Bookstore Speakeasy brings memorable style and flavor to Bethlehem’s bar scene.
As the name suggests, Bookstore Speakeasy brings us back to the Prohibition era speakeasy times. The owners and staff work hard to recreate the look and style of the area and deliver incredible tastes.
According to their website, reservations are suggestions. They’re being modest.
Reservations are pretty much mandatory unless you want to wait over an hour. So, make a reservation. It’s worth it.
Also, since this is a “specialty” restaurant, please check out my tips at the bottom of the article.
You enter through a non-descript door on a plain-looking street. At first, I didn’t think I was at the right place. And, of course, this is all planned on-purpose to match the business’s theme.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s lobby
You walk down the steps into a different world.
The world of a prohibition-style speakeasy. The owners have done a thorough and detailed job on design and it pays off.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s specialty drink list
In the lobby you wait with other guests until you’re called by the hostess, and then your full party enters yet another world: the bar / seating area. It’s even more dense with speakeasy design.
Cuisine
The drinks are excellent. The food is excellent.
They have a full bar, but also offer custom drink specials.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s bar
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Their drinks aren’t traditionally straight forward. Rather, they’re almond infused, maple-infused, etc. Everything I tasted was “a little bit different” than what I expected.
I could see some people loving that detail. I could see others being very frustrated. The barstaff doesn’t want you to be frustrated, so ask questions.
Once I started asking more and more questions, the bartender (Ry) was very helpful and friendly. He ended up pouring me several small samples until I could figure out what I’d like.
The food was plentiful and outstanding. If you’re a foodie, it’s worth a visit for the food alone.
Ambiance
You’re there for the vibe and it pays off immediately and consistently.
The scene is locally award-winning and very well-crafted.
A mostly-finished Old-Fashioned with 2 samples
I would’ve expected dates, seduction and romance. To me, the vibe was swanky, lounge-y romantic. (maybe that says more about me).
Inside, there was a college-aged date at the bar, a Moms Night Out at one table and older couples (55+) at two other tables. A private group party cozied off in a secluded corner.
Made it hard to figure out the bar’s demographic as tonight’s crowd was very mixed. However it felt like a local hang, as “Lehigh” and “Moravian Academy” were both overhead several times.
For me, I’d travel from well outside the area to have this experience.
There is a corner of the room for a live band and supposedly there’s live music most nights. The overall area seemed too small for that, like the sound would dominate everything.
If you’re a live music lover, maybe that’s great news. Out for dinner, drinks and conversation, maybe that’s not great news.
Service
So here’s where I messed up. It’s not really a “walk-in and grab a quick drink” bar. You really want to make reservations ahead of time. This is “suggested” on their website, but it should be required.
The bar seems to be maintained at a quarter full. The restaurant is steady at ⅔ full.
So, I received rushed service. The hostess worked to squeeze me into their packed schedule. Once seated, the bartender was very helpful. I had a quick drink and a bite and moved on quickly enough to fit their next scheduled seating after me.
Hospitality
All in all, it reminds me of a mini-version Los Angeles’ Magic Castle. At the Castle their rules are very straightforward, respected, must be followed, and the venue is a better place as a result. If anyone asked my opinion, I’d suggest the Bookstore lean more into “rules”.
Bookstore Speakeasy can easily be a special night worthy of driving from anywhere in Eastern PA (roughly 30-45 mins). I’d go back again, but this time I know the rules.
Tips:
- Make a reservation
- Walk in with an adventurous palette
- Sit down expecting to spend some money. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.
- Know there’s an automatic 25% gratuity added to your bill. Order accordingly.
- Ask the bartenders and waiters questions. Have fun with the experience.
Bookstore Speakeasy is delicious, memorable and helpful.
For more info and to make a reservation: https://www.bookstorespeakeasy.com/
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Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
Lehigh Stunned by Sweet Innovation From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
Lehigh Invaded with Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
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Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
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Delicious, Romantic, Southern Charm – Yes, please! Visit Greenville, South Carolina
Delicious, romantic, southern charm – Yes, please! Visit Greenville, South Carolina.
You’re looking for a new trip?
…A great foodie adventure?
…Big city perks
…But a mix of quaint and calm.
…inspiring scenery
…maybe a full-on spa weekend?
And let’s be honest, it needs to be easy to get to.
Not too much to ask for, right? LOL
Southern Charm at Greenville, South Carolina
Well, Greenville South Carolina hits all of those spots and more!
