physicalmethods.com
BEST FITNESS COMMUNITY
Hott Fitness Factory
Clients at Hott Fitness Factory love the instructors, the vibes and the support they get from these classes. Drop in for a hot yoga or ABSoluteSHRED class to see why.
2027 Willow Park Rd., Bethlehem | 484.666.2144 hottfitnessfactory
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST YOGA STUDIO
The Valley Om
The Valley Om was a mere nine months old when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but its instructors and community were steadfast in their commitment to wellness. “Our job was to stay connected to our people however we could, providing them with a tool to help manage the profound stress, anxiety and grief they were experiencing,” says Sue Amato, founder and co-owner. That meant recording classes, meditations and breath practices and sending them to the community. The Valley Om made it through and now it’s expanding. “And by expanding I mean we more than doubled [our space],” Amato says. She and her business partner, Erin Curley, are excited to see what happens in the new space when it comes to yoga, mindfulness, bodywork, sound healing and energy work.
1247 Simon Blvd. Suite N102, Easton | 484.548.0030 thevalleyom.com
BEST CROSSFIT/FUNCTIONAL TRAINING SoldierFit
BEST COUNSELING CENTER/ THERAPY PRACTICE
Bethlehem Counseling Associates
With 30 licensed mental health professionals available, Bethlehem Counseling Associates offers the care you need, from individual, couples, family and child therapy to medication management.
2005 City Line Rd. Suite 300, Bethlehem | 610.865.8177 bcamentalhealth.com
This bootcamp-style fitness method strengthens people physically and mentally while offering militarystructured, camaraderie-based workouts. SoldierFit also offers individualized personal training to give you the one-on-one support you need.
123 Palmer Park Mall, Easton | 610.438.1938 7150 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 220, Trexlertown | 610.841.2600 | soldierfit.com
BEST FITNESS CLASS CycleFit Lehigh Valley
CycleFit calls their classes “the best part of your day” and if you love to break a sweat, you will too. Classes range from cycling-only to a combo of cycling and lifting, stretching and core work.
1800 Sullivan Trl. Suites 145 and 440, Easton 610.360.3518 cyclefitlehighvalley.com
PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAM & BEST NUTRITION PROGRAM
Forward Thinking Fitness
The semi-private personal training sessions offered at Forward Thinking Fitness allow you to bring along an accountability buddy or two, so you get the convenience of personal coaching along with built-in motivation and support—a win-win. And their registered dietitians use research-based methods that will help you fuel your body to get the results you want without sacrificing your taste buds.
6750 Iroquois Trl. Suite 12, Allentown 610.395.9595 | trainftf.com
Courtesy of SoldierFit
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST/STUDIO
Makeup by Roxy Health + Self
You want to look good? You better call Roxy. There’s a reason Makeup by Roxy has locked up a “Best Of” nod 11 years in a row. Owner Roxy Williams and her team of 22 beauty industry experts are the people you want in your corner when the occasion calls for a little glam. They obviously know their way around an eyelash curler and a powder brush, and they can handle your hair, eyebrows and spray tan, too, at Makeup by Roxy’s three-level studio in Catasauqua, or wherever you need them.
“Our passion, our dedication and our talents are all representative of the love that we put into our artistry,” says Williams. “We do not have a ’style’ or ‘follow trend’ but rather an overall engaging experience to ensure guest satisfaction.”
301 Front St., Catasauqua | 484.820.0202 | makeupbyroxy.com
BEST SPRAY TAN LV Glow
You’ll love the convenience of this mobile spray tanning service—LV Glow comes right to your door to give you the look of sun-kissed skin. Their formulas are vegan and crueltyfree and contain no parabens, gluten, nuts, oils or sulfates.
267.946.7763
lvglowspraytans.com
BEST WOMEN’S SALON J. Morgan Salon Company
With two locations offering a slew of services—straight and curly cuts, extensions, keratin treatments, waxing and more— there’s something for every Lehigh Valley woman who wants a bit of pampering.
