Hi!

I'm attending a conference in this area for several weeks in March and April. I know nothing about this area.

Can anybody tell me 'anything' about Allentown and Whitehall, PA? Are these actual cities, towns, villages? I'm coming from NYC. Is it a safe neighbourhood, overall?

Secondly, is there any public transportation in this area? Bus? Train? Or would a car be necessary?
The course I'm attending will be in Whitehall, PA, near 145 (a highway?) and Lehigh St.

Thirdly, I'll have to find a 'home' while I'm there. I've always used Craigslist in the past. Are there any other sites I could use to find a place here? Or any suggestions for long-term stay here? Any other nearby towns I could look for housing?

Lastly, suggestions for the best way to get to Allentown/Whitehall from NYC?

Just starting my research. I tried to do a google search for Allentown/Whitehall but didn't come up with very much.

Cheers,

gtrekker2003

I grew up around this area. Allentown has seen better days. Allentown used to be one of the largest cities in PA, population-wise, not sure where it stands now.

Let's just say the area lacks quaint-ness, but I wouldn't say Whitehall is unsafe.

Hi Karens!

Is there public transportation in this area?

Also, can you suggest a part of this area that is 'better' to stay in and is also commutable to Whitehall (near 145 and Lehigh St)?

Please do advise if you can!

Cheers,

gtrekker203

I'm somewhat familiar with Allentown, and I do think you will want a car. A company called Trans-bridge operates a bus service that will get you down there from NYC, however - see www.TransBridgeBus.com .

Whitehall is close to Lehigh Valley Airport (airport code ABE) - you could rent a car there for sure if you don't want to drive down from NYC. There are hotels at the airport also - some of them may have shuttle services that will take you to the conference a short distance away. Lehigh University is in nearby Bethlehem - maybe you could find some college-type housing there if that's more your style. Try the Craigslist for Allentown also.

If you do have a car, parts of the countryside are very beautiful. The famous Pocono mountains aren't too far of a drive if you want to get away on a spring day as part of your trip.

Andrew

I am a Lehigh Valley native. Allentown and Whitehall have seen better days. You would enjoy staying in or near historic Bethlehem a LOT more. The historic Main Street area has been beautifully restored, and also has excellent, non-chain shops, good dining (The Edge, Apollo Grill, a brewpub, the Moravian Cook Shop, a deli, cafes, etc.). Check Craigslist for anything in that area; you might also want to call Bethlehem's tourist office.
However, what kind of "conference" is it that last several weeks? Don't they have a housing service?
Yes, a car is highly recommended. As you go exploring the countryside, some of the most beautiful parts are in the corner where Lehigh and Berks county meet (take Limeport Pike to the end and explore the roads around there). You will find some handsome non-Amish PA Dutch style farms and homes.
The easiest way to get to the Valley from NYC is I-78. This highway has opened up the Valley to NYC/NJ commuters, with both good and bad results (as noted in a recent NYTimes article).
Also contact the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800)747-0561 or see www.lehighvalleypa.org.

1) Rent a car. Super cheap in lehigh valley or at airport

2) Stay in Historic Bethlehem at Hotel Bethlehem

3) You will be happy you did.

We had a week-long conference at Wydnor Hall, and the food was great and a quaint, safe location. Chocolate chip scones were to die for!

Saw the rooms (guests attending offered the space as there were about 40 people at the conference) and they looked nice, but did not stay overnight.

Definitely rent a car though. 145 is a highway. Lehigh Valley Mall is in Whitehall, and various places to eat all within easy driving distance.

Another vote for Bethlehem. Charming!

Another vote for "sketch"le-hem (Bethlehem). It's way better than Allentown, but you do need to be careful about where you stay in Bethlehem. Some parts near Lehigh on the south side are not safe.