A Saucon Valley legacy estate nestled on 4.6 acres. the house and grounds have been proudly cared for, and recently updated with a stunning addition and renovations. Offered for $4,000,000
Wheaton Fields Farm
As a family compound, weekend retreat, or full time residence this 50 acre property with a stone farmhouse & multiple outbuildings is a private oasis in Upper Bucks County. Offered for $2,750,000
Lanes End Farm
Set on 50 acres, this circa 1863 home is a culmination of many a heart’s desire—an historic home, in pristine condition, on generous acreage and under 2 hours from New York City. Offered for $1,650,000
Molasses Creek Farm
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
Timbertop Lodge
This remarkable 13,000 sqft residence showcases fine materials and craftsmanship of an earlier age coupled with the efficiency and conveniences of modern construction. Offered for $2,500,000
Chain Dam Manor
Embrace history at this beautifully maintained and preserved colonial built circa 1750. An ideal mix of classic details and modern amenities, set on a 1-acre corner lot. Offered for $799,000
Melrose Lane
Custom contemporary new build! This 5,700 square foot home is ready to be built to your specifications and could be complete in under a year! Packages starting at $3,250,000
Serendipity Acres
A dramatic 2018 barn home with soaring ceilings and hand hewn beams. Walls of windows overlook 5.2 acres including multiple garages, a carriage house & saltwater pool. Offered for $2,250,000
The Bethlehem Star
An 1835 brick home on one of Historic Bethlehem’s most admired streets. This charming building is an amazing opportunity to invest in a highly visible & high volume location. Offered for $650,000
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
JOIN US FOR HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES & SHOP FOR GIFTS AT GREAT SAVINGS!
South Bethlehem Historical Society
Ethnic Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, November 28th • 5pm
On display through January 3rd
Holiday Market
November 29th & November 30th
December 6th & December 7th
December 20th & December 21st 12pm – 5pm
Frozen-Inspired Character Brunch
Bethlehem Barrel & Drafthouse – December 6th
Join the Princess, her charming sister & lovable snowman 11am – 12:30pm Reserve your spot
Holiday Photos
Saturdays, November 29th - December 20th
1pm – 5pm Lower level of The Outlets
Santa • November 29th
Frozen-inspired snowy sisters & snowman • December 6th
Mischievous green but lovable guy December 13th
Santa & Mrs. Claus • December 20th
St. Luke’s Presents: Miracle on 34th Street
Musical featuring members of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Wind Creek Event Center
December 10 - December 14th
Holiday Performances Arts Academy
December 10th • 6pm
Ken Brader’s Holiday Brass December 20th • 5pm & 6:15pm
Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus Twisted Tees • December 20th Reserve online at www.playtwisted.com/booknow
Special menus in December Order your holiday cakes & treats!
Scan the QR code or visit OutletsAtWindCreekBethlehem.com for all holiday details.
YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS WITH Hope
With You Every Step of the Way
When it comes to cancer care, choose the team you can trust. At St. Luke’s, our compassionate clinical teams provide innovative and personalized care in our state-of-the-art facilities. From advanced radiation therapy and cutting-edge infusion technology to life-changing clinical trials, we give every patient hope through unmatched care and support.
PHOTO BY ANTHONY SIERRA
Time to Celebrate!
There’s no shortage of things to celebrate in the month of December— Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the solstice, National Cat Lovers’ Month (isn’t that every month?)—the list goes on. But this year, we have an additional reason to get festive: it’s the 25th anniversary of Lehigh Valley Style. To mark this milestone, we’re looking back on 25 years of the magazine the Valley lives by, starting with our inaugural edition in the fall of 2000 and winding our way through the publication’s history. Check out our anniversary feature on pg. 56 with stories from staff and contributors, past and present, as well as fun facts and vintage photos. If you’re an avid reader of the magazine, you might have an idea of how smitten we are with the place we call home, so don’t miss our love letter to the Lehigh Valley on pg. 49—we’re celebrating
25 years of Style with a list of the 25 most iconic things that make the Valley the unique place it is. Then we get back to our regularly scheduled holiday festivities—start by sprucing up your home for the season with tips from interior designer and holiday style maven Anthony Sierra on pg. 25. While you’re still at home, bop into the kitchen and make Chef Missy Walters’ spicy gingerbread cake—the recipe is on pg. 66. Then head out and enjoy some of our favorite winter activities on pg. 40, and while you’re at it, check out a performance by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem; we talk with artistic director and conductor Christopher Jackson on pg. 35. Don’t forget to pop by Dear Santa for some fantastic holiday shopping on pg. 22. All this and so much more in this month’s edition of Lehigh Valley Style
our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com
25
Decorating my home like a pro.
A cozy dinner at Swift.
Feeding my sourdough obsession!
Jennifer Sakelarides and Danielle Lewis BTS at Mitz Bakery
Alison Conklin BTS at Swift
I love acting like a tourist and walking up and down Main Street in Bethlehem in December! It’s magical!
Because we always travel on Christmas Day, my family celebrates on Christmas Eve. We open presents in the morning, have a lazy day, eat charcuterie for dinner and then drive around to look at lights.
Every year we host Christmas Eve at my parents’ house. At the end of the night after all of our extended family leaves, my mom and I sit down and watch Emmet Otter’sJug-BandChristmas. It was one of my mom’s favorite holiday movies growing up and now it’s one of mine!
My husband and I have watched ChristmasVacation every Christmas Eve for nearly 20 years (even when it falls during Hanukkah). It’s a beaut, Clark!
My mom, sister and I always go on a NYC trip around Christmas! We spend the day shopping at Bryant Park, seeing the Rockefeller tree and sometimes go see the Rockettes!
I love everything about Christmas— the decorations, food, getting together with good friends and loved ones and peace and kindness to all!
Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin, Chris Flegel
Editorial Intern
Maggie Wilson
Proofreader Lori McLaughlin
I love to make brunch Christmas morning: easy egg strata, fresh fruit with honey and lime zest, broiled grapefruit with brown sugar and butter—with a cherry on top!—mimosas and ooey, gooey homemade sticky buns. Indulgence of the highest order!
HEATHER MAYER IRVINE
Contributing Writer
As a Lehigh Valley transplant, the “Dear Lehigh Valley” feature was an especially fun assignment. I was able to wax poetic about the things that have made the Valley home for my husband and me, and now our young family.
EMILY MARKOVICH
Client Specialist
Flipping through 25 years of Lehigh Valley Style archives to help research the anniversary feature felt like taking a trip through time. The Style Scene photos were some of my favorites to see. They’re a showcase of over 1,000 celebrations and the ever-changing faces of our community over the past 25 years.
Style Insider
| Nick Bialis 2 | Vanessa Goffredo and Shannon Linsenbigler 3 | Kelly Pitts and Wendy Keim 4 | Justin Jones and Clarence Digambar 5 | Joe and Linda Reese 6 | Joe and Mary Jane Kloss, John Wilchek 7 | Gary Crivellaro and Sandra Caldwell 8 | Misdalia Kempf, Scott Appnel and Lisa Deutsch 9 | Lisa Koza 10 | Michael Pierce, Joel De La Paz and Mark Marina 11 | Beth Casper and Lori Chulik 12 | Baljie Minhas and Sherri Kershner 13 | David A. Hish and Jetaime Flowers 14 | Candice Mason and Randy Seidel
| Megan Fielder, Brad Myhre, Shelby Sommons and Helena Seip 2 | James Flader, Donna Sowden, Doria Pierce and Michael Pierce
| Sarah Lieberman and Diana Leiner 4 | Nancy Ehle and Wenda Boyer 5 | David and Stacey Miller 6 | Chad and Angie Schneider
| Raquel Romero, Silvia Mendez, Nadya Salicetti, Haydemar Groves and Sofia Groves 8 | Olivia Minnich, Rosie Strydesky and Sophia Minnich
| Casey Damorse, Monica Kohli and Chris Morganelli 10 | Chris and Natalee Hercik 11 | Monica Johnson, Kristen Turner and Erin Bendas
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Reopened
A 2023 fire forced Paranormal Pizza to resort to pop-ups while they worked to rebuild, but now the vegan pizzeria has a new permanent home. Visit them at 125 East Third Street in Southside Bethlehem. paranormalpizza.com
NEW LOCATION
Your favorite sweets and savories are available once again now that Pie + Tart has moved just down the street from its original location! Satisfy your cravings at the bakery’s new space at 349 Northampton Street in Easton. 2inhand.com
CONGRATS!
Heavenly Coffee Shop has been voted the best coffee shop in Easton after a contest sponsored by Cliff Ross Ad Agency. Stop in for a Colombian coffee, hot chocolate or sandwich and see what makes it so good! heavenlycoffeeshop
Expanding
Lovers of luxury goods rejoice—Relux Luxury Consignment at Promenade Saucon Valley has moved to a larger space, showcasing more of their stock with brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès. shoprelux.com
Delicious Distinction
Hotel Bethlehem’s Moravian sugar cake has been named to the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Culinary Heritage and Traditions list. The sweet treat is in good company, recognized alongside Parker House rolls, Boston cream pie and Green Goddess dressing. hotelbethlehem.com
New Taproom
Taste award-winning craft beer and small-batch distillery products at Barley Creek Brewing Company’s new taproom, now open at Promenade Saucon Valley. Make Barley Creek Taproom Saucon your go-to spot to catch the game or hang with family and friends. barleycreek.com
COURTESY OF HEAVENLY COFFEE SHOP
Luther Crest
HALLOWS EVE:
DANCING SHADOWS
I N T HE
BENEFITING LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK
On Saturday, Oct. 18, Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, hosted the 28th annual Nite Lites gala at Wind Creek Bethlehem Hotel, attended by more than 700 guests. Thank you to our generous sponsors!
IMMORTAL SPONSOR
ELUSIVE SPONSORS
SUPERNATURAL SPONSORS
B. Braun Medical Inc.
NOCTURNAL SPONSORS
Drs. Brian and Tina Nester
North Star Construction
Management, Inc.
Paul Davis Restoration
Frederick H. Bedford, Jr., and Margaret S. Bedford Foundation
MYSTERIOUS SPONSORS
Interior Workplace Solutions
Valley Preferred
INVINCIBLE SPONSORS
Adams Outdoor Advertising
Alloy5 Architecture
Bracy Construction, Inc.
City Center Investment Corporation
Cushman & Wakefield
Steve and Jeanne Follett
Peggy and Bill Hecht
Highmark Blue Shield
HNL Lab Medicine
Executive Team
IBEW Local 375
King & Spalding LLC
Mercedes-Benz of the Lehigh Valley
George T. Schmidt, Inc
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
HYPNOTIC SPONSORS
ALLIANCE architecture, LLC
bda architects
Alvin H. Butz, Inc.
Cedar Crest College
Cetronia Ambulance Corps
Cipriani & Werner, P.C.
Corebridge Financial
DeSales University
Lehigh University
Olympus Corporation of the Americas
The Pidcock Company
CRIMSON SPONSORS
AblePay
Albarell Electric, Inc.
Bob and Joan Begliomini
Boyle Construction, Inc.
CTI
Cumulus Media
Duggan & Marcon, Inc.
Fraser Advanced Information Systems
Jerdon Construction
J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc.
