I was actually signing on to ask this question when I saw someone else posting about what to do in Indy. I will be in Allentown PA Tuesday through Friday on business. I am from Indiana and do not know the area, but thought about going into the big city for a day or maybe evening. The first thing I thought of was just seeing Times Square or what is left of the Twin Towers grounds, but the second thing I thought of were the Rumblers... I will only be able to check this post early in the am (like before 5am on Tuesday). If you happen to see it tonight and have any ideas on any interesting shops or otherwise between Reading/Allentown and New York City, well, I would like to have some insight. I was thinking of making a trip into the city one evening or maybe afternoon to see what I can see. Maybe the tourist stuff but more likely just poking around getting a vibe for the city. Would love to know about any hidden things that are a must see (rod shops, bars, whatever...) I will only be able to check this in the am before heading out, but could probably get access to the web through the week to check it too. Thanks for any thoughts (smart ass or otherwise...)
I had the same bad random thought when I found out where I was going... I was hoping maybe there was a traditional style get together or hangout somewhere worth a drive (since there is likely nothing else to do for a week there...) Am thinking of driving into the city tomorrow afternoon/evening or maybe Thursday evening...
If you're in NYC and want to check out a cool Tiki bar go to Otto's shrunken head downtown. I think their website is like ottosshrunkenhead.com or something like that. worth the trip, you get to keep the tiki mugs you drink from.
The Eastern Museum of Motor Racing at the Latimore Valley Fairgrounds...not sure how far from Allentown. http://www.emmr.org/
Allentown-there's a pretty nice Harbor Freight Store. And out by the airport, there is a major stained glass store and warehouse-Warner-Crivallero. Even if you are not into that craft it was worth a visit in my book just to wander around the showroom and look at all the beautiful glass that's available. Philly would be a lot closer than NYC. The art museum there is first rate and if you are into tech stuff, the Franklin Institute is a very cool museum. They are featuring the only USA run of the latest King Tut treasures, but I don't know if you can get a ticket to it(I'm going on Saturday-have been waiting since Christmas).
Philly blows in comparison to NYC so if you dont travel this way much, Id say hit NYC and do all the tourist-y things.....ground zero, Empire State, Statue of Lib, Time Square, blah blah. Im like 15 mins outside of NYC and its been about 3 yrs since Ive been there. Shame.
Tiki bar, yeah sounds cool... Harbor Freight sounds interesting... Probably will brave NY just cause I always wanted to, even if just to wander around a little... You guys are helping out. Gotta go sleep for a few hours... Anything else??
Otto's is cool. Its is on 14th and Ave B. In general, ave B has some pretty cool little bars, one of which is B-side which happens to be owned by a friend's girlfriend (plug, plug). Down the Hatch on West 4th just off of 6th Ave has the best hot wings. It is in a neat little area too. Grey's Papaya has the greatest hot dogs. It is on 8th st and 6th Ave. The Lower East has, at least is I was a wild and restless carefree teen been the more predominant place to hang. (6th ave divides the east and west sides). St Marks which is what 8th st becomes is like punk rock haven although the Continental Club is about the last CB's genre bar/ venue that is still in the area. I think a stroll around that entire area is well worth it. And while Manahattan in is cool and all, but I highly recommend a trip to Coney Island. While Grey's hot dog are much better, a ride on the Cyclone is way worth the trip. And the sideshows are there. Also in Brooklyn, just over the bridge from Manhattan (but nowhere near Coney Island) is Williamsburg. It has some cool pockets, but it is like the Rumbler's central locale. Under the Williamsburg bridge is a pretty cool bar Union Pool. They have some rockabilly shows and there are always some Rumblers cars in their lot. If you make to Queens, go see the Mets. And go to Astoria. Get yourself some greek food at Uncle George's and get a drink at the Beer Garden. There's no reason to see Staten Island (besides the Wu tang Clan being from there). SI is the garbage dump for the rest of the city.
Like someone suggested here earlier the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing is very cool. Only thing is it's located in York Springs Pa which is not near Allentown. If it were me I'd make plans to see the museum when I went to the Jalopy Showdown in May. As far as New York is concerned; the usual tourist spots in Manhattan will keep you busy, Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, etc....... Just remember that it's considered rude to lay down in someone else's chalk outline on the street.
Philly is an hour away, NYC is 2 hours away. You can't go wrong with either, more history in Philly, more glitz in NYC. If it's a Friday your travelling on, forget NYC, brutal just getting on Manhattan on a Friday. However, if you like crayons, the Crayola factory tour in Easton in 30 minutes away !!!
Thanks a bunch guys. Went to the Brass Rail for some decent food tonight and have a personal invite for tomorrow night if we can get out of work early enough. Can't say enough for the kindness and responses. Checked out Harbor Freight. Interesting. Bought a few things at the AA Auto next door. If I can get to NY I am going to still try. Cheers.
Hey man. Allentown/Emmaus area is where i grew up. like people said, the biggest attraction is Harbor Freight. at least this time of year. if i wasnt 4 hours away at school id show you around, if you know where to look and who to talk to you can find some pretty cool stuff. if you thought the Brass Rail was good food, try Superior Diner, and Queens City. both real nice diners.
In Allentown -try the Art Museum - really impresive for a small city. They have a room designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which was removed from the original house. And a nice gem collection. And Yacco's Hot Dog King! A must-eat when in town. And the Farmers Market.
OK, So I am guessing double posting is bad, but I should have put this here in the first place... If the moderators delete something, please delete my other post "Special Thanks to Allentown area Hambers" I just want to make sure a "Thanks" gets out to the Hambers that made our recent trip a little special... Alright, so some of you may have read my earlier post asking about things to do while in the Allentown or New York city area... THANK YOU to all who responded publicly and privately. I was with an employee who is also a gearhead and we were looking forward to getting our work done in the area, but also some time to explore a little. So... We didn't go to NYC. Will have to save it for another time. But we did do the following: * Trips to Harbor Freight, A&A Auto and the new giant Cabellas (The fish lures created some excitement at the airport!) * The Golden Rail, The Starlite Diner and Yocco's The Hot Dog King (mmmmm) * Stan's Garage Night with Jeff and Butch and a cool 50's style Chevy Wagon and Sunbeam Tiger on the body rotisserie. (Oh yeah, local Yuengling Beer from Americas oldest brewery. THANKS guys!!!) * A tour of the Harley Davidson Factory in York (Awesome!) * Visited Crosstown Harley in Allentown (Bought a nice watch and some Harley decals for my bicycle tank!) * Rode in Dick's cool '37 Terraplane (Dick isn't afraid to crank on the old car through the hills and he gave us a cool '55 Allentown Drags Poster reproduced from his original. What a great treasure!!!) * Saw the brown Hudson pickup sitting outside the upholstery shop on main (Didn't bother the owner, but stopped and checked out the COOL truck!) * Went to RT Streetrods in Coopersville and saw some nice old cars and bought a few parts. The places to go were cool, but making the personally meeting with Dick, Stan, Jeff and Butch were the greatest. THANKS GUYS!!! __________________
The Jalopy Journal
