ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new shared creative space is “helping people write their stories,” allowing individuals of all artistic backgrounds to showcase their talents in Lehigh County.
Inkwell., a venue designed, equipped and dedicated to fostering creative exploration, opened a few months ago at 1125 Hamilton St. in Allentown.
Inkwell., a shared venue designed, equipped and dedicated to fostering creative exploration, opened a few months ago at 1125 Hamilton St. in Allentown.
Inkwell. owner Kyle Edwards renovated the Hamilton Street location, which previously housed a buy, sell, trade store, with new lighting, fresh wall paint, refurbished flooring and other improvements.
Edwards, a well-known Lehigh Valley artist, is the founder and CEO of a true l.o.v.e story., llc, a business offering art, fashion and entertainment services.
His company offers custom murals, inspired apparel, public and private event hosting and more, with a mission of motivating individuals to live out their best lives.
“Our goal is to partner with other like-minded individuals, businesses, non-profits to utilize our talents and passions to aid them in their efforts to make an impact and raise awareness for their purpose(s),” the company’s mission statement continues. “We want everyone to win.”
Inkwell. is an extension of this mission, and Edwards hopes the space will attract “creative individuals of all types.”
In its first few months, the venue has primarily hosted live music performances, including those by popular local music acts Seth Witcher and The Sam Houseal Band, along with comedy shows and open mic nights.
However, its use is slowly broadening with upcoming art exhibits, a DJ series and other events and activities.
“I’m really excited,” Edwards said.
“Being a muralist is my day job, but being able to support other creative people – other art scene contributors – is equally fulfilling. Creative expression is so important.”
For now, individuals interested in hosting events or activities at Inkwell. can contact Edwards through direct message on Inkwell.’s Instagram page.
Edwards eventually plans to set up a membership option where individuals can sign up to use the space on a recurring basis.
Inkwell., a new shared venue designed, equipped and dedicated to fostering creative exploration, operates at 1125 Hamilton St. in Allentown. The venue hosts a variety of activities and events, including comedy shows and live music performances.
“Slowly but surely, we’ll have a membership-based system for people who want to do podcasts, record music, do soap-making workshops, whatever they want,” Edwards said.
“Our lower level will be a fitness space, where we can host one-one-one personal training sessions. And on the main floor, we’re also looking to host some fitness classes, like yoga and HIIT. We want this space to be a resource for the community. We’re actually going to be celebrating Juneteenth during the entire month of June with Black comedians, Black musicians and Black artists.”
Edwards enjoys partnering with community organizations and other local artists to create eye-catching murals in the Lehigh Valley area.
In recent months, he partnered with third- through fifth-grade students to paint a mural at Washington Elementary School in Allentown.
Inkwell., a new shared venue designed, equipped and dedicated to fostering creative exploration, operates at 1125 Hamilton St. in Allentown. The venue hosts a variety of activities and events, including a recent “Cinco de Drinko” event.
He also recently partnered with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to design its VegFest T-shirts, and he collaborated with DaVinci Science Center and Central Elementary School students to design vinyl art that was installed near the entrance to DaVinci’s new downtown Allentown location.
He’s painted around two dozen, large-scale murals, including several Philadelphia Eagles designs at Lincoln Financial Field, along with images for local businesses such as Pints & Pies in Bethlehem, Powerhouse Gym in Bethlehem, LU Taqueria in Bethlehem and Bar Louie in Upper Saucon Township.
He also organizes pop-up editions of The Market. by atls., a multi-merchant market showcasing local business’ goods and services, at venues such as Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon and the Main Street Commons in downtown Bethlehem.
Inkwell., a new shared venue designed, equipped and dedicated to fostering creative exploration, operates at 1125 Hamilton St. in Allentown.
“I’m a busy guy, but opening this new venue was extremely important to me,” Edwards said.
“I came up with the name, Inkwell., because it’s a source for creative expression and that’s what we’re doing. We’re helping people write their stories.”
For the latest Inkwell updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Foodie finds
New Lehigh Valley eatery offering build-your-own baked potatoes, pierogies, tater tots and more
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Potato lovers, rejoice! A new restaurant “specializing in all things spuds” – including baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, French fries, pierogies and tater tots that can be customized with a host of toppings – is now open in Lehigh County.
The Potato Factory, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared, customizable potato options, held a soft opening Tuesday at 921 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, owner Francisco “Macho” Velez said.
The restaurant, with seating for around 25 guests, occupies a renovated space that previously housed other dining establishments, including Island in the Sun and Culture Jam Jamaican restaurants. Full story here.
The Potato Factory, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared, customizable potato options, operates at 921 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.
New Lehigh Valley shop to offer custom gourmet hot dogs, with plentiful meat, bun and topping options
EASTON, Pa. – A new fast-casual restaurant specializing in premium, made-to-order hot dogs – served “just how you like them” – is set to heat up the region’s dining scene starting next month.
Bun Busterz Gourmet Dogs, a unique gourmet hot dog concept, is expected to open within the next few weeks at 235 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, co-owner Jose Pinargote said.
The restaurant, with seating for approximately 25 guests at tables and a counter, will occupy a renovated space that previously housed Joe’s Delicatessen. Read more here.
Promenade Saucon Valley updates
Restaurant chain specializing in lobster rolls to open 1st Pa. location at Promenade Saucon Valley
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Promenade Saucon Valley has added a fresh catch to its retail and restaurant roster.
The open-air lifestyle shopping center, at 2845 Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township, on Tuesday announced the addition of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, the largest brick-and-mortar franchise known for its indulgent yet accessible Maine-sourced seafood.