Lehigh Valley IronPigs
MKSD Architects
RLDatix
TWG Security
WFMZ-TV Channel 69
Wind Creek Bethlehem
Working Dog Press
THANK YOU
OBSIDIAN SPONSORS
AllerVie Health
Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC
Bazella Group
Bohler Engineering
Capital Blue Cross
Consolidated Graphic Communications
Hartzell and Moore Families
Healthcare Realty Solutions
Hollis Cobb
Interactive Liquid, LLC
Klunk & Milan Advertising
Lehigh Valley Style Magazine
Martin Rogers
Engineering Consultants
The Morning Call
Morton Brown Family Wealth
Suresh and Terri Nair
Northampton Community College
William and Amy Nyberg
Penn Credit Corporation
People First Federal Credit Union
RestoreCore
Schlouch Inc.
Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.
THE BARBECUE BOYS
OPEN FOR LATE-NIGHT BITES
While the Zannakis brothers are no strangers to barbecue—Dean and Andrew launched The Barbecue Boys’ first location in Phillipsburg, NJ, in 2020—they’ve taken on a new location with a new concept. After noticing that their guests liked to ask for customizations on their barbecue sandwich orders, and with a lot of requests for rice as a side, the Zannakises hit on the idea of buildyour-own sandwiches and bowls. “We came up with this concept years ago, but we were unable to execute the idea until recently,” Dean says. At the new Southside Bethlehem location, customers can dream up their perfect barbecue meal, either on a sandwich or in a bowl of rice, mac and cheese or lettuce, with the option of smoked meats—brisket, beef sausage or pulled pork—as well as grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas. Top your creation with fresh sides and housemade sauces, and pair it with classic barbecue companions like beans, coleslaw and hush puppies, or flavor your own fresh potato chips. For the younger crowd who tend to be night owls, The Barbecue Boys is open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
306 S. New St., Bethlehem 610.984.1108 | thebarbecueboys.com
TOILE & OAK INTERIORS
OKATSHE
MODERN TAKE ON TRADITIONAL JAPANESE
Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winner Jose Garces is at it again with his second Allentown eatery, Okatshe, a Japanese izakaya now open on Hamilton Street, adjacent to the Moxy Hotel. The restaurant features Japanese small plates as well as sushi and sashimi, plus a wide selection of Japanese whisky and cocktails. “One of the things I’m most excited about is bringing a truly high-quality sushi and fresh seafood experience to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley,” says Garces. Okatshe is partnering with Yama Seafood, a supplier to high-end restaurants in New York, to create its sushi and seafood dishes. The restaurant’s interior creates a playful environment, with graffiti murals and a lively atmosphere inspired by the streets of Tokyo. “It’s all about creating a fun, flavorful and memorable experience,” Garces says. Menu items not to be missed include takoyaki (octopus, bonito flakes, mayo and takoyaki sauce), yuzu salmon tataki (seared salmon, jalapeño, yuzu and miso) and broiled scallops (miso butter, soy and ichimi chili).
947 Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.255.2863 | allentown.okatshe.com
DESIGN FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND MORE
A popular investment strategy these days is to purchase property and rent it out on Airbnb or Vrbo, and with the Lehigh Valley’s proximity to the Poconos, the opportunities are plentiful. But you may not be getting the most out of your investment if the home’s interiors don’t stand out from the rest. Diana Leiner, founder and principal designer of Toile & Oak Interiors, holds the key to success in short-term rentals with her design services. “Success requires much more than attractive furnishings,” Leiner says. “That means analyzing location, amenities, guest expectations and market data to inform every decision.” Leiner says that short-term rental design, when done well, creates an unforgettable guest experience and generates stronger reviews and increased occupancy, making her services an investment that pays for itself quickly. While specializing in short-term rental design, Toile & Oak also offers full-service residential design services, both here in the Lehigh Valley and around the country, for “families who want homes that feel beautifully personal.” Check out their “Designer for a Day” consultations for weekend warriors who aren’t afraid of a little DIY to beautify their living spaces.
toileandoak.com | toileandoak
COURTESY OF TOILE AND OAK INTERIORS
SORCERY AND SCRIPTS
FANTASY BOOKS AND GAMES
Now that the weather is colder, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a board game or a book— but why not both? Magically curated for you and your loved ones, Sorcery and Scripts is “bringing the community together one sword at a time.” The new Bethlehem shop presents dozens of new worlds to explore in fantasy-themed board games and novels for all ages. “Sorcery and Scripts isn’t just a store, it’s a vibe,” remarks owner Shelby Schleyer. “It has a cozy ambiance, plenty of space for friends and families to play games or talk about books and something for everyone.” Customers love the decorations, but the free games section where you can enjoy dragons, potions and much more is where it really shines. “It is hard to find people with similar hobbies when your hobbies like board games can just be played at your house. So having a public area that schedules events can help people meet likeminded people,” Schleyer says. So this winter, whether you are looking for a good romantasy novel or a board game to play with your family, pop in to Sorcery and Scripts in Bethlehem for a great time.
74 W. Broad St. Suite 110, Bethlehem sorceryandscripts.square.site | SorceryandScripts
LV CANDY SHOP, GIFTS & MORE
NOSTALGIA IN NAZARETH
There’s something about the memory of your favorite candy from childhood. Heather Doll and Rachel Causa are helping bring old memories back to the present at LV Candy Shop, Gifts & More in Nazareth. “We wanted to bring a sense of old-time feelings and memories along with creating new ones for the community,” Doll and Causa say. They offer a variety of candies, from packaged chocolates and Gilliam sticks to saltwater taffy and gummies, as well as personalized gifts and specialty sodas. Their customers have been partial to old favorites like gold coins, Charleston Chews, Chuckles and Mary Janes (a taffy made of peanut butter and molasses). Enjoy a stroll down memory lane with the familiar flavors of the sweets you love, all on display in bins and barrels just like an old-fashioned general store. Gift baskets are also available so that you can present a loved one with their own bit of nostalgia.
Looking to Transition into Senior Living?
CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley & Upper Bucks are dedicated Certified Senior Advisors. We consult with families to find optimal senior living options for their elder loved ones.
Our experienced and empathetic team offers expert guidance to families navigating senior care options. We specialize in helping you choose the safest and most suitable senior options including In-Home Care and organized tours of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities.
At CarePatrol, we prioritize your family’s peace of mind and ease of transition. Our personalized support and trusted senior care advisory are offered at no cost to you, ensuring the safety, happiness and well-being of your elder loved one. Community partners since 2014.
Our trusted experts are here to help find the Right Care Option.
610-509-0445 610-509-7050
ONLINE THIS MONTH
BE PART OF THE STORY!
Is there a Restaurant Awards category you’d like to see added to our 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 four tickets— an $80 value—to “Baked Into Bethlehem,” an exhibit by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/ share-with-us to enter!
LVS Online
Head to lehighvalleystyle.com to find out what’s happening each week in the Lehigh Valley! Want to see your event included in the roundup? Email editor@lehighvalleystyle.com
WANT TO KNOW WHERE OUR NEXT STYLE INSIDER HAPPY HOUR WILL BE?
Want info about upcoming Lehigh Valley Style events? Follow Lehigh Valley Style on Facebook and click on our Events tab!
CONNECT WITH STYLE :
Dear Santa
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
From the moment the Moravians settled in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741, the town has been known as the Christmas City. During the holiday season, Bethlehem is home to festive decor, artisan markets, special postmarks at the post office and even a live webcam featuring Main Street on the Hallmark Channel. But visitors and residents alike can experience the holidays in the Christmas City all year long thanks to Tom Dubreuil and his Christmasthemed shop, Dear Santa.
QTell us about the inspiration behind opening a Christmas store in the Christmas City!
I have been fortunate to serve as the Santa in Bethlehem for the past eight years. During COVID, as I was sitting behind the window at Brownstone Design speaking to children through a microphone and speaker, I learned that the Moravian Book Shop had been sold. We had regularly visited and brought out-of-town friends to the bookshop— the Christmas section was always the highlight—and I was sad to learn it would be changing.
My first thought upon hearing the news was, “How can Bethlehem be ‘the Christmas City’ without a year-round Christmas shop?” So, I started researching small business start-ups, completed an entrepreneurship program and was able to convince my wife that I should retire from higher education to open Dear Santa. A few years later, the right spot became available, and on April 19, 2024, we opened our doors.
What sorts of gifts and accessories do you carry?
Dear Santa carries a wide variety of Christmas-related ornaments, decorations, snow globes, kitchenware, amazing winter hats, bracelets, pins, t-shirts, stuffies and more. We also offer old-school wooden toys as well as beautiful holiday gourds from just down the road in Carlisle. Overall, we pride ourselves on very unique and special holiday decorations that provide our customers with a sense of Christmas magic and nostalgia.
What items in your store are customer favorites?
A few favorites are our locally made ceramic light-up trees and our tiny snow globes made by the original snow globe maker in Austria. Our ornaments, from those made by Lehigh Valley artisans to custom-glass ones from Poland, are also popular, and of course, our amazing hand-knit winter hats, too. Customers also love the variety of Bethlehemthemed ornaments, postcards and t-shirts that we carry.
Is there anything that customers might be surprised to find in Dear Santa?
Our hands-on workshop is always a source of delight. In the workshop, children of all ages can write and mail a letter to Santa, color and design their own version of the North Pole and bake cookies with toy kitchen tools. Visitors can also hear the elves building toys at the North Pole through a magic elf door that Santa installed in the shop.
How do you curate your merchandise?
We attend the traditional wholesale markets in Atlanta in January and Philadelphia in February and are always on the lookout for unique items
that you can’t find elsewhere on Main Street. Additionally, we have developed a great network of local artists who create and share some of their beautiful work with us.
Tell us about how you feature local artisans.
We actually have a special room entitled “Local Artisans,” dedicated specifically to artists in the area, and we also display and sell their work throughout the shop. Dear Santa works with about a dozen local artists and we continually curate pieces that combine our vibe of magic and nostalgia. We sell locally made glass art, wood products, ornaments, ceramics and candles.
What kinds of events do you host in-store?
We hold several interactive events during the year, usually with Santa Claus on hand to add extra cheer! Events this past year have included visits from children’s favorites Bluey and Bingo as well as Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen. We also host cookie decorating, toy-making, story times and “adopt a reindeer” events.
Dear Santa also regularly participates in the Downtown Bethlehem Association’s events, such as the holiday candy, soup and drink crawls, Harvest Fest and Pride Cocktail Crawl, and of course we have fun creating themed sections during Musikfest and the Celtic Classic.
Dear Santa is in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem. What do you love about your location?
We are so fortunate to be located in the heart of Bethlehem. We look out the window and see a diversity of events and people celebrating weddings, visitors coming in and out of the Hotel Bethlehem, and folks
enjoying the World Heritage sites. We’d be remiss not to mention the wonderful local families simply enjoying the quaintness and beauty of the number one Main Street in America.
Do you ever get tired of Christmas music?
While our shop plays Christmas music throughout the year, we mix it up a bit from time to time with pop, jazz, classical, instrumental and other non-holiday music just to offer some variety for customers and for us. However, from Nov. 1 up to Christmas, it is all Christmas all the time!
Anything else you’d like to note?
People share their wonderful Christmas memories with us all the time. My friend Liz Keptner and I started a podcast
called Dear Santa where Santa interviews people about their Christmas memories. We just want to send some good vibes out into the world. We are so thankful to be members of this special community and we genuinely appreciate all of the wonderful comments people have shared about Dear Santa. We hope to be part of Bethlehem and the beautiful traditions of Christmas that have been created in this, the Christmas City, for years to come.
