Spring on 4th DYK Series #7 - The Bookstore Speakeasy

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.

The Bookstore Speakeasy: 336 Adams Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

               The Bookstore Speakeasy on is hands down one of the most fun nightlife experiences you will have on Bethlehem’s Southside.  It’s location and visibility however, are on the secretive side, perhaps to fully play the part of the traditional Prohibition-era speakeasy. You see, speakeasies were the popular (albeit illegal) venue to hang out during the Prohibition.

               If you find yourself on Adams Street in between the hours of “5pm and late,” walk slowly, and you’re bound to come across a dimly lit entryway with a door that simply tells it how it is: “The Bookstore.” Don’t let the simplicity fool you, once you step inside you’ll find a menu filled with extravagant prohibition-era cocktails, premium craft beers and elegant wines.

My roommates and I recently ventured over to Adams Street, and decided to take a peek inside this hidden speakeasy. It was jammed packed, and everyone was having a great time. The room filled with bits and pieces of floating small talk and deep conversation. Glasses were clinking and bartenders were beautifully orchestrating the continuous drink orders filled with only the highest quality ingredients.

The highlight of the night however, was the playful live jazz music, which makes The Bookstore experience go over-the-top.  Walking in this place is like stepping into a time machine. In just this one location, the live music, the beautiful drinks and ecstatic atmosphere wonderfully combine art and pleasure.

MaryLeah DiNisco, Lehigh Unviersity, class of 2013 

Spring on 4th DYK Series #6 - Full of Crepe

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.

Full of Crepe: 335 S. New Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015

About a month ago, my roommates and I decided to stop inside Full of Crepe on S. New Street. To our surprise, we came across what we believe to be Bethlehem’s best-hidden gem eatery. Since then, we have made our morning breakfast visits to Full of Crepe an official weekly roommate outing. My favorite is The Bond Girl, which is a deliciously sweet combination of the freshest strawberries, raspberries and blueberries that are lightly drizzled with a tangy lemon curd and crème anglaise. 

Their menu consists of at least 20 different house-made crepe creations, which cater to anybody’s favorite tastes. Not in the mood for the sweetness of fresh fruit or chocolate? Well at Full of Crepe that’s not a problem because their savory crepe menu is certainly impressive, including delectable ingredients like Brie, spinach, tomatoes, bacon, and goat cheese. I’m a sucker for their sweet menu, and can’t get enough of the fresh berry combinations. But just the other day, I went to Full of Crepe with the unwavering intention of venturing over to the “savory side.” So what did I end up ordering? Not able to completely surrender my sweet tooth, I decided to get the Christy Cristo, which you may guess by the name, is a Monte Cristo named in honor of one of FoC’s crepe chef’s. It was fantastic, and the mixture of sweet and salty definitely pleased my palette.

So, if you’re browsing around Southside Bethlehem to celebrate Spring on 4^th, you can’t leave without checking out this amazing new eatery. I guarantee your first visit to Full of Crepe will not be your last!

http://www.facebook.com/FullOfCrepeLLC

MaryLeah DiNisco, Lehigh University class of 2013

Spring on 4th DYK series #5 - Cleo's (yes, again!)

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.

Cleo's Silversmith Studio & Gallery

I always thought about venturing into the Southside of Bethlehem, but never actually went through with the plan because I had the misconception that it was too far off campus. However, when I had to go for a class assignment for First Fridays, I was shocked to see the amazing things I was missing out on all these years. Visiting various stores located on Third Street, I was able to talk with owners of stores and to get to know people in my community. One person I talked with was Cleo from Cleo’s Silversmith Studio & Gallery. It was interesting to hear about how her business started up from the roots of her father, who was a silversmith.  Her store offers a wide range of jewelry, pottery, art, and more. All the items available in the store are designed by American craftsmen. In addition, Cleo’s is also a great avenue for artists in the Lehigh Valley to come and showcase their work.

During my chat with Cleo, I was surprised at how open she was to tell me about her business and what it has been like being a female entrepreneur in the Lehigh Valley. I have always thought that entrepreneurship would be more male dominated, so I was shocked to hear that the tradeshows she had been attending had mostly female participates. As a female business student, it was both interesting and encouraging to hear that females were entering into all facets of the business world and Cleo was a testament to it. From my adventure into South Bethlehem, my eyes were opened to the hidden gems available so close to me (I also found a new place to purchase some unique gifts).  I almost missed out on truly appreciating what South Bethlehem has to offer to the entire community, even to college students. So I encourage you to step into your community and explore South Bethlehem! 

Diana Lee, Lehigh University, class of 2014

Spring on 4th DYK series #4 - The Goose

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.

The Goose

Right there that is!  

If you’ve been to the Goose you know exactly what that means.  Tony [Silvoy] is the charismatic man behind the counter slicing meats with the big smile on his face, firing off orders to his army of workers.  He is also the owner of this beloved sandwich store that resides on East 4^th street in South Bethlehem.  On any given day you can see a line out the door while Lehigh students and patrons of South Bethlehem wait anxiously on their favorite sandwich in town.  The line moves quick though so don’t let that stop you from saying ‘what’s up’ to the Goose crew.  Shots toasted and melted is a staple that stimulates the salivary glands.  Each sandwich has its own unique combination of flavor.  Only a select few have seen the super secret menu, and maybe one day if you’re lucky you will stumble across the delicious sandwiches wrapped in crispy garlic bread or drizzled in zesty sauces. 

While waiting on line you can’t help but admire the pictures on the wall.  You can see Tony posing with the Lehigh Basketball team or volunteering at the local middle school at Christmas time.  It’s a friendly vibe inside and everyone feels like family.   Get over to the Goose!  

