What’s Nearby? (Easton)
Located at what the Lenni Lenape Indians knew as the “Forks of the Delaware”, the city of Easton sits on the banks where the Lehigh and Delaware rivers merge . Along with Allentown and Bethlehem, Easton is one of the primary cities that comprise the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania’s third most populous metropolitan area. Easton, PA. In 1736, Thomas Penn, William Penn’s son, surveyed the area and Easton was officially born in 1752. As a young town Easton became a leader in the fight for freedom and was chosen as one of the three cities where the Declaration would be publicly read. From the steps of the old Court House in the Great Square the Declaration of Independence was read on July 8, 1776 by Robert Levers. Here the Easton flag, the first to use red, white and blue with stars and stripes was first unfurled and Easton’s Liberty Bell made by the Moravians at Bethlehem added its bronze note of rejoicing from the cupola of the historical Court House. Easton resident George Taylor was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Every year, Easton celebrates this historic event with its Heritage Day celebration, held in July.
- The best place to begin a journey into Easton’s past is Two Rivers Landing, located at Centre Square – just two blocks south of U.S. 22. The Landing is home to the D&L Visitor Information Center, National Canal Museum, and the popular Crayola® Factory. Other attractions include historic walking tours, concert and theater productions performed by nationally acclaimed stars, horse-drawn carriage rides and plenty of art galleries nestled within the confines of Easton’s history.
- The State Theatre, designed as a vaudeville theater in 1925, the stunning interior was inspired by the architecture of old Spain and Italy. Now completely restored, the 1,500 seat venue stages more than 100 performances a year, providing everything from family entertainment and opera to Broadway and comedy. Most famous for the Freddy Awards, an Emmy award-winning show, put on by local high schools for drama productions during the school year. It is named for the famous ghost who resides in the State Theater, Freddy, the first theatre’s owner. In addition to the main theatre, two other major additions include a renovated ballroom and the adjoining Alvin H. Butz Art Gallery.
- The Riverside Festival of Arts is held in downtown Easton on Larry Holmes Drive. It has over 50 juried artists showcasing their work, and is sure to offer something for everyone. The power of the written word will be revealed when The Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group participates in the festival with a series of readings by several of the group’s authors.
- The Crayola Factory, at Two Rivers Landing, center city Easton, offers fun family activities and events. Learn about the history of the Crayola brand. Explore dozens of interactive projects and activities. This is not the real manufacturing plant, but instead a visitor center that allows the child inside each person to unleash its creative spirit.
- Situated at Centre Square, the town square of the city’s Downtown neighborhood, you will find the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument, a memorial for Easton area veterans killed during the American Civil War. The Peace Candle, a candle-like structure, is assembled and disassembled every year atop the Civil War monument for the Christmas season.
- National Canal Museum, located at 30 Center Square, downtown Easton. The only museum in the country dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals. Features four galleries filled with hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain parents and children alike. Mule-drawn canal boat rides available.
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, is located near Hugh Moore Park. While visiting the park you will see locks and other canal structures, 19th century industrial ruins, as well as the park’s centerpiece, the Josiah White II, Canal Boat Ride. Take a voyage on the Josiah White II and listen while a costumed crew gives you an oral history of regional canals. It’s a memorable trip through history for all ages. Outdoor activities, hiking areas, arts events, historical sites all along the Delaware and Lehigh rivers.
- Through dynamic exhibits and education programs, the Emrick Technology Center, on Hugh Moore Park Road, explores the Lehigh Valley’s rich industrial heritage. Visitors will see the 26-ton stationary steam engine once used to power the Buehler Furniture Factory; learn the history of the paper drinking cup, the Dixie Cup Company and its founder, Hugh Moore; and view a World War I cannon produced by Bethlehem Steel.
- Just north of Easton, in Historic Nazareth, explore the Martin Guitar Company Museum and factory. Showcasing Martin guitars from the early 1800s to today’s latest designs. More than 200 rare, vintage instruments are on display. Stop by the Picking Room, where you can play high end and limited edition guitars. Take a tour the factory where over 300 separate steps are required to complete one Martin Guitar. The 1833 Shop is the official source of Martin branded merchandise that will appeal to all music lovers.
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