Allentown is the largest city in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It is the third largest city in the state and offers a variety of attractions and activities. Allentown is known for its vibrant downtown area, an abundance of parks, a thriving arts and culture scene, and plenty of restaurants and shopping. Whether you’re looking for a romantic walk through a park, an afternoon at a gallery or a dinner at an upscale restaurant, Allentown has plenty of great first date options.
1. Allentown parks and places for a walk on a first date
Allentown is home to many parks and recreational areas, offering plenty of places to go for a romantic walk on a first date. Cedar Crest Park is a great spot to take a walk, with its lake and walking trails, or explore the Trees of Peace Memorial Park, a memorial to the city’s Father-Daughter Picnics of the late 1800s. For a more urban setting, there is the Hamilton Street Connector, a walking and cycling path connecting the downtown area to the wider city. The Ironton Rail Trail is also worth exploring, offering a 2.5-mile round trip down to the Lehigh River.
2. Places for a coffee date in Allentown
For those looking for a less active date, why not take your date for a coffee in one of Allentown’s many cafes and coffee shops. There are plenty of great places to get a cup of joe, from trendy coffee joints like Kuchnie-To-Go and ReAnimator Coffee to more established spots such as Coffeeshop at 19th Street and Bay Leaf Cafe.
3. Allentown galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Allentown is home to some great art venues, perfect for a date. The Allentown Art Museum is a great place to go for a spot of culture, with its collection of 19th and 20th century American art, as well as some international works. The Da Vinci Science Center is another great place to explore, with its interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and planetarium. If you’re looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten-path then head to America on Wheels Museum, a museum of transportation history, or the Allentown Rose Garden.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Allentown
For those looking for a bit of live music and entertainment, Allentown has plenty of options. The city has a thriving music scene with a variety of venues offering everything from jazz and blues to punk and metal. The Allentown Symphony Orchestra performs regular concerts at Miller Symphony Hall, while there are bars and clubs offering live music throughout the city, such as Crocodile Rock and Al-Lee-Cee’s.
5. Allentown pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Allentown has a great selection of restaurants and bars to choose from for a first date. Why not start off with a drink at the Broadening Avenue Pub, a cozy and traditional pub complete with its own beer garden. For something more upmarket, there’s Two Rivers Brewing Company, an upscale microbrewery serving craft beer and a selection of food. If you’d like a full meal then head to The Dime, a 1950s-style diner serving classic American comfort food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Allentown
There are plenty of other date ideas to try in Allentown. The city is home to a great variety of outdoor activities, from kayaking and biking to ziplining and obstacle courses. You could take your date to the Allentown Farmers Market for some local produce or visit nearby Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom for some fun and thrills. Plus, Allentown is just an hour away from Philadelphia, New York City, and other cities, giving you plenty of options for day trips.
