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Allentown is only an hour and a half from Philadelphia, where the "Philly Cheesesteak" got its name. Several restaurants in the Lehigh area have perfected this sandwich. Take a look at these five Allentown restaurants where you can get an amazing Philly cheesesteak. Zandy's The flavors are what you'd expect from a Philly cheesesteak, but what makes Zandy's stand out is its sandwich's size. There is more meat than you'd expect, but the bun contains it well. Make sure to eat your cheesesteak before it gets soggy, though. Sewards Steak Shop Sewards' offers various cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and salads. The menu is huge and the prices are reasonable. The chicken cheesesteak at Sewards' is particularly good, and the portion sizes are bigger than normal. Yocco's Hot Dog King Don't be deceived by the building's exterior; the food in this restaurant is amazing. Although hot dogs and pierogi are Yocco's most popular items, the cheesesteak is mouthwatering and memorable. You really can't go wrong with this sandwich. Salvatore Ruffino's Pizza Salvator Ruffino's offers various menu items, including pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. It is mainly a pizza shop, but the cheesesteak doesn't disappoint. It's not soggy or greasy, and the flavors blend perfectly. Lee's Hoagie House The cheesesteak comes on a chewy hoagie bun that perfectly complements the flavors of the steak, cheese, onions, and peppers. It's great because the cheesesteak isn't oily and has the perfect blend of juicy and tender. There are plenty of other places in Allentown to get a great cheesesteak, but this is a great list of places to try first. Image provided by Shutterstock

Allentown is only an hour and a half from Philadelphia, where the "Philly Cheesesteak" got its name. Several restaurants in the Lehigh area have perfected this sandwich. Take a look at these five Allentown restaurants where you can get an amazing Philly cheesesteak. Zandy's The flavors are what you'd expect from a Philly cheesesteak, but what makes Zandy's stand out is its sandwich's size. There is more meat than you'd expect, but the bun contains it well. Make sure to eat your cheesesteak before it gets soggy, though. Sewards Steak Shop Sewards' offers various cheesesteaks, sandwiches, and salads. The menu is huge and the prices are reasonable. The chicken cheesesteak at Sewards' is particularly good, and the portion sizes are bigger than normal. Yocco's Hot Dog King Don't be deceived by the building's exterior; the food in this restaurant is amazing. Although hot dogs and pierogi are Yocco's most popular items, the cheesesteak is mouthwatering and memorable. You really can't go wrong with this sandwich. Salvatore Ruffino's Pizza Salvator Ruffino's offers various menu items, including pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. It is mainly a pizza shop, but the cheesesteak doesn't disappoint. It's not soggy or greasy, and the flavors blend perfectly. Lee's Hoagie House The cheesesteak comes on a chewy hoagie bun that perfectly complements the flavors of the steak, cheese, onions, and peppers. It's great because the cheesesteak isn't oily and has the perfect blend of juicy and tender. There are plenty of other places in Allentown to get a great cheesesteak, but this is a great list of places to try first. Image provided by Shutterstock

Whether you are on a specific shopping mission or just looking to kill some time window-shopping, the stores around Allentown have just what you are looking for. Merchants Square Mall Merchants Square Mall is home to dozens of independent antique and collectibles shops. A variety of custom shops offer car and boat accessories, hand-made wooden items, artwork, and tattoos. Pro Wrestling World has a variety of items as well as monthly autograph sessions. Championship Cards buys and sells baseball, basketball, hockey, and football cards and has everything a collector needs. The Model Train Exhibit is fun and informative. Merchants Square Mall is climate-controlled so it is a great place to spend a rainy day any time of the year. Hamilton District Downtown Allentown's Hamilton District offers a variety of quaint shops and dining options. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at G & E Smoke Shop and Cigar Lounge can help you find a special gift. Enjoy your favorite cigar in the lounge, complete with leather chairs and a big screen television. Garden Gate Natural Foods is a great place to find organic produce, ready-to-eat vegetarian meals, and gluten-free products. Other stores offer books, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and gifts. Lehigh Valley Mall Lehigh Valley Mall offers the most popular brand-name stores in one place. Macy's, Boscov's, and JCPenney are the anchor stores. Abercrombie and Fitch, Apple Store, Buckle, Disney Store, Footlocker, Forever 21, Game Stop, Sephora, and Victoria's Secret are among many others. There is something for everyone at this mall. Allentown has many shopping options. Hamilton District is a great place for a stroll on a warm afternoon. Merchants Square Mall and Lehigh Valley Mall offer different merchandise, but are both ideal for anytime you need a shopping fix! Image provided by Shutterstock