With flexible coaching options like Zoom, over the phone, or over email or text, Kathleen Tucka of Sunny Life Coach can help you identify and achieve your goals for life, career and business.
sunnylifecoach.com
KathleenTuckaSunnyLifeCoach
BEST LASH ARTIST/STUDIO Reverie Beauty Studio
When mascara just isn’t enough, hit up Reverie Beauty Studio for lash extensions that will have your lashes looking longer, fuller or both! If you want to give your natural lashes a boost, give their lash lift a go.
3446 Freemansburg Ave. Unit 1, Bethlehem
610.849.2000
reveriebeautystudio.com
Center for A esthetics
The Anllo Center for Aesthetics, a boutique medical spa, is striving to be a wellness destination for “those who value looking and feeling their best, inside and out,” says owner Jennifer Anllo. The decade-old business prides itself on its growth and refined approach to aging, with focus on skin, lifestyle and internal results. “We’re not looking at just short-term results,” Anllo says. “Every service is personalized to enhance your natural beauty and preserve what makes you unique with a longterm plan in mind.” Services include Botox, fillers, microneedling, hormone balancing, waxing and hair restoration, to name a few.
1050 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 201, Allentown 610.351.6605 | anllocenter.com
Their team of artists have more than 30 combined years of experience and specialize in multiple styles of tattoos, including fine line, blackout, trash polka and more.
47 W. Water St., Hellertown 484.456.9724
hellertowntattoo.com
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, pain relief or a way to harness your body’s energy, Mantra Massage & Wellness Spa offers plenty of options that will leave you feeling refreshed.
319 Main St., Emmaus 610.540.7774
yournewmantra.com
Marco Calderon Photography
Health + Self
BEST HOLISTIC WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
GoodHealth Acupuncture
For a wide variety of health concerns, GoodHealth offers multiple treatment methods including acupuncture, chiropractic care, functional medicine, massage therapy and herbal medicine. Target your pain, improve your gut health and boost your fertility with their services.
Larnelle Damon is the go-to guy for tapers, fades, line-ups and any other hair-related adjustment needed from the neck up. He opened Legacy Unisex Barbershop in Bethlehem in 2019; just that simple three-word name is a good indicator of what he’s all about. The first word is a tribute to his roots. “I am a third-generation barber continuing the legacy of my family,” Damon explains. The second word shows he caters to both men and women, part of an effort to create a welcoming atmosphere in his shop. “I love the building of relationships with my clients,” Damon says.
825 Main St., Bethlehem | 484.363.9859 Legacy-Unisex-Barbershop
2299 Brodhead Rd. Suite O, Bethlehem 2001 Fairview Ave., Easton | 484.935.3253 goodhealthacupuncture.co
BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST/STUDIO COSMETINK
Brother-sister duo Nikky and Sean, a licensed esthetician and a chemistry degree-holder respectively, have made it their mission to develop and elevate techniques to achieve beautiful and naturallooking results for their clients.
3859 Nazareth Pike Unit 103, Bethlehem | 610.438.0764 studio.cosmetink.com
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST WAXING European Wax Center
No matter where you are in the Valley, you’re not far from European Wax Center, offering brow, body and facial waxing services.
Multiple area locations waxcenter.com
BEST EYEBROW ARTIST/STUDIO
The Divine Eye
Get brows that bring the drama with services from The Divine Eye—waxing, tinting and laminating will have you looking your best.
3060 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley thedivineeye.glossgenius.com
BEST MANICURE & PEDICURE
Flourish Salon & Spa
Keep your fingers and toes looking their best with the wide range of services available at Flourish Salon & Spa. They specialize in gel, acrylic, French manicures and nail art.