Southern charm with big city amenities. From flavor to fun to flirty.
Greenville, South Carolina is Southern charm with big city amenities.
The right amount of outdoors, arts, charming people watching and of course food. Different flavors and lots of it!
That’s Greenville. Plenty of South Carolina Southern Hospitality with a kick of sass and did we mention the food?
Fun Days and Starry-Filled Nights in Greenville South Carolina
From March through July, the town square stays busy with free concerts twice a week and at night catch a movie in the park.
Fun days in Greenville South Carolina
The center of town is just a short walk from most hotels, where you can wander Main St. and window shop at artisanal stores, book stores and coffee shops on the way to your next meal.
Reedy River
After a light bite, take a stroll along the park at Reedy River. Their new development is gorgeous and cozy. Several great spots for Instagram-worthy selfies.
Love a tasty cocktail?
Kinda curious how the whole whiskey process works?
Highly recommend Six and Twenty Distillery’s tour and tasting experience.
Six and Twenty Distillery’s tour
From malting to mashing to distillation. You can even pose for pictures with their giant pot still and become instagram famous.
It’s a fascinating process, but even more – meet the team. These folks love their work and it shows!
If you’re lucky enough to get a tour from Owner David Raad, he’ll help you fall in love with their process as they create just the right flavor for you.
And speaking of flavor.
You should get a tasting.
If Benjamin Balaban is behind the bar, you’re in for a treat. Curious drinkers, ask about the flavors, the garnishes, how his mixes are so balanced and flavorful.
Six and Twenty Distillery’s tasting experience
Keep the Flavors Coming with Oil & Vinegar
Stop in and say hello to Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Owner Chef Veera Gaul who will introduce you to the flavors, aromas and blends of oilsl like you’ve never realized before.
Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Owner Chef Veera Gaul
As a dipping sauce.
As a salad dressing.
In your health shake.
There’s a lot of ways to enjoy olive oil.
Taste through: The fruity and robust Nocellara EVOO. The deliciously oily Puglia. The vibrant Basil EVOO. The perfect to mix Mango Vinegar.
And that’s why visiting Oil & Vinegar on Main St. is so fun.
Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Greenville SC
Their tasting helps you fall in love with the magic and find a new flavor to take home with you.
From Family Fun to Romantic – Greenville’s Dinner Options
Greenville offers a feast of foodie options from down home to innovative chefs and world-class menus.
With more than 110 restaurants in downtown alone, and more than 1,000 throughout the County, Greenville, South Carolina’s abundant and tasty restaurant scene is garnering national attention.
Nose Dive
Nose Dive is an innovative gastropub were their chefs to craft dishes that are both delicious and exciting. The culinary team is dedicated to inventive fare and attention to detail to create an eating experience.
Antonino Bertolo’s Pizza
Right next to the NOMA plaza on Downtown’s North Main Street in downtown, Antonino Bertolo’s Pizza is one of the city’s most popular pizza parlors, serves up authentic NY style pizza and Italian cuisine.
Foothill Foodie Tours is a one of a kind foodie experience in Greenville with a chance to experience a wide selection of curated tours designed with you in mind.
Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant
Enjoy the rimmed signature drinks and house made cordials at Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant that re-imagines what intimate dining can be. All with desserts as the main event.
Next Day Get Inspired By Greenville’s Nature
Greenville is all about scenic beauty. Five gorgeous state parks perfect for a stroll or to break a sweat.
The 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of Greenville’s most popular. There’s Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville’s downtown green space, waterfalls, flowers, and walkways. Cleveland Park, the city’s largest park and home of the 14-acre Greenville Zoo
Want even more? Greenville’s got it!
Over 60 outdoor obstacles and ziplines, Treetop Quest Greenville’s aerial adventure park will thrill you. Paris Mountain State Park’s Four lakes, a swimming area (complete with kayaks, canoes and pedal-boats for rent), playground, 15 miles of hiking and biking.
Lake Jocassee
Head north to stop at Marci Jo’s Olde Mountain Store, a quaint local spot between Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks
Wildcat Branch Falls near Greenville SC
There’s over a 100 more parks within just a few hours’ drive.
Speaking of Serene. Looking for a retreat?
Greenville’s Grand Bohemian
Greenville’s Grand Bohemian is a luxurious boutique hotel perched along the Reedy River. Whether you’re stopping by for a handcrafted cocktail, spending the night in one of their suites or attending a conference, it’s sure to be a cozy delight.