Drew Cohen, Lehigh University class of 2015

(The Goose is located at 102 W. Fourth Street in South Bethlehem)

Spring on 4th DYK series #3 - The Banana Factory

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.

The following series is written by the students of ENT 198 - Spring 2013.





For our entrepreneurship class midterm, my peers and I were asked to compile an inventory of Bethlehem businesses and art assets in our community.  One of the places I decided to visit was the Banana Factory.  The Banana Factory is a visual arts and education campus located in a re-imagined banana warehouse and distribution center.  Prior to this project, I’m ashamed to say I had never been inside of the Banana Factory.  

After only an hour of exploring with my roommate, I was extremely impressed with the resources available at the Banana Factory.  The arts center offers glass and ceramic studios, three-award winning art galleries, a performing arts theatre, and a wide variety of visual art classes.  The Banana Factory promotes arts education and integrating art in the Bethlehem community.  This is how I discovered the Banana Factory’s most important asset: how easy it is for visitors to meet and interact with resident studio artists!

As we were walking down one of the hallways on the second floor, my roommate and I paused outside of an artist’s studio because we were drawn to the giant dream catcher hanging at the end of the hall as well as the unique design and vivid colors of the artist’s work.  All of a sudden, we heard a woman’s voice and to our surprise, the artist named Stephanie Smith was inviting us inside of her workspace!  

 

Stephanie said that she has lived in Bethlehem for most of her life and described how it has transformed into a city that embraces art with more galleries, shops, and venues emerging in recent years.  She also showed us pieces in her collection, which consists of mainly mixed media mandala art.  The visit was an overall success because it was exciting to hear a local artist’s perspective on how art is central to Bethlehem culture and get a first-hand look at her studio and artwork!  

Megan Woolbert, class of 2015 - Lehigh University

Spring on 4th DYK series #2 - Cleo's Silversmith Studio & Gallery

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.

The following series is written by the students of ENT 198 - Spring 2013.

I’ve basically known Cleo and her family since I was a little girl, but didn’t even realize it until recently. For a dance recital, I was given the C. Leslie Smith Little Heart pendant in middle school. Then in high school, my mother passed down her Pixie Flower ring to me that she bought at Cinruss Creations in the late 60s that I still wear on my left ring finger today. She also gave me my late father’s Trinity Cross pendant from the early 70s. When my sister-in-law graduated from Moravian College a few years ago, we bought her the Christmas City Star pendant. (http://clsdesigns.com/)

Last month I ventured to Cleo’s Silversmith Studio & Gallery on Third Street for the first time in order to investigate what the business was all about. When you enter the store, you are submerged into a nature inspired open space decorated with charming displays of handmade wooden and glass pieces, candles and soaps, home décor, and paintings. Then I noticed that towards the back left side of the store were many cases of jewelry.  As I got closer, I began to recognize the very same pieces that I mentioned previously and became overrun with excitement and nostalgia. The jewelry that I grew up with laid in front of me behind a thin layer of glass and had been a few streets away from me during the past four years I’ve spent at Lehigh. It goes to show that sometimes you must escape your little bubble of everyday life because you never know what lovely things you may find right around the corner.

I proceeded to talk to the young lady at the cashier’s register and asked her for permission to take some photos and ask her a few questions about the store. I found out that she was the store owner’s daughter, Chelsea. Not too much later her mother, Cleo, came out from the gallery to join the conversation. After learning about the official history of the family business, their commitment to the Bethlehem community, and the love and vigor that they put into their business, I immediately grew very fond of and had a great appreciation for their small enterprise. My brothers and I always joke that someday we will become entrepreneurs and have our own family business. I only hope that we can emulate in our endeavors the positive energy that I felt that Friday afternoon when I visited Cleo’s.

Emily Koehler

Lehigh University, class of 2013

Spring on 4th DYK series #1 - The Steel Pub

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.

The following series is written by the students of ENT 198 - Spring 2013.

The Steel Pub

       In downtown Bethlehem, the Steel Ice Center has been a fun place for young kids to learn to skate and play youth hockey. Many ice skating lessons with kids from the Lehigh valley are held there daily and on Friday and weekend nights many kids come for the public ice skating sessions. However, with the increasing popularity of the Lehigh University ice hockey team over the past five to seven years, more and more older crowds have gathered at the ice skating rink on nights. The Lehigh valley is a place that is close by to businesses where Lehigh alumni work and to be able to spend a night watching the ice hockey team with old friends is a special thing that the skating rink wanted to capitalize on. So in an effort to bring the community of Lehigh University and the public together, the Steel Ice Center has created the Steel Ice Pub.

            The Steel Ice Pub is a bar that is connected to the rink where people can come stop by, especially on weekend evenings, and catch an ice hockey game or watch a sports game on the beautiful flat screen TVs while enjoying a drink and a meal with their friends or co-workers. The pub has only recently opened and having played with the Lehigh University ice hockey team this past season, I can say that I was surprised by the growing number of people who stopped by in such a short time. Unlike a regular bar off campus, people from the public who stop by can get a glimpse of the Lehigh University atmosphere with the hockey team and their fans in the stands while dropping by to watch a football game on TV in the bar. And with students from Lehigh University, they can watch their buddy on the ice and enjoy a beer at a low cost. The place is just a fun and collaborative way to bring the community together and support the growth that the Lehigh Valley is going through in these past few years. So if you are around, stop on by and you’ll have a good time.  

____________________

Enrique Carrion

Lehigh University

Class of 201527 Memorial Dr W 

Bethlehem, PA 18015