Take a tour of Old Allentown

Old Allentown's 30th House Tour is Sunday, October 1, 2006 from 11:00AM to 5:00PM.
Sunday, October 1st, marks OAPA's 30th Anniversary House Tour. The self-guided tour runs from 11am to 5pm and features twelve properties (see list of homes), mingling House Tour favorites with a few newcomers to the neighborhood. Restored facades, original interiors, multi-story lofts, modern design and restful gardens will all be on view.

Singer-songwriter, Ryan Asher will hold two acoustic performances at the 8th & Gordon Pocket-Park. Coffee and cider will be available at the OAPA Information Center, 147 N. 10th Street. Tickets are $10 at advance ticket locations, or $12 the day of the tour at the Information Center.

For more information, contact House Tour Co-Chair Dave Dieter at 610-351-4895, or ddieter@rcn.com.

Attention all hot mommies!

Bellini and Valley Social Magazine are launching a local chapter of the Hot Moms Club on Saturday, September 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bellini in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

Allentown Fair runs through Monday

The Great Allentown Fair, a long Allentown tradition has taken on a 50s theme this year. The Allentown fair is one of the best fairs in the state, ranking right up there with the York Fair and the Bloomsburg Fair. Big-time (mostly country) acts appear nightly, and the food is awesome. Check it out.

Dusk til Dawn this Sunday Night

Attention all drive-in lovers!! Becky's Drive-In is hosting their Dusk 'til Dawn event once again! That means you can pay only $7 and watch 5 movies all night! The movies this year are as follows:

• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
• Blades of Glory
• Live Free or Die Hard
• Mr. Brooks
• The Hills Have Eyes II

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