Looking to get away without leaving town? Allentown is actually a perfect place for a staycation. Whether you’re looking for family fun or simply want a weekend getaway with your significant other, we’ve got you covered. From finding accommodations to dining to weekend activities, below we’ve compiled just about everything that you need to have the perfect staycation in Allentown. Read on to start planning! Lodging While there are many options to choose from, our top recommendation is the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Why? Close to all the major attractions, this hotel provides top service, clean guest rooms, and makes you feel as if you’re a world away. Plus, you can even dine at two fantastic restaurants that are right in the lobby. Dining Featuring just about any cuisine, downtown Allentown has a growing list of delicious restaurants. Our favorites include Grille 3501, Henry’s Salt of the Sea, and Fagley’s Allentown Bew Works. Activities There is so much fun to be had in Lehigh Valley. From the wine trail to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom to the Lehigh Valley Zoo to the Lost River Caverns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little less adventurous, walking around the local downtown area will suffice. And there you have it, a high-level guide for the ultimate staycation in Allentown. Have you already had a staycation here? What hotel did you stay at? What restaurants and activities did you do? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Image via Flickr by McLaren5
Bennett Toyota - What's New on the 2018 Camry?
The 2018 Camry is an exciting new total overhaul of the popular brand. No longer just a stalwart sedan, the 2018 Camry is a stylish, elegant take on the classic model. We've made a brief list of some of the new additions to the Camry to get you excited about this upcoming release. Sleeker Stance The 2018 Camry has a lower and a slightly sportier appearance than its predecessors. Built on the new TNGA platform, the new Camry is about an inch lower and wider, with an extra half-inch of length. Not only does this subtly tweak the overall appearance, but it also helps facilitate aerodynamics and therefore improve performance. Entune's App Suite While the 2018 Camry doesn't come equipped with Android or Apple integration, Entune's App Suite is a handy tool that helps more effectively incorporate technology and entertainment in a hands-free, intuitive manner. Apps include real time traffic and weather updates, plus third-party apps including Pandora and Slacker. In addition, this app suite incorporates GPS into all trims. Standard 8-Speed Previously standard on just the Highlander, Sienna, and Lexus RX 350, the Camry now joins the standard eight-speed lineup. To preserve torque power, which can sometimes be diminished with automatic eight-speed transmissions, the Camry has a direct lock-up feature from second to eighth gear that improves power and pick-up. These three new features of 2018 Camry are some of the most exciting, but this is by no means a comprehensive list, which means there's even more to look forward to! Image via Flickr by Automotive Rhythms
Bennett Toyota - Tips for Installing a Car Seat in Your 2017 Toyota Corolla
The importance of installing a car seat correctly cannot be overstated. A poorly installed car seat can have tragic consequences, so we've created this mini-guide with tips for safely installing a car seat in the 2017 Toyota Corolla. Of course, it's important to do some extra research, but this guide should help get you started. Use the Tether Anchors The Corolla has three tether anchors placed strategically to keep the car seat safely secured in the back seat. Two of the tether anchors are located about two inches into the seat cushions, so make sure you look carefully or you may have difficulty finding them. Don't just sit the car seat on the back seat; it has to be carefully strapped in. Adjust Front Row Seats Just because your car seat fits in the backseat doesn't mean it's entirely safe. Be sure to check that there's enough space between the front seat and the car seat. Too much space can make the LATCH system less effective. If you're using a rear-facing car seat, you may need to move the seat forward significantly, so it's a good idea to put the car seat on the right. Double-Check Weight and Age Always double-check and make sure your car seat is developmentally appropriate for your child. Having a car seat that's too small or too large can be dangerous. These three tips should get you started on installing your car seat safely and securely. Image via Flickr by Laura Edwards
Bennett Toyota - 2 Accessories for Pet-Loving Toyota Owners
Pets are an important part of our lives and ensuring that they are safe and comfortable vehicle passengers is a priority for many pet owners. Luckily for Toyota owners, there are a number of different excellent accessories for pet owners. We've listed the three that we love the most to help introduce you to the various accessories available. Interior Protection We love our four-legged friends, but we hate continuously vacuuming our car. That's where interior protection comes in. There a ton of different interior protection options, but we recommend opting for Toyota-brand floor mats and a hammock-style seat protector. Toyota offers floor mats, both in rubber and carpet, that are custom-designed to fit in your car. Toyota's mats completely protect your floor from pet hair or other associated debris. A hammock seat protector covers the entirety of your backseat and uses straps to keep it held up to create a hammock, which keeps pets from even accessing the floor. This is handy for long car rides where your pet may want to sprawl out. Restraint Harness A restraint harness loops through your vehicle's seatbelt and keeps pet securely in place, which is imperative if you end up getting in an accident. These harnesses can double as walking harnesses and are sized according to your dog's weight to ensure the best fit. These two options are great accessories for keeping your vehicle and pet safe, whether you're driving to the park or going on a road trip. Image via Flickr by Kevin Spencer
Bennett Toyota - Top 3 Features of the 2018 RAV4 Adventure