5036A Hamilton Blvd., Allentown flourishsalonlv.com
BEST MEN’S HAIRCUT BB DeCheine
Every men’s cut at BB DeCheine includes shampoo, conditioner, hot towel and styling, but why stop there? Treat yourself to a beard trim, paraffin wax dip, camouflage gray blending or nail services.
1152 Main St., Hellertown 484.851.3171 bbdecheine.com
BEST HAIR STYLIST
A lyssa Rader
Alyssa Rader, of A Salon by Alyssa Rader, knows the importance of mentorship. In 2012, she worked with a hair-stylist mentor in the Lehigh Valley and in Philadelphia. That gave her the know-how and confidence to open her own salon and offer mentoring opportunities for up-and-coming stylists.
“I’m looking forward to how each of my stylists will grow,” Rader says. A Salon’s services include hair styling, waxing and makeup services, custom hand-tied extensions, women’s and men’s cuts, brow lamination and custom color services. For environmentally conscious customers, A Salon is an Aveda-backed salon, which means it uses 100 percent vegan and environmentally friendly formulas.
3305 W. Emmaus Ave., Emmaus | 610.421.6095 asalonbyalyssarader.com
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST BOOKSTORE The E nd Bookstore Shopping & Services
Let’s Play Books Company and The End Bookstore are products of owner and founder Kirsten Hess’s experiences and priorities: motherhood, the joy of reading and community. Hess had worked at an independent bookstore in New England before moving to the Lehigh Valley in 2013. While job hunting, she came across a storefront for lease in Emmaus. “It was perfect for a children’s bookstore,” she says. Hess launched Let’s Play Books, which grew into a full-service, general interest bookstore, finally settling in the West End in Allentown as The End Bookstore. Hess is looking forward to improving The End’s outreach and services, like hosting author and illustrator visits, working with local schools and expanding the Lehigh Valley Book Festival, which Hess founded.
3055 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.871.3949 | theendbooks.co
BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE Hello Beautiful Salon & Boutique
Say hello to comfy-chic with this boutique’s collection of denim, handbags and accessories, not to mention home accents like mugs, candles and reed diffusers.
7812 Main St., Fogelsville 610.351.4247 hellobeautifulsb.com
BEST MEN’S SHOP
The London Shop
For the man who wants to dress impeccably and is looking for old-school attention to detail, The London Shop fits the bill. Family owned since 1939, they sell tailored clothing, sportswear and more.
BEST ACCESSORIES STORE Something Different Boutique
This place has everything— jewelry, handbags, a sign that says “Sorry, my cats and I have already made plans.” No matter the occasion, you are sure to find fun and beautiful gifts here.
351 Town Center Blvd., Easton | 610.515.8006 somethingdifferentshopping.com
BEST ANTIQUE/VINTAGE GOODS Weil Antique Center
This is the Lehigh Valley’s premier antique center, with over 150 dealers displaying quality antiques like furniture, jewelry, books, vintage clothing and more.
2200 31st St. SW, Allentown | 610.791.7910 weilantiquecenter.com
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST CHILDREN’S STORE SonnyMoon Children’s Boutique
Carefully curated collections of clothing for cute kiddos— SonnyMoon offers clothes and shoes that are adorable and made to last. Sustainable toys and books are available, too.
459 Main St., Bethlehem 484.788.8415 sonnymoonbethlehem
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GOODS Herbein’s Garden Center
What’s more eco-friendly than things that come from the earth? Visit Herbein’s nursery for annual and perennial flowers, shrubs and more, and while you’re at it, grab what you need for birdwatching and koi pond maintenance.
BEST HOME DÉCOR SHOP GailGray Home Furnishings and Design
If you’re looking to update your space, bring your ideas and inspiration to GailGray, where their interior design professionals can bring them to life while fitting your style and budget.
2960 Center Valley Pkwy. Suite 712, Center Valley 484.223.3301
gailgrayhome.com
BEST HOME & GARDEN STORE
L ehigh Valley Home & Garden
Lehigh Valley Home & Garden in South Whitehall Township is bursting with everything you need to turn your outdoor space into an oasis: row after row of all varieties of flowers, greenery and so much more.