Dripping with Southern Charm
Hotel Hartness near Greenville SC
Hotel Hartness is the luxurious destination just outside the city.
Spa weekend? Dream wedding? Elegant event space. The extraordinarily intimate experience of 69 suites in the main hotel and 4 spa suites.
You’re looking for a new trip.
A great foodie adventure?
With a mix of big city with quaint and calm and mountains of inspiring scenery
And it’s easy to get to.
Greenville is a must-visit destination that makes visiting easy, delicious and memorable. From food to local culture, exercise, romance and calm vibes that the South is best known.
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Join Your Community for 1st Annual Allentown VegFest April 29 at Cedar Beach
1st Annual Allentown VegFest April 29
Are you looking for a fun healthy family activity that will be sure to please?
Join Your Community for VegFest at Cedar Beach
Join your community on Saturday, April 29th from 11-6 for the First Annual Allentown, PA VegFest at Cedar Beach!
1st Annual Allentown VegFest April 29 at Cedar Beach
A fun day with VegFest at Cedar Beach
Vendors, Food, Music, and adult beverages will all be present, all we need is YOU!
We will also have various workouts and classes throughout the day, including a free family friendly yoga class provided by Yoga Therapy of the Lehigh Valley & Lehigh Valley Osteopathy for Everybody, LLC.
We are so excited to bring this event to Allentown to highlight vegan and vegetarian vendors and promote health and wellness in the Lehigh Valley. The Allentown Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the City of Allentown and we would like to thank them for their support for this event. Entertainment by Mystik Fool.
When: Saturday, April 29th 2023 | 11 am – 6 pm
Where: Cedar Beach Park (2600 Parkway Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104)
Pricing Information: Free to attend | Food and beverages available for purchase
Vendors: 22 Peppers LLC, Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley, Beauty by Monette, Buff City Soap, Boomfit Strength Club, Chocodiem LLC, The Flying V, Green Pond Packaging, Green Mountain Energy, Healthy Nutrition Knowledge, Henna Chakra, Jaaz Accessories, Noraa Body Love, Seasons Olive Oil, Solace Roots, Sundance Vacations, The Bake-A-Re, The Locals’ Bookshop, and MORE!
Sponsors: The City of Allentown, Capital Blue Cross, Curaleaf, Green Mountain Energy
More information can be found by visiting the Facebook page: Click Here
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
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Celebrate Christmas with Cash and Outlaw Country Classics at Sherman Stage at The Renegade Winery December 15
Celebrate Christmas with Cash and Outlaw Country Classics at Sherman Stage at The Renegade Winery December 15
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas experience filled with the timeless music of Johnny Cash performed by Chuck Rissmiller and the Outlaw Country Classics of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson, performed by the talented acoustic songwriter, Robbie Junior. Join us on December 15, 2023, at the Sherman Stage at The Renegade Winery at 600 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA for a holiday celebration like no other.
Celebrate Christmas with Cash and Outlaw Country Classics at Sherman Stage at The Renegade Winery December 15
Take a journey through the songwriting career of Johnny Cash (1954 thru 2003). The tunes that made him famous as well as those songs Cash loved personally are showcased. There is also commentary about his music, his successes, his struggles, his beliefs… in other words the life of the iconic Man In Black. Chuck Rissmiller delivers an intimate guitar and vocal show that truly pays homage to great songs and an iconic legend.
For tickets and more information, visit shermantheater.com or call our Box Office at 570-420-2808.
Show: Christmas with Cash: Great Songs of Johnny Cash by Chuck Rissmiller with special guest Robbie Junior performing Outlaw Country Classics
Venue: Sherman Stage at The Renegade Winery, 600 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA
Date: December 15, 2023
Time: Doors at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM
The Sherman Theater is Monroe County’s only nationally ranked, non-profit theater and performing arts center. Located in downtown Stroudsburg, PA, the Sherman Theater has proudly served the Pocono region for 90 years. The Theater and Performing Arts Center is committed to strengthening the community by producing culturally-diverse, nationally-known professional acts and festivals at the theater and at satellite locations throughout Monroe County for people of all ages, by providing an opportunity for local artists to perform, and by creating economic development in the region. The Sherman Theater projects and events attract over 100,000 visitors to the Pocono Region annually. For more information call 570-420-2808 or visit www.shermantheater.com.
