Seasons Change
You won't have any doubt about the season when you visit Allentown. Summers are warm, often muggy, as temps rise to the mid-80s. In winter, though, expect that soft white stuff to fall from the heavens, some 25 inches per year on top of the 42 inches of annual rain. Down coats are required if your family get-together happens in winter, since temperatures can plummet to 24 degrees.
Playing in Allentown
The squealing never stops in Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, where you can get air and water thrills for one ticket. Float on a million gallons of water on the Thunder Canyon river rapids adventure that spins your raft up and down through waterfalls and geysers. Or, do the Demon Drop—dangle atop a tower the height of a 10-story building, then plummet 60 feet in about two seconds of true free fall. Take your family out to the ballgame at Coca Cola Park, check out the exotic cars at the America on Wheels Museum or explore earthquakes or rainforests at the Da Vinci Science Center.
Working Here
Billy Joel's song describes the time when manufacturing declined swiftly as Allentown's main business activity. By now, many decades have passed and the service sector has moved into the No. 1 spot, with a special emphasis on health services. You'll be impressed to hear the list of big companies headquartered or running manufacturing plants here. They include Mack Trucks and Bethlehem Steel, as well as several Fortune 500 companies.
Getting To and Around
You can get off the plane right in Allentown if you arrange to fly into Lehigh Valley International Airport. Amtrak's closest station is in Philadelphia, about an hour's drive away. Although the town's public transportation system runs seven days a week, you might consider renting a car for your stay to make getting around this beautiful region more convenient.
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