“We have an off-site greenhouse in the Lehigh Valley where we grow all our annuals, herbs, vegetables and hanging baskets,” says owner Cindy Szapka. “During spring we can deliver trucks daily of the freshest plants to the store.” When you’re done digging in the dirt, you’ll need a place to relax, right? Lehigh Valley Home & Garden also has an on-site showroom of patio furniture and accessories. 4220 Crackersport Rd., Allentown | 610.391.1570 | lvhgc.com
Marco Calderon Photography
Shopping & Services
BEST DOG TRAINING Leader of the Pack
Canine Institute
Best behavior is the name of the game with group obedience classes, inhome training and behavior modification available. Leader of the Pack creates happy and balanced dogs, one leader at a time.
Two decades ago, Redwan Kholi didn’t set out to be the biggest fine jeweler. He set out to be the most trusted. “I started the business with a simple goal,” he says. “Treat customers like family and offer honest craftsmanship with no pressure.” Kholi and his team recently upgraded to a bigger space, a testament to their work and their community. “What excites me the most is seeing second- and now third-generation customers walk through the door,” he says. “Being that go-to family jeweler people rely on for life’s biggest moments means the world to me. That kind of trust isn’t something you buy. It’s earned.” The independent jeweler personally handles most of the work, including custom designs and repairs, priding himself on building “relationships, not transactions.”
6776 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.841.0930 reddandco.com
BEST PET DAYCARE/BOARDING K9 Resorts
Bethlehem
Your dog will be treated like royalty at K9 Resorts, with luxurious amenities like spacious cage-free options, plush bedding and soothing music. The facility is staffed with PCSAcertified pet care specialists, so you know your pet is in good hands.
3986 Township Line Rd., Bethlehem | 610.624.6562 k9resorts.com/bethlehem
BEST PET-FRIENDLY BUSINESS
The Dining Dog & Friends
This whole-foods pet market has a full kitchen and bakery with treats just for your pets. Treat your pet to freshly made soups, stews, meatloaves, cakes, cookies and more!
3245 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.351.9333 thediningdog.com
BEST PET GROOMER Comb & Collar
Pamper your pet with services from Comb & Collar, with one-on-one attention that never includes being closed in a crate. Groomer Kristie Baker specializes in dogs with special medical and behavioral needs. 848 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth | 610.360.7911 CombandCollarLehighValley
Marco Calderon Photography
BEST INDOOR PLANT SHOP
The Wicked Botanist
Plant parents need to look no further than The Wicked Botanist for all things houseplant-related, from potting soil and planters to cuttings and more. Don’t miss their Wicked Plant Fest on September 14 at ArtsQuest.
267 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.442.8868
1133 3 rd St., Whitehall 484.954.5895
thewickedbotanist.net
BEST CIGAR SHOP/VENDOR
Cigars International
Over 500 of the world’s finest brands of cigars are available for you to browse at both Bethlehem locations, and once you make your purchase you can stay to enjoy your stogie in the comfort of the stores’ lounges.
The knowledgeable staff at Homegrown has more than 25 years’ combined experience in the cannabis industry and can guide you through their inventory of tinctures, edibles and flower as well as their organic café items.
436 Northampton St., Easton | 484.548.1408
6566 Route 209 Unit 3, Stroudsburg | 570.801.6443 homegrowncbdstore.com
Everything old is new again at The Attic, where you can revamp your wardrobe at an affordable price while helping the planet, or consign pieces you don’t wear anymore at up to 80 percent commission.
516 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.865.2210 | atticclothes.com
BEST RESALE SHOP FOR KIDS
Bears Repeating
Bears Repeating promises pre-loved treasures for growing families at a fraction of retail prices. Consignors of gently used children’s items can receive store credit towards new-to-them clothing, toys, furniture and more.