The new 1,500-square-foot restaurant, the chain’s first Pennsylvania location, is expected to open next to Slime Time in late summer. It will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Read more.
Masons
Pop-jet fountain returns, brewery and winery set up shop at Promenade Saucon Valley
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh Valley shopping center is welcoming the unofficial start of summer with refreshing drinks and fun.
Promenade Saucon Valley, at 2845 Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township, has announced that its popular pop-jet fountain is officially open for the summer season and its weekly Party at the Patio – featuring live music and locally made beer and wine – resumes next week.
Additionally, Tolino Vineyards and Downriver Brewing Co. have opened in the Promenade Pop-Up Shop and will continue operations there through the summer, the shopping center announced. Full story here.
Lehigh County news
Slatington Farmers Market welcomes several new food and retail tenants, adds new patio
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A popular destination for local produce, artisan wares and specialty food and drinks in Lehigh County is continuing to stay fresh with new retailers, fast-casual eateries and outdoor patio space.
Slatington Farmers Market, which opened in June 2022 in the former Keystone Lamp Factory at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, over the past few months welcomed several new retail tenants, including small businesses selling unique home decor, hand-crafted teddy bears and tabletop games and supplies.
Additionally, new casual dining options – serving up cheesesteaks, Chinese food and other savory treats – are set to join the farmers market in June.
The farmers market, totaling nearly 30,000 square feet, also will host a grand opening of its new outdoor patio, May 31-June 2. Read more here.
Slatington Farmers Market, which opened in June in the former Keystone Lamp Factory at 8281 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, over the past couple of months welcomed six new vendors.
‘We’re thrilled!’: Weyerbacher Brewing Co. to open 2nd Lehigh Valley location
EMMAUS, Pa. – A popular Lehigh Valley brewery is expanding operations with an additional taproom.
Weyerbacher Brewing Co., producing a wide array of craft beers that include IPAs, stouts and Belgian-style brews, is planning to open a second taproom in the coming days at 518 Bank St. in Emmaus, according to Ed Lozano, CEO of Savant Beverages, Weyerbacher’s parent company.
The new location will supplement Weyerbacher’s primary taproom and production space, a 30,000-square-foot facility at 905 Line St. on Easton’s South Side. Read more.
Tasty events
Lehigh Valley bakery to host Bridgerton-themed week, with afternoon tea boxes, costume contest, scones and more
NAZARETH, Pa. – A family-run bakery in Northampton County is making moves with a new location and fresh selection of decadent desserts celebrating a popular period drama television series.
Let Them Eat Cake, a nearly year-old, French Regency-inspired bakery offering elegant cakes, cupcakes, macarons and more, is planning to a host a “Bridgerton-themed week” – complete with afternoon tea boxes, mini tarts, scones and other treats – June 11-15 at its new location, 112 S. Main St. in Nazareth.
Let Them Eat Cake held a grand opening in June 2023 at 143 S. Main St. in Nazareth, and mother and daughter co-owners Channon Smyley and Taylor Romero recently decided to move the bakery about 90 yards away from its original spot to expand operations. Full story here.
ArtsQuest’s Annual TacoFest set to return on June 2
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest is preparing for the return of TacoFest.
The highly-anticipated event is in partnership with ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages and Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection.
It will take place on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 1 to 7 p.m., at the SteelStacks campus in south Bethlehem. Read more here.
Bethlehem buzz
‘Fighting cancer with style’: Annual sale raises money for cancer patients, families
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Fighting cancer with style is what one Bethlehem-based boutique is preparing to do.
“Boutique at the Rink” organizers are holding their 48th annual sale.
The Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink is filled with the donated items, including clothing, decorative items, sporting goods, and children’s toys. Read more.
Organizers prepare trucks of donations for Great South Side Sale in Bethlehem Saturday
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — It’s crunch time for the organizers of the Great South Side Sale. The annual event in Bethlehem is happening Saturday at the Broughal Middle School field.
Right now, all of the furniture is at Lamberton Hall, and everything else is getting sorted at the Health Science and Technology Building, which 69 News checked out Thursday.
There is a mountain of carefully labeled linens, hundreds of household items, and boxes of clothing sorted by size. Full story here.
Odds and ends
Pennsylvania’s 2024 Ice Cream Trail officially kicks off
LANSDALE, Pa. – The 2024 PA Ice Cream Trail has officially started. This is the 7th year, and Merrymead Dairy Farm in Lansdale, Montgomery County was this year’s site for the opening ceremony.
The dairy farm does more than serve ice cream.
“Here you’re going to experience the agricultural part of what went into making that ice cream,” said Kelsey Givler, farm market manager. “We have the dairy cows producing the milk; we have the creamery that’s making the ice cream on site.”
Merrymead was selected to host this year’s PA Ice Cream Trail kick off, with a number of special guests, including Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. Read more here.
A Rite Aid store, at 500 N. Claude A Lord Blvd in Pottsville, will hold its last day of business on June 16. The pharmacy at this location closed on May 16.
2 more regional Rite Aid stores to permanently close in June
Additional Rite Aid stores are set to close next month in the Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill County as part of the drugstore chain’s bankruptcy restructuring process.
First, a Rite Aid store at 1650 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. in South Whitehall Township will hold its last day of business on June 16, a company representative said. The pharmacy at this location closed on May 15.
Another local Rite Aid store, at 500 N. Claude A Lord Blvd. in Pottsville, will hold its last day of business on June 16. The pharmacy at this location closed on May 16. Read more.
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