Musikfest is almost here! Best of the Fest

The following reflects the opinion of the blogger, and not the opinion of NET.

That's right people, Musikfest, (the largest free outdoor music festival in America which attracts over 1 million people each year) starts this Thursday and runs through the following weekend. And considering I have spent every year of my life at Musikfest, volunteering several of those years, I think I have the authority the tell you a few tricks and point you in the right direction of the very best of the fest.

Parking
Parking is generally a nightmare. Usually your best bet is heading up under the bridge in Plaza Tropical going towards Fountain Hill. Or if you desire, pay for parking and help out some local nonprofits. Getting there early (before 7 pm) also helps. Steer clear of the parking garages unless you plan on spending the day - it costs a steep $10.

You can also avoid parking woes by parking in one of the large lots throughout Bethlehem and riding the bus in ($2 each way). Or you can take public transportation (ie bus) which costs $2.50 per day unlimited rides.

Food
I have the unique privilege of working right on Main Street, and thus right in the thick of Musikfest. That coupled with 3 solid weeks of volunteering over lunchtime, and I've been able to sample some of the best foods around.

My favorites include:
Volksplatz
Buckeye Tavern's Strip Steak Sandwich - a little on the pricey side as food goes, but it's loaded up with onions and sweet peppers, you can't go wrong
Corn on the cob
Volksplatz is also ethic food central so try something Greek, Italian or Jamaican.

Americaplatz
Crab Cake Sandwich - just yummy
3rd Street Chicken and Ribs - Don't forget the potato logs

Main Street Bethlehem
Take a Taco - Only appearing at fairs and festivals around the Lehigh Valley these are the best soft shell tacos around
Brewworks - beat the heat and enjoy the air conditioning inside, but be prepared for a long wait

Plaza Tropical
Leiby's Ice Cream - the local legend

Entertainment
No matter what your tastes are, you'll be sure to find something you like at Musikfest. Some favorites include: Fabulous Grease Band (oldies), Cimarron (country), Sarah Ayers Band (Jazz), UUU (rock), Boilermakers Jazz Band (Swing/Jazz), Crazyheart (country).

And don't forget the fireworks the last day of the festival.

Hope to see you around this year!

Join a Philadelphia Eagle at NET's August First Thursday

Join special guests, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, former Philadelphia Eagle and media personality Garry "G" Cobb and former pro soccer player, motivational speaker, and NetYP member Pat Breslin. "G" Cobb and Pat will be signing their new book "Dont Be Clueless" as an exclusive before it comes out nationaly Sept 1. A portion of the proceeds from all books sold at the event supports the Network of Young Professionals

Come alone, bring your friends, introduce someone new to the NET, introduce yourself to someone new. Expand your network...

Connect.

When: Thursday, August 2, 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Starter's Riverport, (17 W 2nd Street, Bethlehem, PA) in the upstairs lounge.

Cost: Members: Free (Non-Members $3)

NET Ultimate Frisbee

Come try out the exciting game of Ultimate Frisbee in Allentown's beautiful Little Lehigh Parkway. No experience is necessary.

Ultimate can be as physically demanding or as effortless as you like, and is a blast either way. The social aspect of the sport makes it a great way to meet new people in a very relaxed environment, and the game is usually followed by a refreshing cool-down at J.P. O'Malley's on Union Street between 15th and 16th in Allentown.

This is a weekly event held every Tuesday.

If you have any questions on the game, scheduling, or directions, you can contact Cory.
Directions: I-78 to Lehigh St. Go north towards Allentown. Left on 15th St./Jefferson St., 1 mile to a wide open 5 way intersection. Left into park.

When: Tuesday, July 24 at 6 p.m.

Where: Little Lehigh Parkway (Allentown, PA)

Cost: FREE

ArtWalk in Bethlehem

Stop in and get to know your local art galleries and participating shops and restaurants. Styles vary from traditional to cutting-edge contemporarry with subjects from landscapes of Bethlehem Steel, to abstract sculpture and "garbage art". Enjoy refreshments and meet guest artists as you meander along.

When: July 28, 4-8 p.m.
Where: eDavid, Mary Beth Baran, Popmart, Sergei Yaralov, Snow Goose, Wired: Main St. Bethlehem and surrounding area

Tango in the Park - West Park Allentown

Every Monday, 6:30, in July (July 2,9,16, 23,30) there will be FREE lessons of Argentine Tango. This dance is traditionally danced in a circle and the fountain at West Park makes the perfect center piece. Last year there were over 100 couples dancing! Feel like you are in a different country and still be in Atown!

If you don’t have a partner just come a little early and pick one out for the crowd of expert teachers!

http://www.batangosurvivalcourse.com/

Emmaus Heritage Days next weekend

Get the full schedule of events at www.emmausmainstreet.com. Some of the highlights include the Community Street Fair on Ridge Street (the street will be closed to vehicular traffic), two stages of entertainment plus strolling entertainers, a Downtown Architectural Walking Tour with local architect Alan Hawman, Open Houses & Activities at Emmaus' Historic Sites (1803 House, Knauss Homestead, Shelter House, Emmaus Historical Society & Visitors Museum), "Flowers In Art" flower show presented by the Emmaus Garden Club, "Fashion Fantasies" fashion show presented by the Friends of the 1803 House, God's Acre Cemetery Tour hosted by local historian Carl Gingrich, and an Old Time Auction.

FREE new historic walking tour available in Easton

A new historic walking tour is available in Easton surrounding the State Theatre. Download it here.