7617 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown | 610.398.7187 bearsrepeatingpa.com
overall wellness,” says owner Kelley Spellman, “and we help you understand it.” While other pet supply stores might focus on retail, EarthWise focuses on results, with certified pet dietitians offering free advice tailored to a pet’s specific needs. And with a bakery, training center, day camp and groom bar, this truly is a onestop shop for furry friends and their humans. The best part of her job, Spellman says, is seeing a pet parent who walked in overwhelmed walk out empowered.
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away from it all. A stay at Bear Creek Mountain Resort is full of events like their spring wine and spirits festival and summer concert series, plus chances to relax with spa treatments and a dip in the pool.
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | 866.754.2822 bcmountainresort.com
BEST VIRTUAL GOLF Art of Flight Golf
Whether you’re looking to improve your game or just have some fun at a group outing, Art of Flight is the place to go for virtual golf. Play more than 240 courses and get real-time feedback with simulators using TrackMan technology.
Don’t miss the largest free music festival in the US! The annual festival is running August 1–10 and promises 300 performances on their free stages, plus sets from headliners like Chicago, Nelly, The Avett Brothers, Darius Rucker, The Black Keys and more. musikfest.org
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Rivals Sports Bar
No one likes a know-it-all, unless they’re on your trivia team. Rivals has the ultimate competition of wits with their pop culture-themed quizzes, featuring topics like Friends, Seinfeld, Toy Story and more.
5 Lehns Ct., Easton 610.392.2932 rivalseaston.com
BEST SEASONAL FARMERS MARKET Easton Farmers’ Market
Now in its 273 rd season, the Easton Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuous openair market in the US, and its vendors only sell products that are locally grown and produced. Saturdays were made for browsing the stalls along the riverfront at Scott Park.
130 Larry Holmes Dr., Easton | 610.330.9942 eastonfarmersmarket.com
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ ACTIVITIES Crayola Experience
Color your world with fun at the Crayola Experience! They have dozens of colorful, creative, hands-on activities that both kids and parents will love, like the new Cartoon Creator— CrayolaBots will sketch a cartoon picture of you, then you can color yourself as the hero of your own comic book story!
30 Centre Sq., Easton 610.515.8000 crayolaexperience.com/easton
BEST PUMPKIN PATCH Seiple Farms
There are more than 35 acres of fall harvest available at Seiple Farms, where you can find your perfect pumpkin as well as gourds, ornamental corn and squash. Make a day of it with hayrides, mazes and other fall fun!
5761 Nor Bath Blvd., Bath | 610.837.0847 seiplefarms.com
Courtesy of Bear Creek Mountain Resort
by Frank Smith
BEST AXE THROWING
Skeggy’s Axe House & Arcade
Unleash your inner lumberjack at Skeggy’s, where they have nine axe-throwing lanes. Once you’ve mastered the art of throwing sharp objects, stick around to play arcade games or grab a drink at the Boozeye Bar. 42 Centre Sq., Easton 484.544.3003 skeggys.com
BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY Eve Russo
Don’t miss Eve Russo as she anchors WFMZ-TV’s 69 News at Sunrise every weekday from 5–9 a.m. wfmz.com everussonews
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Becca and Mike
Start your day with this dynamic duo every weekday from 6–10 a.m. on B104, featuring plenty of conversations, giveaways and laughs.
BEST PERFORMANCE VENUE State Theatre
b104.iheart.com beccaandmikeb104
BEST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Unangst Tree Farms
The magic of the holiday season is at Unangst, where you can cut your own tree, take a photo with Santa, enjoy a hayride, visit the petting zoo and dine at a variety of food trucks.
7317 Bethlehem-Bath Pike, Bath | 610.837.7531
unangst-treefarm.com
BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME
Copperhead Grille
With more than 50 beers, an extensive menu of American fare, plenty of TVs and a state-of-the-art sound system, watching the game at Copperhead Grille is almost as good as being at the game itself.