458 Main St., Bethlehem 610.419.1225 | historicdearsanta.com
“We
A Stellar Achievement
With 36 years of experience guiding families, friends, and business leaders through financial planning, business exits, and life transitions, Emrich continues to make a lasting difference in the Lehigh Valley community.
Lehigh County Commissioner, 1990–1997
Velodrome Board-Secured 1996 US Olympic Cycling Trials
Lehigh County Authority Board, 2006–2016
Lehigh Valley Society of Financial Service Professionals, Past President
Charter Arts Foundation – Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
Tocqueville Society of the United Way
HOLIDAY DECOR HOW-TO’S
BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY CHRIS FLEGEL
Anthony Sierra
INTERIOR DESIGNER, ANTHONY SIERRA DESIGNS
The days are short and the weather unwelcoming, but we have one great defense against winter: beautiful, beckoning holiday lights and decorations! To get your home ready for seasonal celebrations and cozy weeks to come, try the following advice from Anthony Sierra, a master holiday decorator and interior designer trusted with Hotel Bethlehem’s annual Christmas design.
START WITH THE HOME ITSELF
Whatever the occasion, decor doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Let your architecture and existing style inform the flavor of your decorations. “I look at the home and structure before I start planning,” Sierra says. “A really modern-style home might not lend itself well to a Candyland aesthetic.”
A farmhouse home would cohere well with a few classy, organic elements or vintage items, while a space with more formal glamour might respond better to opulence. If it’s all about the kids, that’s your cue to go colorful.
PLAY WITH COLOR
While his work at Hotel Bethlehem creates a tour of drastically different displays, “With a home you want cohesion and flow,” Sierra says. If you have the space and inclination, you can experiment with multiple styles, but keeping decor cohesive from room to room goes a long way to a polished look.
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ASK THE EXPERT
Timeless reds and greens, metallics or neutrals will always look lovely, but any color is up for grabs if it features strongly in or complements your home. One of Sierra’s clients matches teal decor on the tree to an accent in that room’s carpet.
ADD ORGANIC TOUCHES
When in doubt, fall back on the original and utmost in decor: nature’s beauty. Evergreens, magnolia leaves, berries and winter florals are always lovely and understated, whether elevating garlands and mantels or tucked into the tree for a lush, layered look.
Sierra is a huge fan of pine swags out front, adorning lanterns and light fixtures to guide you home. “I love a wreath on every window,” he says. “It looks really classic and over the top.” Try orienting window wreaths with the bow on top for a more refined, elegant look.
EXTEND DECOR INTO WINTER
Swap holiday-specific items and ornaments for natural greenery, lanterns and candles when festivities have finished. The home stays cozy and inviting well into the darker months. “The amount of battery-operated candles in my living room is pretty absurd,” Sierra says.
And who can blame him? Glowing in each window and safely set to a timer, candlelight gives an unbeatably warm welcome when you’ve left work without the benefit of sunlight on a short winter day. Garland, lights and winter foliage should be layered first when decorating so it’s easy to pluck Santa out of the mix while maintaining merriment.
TABLETOP MAGIC
For your festive feasts, there’s no time like the holidays to go all out. Sierra loves layered place settings, with linens, chargers and creatively folded napkins contributing to a scene of abundance. Keep centerpieces low so conversation can go over them, or go big and dramatic if the table allows and simply move it aside during dinner. Candlelight is always essential.
For an alternative that may suit your decorative collection or hosting sensibilities better, opt out of a sit-down dinner. “Get rid of all the chairs and set the dining room table up buffet style,” Sierra says. The food can be arranged around a centerpiece and show off your seasonal serving dishes.
REFRESH WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN
Heirloom pieces are a big part of a holiday built on, hopefully, warm family memories. It can be refreshing to reimagine heirlooms or favorite pieces in new ways to create something special or unique in your decor. “We’re just so oversaturated with options,” Sierra says. “It’s nice to tune into what looks best in your home.”
His own collection includes that classic piece, the white ceramic Christmas tree, which finds its perfect position on his bar cart. Even an item like a mirror can become an unexpected table runner, brightening the room. Clusters of familiar items on stylish trays become vignettes that can easily be relocated as surface space is needed.
KNOW WHEN TO CALL IN HELP
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to dig boxes out of the attic, set a dazzling tablescape or engineer an enchanting tree. Designers like Anthony Sierra can handle everything from a single dinner table to multiple trees and garlands in a sprawling home, freeing you up to enjoy the season.
“It doesn’t have to be a whole house,” Sierra says. “It could be just a front door or a fireplace.” Some families call him Santa Claus the way his visits bring the magic of the holiday to their homes.
anthonysierradesigns.com anthonysierradesigns
Celebrating 10 YEARS of
Physicians Weight Control began in 1987, founded by Medical Director William J. Strowhouer, Jr., DO. For decades, the program has helped people across the East Coast live healthier, happier lives through personalized care and FDA-approved appetite suppressants.
In 2015, William J. Strowhouer III—son of the medical director, a St. Joseph’s University graduate and U.S. Army veteran—took a leap of faith on a technology that seemed too good to be true: Strawberry Laser Lipo. Unlike other body contouring options that came with questionable side effects or poor long-term results, this treatment offered real, visible inch loss with no downtime or adverse effects.
Soon after, WJSIII brought on his then-girlfriend, Maggie Corl, a Rowan University graduate with a strong background in sales and customer service, to help grow the business. Together, they built a program focused not only on results but on creating a supportive, positive environment for both clients and staff.
Over the past 10 years, they’ve grown the Strawberry Laser Lipo program to three offices, refined a trustworthy team, gotten married and welcomed a son into their family.
Now, with the rise of GLP-1 medications, Strawberry Laser Lipo is more relevant than ever, helping patients tighten skin and maintain aesthetics during rapid weight loss. Whether you’re using a compounded or name-brand GLP-1, the Strawberry Laser is a powerful tool in achieving sustainable, confident results.
Join PWC and SLL on the next phase of this exciting journey!
Allison Hess Bryson
MASTER ESTHETICIAN
Skin care may seem like a cosmetic indulgence, but your skin can reflect your body’s overall health. Allison Hess Bryson has devoted her career to helping her clients make the best of their skin and she shares with us what you need to know to keep your skin healthy, especially in the winter months.
QTell us about what inspired you to become a master esthetician!
I grew up in the beauty and wellness world. My mom owned a salon my whole life and was very earthy; my parents were gardeners, knowledgeable on essential oils and even beekeeping. I went to college for communications but quickly found myself feeling a pull back to the beauty and wellness sector. It felt like home for me—like something I understood fully from a life of practicing I started my esthetics journey in Annapolis, Maryland, taking countless hours of classes on breathing, ingredients, holistic health, peels, waxing, you name it, until I completed my hours to become a master esthetician.
What is your philosophy on wellness in general and how it relates to our skin’s health? Wellness is a lifestyle which comes from within; it’s not a one-time act of self-service.
I believe wellness starts with who we surround ourselves with, how we spend our free time and how we practice gratitude. It’s the foods we nourish ourselves with and the way we move our bodies. All of that comes out from within and is reflected on our skin. People tend to forget that our skin is a living and functioning organ, so it needs to be handled with care! When a client tells me that their skin is acting up, I remind them to work on balancing their gut, getting good rest and getting outside for some fresh air, which allows their skin’s functions to optimize. When our bodies are balanced, our skin glows!
What are some mistakes you see people make when caring for their skin? Trusting TikTok or Instagram to tell you what products you should be using! It seems that skin care is readily available everywhere we turn. But if you
aren’t buying from a licensed professional , you’re throwing a dart. Professional and medical-grade skin care requires that whoever is selling it to you has been educated on ingredients, medical indications and overall skin health. Online, department stores and drug stores do not have this kind of skin care and it can lead to more problems in the long haul. A skin care routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be effective; it needs to be chosen with you by a professional so it’s not only targeting your current concerns, but also taking in mind your lifestyle, health and underlying conditions. On top of that, consistency is key. Getting a one-time facial or using products sometimes will not bring you closer to your goals! Get into a routine, however simple, and commit to treatments as often as your schedule and budget allow.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
What should people know about skin care during the winter months?
Winter months are the ideal times to take on deeper or more intensive treatments. Microneedling, dermaplaning and peels are all highly effective and winter skin tends to love the refresh. I also remind my clients that in the winter our skin is on the defense. The cold, dry air, the blasting heat we turn on in our car, the limited outdoor exposure—all of these things can sensitize and dehydrate the skin. We usually suggest hyaluronic acid, gentle healing oils and shea butter moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated. Also, always wear your SPF! If it’s light outside, your skin needs sunscreen. Lastly, there are studies coming out showing that blue light from screens actually causes photodamage and premature aging of the cells.
What are some products and treatments that your clients love?
This is seasonal! We make it a point to roll with the seasons so we can truly give you what you need. The facial you get in July isn’t the same as the one your skin needs in October. At my shop we focus a lot on relaxation coupled with treatments. Our guests come in for microneedling to correct age or acne concerns but find themselves feeling pampered and rested. We try to address not just the skin but your current diet and lifestyle and make simple suggestions along the way. It’s a holistic treatment, meaning we aren’t just treating today’s skin, we are treating this season of life and what it’s bringing to the table for you.
Tell us about your signature skin care line. My line is designed to give you back what the environment is taking. I’ve studied ingredients and how they work so this line is cultivated to not only give nutrients to the skin but to support your body's barrier function and cell activity. The active ingredients are all stable and bioavailable, which simply means your skin can actually absorb the nutrients versus them sitting on top of the skin. Our product lineʼs main goal is to gently optimize what the body is already doing by supporting it with effective ingredients. Some of our biggest sellers are an awesome lightweight peptide eye treatment, graceful aging serum to
keep your skin nourished and vibrant and our daily protective SPF, which wears super-light and doesn’t have that stinky SPF smell.
Tell us about your morning routine—is there anything you can’t start your day without? I start my day with a cup of coffee that my husband makes me, and a walk barefoot in my yard with my dog, Sunshine. Without the fresh air, puppy kisses and coffee, I probably couldn’t get myself motivated!
How about your evening routine?
Just like most people, my evenings are nutty. My daughter is a competitive dancer, so by the time we get her home and I catch up with my husband, play with the dog and pull together dinner, I’m beat! We are very conscious of eating a real dinner and getting quality sleep. Before I sleep, I am always sure to cleanse twice (once to remove the makeup and pollution from the day and once to really cleanse my skin), use a glycolic and retinol resurfacer to keep my cells turning over and functioning, and apply a hydrating serum and moisturizer. Remember always that daytime skin care is to protect and nighttime skin care is to correct!
How do you relieve stress?
Travel! As soon as life feels overwhelming, I start planning a trip, whether for a weekend or a whole big extravaganza. I have a goal to see all 50 states (seven left to go!) and as many countries as I can. Planning a trip becomes an escape for me as I find travel books and blogs and study great local finds and off-the-beaten-path restaurants. For more immediate stress relief, I walk my dog. After a walk, my brain is always a bit clearer.
What’s one takeaway you’d like to share?