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs of all time. Over its history, the RAV4 has offered a number of unique features and special options, but none is as much fun or as useful as many found in the 2016 version. Unique Key Your key is very unique, but if you happen to lock your keys in the car, your dealer can make an inexpensive copy. This copy can then be used to open the doors so that you can retrieve your keys. However, you cannot use this key to start the car, you must have the original key or an exact replacement. Low Battery No Worries Your key fob is battery powered and can be used to lock/unlock the doors and start your RAV4. If the batteries die, you may have to use the physical key to open the doors, but you can hold the key to the start button for eight to ten seconds and it will still let you start your vehicle. Looking Back The 2016 RAV4 comes with a very unique frameless rearview mirror. Not only does this mirror feature auto-dimming but it also has three fully programmable home links that can be set to open three completely different devices such as garage door opener or turning on your house lights. Only Hybrid in Class The RAV4 is the only hybrid in its class since Ford stopped production of the Escape hybrid in 2011. The RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors connected to the front and rear axles. Image provided by Shutterstock

Reduce the stress of car buying. Find a car to fit your needs. Here are a few tips that will help you figure out if buying a new or used car is better for you. What Is Your Budget? Used cars have a lower price, but think about what it will cost you in the end. Look at the cost of repairs and replacement parts. Check with your local dealerships about the cost for parts and labor on the models you are considering. You might find that spending a bit more up front can save you a lot later on. Are You Willing to Compromise? When you buy a new car, you can get the exact make, model, and features you want. Buying a used car means getting the specifications someone else picked out. There is no right or wrong answer here. Used cars are a great way to save money if you are willing to bend a bit on some features. What Is Your Time Frame? Walk into a dealership today and chances are you can drive home in your new car. Instant gratification comes at a price though. Buyers with more time and patience will save money. Compare various opportunities and take the deal that is right for you. Make a list of the features you want and the features you need before buying a car. Determine your overall cost of owning the vehicle. Consider warranty coverage and replacing parts that wear out, such as tires. Check Carfax.com for used car accident history. Image provided by Shutterstock

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is home to a number of fun-filled and exciting sporting events throughout the year. These events offer you a great way to spend time with your family creating memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Here are four of the top upcoming sporting events in the area you won't want to miss. Monster Jam Coming in April at the PPL Center on the corner of 7th and Hamilton in Allentown is the event of the year. Monster Jam features all of your favorite monster trucks including Monster Mutt, Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Maximum Destruction, Blue Thunder, and many more. Wrestling Also held in April is the AAU/MAWA Wrestling Regional. This is the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association regional finals featuring the top amateur wrestlers from schools around the region. It will be held in the gymnasium at Freedom High School and is open to anyone who wants to see the best school-age wrestlers the region has to offer. Arena Football Who says football is just a fall and winter sport? This July the Philadelphia Soul will play the Cleveland Gladiators in the first arena football game to be played in Lehigh Valley. The Soul is rated as the winningest professional sports team in Philadelphia since their inauguration in 2004 with three conference championship wins, four division championships, and on ArenaBowl Championship. Ice Hockey Not to outdone, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team will play host to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in April and the Syracuse Crunch in July. Image provided by Shutterstock

Spring is just around the corner. Start planning some fun activities that will cure your cabin fever. Spring Home Show at Stabler Check out the largest home show in eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey this spring. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children under 12 years old. Parking is also free at this Lehigh Valley Builders Association event. The event is April 1–3. Ride, Run, or Walk for a Cause Shake off the winter blues and head outdoors for a good cause on April 9. The Fight for Air Ride benefits the American Lung Association. Cyclists ride at their own pace for 8, 16, or 33 miles to raise money for a great cause. The Big Heart Bright Hope 5K run and walk raises money for Care Net Lehigh Valley Pregnancy Support Centers. This is a great way to help families right in the Lehigh Valley. Wine Me Up! Wine and Tapas Festival Enjoy unlimited sampling of Pennsylvania's finest wineries June 4–5. The festival takes place at Blue Mountain Resort. Pair wine samples with a variety of tapas dishes. Enjoy live music and shop local artisan booths. Circus Camp Auditions Children between the ages of six and 14 can go to go to circus camp the first week of July. Auditions start at 9 a.m. on July 3. Campers will learn various circus acts as well as take part in regular camp activities at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. The younger campers take part in a parade before the show. There are plenty of fun activities in the Lehigh Valley for all ages and interests. Enjoy a family outing or sample local wines with friends. Image provided by Shutterstock

The Toyota Highlander has long been one of the most popular SUVs on the market. However, it did not earn this reputation simply by virtue of its long and stellar history. In fact, there are a number of very good reasons why you should take the time to check out the 2016 Highlander Hybrid, and here are three of them for you to consider. Three Rows of Seating With three rows of seating in the 2016 Highlander Hybrid, it is one of the most family-friendly SUVs in its price range. It has plenty of room for you, your kids, and a few of your kids' friends. There is seating for up to eight people in this year's Highlander. Entertainment The 2016 Highlander features the Toyota Entune infotainment system. This is the ideal family entertainment system and features SiriusXM and HD radio. It also offers full Bluetooth connectivity, and thanks to the wide range of available apps, lets you listen to your favorite tunes, buy tickets to a movie, or make reservations at your favorite restaurant. Affordable to Drive The 2016 Highlander Hybrid does what most other SUVs in its class do not; it gets exceptional gas mileage both in the city and out on the highway. In fact, the Highlander gets 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg out on the highway. This is accomplished using the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System to perfectly balance the gas and electric motors so that they can be used independently or in tandem with each other. Image provided by Shutterstock

