Downtown Allentown - Allentown, PA

William Allen founded this city in 1762. It enjoyed booming growth after World War II as the proliferation of the iron and steel industry and the thriving retail business, driven by Hess’s Department Store, brought in millions of dollars in revenue each year. Beginning in 1970, Allentown lost its luster as the region underwent deindustrialization. Businesses suffered and shuttered their doors and the downtown district became home to an increasingly impoverished population. Revitalization of the neighborhood began in 2008.

Downtown Allentown houses a variety of museums, including the Da Vinci Science Center, the Liberty Bell Museums on Hamilton Boulevard, the America on Wheels Museum on Front Street, the Allentown Art Museum on North 5th Street. You'll also enjoy a thriving arts scene downtown, with performing arts at venues like the Civic Theatre of Allentown on North 19th Street, Symphony Hall on North 6th Street and numerous galleries.

Downtown serves up something for every palate with a variety of cuisines, from classic American to Middle Eastern, Italian, and Mexican. Many upscale options call the Hamilton District home, including the Bay Leaf, which features Thai fusion cuisine and an inviting atmosphere. Quench your thirst at Fegley's Allentown Brew Works, which features craft beers and tap options such as Knuckball-blond ale, Always Sunny pale ale, or Pig Pen pilsner. Grab a snack or a meal from the restaurant's award-winning menu that includes appetizers such as Brewschetta or Italian quinoa balls, gourmet pizzas, and entrees such as apple butter chicken and Steel Bridge fish tacos.

For fine dining, check out Hook Seafood and Grille located in the city's arts district. The dining room is both elegant and comfortable, and the seafood is fresh and sustainable. The menu includes Cracker Crusted Cod, Lobster Tail, and Jail Island Salmon. If you prefer a non-seafood dish, try the Hudson Valley Duck or the Grilled Ribeye. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine from their extensive wine list.

When hungry for something different, try Lazeez Grill, a Mediterranean restaurant located on Broadway. Friendly service and phenomenal menu items, including falafel with garlic dipping sauce, lamb kabobs, cauliflower sandwiches and hummus, characterize this local favorite.

When it comes to nightlife, downtown Allentown keeps you hopping. Grab a drink and enjoy the fun atmosphere at neighborhood bars such as Red Barn Bar and Grill on North 8th Street. The bar has a decent selection of beers and the bartenders provide quick, friendly service.

After an event at the PPL Center, take a walk over to Roar Social House. Roar has delicious and splurgy menu items such as a raw bar, seared ahi tuna or dry-aged bone-in rib eye steaks alongside a 1920s-inspired drink menu of handcrafted cocktails tailored to your tastes. For a more intimate experience, try Hush, a speakeasy located at the rear end of the building. Hush has a similar but separate menu and list of available drinks.

For late night dancing, The Stonewall heats up after 11 p.m. The gay dance club attracts all orientations with a large dance floor, thumping DJs and regular drag queen nights as well as no-cover nights and evenings for the under-21 set.

The pedestrian-friendly downtown area has well-marked crosswalks and well-maintained sidewalks. You can also bike around downtown Allentown, although the city has very few bike lanes. Instead, most roadways are shared between cyclists and motorists.

You'll enjoy ample parking in the downtown area, including several parking decks and free parking lots near restaurants, shops and attractions. If you don't have a car, call for taxi service or hop on one of the LANta buses operated by the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority in the Lehigh Valley. LANta has connections to take you nearly anywhere you need to go in the Lehigh Valley, including attractions in the neighboring cities of Easton or Bethlehem. To take a trip into Philadelphia, buy a ticket from a bus lines such as Susquehanna Trailways and Bieber, both of which have commuter service to Philly.

Living in the center of the city doesn't mean sacrificing green space. In fact, Allentown has more space devoted to parks per capita than any other U.S. city of a similar size. All of the parks are free and welcome children and pets. Spend a sunny afternoon at Cedar Creek Park, with its huge Cedar Beach play area for children. The playground is well-kept and spacious with climbing walls, electronic exercise games, open grassy space, art sculptures and courts for playing tennis, basketball and volleyball. Watch birds at Lehigh County Park, located on Mauch Chunk Road. Lehigh County Park, which spans 300 acres, also features two mine holes filled with water, a walking trail, soccer fields and a community garden.

If you're looking for more excitement, consider buying tickets to nearby Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, located approximately five miles away. Planet Snoopy serves as home base for younger park goers, while the rest of the park houses thrill rides, roller coasters, family rides and live entertainment. Cool off at Wildwater Kingdom, which features a lazy river, water playground, kiddie slides, a wave pool and a collection of thrilling water slides.

People living in downtown Allentown typically enjoy a lower cost of living than anyone living in Philadelphia, although you can still expect some upscale amenities, especially if you live in historic district. Expect to pay an average of around $800 per month to rent a one bedroom apartment in the city and an average of $7 for a pint of beer at your local pub.

Buy a day pass for the LANta bus to go anywhere you need to in Allentown for $4. If you want to take a bus into Philadelphia, expect to pay $13.50 for a one-way ticket with Susquehanna Trailways. Gas prices hover between one and two percent higher than the national average.

Downtown Allentown houses plenty of shops and boutiques, particularly along Hamilton Boulevard. The Archive in the historic Hamilton District specializes in footwear, outerwear, accessories and apparel for young men, women and children. From skatewear to school uniforms, this specialty store has a little something for everyone. Assembly 88, also located on Hamilton Street, specializes in high-end menswear. Choose from casual and business attire created by designers like Robert Graham or Cole Haan. Boutique to Go on 19th Street stocks upscale gifts, accessories, home decor and jewelry. For unique baby gear, take a short drive to the eastern edge of the city to visit Ju-ju Monkey on Tilghman Street. The store carries waterproof baby carriers, cloth diapers and accessories, natural baby products from brands such as Softbums and Applecheeks, breastfeeding accessories and potty training resources. The store's friendly staff provides guidance and instruction if you have any questions.

When you crave more shops in one location, take a quick 3.5 mile drive north of the city to nearby Lehigh Valley Mall. It features an outdoor shopping promenade with restaurants, including Bravo Cucina Italiana and Bonefish Grill, along with a two-story interior filled with shops, eateries and kiosks.

Stock your pantry with groceries from nearby stores such as Dominguez Grocery on 2nd Avenue or Vinh Chau Oriental Grocery Store on West Tilghman Street. If you're looking for a larger chain grocery store, check out the Giant Food Store or Wegmans on West Tilghman Street, or Kings Market on nearby South Cedar Crest Avenue. Get your pick of fresh seasonal produce at one of the area farmers markets, including the Allentown Fairground Farmers Market on West Chew Street or the Tilghman Street Farmers Market on Tilghman Street.