If you truly want to glow, always remember that it comes from within. Those of us who are fortunate enough to age, we can’t mask it forever. So be happy, find your peace, be good to your body and your community. Good skin care is the icing on the cake if you are sparkling from within.
skinclinicpa.com
Whole Person Care in a Calming Space
Embrace a more fulfilling, authentic life with integrative counseling, yoga/somatics, and massage therapy— holistic support for mind, body, and spirit.
95 Highland Ave. Suite 301
Fax: 610.849.0473
We’re hiring! Connect with us at intentionalcnw.com
FROM 5-9PM AT THE Sigal Museum
YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORT BETHLEHEM EMERGENCY SHELTERING & SAFE HARBOR OF EASTON
NICKISCHER & ASSOCIATES
Counseling That’s Close to Home
Nickischer & Associates is a trusted counseling practice serving individuals, couples and families across the Lehigh Valley. Now celebrating 10 years of helping people lead their best lives, the practice offers in-person and telehealth therapy, providing licensed, compassionate care tailored to their needs. Committed to emotional well-being and personal growth, Nickischer & Associates uses a client-centered approach grounded in evidencebased modalities including CBT, IFS, CPT, ACT and EMDR. Their team of licensed counselors supports a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges and life transitions. Every client receives empathy, respect and a personalized treatment plan aligned with their goals. The practice fosters a safe, inclusive and nonjudgmental space where healing can take place. Known for clinical excellence, integrity and strong community connections, Nickischer & Associates remains a leading mental health resource in the Lehigh Valley—offering expert care, close to home.
CLOSET FACTORY ALLENTOWN
The Art of Organization
Closet Factory Allentown is a family-owned and -operated company since 1999. The Focht family brought Closet Factory to the Lehigh Valley to create perfectly designed solutions for their clients’ cabinetry needs by combining a completely custom organizational solution with innovative design style.
Committed to creating opportunities for all within the organization, the family prides itself on providing the Lehigh Valley with a national brand at a family-owned and -operated level. Bob Focht started the Closet Factory with his engineering background from Lehigh University, along with Joan Focht, his wife of 51 years. Bob and Joan oversee the daily operations with daughters Melissa and Mandi Focht being involved in the day-to-day tasks as Operations Manager and Sales Manager, respectively.
Along with the immediate family, the family of employees stretches from the office staff to factory employees, installers and designers. Every step of the company’s process is touched by one of these amazing individuals and truly makes the experience with Closet Factory one to remember.
7 Willow St. Industrial Park, Fleetwood 610.944.1333 | closetfactory.com/allentown
With ten years of experience, whatever the struggle, the counselors at Nickischer & Associates are equipped to help patients identify the tools needed to change their life perspective for the better.
Left to right: husband and wife Bob and Joan Focht with daughters Mandi and Melissa
BURKHOLDER’S Heating
& Air
Conditioning, Inc.
Celebrating 65 years of family-owned service, Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has proudly served the Lehigh Valley since 1960. Founded by Carl Burkholder and now led by his son, Bob, the company continues its tradition of comfort and community.
For 65 years, Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has proudly served the Lehigh Valley with trusted, family-driven service. Founded in 1960 by Carl Burkholder, the company began with a simple mission—to provide dependable heating and cooling solutions to local homeowners and businesses. What started as a small operation quickly grew into one of the region’s most respected HVAC providers, built on a foundation of integrity, craftsmanship and community care.
Today, Burkholder’s remains a family-owned business under the leadership of Carl’s son, Bob Burkholder, who continues to uphold the values his father established more than six decades ago. The legacy now extends into a third generation, with Bob’s daughter, Shannon, serving as the company’s Financial Coordinator. Together, the Burkholder family and their dedicated team take pride in carrying forward a tradition of excellence and customer commitment that has defined the company since day one.
Throughout the years, Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning has evolved to meet the needs of a changing industry—offering innovative energyefficient systems, advanced indoor air quality solutions and comprehensive maintenance and service plans. Despite that growth, their commitment to personalized service and longterm customer relationships has never wavered.
As Burkholder’s celebrates 65 years in business, the company remains deeply rooted in the Lehigh Valley community, honoring its past while looking ahead to the future with the same passion and purpose that started it all. From generation to generation, the Burkholder family continues to deliver comfort, reliability and hometown service that stands the test of time.
SEIPLE FARMS
Family-Owned and -Operated Since 1889
Seiple Farm, a multi-generational family business, has proudly served its community for decades. Known for its commitment to sustainable farming, seasonal events and fresh local produce, the Seiple family blends tradition with innovation to keep farming heritage alive.
Seiple Farms in Bath is more than just a place to buy fresh produce—it’s a true family legacy. For generations, the Seiple family has worked the same land with dedication, passion and pride, welcoming the community to share in their love of farming. What started as a small family operation has grown into a beloved local destination where visitors can pick pumpkins, enjoy hayrides and make lasting memories during the farm’s popular seasonal events. Every season brings something special—from spring planting and summer harvests to the excitement of autumn on the farm. The Seiples are deeply committed to preserving their agricultural roots while embracing sustainable practices that protect the land for future generations. Their handson approach and genuine warmth make every visit feel like coming home, reflecting the heart and soul of family farming in the Lehigh Valley.
Christopher Jackson
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR, BACH CHOIR OF BETHLEHEM
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
“Intoxicating.”
“Effortless virtuosity.”
“Splendid musicianship, rousing choruses and sublime voices.”
Reviewers have been effusive in their praise for the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, a fixture in the Christmas City since 1898. The choir has performed to acclaim around the world, with the National Endowment for the Arts among the agencies acknowledging its excellence. And yet somehow, someway, there are still longtime Lehigh Valley residents who’ve never heard of it.
Christopher Jackson intends to change that.
Jackson is now in his fourth season as artistic director and conductor of the choir. He’s just the seventh person to hold that position in the choir’s lengthy and illustrious history. His predecessor, Greg Funfgeld, was in the role for nearly forty years. “This has been the job that I have always been looking for,” Jackson says.
Jackson grew up in Oklahoma during a time when a pop star who happened to share his last name was all the rage on the radio. “I was obsessed with Michael Jackson as a kid and tried to sing everything he did,” he recalls.
But classical music was on his radar, too, thanks to frequent long car rides to visit his grandparents. “The only choices for what I could listen to were either conservative talk radio or this one cassette tape of Beethoven,” Jackson says. “So I always chose Beethoven, even as, like, a six-yearold.” He and his father would whistle along with the sonatas and symphonies coming out of the car speakers.
Later, as a teenager, music helped Jackson cope with loss—deaths in his family—and with what he characterized as the typically angsty emotions of those often-trying years. He found solace in his school choir and began experimenting with his own compositions at the piano. “There’s something tremendously psychologically, emotionally and physically healthy about making music, and I think especially with other people,” Jackson says.
He majored in vocal performance at Oklahoma State University, spent three years teaching middle and high school students in Tucson, Arizona, and then went on to earn a pair of master’s
degrees at Rider University (conducting) and Westminster Choir College (choral conducting). Finally, he secured a doctorate in musical arts and choral conducting from the University of North Texas. “I sped through that degree in two years and a summer, because I really just wanted to be working again,” says Jackson. “You know, school is great. I love school, but I couldn’t wait to start leading my own choral program.”
Jackson served as the director of choral activities at Lycoming College in Williamsport from 2013 to 2017, when he left to step into a similar role at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. The move to the Lehigh Valley, with its proximity to larger cities like Philadelphia and New York, was helpful for his vocal career as well. He was—and is—a professional choral singer and soloist, performing with groups that include the Boston-based chamber choir Skylark, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Roomful of Teeth and The Thirteen Choir and Orchestra out of Washington, DC.
A few years after landing at Muhlenberg College, Jackson got wind of the top job opening up at the Bach Choir. The mechanics of the position didn’t intimidate him, he says; by that time, he had spent fifteen years as a professional
musician and conductor, a role that “ forces you to be prepared, be professional and face a lot of scrutiny. You are one person standing in front of sometimes hundreds of people and telling them what to do. You’re on constant display, and your successes or failures are public.”
Rather, it was considering the legacy of the choir, the oldest Bach choir in the United States, that gave him pause: “How can I still be myself, but also keep this organization healthy and thriving and moving forward into a future where, honestly, many people are uncertain about what role classical music can or should play in their life or in the life of a community?”
And that brings us back to that headscratching anonymity that can still surround the Bach Choir in its own backyard, even after performances at hallowed venues like Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and London’s Royal Albert Hall, and glowing write-ups in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Times of London, among many others. “We give somewhere around thirty concerts a year,” Jackson says, “and we bring in really nationally and internationally renowned artists to create these concerts. For this to be here in the Lehigh Valley, and for the general public to not know is something
There’s something tremendously psychologically, emotionally and physically healthy about making music...
that I desperately want to fix. I want this music to be of service to everyone in our community.”
Is Johann Sebastian Bach himself the one with the relatability problem? The German composer has been dead for 275 years. Perhaps he and his contemporaries just aren’t making it onto a lot of Spotify playlists these days. But Jackson says he sees it as his mission to show skeptics that classical music is for everyone. “It’s very deeply engaging, emotionally engaging. It’s great music, but if someone doesn’t like it yet, and that’s the term I’ll always use, you just don’t like it yet, it’s because it hasn’t been presented in the right way.”
And so, while the choir’s programming will always be built around Bach and his works, Jackson is finding ways to showcase those tried-and-true classics in a new light. Last year, the choir presented pieces by the early twentieth-century Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, as well as the contemporary Philadelphia composer Kile Smith. The latter, Jackson says, is about the Apollo 8 moon mission. “I chose that piece carefully, and actually paired it with another piece of Bach that translates into English, ‘How Brightly Shines the Morning Star.’ So the entire concert was actually about looking up into outer space.”
Also, during the choir’s free Bach at Noon concerts, Jackson delivers about ten minutes of spoken notes on the music. “All of that is designed to bring people into the world of classical music, tell them why Bach chose to use those instruments, or why he put it in a minor key instead of a major key, or what historical relevance any of this has to anyone in a modern time.”
In addition, the Bach Choir has a number of community engagement programs, including the Bel Canto Youth Chorus, which just added a fourth ensemble, Bach Buddies, for singers in kindergarten through second grade. A Musical Heart is a music and hospice program, in which trained musicians are sent out to be with people in their final moments. “From kindergarten through the end of life, we’re really trying to make sure that music is something that is a beautiful part of living in the Lehigh Valley,” Jackson says. A highlight of the choir’s schedule is their annual Christmas concert series, this year falling on Dec. 13–14 and featuring a collection of Bach’s Advent and Christmas cantatas as well as a new carol from contemporary composer Dr. Larry Lipkis. Beyond bringing Bach—or Mendelssohn or Vivaldi or Brahms—to the masses, the larger goal is community building. The choir has 120 members, all volunteers,
“and they represent as wide a range of demographics as you probably could imagine in the Lehigh Valley,” Jackson says. “I know we’re a swing state and we don’t need to get into politics, but I guarantee you, not everyone in that room voted for the same people, and yet they gather every week and work on creating beauty and art together and attempting to bring that to the community as well. That action, I think, does more for the creation of a tight-knit and loving and serviceoriented community than anything else I’ve come across.”
