Before the time of my 21st birthday, I had heard so many things about JP MacGrady's from upperclassman. I saw tons of pictures of students at the bar still dressed in their Saturday morning cocktail attire, and others of people just having a great time on a random weeknight. For Lehigh students especially, it seemed to be a nice place to go when you didn't want the stand around bar scene, but more of a hang out with friends while having a drink setting. I suppose that is what most pubs are like, but when I finally was legally able to be at MacGrady's, I discovered and experienced what all of the hype was about.
JP MacGrady's is not only a bar with all of the usual fixings, but they also have one of the best pitcher deals around. One of their more unique attributes is the free popcorn for customers, which is always a nice treat when walking through the front doors. They also have great food. A number of times I have gone to eat at MacGrad's, maybe buy a nice BOGO burger with a friend, while the rest of the group engulfs a wide variety of delicious chicken wings that they have on their menu.
But beyond the good food and great drinks, MacGrady's is a place for friends to gather. On Wednesday nights they host trivia, which has certainly become a weekly tradition for students and residents alike. Occasionally they will also have live band or musician by the bar, which serves as a nice change of pace from a DJ or other source of music. My favorite part however, is the back porch. When the weather is on the warmer side and the porch is open, friends can gather at the tables and benches for hours enjoying a nice drink or meal, but more importantly each other's company. I know as I finish up my time (for now) in South Bethlehem, the moments I've had at MacGrady's will certainly be remembered.
Sarah Kirell, Lehigh University '13
Lehigh University offers many courses in the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurialism, Creativity and Innovation that give students an opportunity to learn from other entrepreneurs in business and in society. One course offered in the spring is ENT 198: Art Entrepreneurship Community. In this course, students explore the dynamic relationship between art(ist), producer (public, private, single & multiple) and audience. A significant part of their learning is through applying their own talents to the annual Spring on Fourth festival. Through this practicum, students have seen the impact of their work in terms of relationship building between the South Bethlehem business community and the campus.
They have also been given a great opportunity to see how a festival impacts local businesses. These local businesses are the backbone of the local economy; and students are learning all of their owners by name - and not by name tag. They have become very familiar with the assets of the community around their campus - and are coming to understand the value and shared responsibility of supporting a local economy through events and festivals that raise the quality of life for all citizens who live and work in the same zip code.
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