New Allentown Restaurant Announced for Butz Building

Big announcement today for the Butz Corporate Center and downtown Allentown.

Greg Butz, President and CEO of Alvin H. Butz, Inc. announced that a new restaurant is coming to town.  

George Meireles, owner and operator of Easton's River Grille, Ocean and Valenca will be opening a new, as yet unnamed restaurant.  This is a great space and a great restauranteur!

Welcome to Allentown, George!

Click here for the Morning Call article and video.

Good News In Allentown

The good news from Allentown has been coming fast and steady over the last couple of weeks. And, since the mainstream media has been covering it, do I really need to?  

For the record, the Americus Hotel is in the hands of new investors, the nearby Colonial Theatre site is being marketed by the Allentown Redevelopment Authority under an RFP (with proposals due back to them 8/17) and 809 Hamilton has been purchased with the new owners planning a facade renovation.  Additionally, Rite Aid moved back to Hamilton Street, there is an important bike race coming to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley Health Network will be moving 1,ooo employees into the Mack Truck building.  And, Allentown is the top choice for a hockey arena.

On the lighter side, on Monday nights people have been enjoying dancing around the newly restored fountain in West Park for free tango lessons with roses clenched in their teeth (thank you to Phoebe Florists who donated the flowers),  the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation has been bringing great musical acts to PPL Plaza on Thursday nights under Jammin' on the Plaza (but, sadly, cancelled tonight because of the threat of rain), the Plaza Growers Market is making people happy a thousand different ways (from great music to fabulous local veggies, to Balasian delights, to the most amazing honey, coffee and cup cakes).

People ask me:  "Is it really happening?  Is Allentown really turning around?"  I say, "YES! Come be a part of it!" Local economies are built one dollar at a time.  Hint:  even if the economy has got you down, Allentown's family-run, ethnic restaurants are extremely easy on your wallet.

Fountain in West Park Restored, Operational and Beautiful

I snapped this picture on Friday night when the Municipal Band was performing in the West Park Band Shell in Allentown.

Having noticed the new paint job the fountain recently received, I'd been wondering when the water would begin flowing.  Wonder no more...everything is on and operational.

And, beautiful, I might add.  Stunningly, breath-takingly beautiful.  

A big thank you to those who were behind the restoration of this fountain.

Bike Night in Allentown Tonight

Join the newly formed BikeAllentown and the Lehigh Wheelmen Association with your family to their monthly EASY bicycle ride and ice cream social.

Allentown is working on ways to make itself more bicycle-friendly.  This bike ride is a fun way to engage in that conversation and brainstorming, get a some exercise, see the city and make a few friends.

This fun, easy paced ride through Allentown, leaves at 7 p.m. second Fridays from the Ritz BBQ (at the eastern side of the Allentown Farmers Market in the Allentown Fairgrounds at 17th and Chew).

These rides will take place monthly, so it's July 10th, August 14th and September 11th.

Remember, it's 9 easy miles, ending with ice cream at the Ritz. 

The rules to follow so that everyone has a good time:  

Children must wear helmets.  Adults should wear helmets.  Riders are to obey all traffic rules.  Tail lights are recommended.  Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.  If there is heavy rain, the ride will be canceled.

For more information:  bikeallentown@gmail.com or www.lehighwheelmen.org

Badda Bingg Opens on 9th Street

Badda Bingg opened on 9th Street, across from the PPL Tower in downtown Allentown and this is cause for celebration.

Many downtown employees had been ordering their take out from their Allentown Farmers Market location on Thursdays and Fridays.  Now no one has to wait!  They have a downtown restaurant opened over the weekend.

I stopped by for lunch yesterday and the place was hopping.

Ordered a portobello sandwich from a good selection of interesting Italian choices.  Delish! 

809 Hamilton Finds New Owner

The condition of the signs and the facade of 809 Hamilton has long been a point of frustration to many nearby businesses and property owners on Hamilton Street.  

People looking out of the Allentown Brew Works window have wondered, when is someone going to do something about that building?  

As of last week, the building is under new ownership.  I have spoken to the new owners, and they say that they intend to clean up the facades and attract new retail stores to the building.

That is good news for Allentown.

Tango in the Park at West Park with FREE Introductory Lesson

Everybody on the dance floor!  

If you are looking for a really unique, sophisticated urban experience, want to spice up your relationship, like to dance the Tango (or would like to try) or just want to watch those that do, you are going to want to head to Allentown’s West Park on Monday nights in July.

 

The City of Allentown and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the return of “Tango in the Park” on Monday, July 6, Monday, July 13, Monday, July 20 and Monday, July 27 from 6pm-9pm.  Each evening will begin with a free introductory lesson.

 

Sharon Hillman, an Argentine Tango instructor who taught tango in Buenos Aires will teach the course.  City Special Events Manager Tara Craig said, “We are privileged to have such a talented dancer teaching tango in Allentown.”  Sharon is experienced and well-known in the Tango world.  In 1998, the Executive Editor of the Buenos Aires Herald, Julia Cass, said of her experience as a student of Sharon’s, “I didn’t expect to take tango lessons from an American in Buenos Aires but Sharon teaches in a way no one else here does.”

 

All skill levels are invited to participate and no registration is required.

 

West Park is located on Linden Street between 15^th and 17^th streets.  In case of inclement weather, classes will be held inside the Allentown Brew Works located at 812 Hamilton Street.  Visitwww.artsallentown.com for location confirmation.  Food and drink will be available for purchase. For more information regarding the course call Tara Craig at 610-437-7530.

 

“For more information on other special events taking place in Allentown visitwww.allentownpa.gov/events.

Girls Gone Golfing at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course

Ladies, join in every Wednesday after work for a glass of wine and a fun and informative beginner’s lesson with Zach Fischal, the Assistant Golf Instructor. This event will be held at the NEW Brew Works on the Green at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course! See below for additional beginner class dates and times.

NO experience necessary – come casual in comfortable shoes. (course can provide golf clubs)

Perfect for those looking to learn more about golf as a hobby, for business networking or just wondering what it is their man loves so much about the sport!  You can also sign up your group of 4 or more for a private lesson at the same price!

Girls Gone Golfing is a 5 part/week series which would include the Introductory class, 3 classes focusing on the specific shots and then a 3 hole round of play – each week of course (no pun intended!) ends with a glass of wine and great conversation!

 

Classes offered:

Introductory covering basic grip, stance, swing and golf etiquette

Putting

Chipping

Long Shot (Woods, Drivers and Fairways)

3 hole game where Zach rotates between the players to give you actual “playing” experience before starting you off with a social “league”.

 

(Those with previous golf experience can join us for any of the classes.  Otherwise Introductory class required first.  Swing classes can be taken in any order.)

$30 includes one hour lesson and a glass of wine. Space is limited and reservations are required.

July 1
5:30 Putting
6:30 Putting
7:30 Beginner

July 8
5:30 Chipping
6:30 Woods
7:30 Beginner

Email golf@thebrewworks.com to reserve your spot now and specify which class you are interested in!