The RAV4 Adventure is built for, you guessed it, adventure. With a rugged exterior that still packs in tons of style and flair, the RAV4 Adventure is the ideal vehicle for outdoor explorers who don't want to compromise performance or looks. Discover a few favorite features of the 2018 RAV4 Adventure, and rev up your anticipation of its arrival. Visual Appeal The RAV4 Adventure trim gets a number of unique and exclusive body updates that create a distinctive overall look that still keeps true to the RAV4's iconic appearance. The over-fender flares have been enlarged and paired with blacked-out fog lamp surrounds, 18-inch alloy wheels, headlight bezels, and roof rails for an aggressive look, and lower body cladding keeps the paint from mud splatter and other road debris. The car is also equipped with exclusive Adventure badges. Extra Power While the Adventure is powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine of the other non-hybrid RAV4 trims, it has an additional Tow Prep package that includes an upgraded radiator, transmission cooler, and engine oil cooler. The Tow Prep package allows the Adventure to tow an impressive 3,500 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive. Off-Road Ready The Adventure has a higher stance than other RAV4s to help clear road debris and make it easier to navigate over rough terrain. The available all-wheel drive helps improve traction on slick surfaces, while the easy-to-clean interior makes it a snap to clean up after outdoor adventures. These three features are just a snapshot of the many reasons to get excited about the 2018 RAV4 Adventure. Image via Flickr by Toyota UK
Perks of the 2018 Toyota Tundra
The Tundra is Toyota's full-size truck and is designed to be able to tackle both off-roading and worksite conditions. The 2018 Toyota Tundra takes the already impressive truck and ramps it up to the next level. We've listed the top three perks of the 2018 Tundra that we're most excited for. TRD Sport New to the Tundra model lineup is the TRD Sport, which is replacing the TRD Pro. This model has a mix of aesthetic and mechanical upgrades that is creating quite a buzz in the truck community. Exterior accents include smoked housings for the LED headlights, aggressive black mesh grille, and 20-inch alloy wheels complete with a black-accent finish. The real star of the TRD Sport, however, is its sports-tuned suspension equipped with Bilstein dampers and improved sway bars. Safety Sense-P Standard The Tundra comes standard with Toyota's fantastic Safety Sense-P system, which is a range of active safety features designed to provide drivers with peace of mind and extra alertness while on the road. Features include lane departure alerts, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam. Towing Capacity The towing capacity on the Tundra is an important aspect to consider, especially for buyers who tow recreational or work-related loads regularly. Without a towing package, the Tundra can tow between 1,440 and 2,080 pounds, depending on the model and powertrain. That number jumps to 6,400 to 10,500 pounds when properly equipped. These three perks are just a few reasons to consider the 2018 Toyota Tundra. Image via Flickr by Bushman.K
3 Tips for Driving in Heavy Allentown Traffic
Driving in heavy traffic is difficult and stressful no matter where you are. Many accidents occur during rush hour because of the number of cars on the road goes up and many drivers are in a hurry to get to work or home. Here are some tips for driving in heavy Allentown traffic to make sure you get safely to your destination. Stay Calm One of the most important things to remember is to stay calm regardless of what is going on around you. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don't get stressed if you end up sitting in traffic. Listen to Music or Books Download a good book to listen to while you sit in traffic to keep your mind off the fact that you are not moving. You can also put together a playlist of your favorite music to listen to while you drive. Choose songs that either help to relieve stress or that pumps you up. Leave Plenty of Space Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If the speed of the traffic flow is not consistent, make sure you have plenty of time to react when someone suddenly slows down. Remember to adjust your speed and the space between vehicles if the weather is bad. Follow these tips the next time you have to drive in heavy traffic. If you plan and prepare yourself, you are less likely to feel stressed. Image via Flickr by Oran Viriyincy
4 Things to Do at the Historic Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
The Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is more than just your average farmers market. You can find almost anything you need all in one place whether that's fresh fruit and produce, candy, baked goods, or meats. The market is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here are some things to do at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market. Get Your Sweets and Candies There are several vendors selling sweet treats and candy at the market. The Amish Village Bake Shop and the Mary Ann Donut Kitchen always have fresh-baked goods, and you can get candy at Mink's Candies and Gifts. Eat Lunch or Dinner While you are shopping at the market, you can stop and eat lunch or dinner at Bada Bingg, Billy's Pretzel Wrap & Fried Chicken, or Charlie K's Pizza. There is also a restaurant that offers foods from the Mediterranean, and Dan's Bar-B-Qued Chicken is a must stop. Get Your Fresh Produce The farmer's market has an abundance of fresh produce throughout the building. You can pick up your snacks at Bedway's Fresh Fruits and other produce at Berghold Produce and Red Barn Produce. Pickup Gourmet Treats Bring something special home from one of the gourmet shops. Heffelfinger's Coffee, Tea & Specialty Foods has gourmet coffees and teas, and the Nut Hut has a variety of nuts and snacks. There are so many shops and vendors at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market that you can find almost anything you need. Image via Flickr by 2bmolar
3 Roadside Diners You Must Try in Allentown