Can you escape the Haunted Theatre? Or attempt the heist of the century? Or solve a cold case? Test your skills with family and friends at one of Captured LV’s eight escape rooms.
If it can be grown, chances are you can pick it at Grim’s. Bring the family for a fun day picking strawberries, cherries, apples, pumpkins, potatoes and vegetables.
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Fun & Games
BEST INDOOR ADVENTURE FACILITY Urban Air Adventure Park
Banish boredom with endless activities at Urban Air, including trampolines, climbing walls, gokarts, a ropes course and more. 6900 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 150, Trexlertown | 610.901.4291 urbanair.com/pennsylvaniatrexlertown
BEST LOCAL PODCAST Lehigh Valley with Love
No one knows the Lehigh Valley better than Lehigh Valley with Love, and on their podcast you can hear about everything local, from warehouses and taxes to festivals and museums.
lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/ podcast
BEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FACILITY
HangDog O utdoor A dventure
In an effort to give people outdoor, active entertainment during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, HangDog Outdoor Adventure launched in 2022. The family- and pup-friendly facility features the largest adventure ropes course in the Mid-Atlantic region and an onsite beer garden, home of HangDog Brewing. “We’re so excited about standing out in this category because our concept is being realized,” says CEO Michael McCreary. “We truly feel that we have built a special venue for people to escape and feel like they’re on vacation.” Not only does HangDog Outdoor Adventure offer school field trips, birthday parties and corporate events, it hosts a summer camp for adventureseeking kids. The facility also hosts live entertainment, and of course, food and libations.
Marc and Fran of One Bite Stand have made it their mission to find the best bites in the Valley so that you can, too. From barbecue to doughnuts to cocktails, their delicious adventures are worth clicking the follow button.
onebite_stand
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT/ LOCAL INFLUENCER Lehigh Valley with Littles
Looking for ideas to keep your kids entertained? Say less. Lehigh Valley with Littles keeps you up-to-date on the best and latest local activities for kids ages zero to six, with options like storytimes, live shows, camps and more.
Alison Conklin prides herself on her passion for weddings, food, fashion and design, along with her penchant for capturing interesting people in actual moments. She knows how a single photograph can capture emotion and tell an entire story. alisonconklin.com alisonconklinphotography alisonconklin
BEST VIDEOGRAPHER imagery.LIFE
Make your wedding day unforgettable with a unique film that showcases your personalities. imagery.LIFE promises to capture your love story in a way that transports you into a world of beauty, emotion and magic.
610.390.7639 | imagery.life imagery.LIFE
BEST EVENT DESIGN/ DÉCOR COMPANY
Beyond Decor by Nicol
Trust the creative vision of Nicol Green, who takes pride in her attention to detail to make sure that your event is unique and memorable, with décor choices tailor-made to your style.
No one knows better how to enjoy time off from their day jobs than The Weekenders. “The weekend is when everyone tries to live their best life,” says founder and bassist Joe Harvey. The band, fronted by vocalists Mark Prestifilippo and Molly Herman and backed by Harvey, guitarist Kris Ewaniuk, keyboardist Wade Stoneback and drummer Todd Leibenguth, has been rocking around the Lehigh Valley together for six years, playing everything from rock to disco to hip-hop and country. “We play music that engages the crowd so they have a good time,” says Ewaniuk. “Anything that will get the crowd dancing and singing along.” Herman adds, “I’m grateful for the fact that we can share our love of music with others and have made it this far.”
theweekendersrock.com
Jim Williams Photography
Events
BEST CATERER 29 C ooks
Cooking has always appealed to Cindie Feldman of 29 Cooks. “I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t looking over someone’s shoulder asking them what they were making,” she says. Inspired by her grandmother and her husband’s late mother, Feldman has made a career out of her love of cooking for others. “In my heart I want to cook what makes you feel like I cooked just for you,” she says. In addition to their regular menu, 29 Cooks also has allergenfriendly and gluten-free options for those with food sensitivities—a choice born out of Feldman’s own diagnosis of celiac disease. Whether she and her team are creating take-and-bake meals every Wednesday or hosting a banquet in their 5,000-square-foot Gather event space, 29 Cooks has delicious options to make every meal memorable.