While most car manufacturers are focused on improving the efficiency of their gas engines and boosting the technology behind electric vehicles, Toyota is taking a different approach by exploring hydrogen fuel cells. If you're interested in new technologies, you'll want to learn why the Toyota Mirai is the next big thing. A Large Range and Easy Fill-ups Unlike electric cars, the Mirai can drive up to 300 miles before it needs more fuel. Once you run low on hydrogen, you can refill the tank in about five minutes. Since hydrogen stations aren't exactly easy to find at this point in time, Toyota will give you free hydrogen for the first three years of ownership. Eco-Friendly Emissions You might wonder why buyers wouldn't just choose gas-powered engines if they're concerned about driving range. As everyone knows, the emissions from gas engines can cause serious problems for the environment. People who are concerned about protecting the planet need an alternative. The Mirai is exactly what those people have been looking for. The car's emissions are 100 percent water vapor. The Mirai's emissions, in other words, are basically clouds. A Quiet Ride in Any Environment Today's crowded streets can make long drives frustrating. The Mirai offers a quiet ride that will help you stay relaxed in all driving environments. Instead of road noise and honking, you can listen to your favorite radio station or MP3s. Mirai is the perfect car for early adopters of technology. If you want to experience the future of driving, it's your best option. Image provided by Shutterstock

Toyota completely redesigned the Prius for 2016, so you can expect to find a lot of new features that aren't present in older models. If you're uncertain whether it's the right car for you, consider how these changes might convince you it is. Faster Speed The 2016 Prius combines a pair of electric motors with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Together, they generate 121 horsepower. While that may not sound like a lot, it's enough for the lightweight car to go from zero to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. That's a little faster than the 2015 version, so you can have more fun during your commute. A New Battery and More Interior Space Toyota's engineers have developed a lithium-ion battery with increased energy density. That means the 2016 Prius works just as well as the earlier models, but it has a smaller body. Passengers in the back seat will appreciate this since a smaller battery means more interior space. A Sportier Exterior If you have avoided the Prius in the past because you didn't like its exterior, now is the time to take another look. Toyota has updated the Prius's aesthetic to give it a sportier, more contemporary look. A More Practical Interior Layout Some people feel that earlier Prius models had impractical interiors. They might have looked cool, but they didn't meet every driver's needs. The new model has a practical layout that includes a heads-up display, storage bin in the center console, and an infotainment center that sits front and center. With a faster speed, small battery, and updated aesthetic, now is the right time to check out the new Prius. Image provided by Shutterstock

If you're interested in buying a luxury car, but you don't want to spend a lot of money, take time to test drive the Toyota Avalon. It comes with features that will make you feel like you're driving a luxury vehicle without draining your bank account. Superb Performance The 2016 Avalon comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. That's enough power to take your from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds. You won't find many full-size sedans in the Avalon's price range that can compete with that. Excellent Safety Features and Ratings The Avalon comes loaded with safety features that will make you feel comfortable in all driving conditions. In addition to standard features like traction control and a rearview camera, upper trim levels come with: Blind spot monitoring Frontal collision warning system Lane-keeping assistance Stolen vehicle location The Avalon also gets excellent safety ratings. Government tests give the Avalon an overall five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Avalon its highest score. Impressive Features Luxury cars are all about high-tech features. In that regard, the Avalon keeps pace with even the most lauded luxury vehicles. It comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen that keeps you in control of entertainment and navigation. The Avalon even has voice controls so you can change settings without taking your eyes off the road. Other luxury features include: Keyless entry Bluetooth connectivity Driver memory settings Before spending a lot of money on a luxury car, visit your Toyota dealership to try the 2016 Avalon. It might give you everything you want at a fraction of the price. Image provided by Shutterstock

If you're looking for something to do on your day off, consider visiting some of the historic sites in Allentown. These three places are some of the most popular ways to learn about the area's history without spending a lot of money. Zion's United Church of Christ Zion's United Church of Christ, formerly known as the High German Evangelical Reformed Church, is the oldest church in Allentown. The church's history stretches back to the mid-1700s. The building was used to hide the Liberty Bell during fights with British troops. Today, you can see a replica of the bell by visiting the church's Liberty Bell Museum. Admission is $2 for adults. The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Trout Hall Trout Hall was originally a home that William Allen built in 1770. Today, it is home to the Lehigh County Historical Society. The museum has artifacts that expose visitors to Allentown's rich history and the role it played in U.S. independence. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for children. Old Court House County Museum The Old Court House County Museum is an eight-story building constructed from sunset red granite in the 1960s. Although it's a more recent piece of the town's history, it houses local genealogical records and has exhibits featuring minerals from the Allentown area. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free. By visiting these three attractions, you can learn about American history without leaving town. Image provided by Shutterstock