Hellertown-Saucon Valley - Bethlehem, PA Area Guide

Northampton has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The first permanent settlement was Irishmen in 1728. Following that, Scotch-Irish families settled in Mount Bethel. The area saw continual growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Throughout the many cities, towns and boroughs of Northampton County lie preserved historic sites that continue to tell the stories of the area's notable settlers, prominent residents and important events. Some such buildings include the 1807-built home of Jacob Nicholas, Lafayette College campus and the Sigal Museum. Numerous performing arts centers lie within the county, and several annual events occur, including the South Side Film Institute & Film Festival, Peeps Fest, Musikfest and the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show.

Diners in the Lehigh Valley and Northampton County have only one problem when it comes to dining out: making the decision of what type of cuisine and where. The county houses nearly every type of restaurant, including Brazilian steakhouses, pizza joints, diners, ice cream shops, new and traditional American restaurants, hot dog shops, and Latin American eateries.

Rios Brazilian Steakhouse serves authentic rodizio de churrasco, continuous skewers of various meats with an all-you-can-eat buffet and salad bar. Meats include garlic steak, chicken, lamb, skirt steak, turkey, and filet. Definitely try the caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made with lime, sugar, and cachaca, the sugarcane spirit. Two Brazilian couples own Rios and ensure that the entire experience stays as authentic as possible.

Potts' Doggie Shop in Nazareth serves up hot dogs, and that's about it. However, locals throughout the valley - and many who have visited - know about this place and rank it high on the list of must-have local fare. The everything dogs, topped with chili, mustard, and onions, are a crowd favorite.

Petey's Eatey's in Nazareth is well-known for its extensive menu, which includes hot dogs, hot sandwiches, wraps, deli sandwiches, burgers, salads, and baskets. Diners sometimes declare their shock at the large menu for such a small spot. The breakfast menu lists several sections of sandwiches. If you have an insatiable appetite, go for Petey's belly buster, a large Kaiser roll, bagel, or croissant with two eggs, cheese, hash browns, fried onions, and your choice of meat. If fried sides make you drool, they've got you covered with side orders of fries, tots, pierogies, mac & cheese bites, and more.

If enjoying an adult beverage suits your interests, Northampton County's extensive selection of bars, pubs, and breweries is sure to satisfy you. The Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem puts you back in the 1920s, featuring Prohibition-era cocktails, a large assortment of craft beers, and an impressive wine list. Live jazz helps set the mood in this dark, intimate venue, while you enjoy beautifully crafted American cuisine. Several breweries are based in the Lehigh Valley and Northampton County, including Weyerbacher Brewing Company, Two Rivers Brewing Company, and Fegley's Bethlehem Brew Works.

Several major thoroughfares run through Northampton County, including Interstate 78 through the southern portion. Interstate 80 and US 46 run along the northeast border of the county. State highways connect residents to the interstates to allow for easy travel to Philadelphia and New York, as well as various other cities throughout the region.

Lehigh and Northampton Transit Authority serves Northampton County's major areas, including Bethlehem and Easton. Numerous bus stops and routes allow residents of the Valley quick transport throughout the area. A handful of taxi companies serve the area, but calling first will help you ensure a timely ride.

Many of the streets in Bethlehem and Easton are bike friendly, while miles of trails connect various parts of the county. Walking through the downtown areas provides an enjoyable way to get to your destination. Bethlehem and Easton have public parking garages and lots, but outlying Northampton County doesn't particularly need them.

Northampton County features thousands of acres of parkland, some managed by the state, by the county or by individual municipalities. Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, a 1,168-acre park, hosts programs for children of all ages, and also provides community programs. Fitness enthusiasts who prefer to use nature as their gym can enjoy the 18.5 miles of multi-use trails. Hugh Moore Park in Easton is home to Canal Center, a family friendly experience that features simple machines, hands-on science and math exhibits, artifacts and historic exhibits.

Visitors enjoy free admission to most parks, although some properties and certain activities may require a deposit or admission fee. Many parks host events and activities, although most annual events take place outside of park properties. Leashed pets can enjoy nearly every outdoor park with you, and several dog parks lie just outside the county.

The cost of living in outlying Northampton County falls slightly below that of Philadelphia, but still remains 2.4 percent higher than the national average. Apartments, which plays a pivotal role in the cost-of-living index, comes in with a one-bedroom average rental rate of approximately $1,190.

When going out, don't worry about breaking the bank or putting a hurt on your wallet — you can get a domestic pint for $2.50 depending on where and when you go. Gas prices, which may greatly play into your living expenses, hit about 9 percent above the national average.

Northampton County features several major shopping areas, particularly along the quaint Main Street and in downtown corridors. From high-end boutiques to fun gift shops, shops in Northampton County give you ample opportunity to grab that hard-to-find gift or the items you never knew you always wanted.

The Foo Foo Shoppe in Bethlehem has become famous for its collection of over 3,000 rubber ducks — and the shop claims to have one for every stage of life and encourages visitors to get in touch with their inner duck. Lehigh Valley residents voted The Foo Foo Shoppe the best bath and body shop in the valley due to their extensive selection of high-quality bath and body items. They also stock their shelves with crazy, fun gifts and goodies.

Chocolates on Broadway in Bangor calls a 1906 building home. Inside this historic building you find assorted chocolate delights, including chocolate-covered caramels, pretzels, crackers and peanut clusters.

Several grocers serve the Northampton County community. Ruggiero's Market, a family owned and operated shop, stocks its shelves with hard-to-find and unique products from all over the world. This hometown market has served the area since 1919. A handful of farmer's markets serve the area as well, including in Easton and Bangor.