5402 Chestnut St., Emmaus
484.951.0442 | 29cooks.com
BEST MOBILE BAR Hausbar Mobile Bartending Service
Hausbar brings the party straight to your event with their fully equipped portable bars and customized menus. They collaborate with Lime Hill Winery and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery to help you plan for your beverage needs.
484.809.6109 | hausbar.us
BEST CHARCUTERIE Cheese Please Charcuterie
It’s not just meat and cheese— Cheese Please Charcuterie builds one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards and grazing tables filled with sweet and savory combinations for special occasions, holidays or just a night in.
cheesedotplease
BEST LUXURY PICNIC Lehigh Valley Luxury Picnic
This is not just a blanket and basket in the park. Lehigh Valley Luxury Picnic turns this concept on its head with gourmet food, floral arrangements, a stylist and makeup artist, and photographer and videographer as available options.
812 Hamilton St. 4th Floor, Allentown | 610.233.1959 lehighvalleyluxurypicnic.com
Alison Conklin Photography
BEST CUSTOM BAKER
Let Them Eat Cake
From cupcakes and macarons to four-tiered cakes that serve 200, Let Them Eat Cake puts the custom in custom baker. They offer 18 cake flavors and loads of add-ons like edible glitter and gold leaf.
112 S. Main St., Nazareth | 610.216.9516 letthemeatcakeshop.com
BEST PARTY DJ Brad Scott
It’s not a real Lehigh Valley dance party if DJ Brad Scott isn’t on the 1s and 2s. He knows how to work a crowd, and you can catch him spinning everything from disco to house to ‘80s to underground beats. djbradfscott.com
BEST EVENT PLANNER KLO Events
Whether you’re hosting a gala, a nonprofit fundraiser or a corporate launch party, Kristine Ortiz of KLO Events is the key to a successful event. She’s meticulously devoted to details and delivering custom solutions.
1256 Simon Blvd. J101, Easton | 484.560.4218 klo-events.com
BEST EVENT RENTAL COMPANY
Action Party Rentals
Count on Action Party Rentals to have everything you need to pull off a successful event, from tents and tables down to linens and place settings.
620 Union Blvd., Allentown 610.435.8900 actionpartyrentals.com
BEST SPECIAL OCCASION FLORIST
Rich Mar Florist
Operated by the Morrissey family for four generations, Rich Mar Florist has been serving the Lehigh Valley and beyond since 1955. Visit them for everything from wedding centerpieces to sympathy arrangements and everyday bouquets.
Multiple area locations 610.437.5588 richmarflorist.com
BEST BALLOON SPECIALIST/ARTIST Blueprint Creations
It seems impossible to look at a bundle of balloons and not feel a bit of happiness. Yendira Rosario of Blueprint Creations agrees, and that’s why she turned the focus of her event styling business to balloon artistry, allowing her to “bring bold, artistic visions to life for people who truly value design.” For the past four years, Blueprint Creations has created custom balloon styling for all occasions, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. With sustainability in mind, Rosario uses natural latex balloons in her designs, ensuring that her creations are beautiful yet environmentally conscious. The best part of her job? “The reactions! Seeing people light up when they walk into a space we’ve transformed is everything.”
“When a guest comes to a Paxos restaurant, they’re out for more than just the meal. They’re here for an experience. The show is on and we have to perform. We believe in really providing the best that is available to all of our guests.”
–GEORGE PAXOS
ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR GUESTS.