Jackson lives in Allentown with his wife, Katelyn Grace Jackson, the nationally recognized soprano soloist and ensemble singer, and their two cats, Bear and Echo. Since classical music is at the core of his professional pursuits, perhaps it’s not surprising that he doesn’t put it on much at home. But almost anything else goes: Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, boygenius. He’s also an avid listener of traditional country music. “I really love everything,” Jackson says. “I’ve spent many years of my life making folk music, doing English and Irish folk music and bluegrass. So everything under the sun I listen to in my spare time.”
bach.org
1812 PIANO LOUNGE
1812PIANOLOUNGE
Located in the West End Theatre District, 1812 Piano Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind destination to meet, dine, sip and sing along with some of the region’s top performers. The casually elegant atmosphere and intimate setting invite guests to feel like part of the performance. Play it again!
1812 W. Allen St., Allentown | 484.274.6208 | 1812pianolounge.com
A fireside table awaits! Voted best in Quakertown by LehighValleyStyle readers, McCoole's is a colonial period tavern offering delicious food, craft cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Now booking holiday parties! Open Wednesday through Sunday. 4 S. Main St., Quakertown | 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com
SAVORY GRILLE
SAVORYGRILLE SAVORYGRILLEPA
Go back in time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. A true culinary gem, Chef Shawn Doyle and his team prepare made-to-order sauces, breads, and desserts using only the freshest and finest ingredients.
Rakkii Ramen invites guests to warm up this season with a comforting bowl of hot ramen. In addition to their signature ramen, they offer flavorful rice bowls and bento boxes. Rakkii Ramen wishes everyone a warm and joyful holiday season.
Winter Activities
BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY OLENA BLOSHCHYNSKA / ADOBE STOCK
The season’s twinkling transformation has overtaken the land, with lights, music and tales of long, long ago waiting to inspire you with the magic of the holidays. Bundle up and head out!
1.THE NUTCRACKER
MILLER SYMPHONY HALL 23 N. 6th St., Allentown | millersymphonyhall.org
Bring your family to bask in the spectacle of sugar plum fairies as frothy tutus, familiar songs and soaring pageantry make The Nutcracker the best-loved holiday ballet. A cast of 100 brings this festive fairy tale to life accompanied by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.
This holiday light experience drenches Coca-Cola Park in more than 1.5 million lights for complete immersion in winter whimsy. But they don’t stop there. Ride a glowing carousel, take a photo with Santa Claus or Elsa, try your hand at curling or snap your way down the Selfie Trail at an event that’s thought of everything.
3.TREE LIGHTING
ALLENTOWN ARTS PARK
24-32 N. 5th St., Allentown
Dec. 6, 4–6 p.m.
Expect carols, cocoa and a towering tree as the lights come alive in Allentown’s Arts Park. Santa will be on hand to take down Christmas wishes, while Toys for Tots are collected to make them come true. Bundle up and roast marshmallows with your neighbors for a night of community spirit!
4. EASTON WINTER VILLAGE
Centre Square, Easton eastonwintervillage.com
In the glow of Centre Square’s Peace Candle, peruse the Village’s vendor huts each weekend until Dec. 21 for gifts and goodies, hot drink in hand. With live performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and additional downtown boutiques, it’s as merry as you make it. A skating rink is free for Easton residents!
5. SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS PUB WALKING TOUR
501 Main St., Bethlehem historicbethlehem.org
For an elevated pub crawl infused with history, check out Historic Bethlehem’s walking tour led by a guide in 18th-century garb, reeling out tales of the Sun Inn’s illustrious guest list, Moravian brewing and more. Tour takers are invited to supplement their education with the purchase of drinks along the way.
HOME STYLE
our community
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.
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 and community partners allow ArtsQuest to provide over half of its programming free to the public with scholarships available for individuals facing financial hardship.
Family-owned. Locally operated. Professional and knowledgeable sales staff. Visit our showroom and experience the difference.
1824 W. Allen St., Allentown 610.439.8448 allentownappliance.com
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.
The need for 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 House takes every opportunity to further educate the public around mental health to foster a stigmafree environment. This year, Haven House plans to 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
ARTSQUEST
Providing access to art, culture and educational programs for the diverse residents of the Lehigh Valley and others who seek access to our community
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.
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 and community partners allow ArtsQuest to provide over half of its programming free to the public with scholarships available for individuals facing financial hardship.
HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES
of
By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment
The need for 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 House takes every opportunity to further educate the public around mental health to foster a stigmafree environment. This year, Haven House plans to 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
the Haven House leadership team
“If you had to refer a family member or friend to another dentist for care, whom among your colleagues would you recommend?”
THIS IS THE QUESTION that was posed to area dentists to determine who deserves the distinction of Select Dentist status. Dentists and specialists were asked to consider reputation within the community and among colleagues and peers, quality of services provided, experience, educational background, continuing education and utilization of best-practice procedures and techniques.
For 2025, the Select Dentists survey was once again conducted by the Harrisburg-based FieldGoals.US, a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise providing superior qualitative and quantitative research services for a wide variety of businesses and entities, both in Central Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.
Naturally, there are many outstanding dentists who are not included in this listing, which is based on the judgments of their fellow dentists as a peer review.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CONTACT US AT ASKUS@SELECTDENTISTSPA.ORG
DR. MARSHA ADLER GORDON Gordon Pediatric Dental
The entire team at Gordon Pediatric Dental looks forward to providing children with a strong foundation for a lifelong healthy smile. They welcome all to join them on that journey.
Gordon Pediatric Dental specializes in providing the highest-quality dental care to all patients from infancy through teenage years as well as those with special needs.
Dr. Marsha Gordon, Dr. Wanda Janik and Dr. Farah Ali strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment tailored to each individual’s unique dental, behavioral and developmental needs. Together with their team, they have created an atmosphere that is compassionate, kid-friendly and fun to ensure that every child has the best possible dental experience. Drs. Gordon, Janik and Ali have privileges at the Reilly Children’s Outpatient Surgical Center of Lehigh Valley Health Network and can provide comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia.
BRIAN P. LOFTUS, DMD, MSD Easton Orthodontic Associates
Brian P. Loftus, DMD, MSD, and his experienced team at Easton Orthodontic Associates treat patients like family members. For 27 years, Dr. Loftus has been performing orthodontics in an energizing, fun and friendly environment. His philosophy is that it’s important for his patients to achieve an incredible smile, and also enjoy every step of the journey.
As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Loftus and his team offer a variety of solutions for complex malocclusions, including braces, clear aligners and dentofacial orthopedics. They utilize digital technology, such as intraoral scanning and in-office 3D printing, to deliver the most comfortable and efficient treatment to their patients.
Aside from his daily routine at Easton Orthodontics, Dr. Loftus is passionate about giving back to the community. As a regular blood donor at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Dr. Loftus has surpassed the 50-gallon donation mark. His practice also creates custom mouth guards for patients and donates the entire fee to CureSearch, a pediatric cancer research foundation.
DR. ARI FORGOSH
Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Ari Forgosh believes it is critical to meet his patients where they are and guide them on their journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.
Many patients find Dr. Forgosh during their search to get relief from complex dental problems, such as TMJ pain, headaches and teeth grinding. While building a healthy problem-free mouth is the first priority, patients often ask if improving the look of their smile can be accomplished during treatment, with veneers or dental implants.
Veneers are a minimally invasive way to improve the color, shape and proportions of teeth to create a beautiful smile that looks and feels natural. Dental implants are a wonder of modern dentistry, allowing replacement of a single missing tooth or even an entire mouth full of teeth. The process begins with a carefully crafted plan that finds beauty through a focus on function.
Dr. Forgosh’s skills, latest technology and team of highly trained professionals combine to find the best solutions to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
The team at Easton Orthodontic Associates cares deeply about the community as well as their patients. Their goal is not only to make patients feel comfortable in their office, but also to exceed their expectations. Easton Orthodontics is where great smiles happen!
DR. S. JOHN SALIVONCHIK
The Office of S. John Salivonchik, DMD, PC
Dr. Salivonchik and his team utilize all the latest technology to make it easier for patients to feel great about their teeth. The technological advancements in dentistry have led to more treatment choices, and Dr. Salivonchik and his team’s passion is to provide custom dental solutions for every patient after careful consideration of their needs and desires. They believe this requires a relaxed atmosphere where enough time is given to discuss people’s concerns and options.
Dr. Salivonchik, a Whitehall native, received his BS from Muhlenberg College and graduated summa cum laude from Temple University School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is also certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the World Clinical Laser Institute.
Dr. Aejaaz Issa has been providing outstanding care in the Lehigh Valley since 2005 when he started Ai Orthodontics. Dr. Issa attended the University of Pennsylvania for his DMD and the University of Rochester to specialize in orthodontics. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association.
Ai Orthodontics is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, allowing the most advanced and efficient care possible. They utilize the Damon Bracket System, which improves oral hygiene while providing more comfort during treatment by reducing the number of adjustments that would be needed with standard brackets.
For patients desiring invisible treatment, Ai Orthodontics is a Diamond Invisalign provider—experts in using the product to achieve outstanding results. The office has gone completely digital by introducing the iTero intraoral scanner, which means no more goopy impressions! The iTero complements their fully equipped in-house lab featuring top-notch 3D printers to manufacture all retainers for a faster turnaround time.
Ai Orthodontics offers a rotating schedule to accommodate patients’ schedules and semi-private and private rooms to make patients comfortable. Take advantage of their complimentary consultations and experience the extraordinary care they provide.
A dedication to personalized dental care sets Dr. Salivonchik and his team apart and makes them the dental office of choice for Lehigh Valley residents who desire quality oral care.
ANTHONY J. CERAMI, DMD Dorneyville Dental
“My philosophy has always been to treat each patient as I would my own wife, child, mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent.”
–ANTHONY J. CERAMI, DMD
Anthony J. Cerami, DMD, has been practicing at Dorneyville Dental since 2011, continuing the practice’s long-standing tradition of exceptional patient care that has served the Lehigh Valley for more than 25 years. A Lehigh Valley native, Dr. Cerami takes great pride in caring for the families of the community he grew up in. He and his wife, Sarah, reside locally with their three children.
A graduate of William Allen High School, Dr. Cerami earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and graduated summa cum laude from Temple University School of Dental Medicine. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, and Lehigh Valley Dental Society, and is an Invisalign Preferred Provider.
Dr. Cerami and his dedicated team have created a warm, welcoming environment where patients are treated like family. Dorneyville Dental is truly a family practice, often serving multiple generations within the same household. The team provides a full range of services, including routine checkups, cosmetic procedures, Invisalign, and dental implant restorations, all with a focus on comfort and quality.
Dorneyville Dental recently welcomed Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez to the team. Also a Lehigh Valley native, Dr. Rodriguez shares the same passion for patient-centered care and commitment to the community.
Both Dr. Cerami and Dr. Rodriguez are honored to be recognized by their peers as Select Dentists, a reflection of their dedication to excellence, compassion, and the trust they’ve earned from their patients and colleagues alike.
