By Craig Beavers, Lehigh Valley/Berks Section Chair

We hope everyone enjoyed the amazing conference hosted by the Central Section in Harrisburg this year! In the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section, we are already gearing up to host an amazing conference in Historic Bethlehem for 2026! The conference will be October 18 – 20, 2026 at Wind Creek Bethlehem; make sure to mark your calendars now for an unforgettable event!

Bethlehem, a growing and historic city located in the Lehigh Valley, is home to many incredible sites. As a look ahead of what to expect, here are a few notable attractions to visit next year:

• Moravian Church Settlements – As the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United States, the historic Moravian Church Settlements is a must see! Founded in 1741, this site spans over 10 acres and includes nine original properties, four ruins, and God’s Acre cemetery, and it represents the finest examples of Moravian architecture and town planning in the country.
• South Bethlehem Greenway – A 2019 Great Place award winner, the South Bethlehem Greenway is a mile-long linear park and trail developed from an abandoned rail line. Construction is underway to connect the greenway to the D&L Trail, Saucon Rail-Trail, and the Upper Bucks Rail-Trail.
• Main Street Bethlehem – Another 2019 Great Place award winner, this charming downtown corridor is rich in history. Home to the Moravian Church Settlements, this street is home to dozens of preserved architecture, thriving businesses and restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• SteelStacks – This former industrial giant once powered the nation, serving as one of the main steel producers in the United States for skyscrapers, bridges, and naval fleets. In the 2000s, this former blast furnace was preserved and reimagined into a sprawling arts campus, bringing millions of visitors each year to events such as MusikFest, Christkindlmarkt, and Oktoberfest. This 2014 Great Place award winner is also steps away from Wind Creek Bethlehem, making it a must-see during your stay!

For more updates from the Lehigh Valley/Berks Section online.