What to do after the Spring on Fourth… DYK series # 14

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.

This blog post was written for the student audiences who may have been planning to attend the 2013 Spring on Fourth Festival. While the event has passed, the student investment in the community continues....

If you’re traveling to South Beth for the festival and you haven’t had enough excitement for one day this Saturday, April 20^th, I have the perfect evening planned out just for you! From 11 am to 3 pm, be sure to use your pre-ordered chili passport and explore all of the vibrant local businesses to taste and judge their zesty chilies. However, there is still plenty of daylight for more activities. First, take a load off at Deja Brew and grab a Mochaccino Royale complete with a Milano cookie to refuel in preparation for all of the adventure that is to come.

 At approximately 5pm, I suggest that you take a stroll down Adams Street and get $2 off apps and drinks at Bookstore Speakeasy’s very happy hour. My favorite cocktail is, naturally, the Adams Street Shuffle with hints of orange and the crisp edge of vodka. Warning: it’s so good that you may never try a different drink at this hot spot. Then when you’re ready for some substantial food, head over to JP MacGrady’s for BOGO burgers. Yes, this really does exist – every Saturday. You and your friend/significant other/random guy you just met outside the bar can choose from any one of their 18 burgers, from the Fahy Bridge Burger with jack cheese, bacon, ranch, and onion rings to the new Wasabi Street Burger (self-explanatory). If you’re feeling especially frugal, you can even enjoy some of their complimentary carnival style popcorn. 

Let me entertain you…Head for the hills for some collegiate entertainment. This weekend the Lehigh Department of Theater will be showing Life & Whimsy with a Side of Murder: 3 Intriguing One-Act Plays, which are student-directed works showcasing the creativity of Lehigh’s best & brightest. On Saturday, the show starts at 8pm, but get there early to secure your seat because these performances are FREE to the general public.

Now you deserve a drink. Make your way down to the Steel Pub on 1^st Street, which is attached to the ice skating rink. There you can enjoy live music performed by the Billy Bauer Band, think Dave Mathews Band plus an electric violin, and $2.50 Labatt drafts. Just for grins, take a peek into the rink and watch the skaters go by (or hope that they fall, Adam Sandler). If toe tapping and beer sipping isn’t your scene, check out Molly’s Irish Grill & Sports Pub instead for their all night DJ dance party.

I hope you enjoyed your fun-filled day in South Bethlehem! Get home safe, get some sleep, and see ya next time.  –

Emily Kohler, Lehigh University, class of 2013

A night out on 3rd 4th or 5th - DYK #13

When I defend South Bethlehem to people of the Lehigh Community I usually get stares filled with bewilderment.  Lehigh students often have this negative connotation of our college town engraved in their minds, and it is because of the gossip that has been passed down from year to year.  Rarely do they venture off campus to explore the eclectic range of small businesses and quirky landmarks.  There is much to offer, but students often quarantine themselves on campus, hardly ever getting passed Campus Square.   At least, one must give the Southside a chance.

Make a reservation at Asian Bistro one Saturday night and you are guaranteed to have a good time (if you like Asian food).  The servers are quirky, the atmosphere is lively and the food is delicious.  Not to say that it is a free-for-all inside, but the staff is extremely accommodating with all your needs.  Comradery is welcome.  Being from New York I am a hard critic when it comes to sashimi, and Asian Bistro provides some of the best I have ever had.  The chefs are true masters of the art and their custom rolls are out of this world.  Many eateries in South Bethlehem offer unique experiences like this.  Sotto Santi’s provides college student dinner specials which are inexpensive and tasteful.  Molly’s Irish Grille and Pub has a plethora of draft beers on tap and serves tasty traditional Irish dishes.  If you are looking for a quick fix late at night then grab some hotdogs or sausage from the vendor on East 4^th, you’ll be sure to fill your stomach and hear some entertainment.  Wherever you end up going it will surely be a pleasant surprise. 

Drew Cohen, Lehigh University '13 

DYK #12 SPRING CITY-WIDE SIDEWALK SALE

This Thursday, April 18th, marks the beginning of the Spring City-Wide Sidewalk Sale!
For all those bargain-shopping aficionados, this is the time to browse through boutiqueson both North and South Bethlehem. There will be various fantastic items with hugediscounts and perks. Sophistikate is offering free manicures before shopping for 50%off on select inventory, while Hand Cut Crystals is selling Swarovski Stretch lightening bracelets for $21. The deals also stretch to food vendors, such as Station's Café,on the North Side, which is giving out a free pretzel for every two purchased.This even offers a novel activity that is great for the family, friends, and forsome money conscious students. While this the Spring Sidewalk Sale is a great time to purchase some great merchandise, it is also a perfect time to discovermore of Bethlehem and contribute to the small businesses that make Bethlehema growing cultural hub.

Taylor Siegle, Lehigh University, '13 

to read more check out here.

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.

Spring on 4th - DYK Series #11 - JP MacGrady's Pub

JP MacGrady's Pub

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.

Spring on 4th DYK series #10 - Touchstone Theatre "Ulysses Dreams"

The Touchstone Theatre does it Again!!

The Touchstone Theatre is an amazing not-for-profit theatre comprised of a resident ensemble of theatre artists deeply rooted in the local Bethlehem community, as well as the greater surrounding area. I was first exposed to the Touchstone Theatre my sophomore year at Lehigh when a few of my sorority sisters and I visited the theatre to help them out with some odd jobs as part of our community service initiative. Over the past few years I have stayed up to date with the Touchstone Theatre to check-in and see what they’re up to. 

With South Bethlehem’s Spring on Fourth right around the corner, the Touchstone Theatre will be performing their newest production, Ulysses Dreams: An Exploration of Origin and Destiny. This adaptation of the adventures of the hero Ulysses is performed in the form of a song cycle dealing with the character of Ulysses and his adventurous journey.

Even if you missed the debut of this production last weekend, no worries, there will be four showings this coming Saturday and Sunday, one at 12pm and the other at 4pm. Tickets are $25 for regular admission and $15 for students and seniors; however, the 12pm Sunday showing is Pay What You Will!!! There is no reason not to treat yourself to a fabulous local production of this timeless tale!

Buy Tickets now

Patrice Piazza, 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.

Spring on 4th - DYK series #9 - Student creative response

design by Jacky Fetzer

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.

Spring on 4th DYK Series #8 The FunHouse

FunHouse

During "Spring On Fourth" one place that should not be looked past and is a great place to head after the festivities come to an end. However, one note to point out, the FunHouse is 21 and over only. I have been to the FunHouse many times and every time I go there is always something differs. Some nights they have live bands that range in genres and other nights they have Dj's and lastly they also have nights where there is live karaoke. They may not be a full restaurant with food, but the drinks there are to die for. The bartenders definitely know what they are doing. There is also a pool table located in the back of the building. There are tables and chairs to sit and listen to the bands. The building may not look like big, but when you get inside there is nothing small about it. Everyone there makes the place feel homey and relaxed. It is a great place for strangers to talk and hang out as old friends while listening to great music. After a long day of work or out in the sun the FunHouse is a place to take off the edge and have a few drinks with music.

Jacquelyn Fetzer

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.

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