ENDODONTICS
Julee P. Gil, DMD, MBE Silvaggio Endodontics Allentown
Kristin M. Jabbs, DMD Silvaggio Endodontics Allentown
Timothy Lin, DMD Lehigh Valley Endodontics Allentown, PC Allentown
Joseph Alfred Silvaggio, DMD Silvaggio Endodontics Allentown
Christopher B. Vivona, DDS Vivona Endodontics Allentown
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Anthony Cerami, DMD Dorneyville Dental Allentown
Mrunal Dave, DDS
Dental Office of Mrunal Dave, DDS Bethlehem
Shaili Dave, DMD
Dental Office of Shaili Dave, DMD Bethlehem
Emily Dobrowolski, DMD
Rodney M. Dobrowolski, DMD Whitehall
Rodney M. Dobrowolski, DMD
Rodney M. Dobrowolski, DMD Whitehall
Ari R. Forgosh, DMD Green Hills Dentistry Allentown
Dental Office of Scott A. Gradwell, DMD, FAGD, PC Allentown
Sameer Kapoor, DDS, MSD, MS Easton Implants & Periodontics Easton
Brian J. Miller, DMD Valley Implants and Periodontics
Bethlehem
John L. Potter, DMD
John L. Potter, DMD Periodontics, Implantology and Laser Treatment Center Allentown
J. Brian Straka, DMD
J. Brian Straka, DMD, LLC Periodontics and Dental Implants
Bethlehem
PROSTHODONTICS
Ron Hersh Jr., DMD Advanced Prosthodontics
Bethlehem
Bernard Servagno, DDS
Bethlehem Prosthodontics
Bethlehem
LDear Valehigh leyLDear Valehigh ley
ByHeatherMayerIrvine withAngelaVennemann
In honor of Lehigh Valley Style celebrating 25 years, this is our love letter to the Valley, highlighting 25 of our favorite things that make it the special place it is, from activities to history to food and beyond.
Photo by jzehnder / Adobe Stock
1 Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
The amusement attraction in the western part of the Lehigh Valley didn’t start out as such. In the late 1800s, Solomon Dorney built a fish hatchery and eventually added games, rides, a hotel, restaurant and a zoo to turn the site into a destination resort. At the turn of the century, Dorney sold the park and its new owners installed a carousel, which joined attractions like a cable ride, scenic railway, a Ferris wheel and swimming pools. Over the next hundred years, Dorney Park grew (and shrank after a 1983 fire) and grew again. Today, the park is owned by Six Flags Entertainment Park after a 2024 merger and is a Valley staple for locals and out-of-towners alike.
2 Lehigh Valley Zoo
Harry C. Trexler founded the zoo in 1906, and today it’s expanded into a 29-acre park where you can see more than 125 species of animals, including giraffes, penguins, bison and more. Don’t miss their Winter Light Spectacular this month!
Family-Friendly Experiences
But kids aren’t required for these fan-favorite attractions.
3 Da Vinci Science Center
The center has a storied past; in 1992, Lehigh University created the Science Model Area Resource Team (SMART) to bring hands-on science to local students. In 1999, it became independent from the university and opened a facility in West Allentown. In 2024, the muchloved science center relocated to the heart of Downtown Allentown. Its three-story building is pristine and features mainstay exhibits, including My Body, Lehigh Valley Watershed and Curiosity Hall, a multimedia experience. The center hosts special exhibits—anything from dinosaurs to Mickey Mouse—and special events and camps.
4 Sporting Events
The Lehigh Valley’s two minorleague teams, the IronPigs and the Phantoms, bring the excitement of the MLB and the NHL close to home. And the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, better known locally as The Velodrome, hosts world-class cycling events as well as the bi-annual VeloFest.
Courtesy of Da Vinci Science Center
Courtesy of Dorney Park
Photo by Cheryl Pursell
Drink + Dine
5 Uniquely Lehigh Valley
We love these staples, even if some are a bit quirky.
Yocco’s Hot Dogs
For more than a hundred years, these hot dogs have fed Lehigh Valley folks. The dogs are topped with the “secret sauce” (a meat chili sauce), made from the same recipe its creator, Theodore Iacocca, created in the 1920s.
Scrapple
In an effort to use as much of the meat source as possible, Germans and Pennsylvania Dutch created the scrapple dish: pork scraps, organ meats and trimmings, combined with a grain like buckwheat or cornmeal. Once formed and fried, it’s served with maple syrup as a breakfast dish.
Kiffles
While their origin story is up for debate, the kiffle cookie is a popular dessert in the Lehigh Valley. The rich, flaky dough wraps around a variety of fillings, including raspberry, apricot and walnut, for a decadent two-bite treat. (We love Kiffle Kitchen Bakery and Granola Factory.)
Vegan Treats
Before you pooh-pooh a vegan dessert, try the Peanut Butter Bomb. Vegans and non-vegans alike flock to the Bethlehem bakery for donuts, cakes and cookies that are rich, creamy and perfectly sweet.
No place is worth its salt if it can’t tout really good food, or at least unique offerings.
6 World Cuisine
Dine around the world without ever leaving the Lehigh Valley! No matter where you turn, you’ll find food from near and far to suit any international craving.
7
Breweries and Distilleries
With upwards of 20 breweries and several distilleries found throughout the Valley, you’re never far from a local brew or spirit, making it easy to find a drink that tastes like home.
Miss / A d o be Stock
Courtesy of Ve gan Treats
Photo by C o l i n Coleman
Photo by Co l i n Coleman
ShangWei Szechuan / Alison Conklin Photography
Daddy's Place / Alison Conklin Photography
Courtesy of Eight Oaks Distillery
Made in the Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem’s crown jewel, Bethlehem Steel, was a worldwide powerhouse before its last cast in 1995. Today, the Lehigh Valley is home to other big-name manufacturers.
8 C.F. Martin & Co.
For nearly 200 years, Martin Guitar, as it’s colloquially known, has been a leader in guitar manufacturing. Some music experts call certain acoustic models by the Nazareth-based company the “Holy Grail” because they’re rare, have great sound and are historically important. One of Martin’s Holy Grail pieces is the first-ever D-28, which was made in 1934 and is owned by Hollywood star Jason Momoa. And father of the electric guitar Les Paul called his 1929 Martin O-18K acoustic guitar his first “good guitar.” Tour the Martin Museum in Nazareth where you’ll see its first guitar and the one Nirvana’s frontman, Kurt Cobain, played on MTV Unplugged in 1993.
The Great Outdoors
9 Crayola
Every kid in America knows about Crayola crayons (and markers, and paints, and colored pencils and modeling clay…), and the company’s colorful history all started right here in Easton in 1885. Today, around 90% of the crayons in the world are made locally by Crayola.
10
Just Born
An Easter basket staple, Peeps have been made by Bethlehem’s Just Born since 1953, though the company’s Lehigh Valley history dates back to 1932. Other Just Born favorites include Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales.
11 Nature Preserves
Steps outside the major cities of the Lehigh Valley are thousands of acres of preserved land that locals use for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The largest is the Trexler Nature Preserve, which is home to more than 18 miles of trails, including the Trexler Border Trail and Covered Bridge Trail. In the winter, it’s a favorite for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other favorites include South Mountain Preserve in Emmaus and the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area in Bethlehem Township.
Opt outside with everything from running to hiking to boating to biking to bird-watching.
12 Trails
If you’re looking to get out and walk, run, hike or bike, there are plenty of places to keep moving, like the D&L Trail, the Ironton Rail Trail and the Saucon Rail Trail, to name just a few.
13 River Activities
The Lehigh and Delaware rivers offer plenty of opportunities for fun on the water, whether you love kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding or tubing.
Photo by Andrew Tomasino
Alison Conklin Photography
Photo by Rachel DiCarlo
Go Fest Yourself
Like to eat, drink and be merry? There’s a fest for that.
1 4 Musikfest
What started as a small music festival in Bethlehem in 1984 has become the country’s largest non-gated free music festival. For 10 days, festers can see hundreds of musical performances—free and paid, with headliners who have included Goo Goo Dolls, Little Richard and The Beach Boys. More than a dozen platzes feature local and regional music groups, and food vendors, including fan-favorite Aw Shucks! Roasted Corn, keep everyone fed. In 2025, with perfect weather all week long, festival organizer ArtsQuest said records were shattered, including attendance: nearly 1.5 million.
15 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
Every summer, the PSF hosts a slate of live theater productions at DeSales University, showcasing not only works by the Bard
The Producers
16 The Great Allentown Fair
This summer sendoff has been around since 1852, and today fairgoers can pet livestock, ride and play on the midway and hear big-name headliners at the grandstand (past performers
17 Celtic Classic
Every September, this event celebrates Celtic heritage through music and a bit of healthy competition. Enjoy the sounds of bagpipes and fiddles while you watch the US National Highland Games Championship (think hammer throwing and keg tossing).
Photo by Ted Colegrove
Courtesy of The Great Allentown Fair
Arts and Entertainment
Immerse
yourself in music, art, comedy and history.
18 National Museum of Industrial History
This small-but-packed museum is home to a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits that tell the story of industry. NMIH, a Smithsonian affiliate, sits in the former electric repair shop of Bethlehem Steel, a stone’s throw away from the looming blast furnaces. Exhibits will take you back in time to the heyday of steel production, textiles, and propane and energy, complete with hands-on activities.
19 Allentown Art Museum
You don’t have to go all the way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to view works by painter Rembrandt and architect Frank Lloyd Wright. See them in the collection at the Allentown Art Museum, which also boasts an exhibit of stained-glass windows by Tiffany Studios.
20 ArtsQuest
This nonprofit is well known for hosting Musikfest every year, but they also support the arts year-round with concerts, films and festivals at SteelStacks, visual art education through classes and camps and annual holiday celebrations like Christkindlmarkt. Look for the new Creative Factory to open in early 2027 with space for exhibitions, performances and arts education.
21 Miller Symphony Hall
A charming historic building in Downtown Allentown houses the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, the Allentown Band, the Allentown Symphony Chorus and the Repertory Dance Theatre’s annual Nutcracker ballet. In its early life, the theater was home to vaudeville, burlesque and Broadwaybound performances. It has hosted Bob Hope and Gracie Allen, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett and Placido Domingo. The 1,100-seat theater offers a range of performances throughout the year, with staples like the annual holiday pops concert. Miller Symphony Hall is entrenched in the community, with youth programs and camps, scholarships and free admission for students to certain events.
Photo by Glenn Koehler/NMIH
Photo by Hub Willson
Up there with Philadelphia, Boston and New York City, the Lehigh Valley is historically significant.
Wri ti ng History
22 Easton’s Reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 1776, Robert Levers, chair of the committee of safety, read the Declaration of Independence from the steps of the old courthouse in Easton. This was one of just three public readings of the document in the colonies; the other locations were Philadelphia and Trenton, NJ. To commemorate this historic moment, Easton hosts its annual “Heritage Day” in July, with historical reenactments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and drum and fife performances.
23 Moravian Church Settlements
In 1741, Moravians fleeing religious intolerance in Europe settled in Bethlehem. In 2024, Bethlehem’s Moravian settlement, alongside similar sites in Northern Ireland, Germany and Denmark, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “historical value.” The site became the 26th World Heritage Site in the US and encompasses ten acres near Downtown Bethlehem, including nine structures, four ruins and God’s Acre cemetery. The Moravian Book Shop was founded in 1745 on the south side of the Lehigh River; in 1871 it was relocated to Main Street, where it still operates today, making it the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the country.
24 Liberty Bell in Allentown
To prevent the Liberty Bell and other bells in Philadelphia from being seized by the British and melted down into weapons, a group of colonists whisked them away to Allentown for safekeeping. The Liberty Bell was hidden under the floorboards of Zion’s Reformed Church from 1777 to 1778.
