Vistior Info
I appreciate your interest in my workshops! Please dress comfortably and be prepared to potentially get dirty! There is no need to bring any tools or materials.
The Allentown area workshops and artist retreats are held in scenic Pennsylvania.
DIRECTIONS
From PA Turnpike: Exit at Lehigh Valley exit, follow signs for 22 east, exit at Cedar Crest Blvd. Make a right, then your first left onto Winchester Rd. follow this through the stop sign and then make 2nd left (Stoneridge Rd.) to bottom of hill, last home on the right, 1406 Stoneridge Rd.
For those of you coming from other directions; I strongly suggest Mapquest. Directions are not my strong suite! The address is 1406 Stoneridge Rd., Allentown, PA 18104
PLACES TO STAY
Economical Lodging — The "Microtel Inn" is located near the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton airport about 15 minutes by car from my studio. It is clean, and has a continental breakfast. The rooms are small, however other students have been pleased. You may contact them at 610-266-9070, the address is 1880 Steelstone Rd. Allentown, PA
Extended Stay America — This is a good option for those which would like to have a kitchen available during their stay. Email Michelle Gualano, and ask for the corporate rate to be extended to Miami Mosaic Academy. Her email address is mgualano@extendedstay.com. The address of the hotel is 3050 Schoenersville Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017
The middle option is the Hawthorne Suites; this is about 15 minutes from my studio, in the opposite direction, however the suites are well equipped with kitchenettes, and the amenities include fitness facilities, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Their website is www.hawthorn.com you can reach them at 800-527-1133
There is also a fabulous bed and breakfast about 20 minutes from my studio named "Glasbern Inn" the prices here are quite a bit higher though if you are looking for a pampered retreat this is your destination. Being only an hour and half from Manhattan, 45 minutes from Philadelphia, and 3 hours from DC this area is convenient, but worlds away from the big city! (610) 285-4723.
Dining & Entertainment
Just a sample of what is in the area...
- Farmers Market — This is not to be missed, open Thurs. through Sat. 17th & Chew St. a great place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and PA Dutch specialties.
- Pastaficio — A local pasta place whose food is amazingly true to the Tuscan Region. A favorite spot for breakfast & lunch. 602 Hamilton St. (610) 774-9500
- Louie's — An Allentown tradition for Italian food, great house salad.
2071 31st Street SW, Allentown, PA 18103 (610) 791-1226 - Pistaccio's — A restaurant/night spot with entertainment after 10 p.m. Extensive menu soup to nuts ~ or is that Margarita's?!
Cedar Crest & Hamilton St. (610) 435-7007 - Amigo Mio — Homemade Mexican Food 545 Cleveland St. (610) 776-2026
- Leather Corner Post — This is the place to go for local colour! If you're lucky they will be playing the Boombas, with Pennsylvania Dutch ardor! Orefield, PA (about 10 minutes from the my studio). (610) 395-1782
- Glasbern Inn — One of the area's culinary delights, a bit out in the country, and pricey, but worth it for a splurge (610) 285-4723
Other Interesting Places & Events
If your significant other wants to accompany you, there is plenty to do in the area, as well as entertainment for children!
Musikfest — Aug. 4 to 13 th, in Bethlehem, aprox 5 miles north, a variety of concerts and entertainment (610) 332-FEST, www.musikfest.org
- Allentown Art Museum — 5th & Court St. (610) 432-6715,
- Allentown Symphony — 23 N 6 St. (610) 432-6715
- Civic Theatre & 19th St. Art Theatre — 527 N. 19 St. (610) 432-8943
- PA Shakespeare Festival — 2755 Station Ave. Center Valley, PA (610) 282-WILL
- Theatre Outlet — 29 N. 9 St. (610) 820-9270,
- Trexler Lehigh County Game Preserve — 1200 acre wildlife park, 5150 Game Preserve Rd. Schnecksville (610) 799-4171
- Touchstone Theatre — 321 E. 4 St., Bethlehem (610) 867-1689,
- Dorney Park — for the child in all of us, if you love rollercoasters you won't want to miss this, also a waterpark 1-800-551-5656
- Pocono White Water Rafting — a 45 minute drive to Jim Thorpe, here you will find a quaint town, with a railroad museum, as well as a main street with restaurants, shops, and an old 5 & 10 800-WHITEWATER
- Crayola Factory — Home of Binney & Smith, the crayon people! Also manufacturers of liquitex, 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA (610) 515-8000
- Mercer Museum — Fonthill — Moravian Tile & Pottery Works — Located in Doylestown A short 30 mile trip which will lead you through the creative genius of Henry Mercer (215) 348-9461
- Lancaster — Journey into the "olde country" and visit the historic Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a place where horse and buggies can still be seen on a daily basis. This Amish area is aprox. 1 1/2 hour south-west of the Allentown area.
Throughout the countryside surrounding Allentown, you will find bucolic farmlands as well as quaint covered bridges built by in the 1800's.
There are also wonderful sites for hiking and picnicking in the area! The city of Allentown has a park system which runs through the city along our creeks. They include an extensive Rose Garden, as well as an art sculpture park, and wonderful parks for exercise and vitacourses with ponds and small wildlife. There is also wonderful places to hike such as Bake Oven Knob or Glen Onoka near Jim Thorpe. Not to be missed are the railroad rides at WK&S in Kempton, as well as horseback riding, miniature (and regular) golfing, bowling, roller & ice skating, innertubing, glider rides, and bike riding at the Veledrome.
Places of Worship
There are many old & beautiful houses of worship in the Allentown historical district, of which these are a few! Classes on Sunday start at 11 a.m.
- Grace Episcopal — 108 N 5 St. Service 9:30 a.m.
- Bethany Evangelical Congregational — 6th & Oak Service 9:30 a.m.
- St. John's Luthern — 32 S 5th St. Service 8 a.m.
- First Menonite Church — 1213 Chew St. Service 9:30 a.m.
- Protection Blessed Virgin Mary — 6th & Tilghman Service 9 a.m.
- Historic Zion — (They hid the Liberty Bell here on the way to Philadelphia) 620 Hamilton St. Service 10 a.m.
- Salem United Methodist — 14th & Linden, Service 9:30 a.m.
- Jewish Community Center Temple — 702 N 22 St. call for services 610-435-3571