There is nothing like the food at a good diner. These eating establishments often offer a large menu with lots of breakfast items and even homemade pies and desserts. The next time you pass through the Allentown area, try one of these roadside diners. Queen City Diner Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast or a great burger, the Queen City Diner on Lehigh Street has it. This place offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and helpful servers and homestyle food. Coffee lovers will appreciate that they always make sure your cup is full, and they might even leave the pot on the table for you. Golden Gate Diner No matter what time of day or night you go to the Golden Gate Diner you can get a delicious breakfast. They serve it up 24 hours a day with friendly service and great prices. Make sure to try their pancakes, and their sausage and the pork roll are also fantastic. You'll find this diner on Union Boulevard in Allentown. Starlight Diner & Lounge The Starlight Diner offers a large menu with options to fit any taste. The staff is friendly and quick, and there is even an old jukebox in the corner to add to the atmosphere. Make sure to try the French toast which is huge and served with fresh strawberries if you want. Try one of these roadside diners the next time you travel through Allentown. You can get a great breakfast almost any time of day or even a midnight snack. Image via Flickr by Richard A Russell
3 Must-Have Road Trip Apps
New technology has made it so much easier to prepare for and enjoy a road trip. If you have a smartphone, there are many apps available to help you get ready and to lend a hand along the way. Here are some must-have road trip apps. Waze Find your way around with Waze. This is a crowdsourced app with real-time traffic conditions reported by real people out on the road. You can find out about accidents, road hazards, and speed traps, and then quickly and easily reroute if you need to. Waze includes turn-by-turn directions to get you to your destination, and best of all, it is free. GasBuddy This app lets you know where to find the cheapest gas. If you are on a long trip, the price you pay at the pump can make or break the bank. Use GasBuddy to find out where you can save based on your current location. Most of the prices come from other users, and if you share information on the deals you find, you can earn points and win prizes. iExit Download iExit to find out what is off the nearest exit. This app helps you plan out your next stop with information and pictures of businesses, restaurants, and other amenities coming up as you travel down the highway. You can search for a restroom, find campgrounds or places with truck parking, and even look at gas prices. Download one or more of these apps before you head out on your next road trip. Image via Flickr by arlecoproduccciones
3 Allentown Restaurants Worth Splurging On
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or you just want to go out for a nice dinner, there are some excellent fine dining restaurants in the Allentown area. The next time you want to plan a special dinner, try one of these restaurants worth splurging on. Grille 3501 Grille 3501 on Broadway in Allentown serve some of the best filets in the area, and their menu offers a variety of options. They have an extensive wine list and delicious cocktails too. Make sure to try the wild boar appetizer, and for an entrée, they have a wonderful salt seared Ahi Tuna. The service at Grille 3501 is outstanding with attentive servers that know the menu well enough to suggest pairings. Grain Grain is an upscale restaurant on Hamilton Street. The decor is modern with a cool laid back atmosphere, and the food is outstanding. The menu offers a variety of options from confit duck leg to glazed brisket and even an upscale version of chicken and waffles. You can get small plates if you want to eat before 5 p.m. which makes it easy to try some new things. Grain also has some specialty cocktails to try such as the Smoked Blueberry Margarita and the Honey Nut Old Fashioned. Bolete Restaurant Bolete on Seidersvile Road in Bethlehem has a wonderfully varied menu with some traditional entrees and some unique items too. They have a delicious black bass and tuna tartar, or try the bacon wrapped rabbit in rabbit stew. The pace is leisurely at Bolete so make sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy. Try one of these restaurants the next time you want to splurge. Image via Flickr by stars5112
What Makes the Yaris a Perfect Car for Recent College Grads
When you graduate from college, finding a job isn't always easy. To make matters worse, you need a car that gets you to interviews and social engagements without any issues, and you probably have a tight budget. Thankfully, the 2017 Toyota Yaris is a valuable compromise, providing reliability, affordability, and some excellent amenities at a price that won't break the bank. Here's everything that makes the Yaris the perfect car for a recent college graduate. Save Money at the Pump Even after you've secured a job, you don't want to waste more money at the pump if you can avoid it. Under the hood, the Yaris gets a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder. While its 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque won't win any awards, its 36 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 30 mpg in the city make it one of the most efficient choices on the market. It pairs with either a four-speed automatic transmission for hassle-free driving, or a five-speed manual to add a bit more fun to the experience. Enjoy Some Great Interior Specs Although the Yaris prides itself on being one of the most affordable cars in the market, it doesn't lack on the interior features. The Toyota Safety Sense C suite comes standard and offers a pre-collision warning system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Other amenities include Bluetooth, a USB port, HD radio, and the Entune infotainment system with 6.1-inch display. With the Toyota Yaris, you'll get a car that they don't have to worry about taking into the shop every 500 miles. There's no telling what you can do with all that extra time and cash. Image via Flickr by M 93: „Dein Nordrhein-Westfalen"