Emmaus Travel Guide (Lehigh Valley/Philadelphia Region/Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Emmaus

Nestled in the heart of Lehigh Valley in the Philadelphia Region of Pennsylvania, Emmaus is a charming small town located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. With a rich history, natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, and a lively food and drink scene, Emmaus is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Emmaus

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Emmaus Heritage Alliance Museum: Discover the history of Emmaus and explore exhibits on the town’s industrial past.
1803 House: Visit the oldest building in Emmaus and learn about the early settlers of the town.
Lock Ridge Furnace Museum: Explore a restored iron-making community with an original furnace, worker’s homes, and an ironmaster’s mansion.

Natural Attractions of Emmaus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South Mountain Preserve: Hike or mountain bike along scenic trails with stunning views of Lehigh Valley and South Mountain.
Emmaus Community Park: Enjoy a picnic, walk along the creek, or take part in seasonal festivities at this picturesque park.
Lehigh River: Go kayaking, fishing, or river tubing along this beautiful river that runs through Emmaus.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Emmaus

Ironton Rail Trail: Walk, jog, or bike along this 9-mile long trail that connects Emmaus and Whitehall.
Little Lehigh Parkway: Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic route that follows the Little Lehigh Creek.
South Mountain Preserve Trails: Experience challenging hikes with rewarding views of the Lehigh Valley and South Mountain.

Best Things to Do in Emmaus: Activities and Tours

Emmaus Farmers’ Market: Shop for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and crafts from local vendors at this weekly market.
East Penn School District Stadium: Catch a high school sporting event or watch the Emmaus Hornets play football on a Friday night.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Emmaus for a unique and relaxing experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Emmaus

Day	Activity
1	Visit the Emmaus Heritage Alliance Museum and have lunch at Ecco Domani Italian Restaurant
2	Take a hike on South Mountain Preserve and have dinner at Alburtis Tavern & Lodge
3	Enjoy a picnic at Emmaus Community Park and attend a Lehigh Valley IronPigs baseball game
4	Explore the Lock Ridge Furnace Museum and have lunch at House and Barn
5	Walk or bike along the Ironton Rail Trail and have dinner at Riverport Public House
6	Spend the day kayaking or tubing on the Lehigh River and have dinner at The Trapp Door Gastropub
7	Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Emmaus and have brunch at Savory Grille

Food and Drink Scene of Emmaus

Must-Try Dishes

Pastrami Reuben at Emmaus Bakery: Enjoy a traditional deli sandwich with a local twist.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup at House and Barn: Warm up with a delicious homemade soup made with locally sourced ingredients.
Truffle Fries at The Trapp Door: Crispy french fries topped with truffle oil and parmesan cheese make for a mouthwatering snack.

Local Beverages

Funk Brewing Company: Sample local craft beer in a laid-back environment with a rotating tap list.
Baked Coffee House: Sip on a cup of fresh coffee or a latte made with locally roasted beans at this homey coffee shop.
Franklin Hill Vineyards: Relax and enjoy a glass of locally produced wine at one of Lehigh Valley’s oldest vineyards.

Where to Stay in Emmaus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Lodge at Bear Creek: Stay in a cozy cabin nestled in the woods at this rustic and relaxing resort.
Jacob Albright House: Experience historic charm combined with modern amenities at this beautifully restored bed and breakfast.
Holiday Inn Allentown-I-78: Relax in modern and comfortable rooms in this hotel with easy access to major highways and attractions.

What to Buy in Emmaus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Emmaus Farmers’ Market: Pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors before you leave.
Rodale Institute: Browse and purchase organic gardening books, tools, and seeds at the country’s first organic research center.
Emmaus Main Street Partners: Take home a souvenir hat, t-shirt, or mug from this local organization that supports and promotes Emmaus businesses.

Local Culture and Customs of Emmaus

Emmaus is a friendly and welcoming town where visitors can experience small-town charm and hospitality. Locals are proud of the town’s industrial history and continue to preserve important landmarks and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town’s historic district and contribute to the vibrant local economy by supporting small businesses and attending community events.

Best Time to Visit Emmaus

The best time to visit Emmaus is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. The summer months offer many outdoor activities and events, but can also be hot and humid. Winter in Emmaus can be chilly but cozy, with warm accommodations and holiday festivities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Emmaus

Do:

Try the local food and drink scene, including craft beer, coffee, and farm-to-table cuisine.
Take advantage of the natural attractions in and around Emmaus, including parks, trails, and river activities.
Attend local events and festivals to experience the town’s culture and community spirit.

Don’t:

Disrespect the local historic landmarks or traditions.
Feed or disturb the local wildlife in natural areas.
Ignore the local economy by buying from big chain stores instead of independent businesses.

Safety and Health

Safety in Emmaus

Emmaus is a safe and friendly town, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards in natural areas, such as slippery trails or fast-moving river currents. It is also important to respect local traffic laws and to be aware of oncoming traffic when walking or biking on roads without sidewalks or designated paths.

Health in Emmaus

Emmaus has excellent health care facilities, including several hospitals and clinics with modern equipment and trained staff. It is important to always have health insurance and to bring any necessary medications with you when traveling.

Getting to Emmaus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Emmaus

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE): Located just 10 miles north of Emmaus, this airport offers flights with major airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Bus Stations Near Emmaus

Greyhound Bus Lines: Located less than 5 miles from Emmaus, this bus station offers connections to major cities in the region.

Other Options

Car Rental: Rent a car at the airport or in nearby Allentown to explore Emmaus and the surrounding areas.
Taxi or Ride-Share Services: Use local taxi or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft to get around town or to nearby attractions.

How to Get Around in Emmaus

Emmaus is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors who prefer to use a car can find ample parking throughout the town and at local attractions. Taxis and ride-share services are also available for longer trips or for those who prefer not to drive.

Where to Go Next from Emmaus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Allentown: Just 5 miles north of Emmaus, Allentown offers a rich cultural heritage with museums, theaters, and public art installations.
Bethlehem: About 14 miles east of Emmaus, Bethlehem is a historic town known for its charming downtown, Christmas festivities, and the Sands Casino Resort.
Philadelphia: Just over an hour’s drive from Emmaus, Philadelphia is a bustling metropolitan city with historic landmarks, museums, and a thriving food and drink scene.

Conclusion

Emmaus is a hidden gem that offers small-town charm combined with outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, and a bustling food and drink scene. Whether you prefer a leisurely weekend getaway or an action-packed vacation, Emmaus has plenty to offer. Use this travel guide to plan your next trip to this beloved Pennsylvania town and experience everything it has to offer.