From the beginning, we have made it our mission to offer only the best. A vibrant bar scene, inspired cocktails, exquisite wines, decadent deserts, savory sides, fresh seafood, stunning rooftop views of the Lehigh Valley— and, of course, choice cuts of USDA Prime Beef from purebred Black Angus cattle, hand-picked from the finest ranches in the American Midwest. Because these details matter—for us and for you, our guests.
topcutsteak.com 610.841.7100
VOTED BEST PERMANENT MAKEUP ARTIST/STUDIO
COSMETINK® specializes in enhancing natural beauty through their expertly crafted permanent makeup services. With over 23,000 procedures and counting, COSMETINK® has become the go-to destination for permanent makeup in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Their award-winning services include Ombré Brows, Microblading, Nano Brows, Lip Blush, and Eyeliner Permanent Cosmetics. But that's not all, COSMETINK® also offers comprehensive training classes. As fully accredited, boardcertified trainers, they certify students in the latest permanent cosmetic techniques. Don't just take our word for it— COSMETINK®’s 500+ 5-star reviews speak volumes about the quality of their work and the passion behind it.
“Absolutely amazing!! I would only trust COSMETINK® for anything on my face and skin. The meticulous artistry, and attention to detail is more than you could have imagined. The kindness and beauty of Nikky and Sean go far beyond skin deep. Your session is like time spent with a good friend, with someone you can trust, who is looking out for what is best, and perfect just for you. Never rushed, always kind, compassionate and caring. Prepare to be wowed! I just can't say enough, these folks are the only ones I will trust with my face!!”
-Google Review, Danielle W.
Thank
DRINK THIS
BY ANGELA VENNEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
blue grillhouse LIQUID APPETIZER
READY TO TRY IT? Tag @lvstylemag when you do!
It seems like Aperol Spritzes are everywhere these days—the drink of the summer (and a few before this one). Refreshing, not overly sweet and with a low alcohol content, it’s the perfect daytime sipper on the year’s hottest days. It’s no wonder, then, that the Aperol Spritz has inspired twists and spinoffs at bars across the country and around the world, even right here in the Lehigh Valley. Enter the Liquid Appetizer.
“The Aperol Spritz has been a classic cocktail for years, which we’ve recreated with our own twist,” says blue grillhouse general manager Jon Brittain. While the original leans slightly to the bitter side because of the Italian aperitif that gives it its name, the Liquid Appetizer has a sweeter taste thanks to a touch of orange juice and sparkling rosé.
Built right in a large wine glass (that sound you hear is bartenders everywhere rejoicing), the Liquid Appetizer starts with Aperol, followed by ice, club soda, then the sweetness of the aforementioned juice and rosé. A quick, gentle stir blends the cocktail together before the final touch of an orange slice garnish. It looks and tastes just like summer.
Brittain says this drink started out as a seasonal specialty cocktail but, due to its popularity, it’s now on the menu year-round. The Liquid Appetizer is an especially hot menu item when blue’s patio is open for the season. “It’s a light cocktail that is perfect for our guests who want to come by for a quick bite and a drink, or to start off their dining experience,” Brittain says. This drink plays nicely with light bites like salad and salmon, or with hummus, bacon-wrapped scallops or shrimp cocktail.
As the 2025 winner of best happy hour in Lehigh Valley Style’s Best of the Lehigh Valley, blue grillhouse can be counted on to have a range of specialty cocktails available on their happy hour menu, but don’t count out the Liquid Appetizer as the perfect sip. “We are constantly testing new ingredients with all our cocktails on the menu throughout the year, but our Liquid Appetizer has been one of our cocktails that might be our best version as is,” Brittain says. We’ll drink to that!
As a woman, you are constantly transforming into a new version of yourself. As one season ends, another begins –each of which pushes you to evolve physically, mentally and emotionally. Whatever season you are in, you can trust the region’s leading women’s health experts to guide you.
We do right by women because that’s what you deserve. LVHN.org/WomensHealth