25 F amous Visitors to the Sun Inn
In July 1782, General George Washington laid his head here in Bethlehem, as did his wife, Martha, in 1779. Other famous guests of the Sun Inn include Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Durston Saylor Photography
Durston Saylor Photography
Courtesy of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
S ty le YEARS OF
BY AMY UNGER
Let’s take a trip back to the year 2000, shall we? We had all survived Y2K, the International Space Station welcomed its first guests, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston got hitched, smartphones were not yet in pockets everywhere and here in the Lehigh Valley, a glossy new magazine appeared on store shelves for the first time.
The inaugural cover in October of that year depicted a quintessential fall scene: children on a hay wagon, surrounded by pumpkins, gourds, squash and other season-appropriate produce. The nameplate said Lehigh Valley Style. “Premier issue,” a coverline in the corner teased. It was the start of something new.
Twenty-five years later, a lot has changed: what we’re wearing (does anyone really miss trucker hats and ultra-low-rise jeans?), where we’re hanging out and how we consume our news and entertainment. But Style is still very much in fashion, having established itself as the go-to spot for all things Lehigh Valley.
And so we say, happy birthday to us!
But what kind of gift do you get for the magazine that has everything (at least, we like to think so)? How about a look back at how it all began, and a trip down memory lane with some of the people who have helped Style shine for a quarter of a century? Make our birthday wish come true and read on!
‘ Got S ty le?’
Pam Deller had a habit of going to a local public library on Monday nights for some quiet time, where she’d peruse the magazine section. It was during one of those visits in 2001 when she first came across Lehigh Valley Style. “I was really intrigued by it, because I was a huge fan of Philly Mag ( Philadelphia magazine), and I felt like the Lehigh Valley was really missing something like that,” she says.
Deller, with a background in marketing, public relations and radio advertising, knew she wanted to be a part of Style. She called then-publisher Eric Lund, who offered her a nonsalaried, commission-only role selling advertising. The small team met once a week at the magazine’s first office in Bethlehem’s Sun Inn courtyard. “I just started going out to the community, and it was actually tough in the beginning, but I think the people that I talked to saw
the value of what we were trying to do, and that was just to create a more elevated magazine and really focus on sharing the stories of the Lehigh Valley, whether it was through homes or restaurants or people,” says Deller.
About a year after LVS made its debut, Lund approached Paul and Lisa Prass, owners of Innovative Designs and Publishing (IDP), about purchasing the magazine. At the time, the Prasses didn’t have much experience shepherding lifestyle brands, but Paul remembered feeling impressed by a billboard campaign Lund had used to roll out the magazine. “‘Got style?’ was all it said on the billboards,” Prass recalls. “And it was maybe a threeor four-month campaign before [Style] launched, but it was really great and successful. And it was a fantastic magazine.”
Gro wthand Opportunities
Changes came: Style’s office moved to Palmer Township, and it shifted from a bimonthly to a monthly publication schedule in 2007. Deller, on her way to becoming publisher, was tasked with coming up with new ideas to fill the pages with the backing of just a small staff.
By then, LVS was finding itself on the guest list for a slew of galas, parties and other local events, and therein was a new opportunity. “I went and bought a digital camera, just a tiny pocket camera, and I would start going to these events, and I would walk around, and I would say, ‘Hi, can I take your photo for Lehigh Valley Style?’” Deller says. That was the birth of Style Scene, which became a fixture in the magazine, and, later, the ubiquitous Style Wall. “I used to lug that thing around on a Saturday night, taking pictures,” Deller says,
“and it was really how we made a name for ourselves in the early years of the magazine.”
It was also how Style formed early community connections while operating on a shoestring budget. “[LVS] might not have been able to write a $5,000 or $10,000 check to a local charity, but I could offer them advertising in the magazine,” says Deller. “I could take the Style Wall to an event and run the photos afterward and give them visibility. It became very valuable to the nonprofits in the community, and we created some really strong partnerships that have endured all of these years.”
Eventually, Style began planning events of its own: happy hours, networking events, health and wellness experiences, the Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival and, of course, the annual Best Of extravaganza, with some 500 attendees this past July.
The N e x t 25+Years
The shift to digital media has left many print publications fighting strong headwinds, and Lehigh Valley Style is no exception. “After COVID, there's been lots of challenges with paper pricing being through the roof, and postage costs rising,” says Prass. “There's not a lot of margin at all to make any money in the magazine business.”
Style continues to bolster its online presence, including launching a revamped website earlier this year, with feature stories, recipes, an events calendar, shopping guide, wedding planning inspiration and so much more, all on one easily navigated, clickable platform. The magazine has seen healthy growth on its
social media channels as well. “I think the need and the desire for someone to curate the content and the stories of a community, I don't think that's ever going to change,” Deller says. Adds Prass: “It’s all about the content. We provide good content, addictive content, that people want to read.”
In other words, even though 2025 feels a lot different than 2000, the same principles that guided LVS in its infancy still hold true today. “If you live in the Lehigh Valley and want to know what's going on in the Lehigh Valley, then Lehigh Valley Style wants to be your magazine,” Deller says. “That's why we’re here, and I think that's why we'll continue to be here.”
PHOTO BY WINNIE AU
PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO
ALISON CONKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO ALISON CONKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO
PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO
MARCO CALDERON PHOTOGRAPHY
by the NumbersLVS 261
25,155
3,512
ARTICLES WRITTEN
PAGES PRINTED
1,271
213
EVENTS HOSTED
155
HAPPY HOURS
1,536
162
BEST OF WINNERS REAL WEDDINGS FEATURED
73 67
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
134 85 STYLE SCENES
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Our C o ntri but ors
Alison Conklin
Contributing Photographer and Writer
Everyone remembers their first big break. For award-winning photographer Alison Conklin, it happened nearly twenty years ago, when she was asked to take pictures for a Lehigh Valley Style wedding issue. One of Conklin’s photos was selected for the cover. “I remember being so emotional,” Conklin recalls. “[Then editor-in-chief] Lisa Gotto said it would be the first of many.” And it was. Conklin has been a constant contributor ever since, sometimes putting down her camera long enough to serve as a writer, too. “I just love the camaraderie of brainstorming an idea and then building it,” Conklin says.
Elaine Wyborski
Former Art Director
Elaine Wyborski began as an ad designer at Lehigh Valley Style in 2008 before working her way up to graphic designer and, finally, art director, overseeing the look of the magazine’s cover, articles and overall layout. She was frequently on-site for events that ranged from celebrity photo shoots— “I hung out at Carson Kressley's house for a day, which was awesome”—to social gatherings. “Lehigh Valley Style has really built a community,” Wyborski says. “It's not just something you read, but it's also a tight knit crew that gets together regularly to explore every corner of the Valley.”
Kristen Wagner Former Editor-in-Chief
Kristen Wagner always dreamed of working for a glossy magazine. She made it happen in August 2015, when she was named managing editor of Lehigh Valley Style, eventually working her way up to editorin-chief. During her nearly ten-year tenure, the magazine secured a number of big-name interviews, including celebrity stylist Kate Young, actress Amanda Seyfried, and racing legend Mario Andretti, while also making sure the diversity of the region was well-represented in its pages. Wagner also helped to usher in Style’s new era of addictive, exclusive content. “If you're not reading it, then you're missing out on something special in the community,” Wagner says.
PHOTO BY G E O F F C O NKLIN
PHOTO
PHOTO
OLEMAN
Loo k B ac k on LVS
Kelli Hertzog
Former Marketing and Events Manager
Lehigh Valley Style’s annual Best of the Lehigh Valley awards and celebration has grown into the hotly anticipated fête that it is thanks in large part to former marketing and events manager Kelli Hertzog. “We started with, I believe it was 2,500 votes for the survey,” she says. “And then when I left [in 2022], we were over 50,000 votes.” She can rattle off a long list of recollections from the many happenings she had a hand in. Other moments happened behind the scenes: collaborating with colleagues at the office, and getting glammed up together before a big to-do. “Those were some of my favorite memories,” says Hertzog. “I think about them daily.”
Marco Calderon
Contributing Photographer
One of photographer Marco Calderon’s most memorable assignments for Lehigh Valley Style was also one of his first. In 2018, Style wanted to profile three immigrants who made use of the services offered by Allentown’s Literacy Center. Calderon, who hails from Mexico, learned to speak English with the center’s help when he first came to the US. A board member recommended his work to Style’s editorial team, and he got the gig. Shooting the portraits of the three subjects was personal for Calderon. “It was a whole circle, me shooting for [Style], and me being part of the organization that I love, and I will be always grateful and thankful, forever,” he says.
Carrie Havranek
Former Contributing Writer
Foodies looking for the scoop on the Lehigh Valley’s dining scene had a trusty guide in Carrie Havranek. Through her Inside Dish column and countless other contributions, she highlighted the best and tastiest restaurants, breweries, distilleries, bakeries and more. Havranek is now the editor of Edible Lehigh Valley magazine, where she continues the work of helping readers navigate the food landscape in their towns and communities. “I've seen firsthand how the food world has changed tremendously here in the Lehigh Valley, but we definitely still have gaps in representation of different cuisines and have room for more delicious eats and inspiring stories,” she says.
MARCO
OTOGRAPHY
SPICY GINGERBREAD CAKE WITH Chef Missy Walters
On Main Street in Emmaus, sunlight spills through the large picture window at Baked, warming the cozy space where locals gather for coffee, breakfast and a sweet treat. For fifteen years, Missy Walters has stood behind the counter, tray in hand, watching as the view outside has shifted with the seasons, the businesses and the people who call Emmaus home. She’s seen children grow from toddlers begging for monkey muffins to teenagers grabbing a scone on their way to school. She’s watched the town change, yet her smallbatch, ever-evolving creations have remained a constant invitation to pause and enjoy something comforting.
Baking, for Walters, has always been about joy. From childhood sleepovers spent making crepes to culinary school competitions she never imagined winning, food has been her language. After studying at Johnson & Wales and working in kitchens that taught her what she didn’t want—prestige without heart— she found Baked. When it opened in 2010, Walters joined as a baker, and just a few years later, she became its owner. Today, she has shaped it into a bakery-café that balances tradition with creativity: daily fresh bread for sandwiches, baked oatmeal that regulars swear by and inventive seasonal treats born from restless inspiration.
Her approach is simple but deliberate: small batches, fresh ingredients and a menu that shifts with the moment. A perfectly ripe bunch of local strawberries may inspire an entire week of desserts; a stack of late-summer tomatoes might become the highlight of that week’s quiche. She thrives on reinvention because it means customers always find something unexpected alongside the beloved classics.
This season, Walters is sharing a recipe close to her heart: a spicy gingerbread cake made with fresh ginger, a hint of black pepper and finished simply with whipped cream or eggnog ice cream. It’s the dessert she bakes with her daughters every
Christmas Eve, a family tradition she loves passing down and one she hopes will become a staple in others’ homes, too.
Owning a business is demanding, especially while raising two daughters, but Walters says the moments when she can step back, bake in the quiet and see joy on a customer’s face make it worthwhile. “You’re choosing to come here for a treat,” she says. “And knowing that we get to be that joy for someone— it’s all worth it.”
bakedinemmaus.com
Tag @lvstylemag when you make it at home!
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
SPICY GINGERBREAD CAKE
INGREDIENTS
1 c. boiling water
1 stick butter, sliced into about 10 pieces
1½ tsp. baking soda
1 c. molasses
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp. dried ground ginger
½ tsp. allspice
1 tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp. salt
½ c. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
2½ c. flour
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray your pan of choice with nonstick spray and dust with flour. You may use a Bundt pan, a 9x13inch pan, two 8-inch round pans or 24-cupcake tins. If using a Bundt pan, make sure this is done thoroughly. If making cupcakes, line the pan with paper liners.
