Founded in 1762 by William Allen, a successful businessman and the former mayor of Philadelphia, and named for him in 1838, Allentown transformed from a small community of Pennsylvania Dutch farmers into a marketing center for local farmers in the 1920s.
The tradition still stands today at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market where farmers and merchants sell everything from produce to baked goods to candy.
Allentown was a key contributor to America’s industrial economic boom of the early 19th century through its textile and automotive industries. Today, its diversified economy supports reinvented urban manufacturing and entrepreneurship through start-up incubators like the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, which houses manufacturers in a former Mack Trucks plant. In recent years, downtown Allentown has seen a massive renaissance and development in its Neighborhood Improvement Zone, which continues to attract new businesses, luxury living spaces, developers, energy, and visitors into Allentown.
Pairing with that urban renewal, Allentown is teeming with cultural attractions; its many museums, historic sites, colleges (Cedar Crest College, and Muhlenberg College) and arts organizations contribute to its renewal. Events in Allentown flourish as well; annually, big events like The Great Allentown Fair and Lights in the Parkway draw crowds from all over the region. During summer and fall, Allentown is also host to the Allentown Beer Fest and Blues, Brews, and BBQ events in downtown.
Allentown is home to The Allentown Band, the oldest civilian concert band in the country. Ring the Liberty Bell replica while visiting the Liberty Bell Museum of Allentown where you’ll learn how the iconic bell was hidden from the British from 1777-1778 beneath Zion’s United Church of Christ in downtown Allentown.
Thrill your friends and family with amusement and water park action at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and see where science comes to life at DaVinci Science Center. The excitement really takes off on event nights at the PPL Center. Catch a game from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms or enjoy concerts from some the world’s biggest names, or family favorites like Disney on Ice or Sesame Street Live. On the east side, catch an IronPigs ballgame at Coca-Cola Park. If you want to stay outside, check out on of the city’s 27 parks and green spaces or visit the Allentown Municipal Golf Course.
Allentown is the third Largest City in the State of Pennsylvania!
13 Locations are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Allentown has more park land per capita than any city its size in the U.S.
Allentown is home to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
The Allentown Art Museum features a room designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Enjoy upscale American cuisine paired with an impressive selection of whiskies and bourbons at the Hamilton Kitchen & Bar. For more casual dining, visit one of the 5 craft breweries throughout the city. Want a wide variety? Stop in at the Downtown Allentown Market for a fresh selection of small kitchens and unique pairings! Take a trip down 7th Street and discover the City’s international food corridor which offers delicious ethnic restaurants and retail. Enjoy Jamaican cuisine at Winston’s or Mexican at Taqueria Los Amigos and El Patron. Take a short trip over to Allentown’s east side where you can sample tasty Middle Eastern options at Aladdin, Damascus Restaurant, or pick up fresh ingredients to make your own from Elias Market. Don’t forget dessert by stopping in at Egypt Star Bakery for freshly made baklava!
Get your shopping fix at one of the many retailers. You’ll find the latest in fashions at boutiques like assembly88 and Re: Find in the center city or Stepin4Mor and BoutiqueToGo, Susan Bella Jewelry, and Timothy Zaveri Fine Jewelry, on the west end.
Well-known for its extensive award-winning parks system, Allentown boasts the highest acreage of any American city its size. Enjoy the greenery in the ArtsWalk, a vibrant new public space that connects the center city region of Allentown to the Arts Park at the Allentown Art Museum. Oh by the way, the art museum is free everyday. On any given night, you can find people relaxing in the courtyard and taking in a free performance. See a show at the Civic Theater or listen to the talented musicians at Miller Symphony Orchestra. For the history buffs, visit the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, the America on Wheels Museum, or the Museum of Indian Culture.
With so much going on, you’ll want to make a weekend of it! Book a room at the luxurious Renaissance® Allentown, connected directly to the PPL Center. Here, you’ll find a nod to local favorites with abstract photographs of Crayola crayons adorning the walls. Enjoy breakfast Billy’s Downtown Diner or a happy hour cocktail at the on-site restaurant, The Dime, or one of the many eateries downtown.