Pour the boiling water into a bowl. Add sliced butter to boiling water and allow to melt—you may have to stir this to get all
of the butter to melt. Add the baking soda and molasses and allow to cool.
Add the slightly beaten eggs to the bowl and stir well.
Add all remaining spices and brown sugar and stir well.
Add the baking powder and flour. Stir until incorporated and no lumps remain.
Pour into desired baking dish or scoop into cupcake liners ½ of the way up.
Bake:
- Cupcakes: 15 minutes
- 8-inch round pans: 20–25 minutes
- 9x13 pan: 25–30 minutes
- Bundt pan: 30–35 minutes
Cake should remain moist but spring back when touched in the middle or a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool. Remove from pan(s) and decorate or slice to serve.
Swift at Wilbur Mansion
MODERN
From Bethlehem’s Wilbur Mansion, the sweeping view reveals a 21st-century cityscape featuring today’s Southside development alongside Bethlehem Steel’s quiet smokestacks, a reminder of another time, all framed by Pennsylvania hillsides. What a perfect spot for the mansion’s Swift restaurant—a glorious celebration of place.
SET IN A PIECE OF BETHLEHEM’S HISTORY
At this dining spot, which launched in August, there’s fascinating history, stunning craftsmanship and a story of community and conservation, all rooted in our region. Swift replaces the mansion’s previous restaurant, which closed for six weeks while tables and floors were refreshed and the new concept was assimilated.
Owners John and Lynn Noble, who had been interested in the “underutilized” property in its great location for forty years, bought it in 2015 with the intent to be part of an apartment building. As they settled into planning, however, they realized it had to be a restaurant, because its rich, extraordinary character needed to be shared with the public.
Wilbur Mansion was built in 1864 by Elisha Packer Wilbur and his wife, Stella, who together raised a family of ten there. Elisha—a nephew of Asa Packer, who founded Lehigh University—owned the E.P. Wilbur Trust Company, managed the Bethlehem Iron Company and served as president of Lehigh Valley Railroad and as a Lehigh University treasurer and trustee.
In its heyday, the mansion was “the party house of Fountain Hill,” says Lynn, and when it was later owned by the Masons’ Bethlehem Lodge for decades, it was a gathering place as well. The
BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
FRENCH FUSION
Nobles wanted to continue that tradition, creating Swift to be a place where people gather and appreciate the legacy of shared history as well as the artisanal gifts of our region.
As it turns out, one of those gifts hails from nature—a gift that became the restaurant’s namesake. When the Nobles began tearing down the Masonic Temple next to the mansion, which was beyond restoration, they learned from a neighbor that chimney swifts rested in the temple’s 40-something-foot chimney on their migration between Maine and South America’s Amazon River Basin.
Immediately, John halted demolition. After speaking with Audubon Society experts across the country, he learned the chimney was, indeed, a critical swift sanctuary; the birds would not use a new structure as a substitute stopover because they’d imprinted upon this spot.
A lifelong advocate for nature and wildlife, John excavated around the chimney, incorporating it into the site’s development plans. Today, it’s part of Wilbur’s event center, where weddings and other special gatherings are held. Since swifts spend their days in flight, resting only at night, hundreds of the birds fly into and out of the chimney each dawn and dusk from April to November, filling the sky with a swirling, diving dance, says Lynn.
Renovation and restoration of the mansion itself—which includes a nine-room boutique hotel—took the better part of three years, says John, who has been in commercial development for many years. Everything visible in the restaurant, which takes up the mansion’s first floor, was refinished; everything behind the scenes was modernized.
Considering the Wilburs’ pedigree, it should come as no surprise that the mansion’s original interior design elements were top drawer. A stained-glass window from Tiffany Studios glows in the bar, casting filtered light into what used to be the Wilburs’ billiard room.
Hand-carved floor-to-ceiling wood mantels with marble inserts serve as focal points in dining rooms. Carved wood paneling wraps one dining room in natural warmth. To celebrate the best the state could offer, Pennsylvania artisans crafted the interior with native woods—walnut, oak, chestnut and mahogany— when the mansion was built.
“Everything we did helped to let the amazing, original features of the mansion take the forefront without overpowering or stealing the show,” says Lynn. The historic characteristics take center stage, for sure, but, in combination with the simplicity of white walls and the dining tables’ clean lines, there’s a timeless fusion of yesterday and today.
Styles change, but Swift proves beauty is not bound by time. The reverence here for the mansion’s history, for the splendor of another age, is evidence that the restaurant is meant to be appreciated today. While it’s special enough for a special occasion, it’s also approachable and comfortable.
Lifting up Pennsylvania artisans finds realization today in Swift’s focus on using local producers. Fresh fruit and vegetables come from Bethlehem’s Scholl Orchards, Homestead Coffee Roasters in Upper Black Eddy supplies coffee and artisan cheese comes from Valley Milkhouse in Oley. The bar features cocktails made with locally sourced spirits and
ingredients from High Point Kombucha in Allentown and The Green House Tea Room in Bethlehem.
At the kitchen’s helm is executive chef Brandon Otto, who has wanted to be a chef since he was about four years old, he says, when he made garlic bread as his mother made spaghetti. After graduating from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts, he worked at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina for several years. Previous stints as executive chef include Stroudsmoor Country Inn and The Swiftwater, both in the Poconos.
Swift’s fare, Otto says, is rooted in French cuisine, but features fusion flair with a mix of local ingredients.
French influence is clear in the menu’s offerings of escargot and prime filet mignon with a choice of red wine demi-glace, béarnaise or au poivre sauces. There’s Italian influence as well in dishes such as housemade ricotta gnudi and vegetable arancini.
Italian cuisine influences the small-plate starter Prosciutto and Peach. A pillow of white burrata cheese sits atop golden peach slices, hugged by shavings of salty prosciutto like a savory bedfellow. These are not just any peaches, however.
These are peaches compressed in a cryovac machine with simple syrup, which breaks down the fruit’s cell walls, Otto says, injecting sugar into the cells, preventing oxidation and making the slices translucent. It also encourages eating this starter as slowly as possible, so you can make the inspired combination—creamy, rich burrata; salty, smoky prosciutto; nuanced sweet
fruit; and complex balsamic reduction—last as long as possible.
From the sea, an eightounce crab cake is chock full of chunks of sweet lump crabmeat, enhanced with pieces of red bell pepper and scallion. Served in a pool of sweet corn puree, the subtly flavored crab cake is accented by a bright topping of pickled asparagus, apple and red onion—a perfect counterpoint.
Roasted Maple Leaf Farms duck a l’orange is a plate stunner. Crisped, goldenbrown duck legs and thighs rest in a brilliant pool of orange sauce with brown sugar and triple sec on a plate white as snow. Topped with segments of fresh orange and partnered with fresh spinach, this dish has it all: robust, deeply flavored duck balanced with sweet citrus notes and the al dente texture of leafy greens sauteed with garlic. What can be said about peach cobbler, other than it’s peach cobbler? Served in a cast iron pan so the edges stay brown and crispy, a sweet vanilla cake is studded with fresh fruit and topped with Coopersburg’s Inside Scoop vanilla ice cream. It’s warm and cold, crispy and creamy, sweet as a summer day.
Food and beverage director Sundiata White says like Swift’s cuisine, the bar program emphasizes fresh ingredients, “mixed with thoughtfulness, fun and creativity.”
That includes locally produced craft beer from Hellertown’s Lost Tavern Brewing and premium spirits. Examples include Elverson-based Revivalist Summertide gin with honey simple syrup, chocolate bitters and egg white in the cocktail Honey Bees; and Bluebird Honeycomb gin,
distilled in Phoenixville, mixed with Long Island strawberry tea, blackberry and dragon fruit syrup and lime-orange bitters in the drink Swift Dragon.
A signature cocktail, Seemore Green, created by bartender Katy Mead, features Bluebird rye whiskey, a signature tea blend from The Green House Tea Room, in-house blackberry and lemongrass syrup and fresh lemon. This drink starts on the palate fresh and citrusy, then coats the throat with a smooth, viscous lingering warmth.
The international wine list features sips from France, Australia, Italy, Germany, New Zealand and Spain, as well as US wine regions in California, Washington, Oregon and New York’s Finger Lakes.
At Swift, the Nobles sought to create a place for anybody, any time, to find joy in the experience of coming together in celebration of what’s in our backyards. There’s a lot to be proud of in this place we call home, and this restaurant tells that story.
Bar: happy hour Wed.–Sun. 4:30–6:30 p.m.; bar open until one hour after kitchen closes
Cost: Small plates: $14–28
Mains: $29–57
Brunch: $14–42
Parking: Lot adjacent to mansion.
Reservations: Recommended; walk-ins welcome.
WHAT TO ORDER
Crab cake—its chunks of sweet crab are gustatory luxury. Duck a l’orange— flavor galore in a still life of brilliant color. Seemore Green—this cocktail surely will smooth out the rough edges of even the toughest week.
SOURDOUGH BREAD
BY ANGELA VENNEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON
MITZ BAKERY
Sourdough has seen a surge in popularity in the past several years, going back to 2020 when everyone stayed at home and had little else to do but bake as a sort of survival mechanism during the dark days of COVID. It seems everyone and their mother has jumped on the sourdough bandwagon (including my mother— hi, Mom!), and what a delicious bandwagon it is.
But don’t lump Danielle Lewis and Jennifer Sakelarides in with those fair-weather fans. The owners of the recently opened Mitz Bakery in Hellertown have always loved to bake for family, friends and colleagues, and for years they sold their baked goods at the now-defunct Kutztown Folk Festival. With the festival cancelled and their appearances limited to pop-ups, Lewis and Sakelarides had a legion of fans asking where else they could buy the pair’s goods. “This was our motivation to find a place to open a retail bakery of our own,” they say. “We then came across an available space in Hellertown, and our dream just took off from there.”
These days, Mitz Bakery is reliably turning out treats like cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies, but what their customers really want is their sourdough bread. “We can’t keep it on the shelves!” Lewis and Sakelarides say. “Each week we have needed to make more loaves to meet the demand.” Mitz Bakery routinely sells out of their most popular variety of the bread, plain, but their rotating specialty sourdoughs get all the love, too. The Lehigh Valley Style team can attest to the rave reviews for these loaves—we demolished samples of plain, pepperoni mozzarella, chocolate chip and cheddar chive. Mitz also carries varieties like cranberry walnut, jalapeño cheddar, everything bagel and rosemary garlic.
The journey from their mixing bowl to your plate takes about 48 hours, beginning with a sourdough starter developed by Lewis and Sakelarides. Mitz uses clean ingredients—just starter, flour, salt and water—and opts for the freshest and most local add-ins they can find. The result is a loaf with a crispy crust and a delicate yet dense interior, bearing a uniquely tangy and complex flavor.
Lewis and Sakelarides offer plenty of suggestions on the best way to enjoy their sourdough, whether it’s as a sandwich, baked into croutons, as toast topped with avocado, jam or peanut butter or hollowed out into a soup bowl. Just make sure you get to the bakery before they sell out for the day.
612 Main St., Hellertown 484.641.2015 | mitzbakery.weebly.com
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