11 Best Things to Do in Easton, PA

By VI Staff on October 26, 2019

Easton’s unique location at the crux of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers sets it in the center of rich history and culture. Settled in 1739 on 1,000 acres owned by Thomas Penn, this city is now home to over 27,000 people. Only about 55 miles from Philadelphia, Easton was the third site in the newly formed United States to have the Declaration of Independence read aloud. Today, Crayola crayons are still made in Easton, and visitors can check out plenty of dining and historical sites around the four districts.

1.Nurture Nature Center

If you’re visiting Easton, you may want to consider adding the Nurture Nature Center (NNC) to your itinerary. The NNC probes environmental risks and seeks programs for solutions. The NNC educates the community while showcasing current and future technologies to watch for floods and other natural hazards. Along with science and art exhibits, NNC offers classes and workshops to get visitors and the community involved in protecting the earth. Visitors should be sure to check out the urban recycle garden located in the parking lot, which shows gardening techniques in an urban setting, both vertically and horizontally, using recycled materials.

518 Northampton Street, Easton PA 18042, Phone: 610-253-4432

2.State Theatre Center for the Arts

In 1873, the Northampton National Bank was constructed. When the bank was demolished, the theatre that is now known as the State Theatre Center for the Arts was built. Though it has changed to include updated features, modern technologies, and new halls, the European-style architecture of the theatre is still recognizable. In 2003, the State Theatre held the first FREDDY Awards, which recognizes high school theater productions. Today’s visitors can catch live concerts and comedy shows. Those who plan far enough in advance can purchase tickets for one of the traveling Broadway shows. DVDs of many shows and the FREDDY Awards are available for purchase.

453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 800-999-7828

3.National Canal Museum

One of America’s first transportation methods were canal ways. These manmade waterways allowed people and heavy products to move from one city to another much further away. Today, visitors to the National Canal Museum can take the 45-minute canal ride to experience canal travel firsthand. Rain or shine, two mules pull the ferry down the canal as was done centuries ago. Before or after the boat ride, guests can check out the technology center and museum, which houses canal archives and exhibits. Both permeant and special exhibits give looks into the life of those who lived and worked the canals.

2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-923-3548

4.The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, called the D&L by locals, is a 165-mile trail that spans over five counties. This attraction is a one-of-a-kind, all-encompassing treat for guests. While hiking the whole 165 miles is most likely out of reach for visitors, those who want to experience local life throughout the Easton and local areas can find fun activities along the trail. Towns dot the 165-mile trail, and each town has its own unique culture and heritage to explore. For Easton visitors, a trip to local restaurants, the National Canal Museum, and a boat ride on the only mule-drawn canal boat is a must.

2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-923-3548

5.Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery

Pennsylvania is full of farmland and lush pastures. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to find a dairy farm like Klein Farms Dairy and Creamery. Established in 1935, Klein Farms has been working with cattle for three generations. Today’s farm sells raw milk in the store, as well as house-made cheese and yogurt. The farm store transitioned to selling beef by the pound, and eventually took in locally grown items, like eggs and honey, from other farms to sell. Now, visitors to Klein Farms can try out one of the twenty homemade ice cream flavors, made with farm fresh cream.

410 Klein Road, Easton, PA 18040, Phone: 610-253-8942

6.Bushkill Park

Bushkill Park opened in 1902 and remains a minor amusement park for Easton guests. This park harkens to an older time when amusement parks were simple, clean fun for the whole family. The Bar’l of Fun, opened in 1935, is one of America’s oldest standing funhouses. Though the park has been devastated several times by floods and heavy snowfalls, the owners continue to revive the park. The skating rink and other smaller rides are still open for guests. The Bushkill Park has been featured twice on television, once on the Discovery Channel for the Bar’l of Fun, and once on American Pickers for all the original folk-art banners still standing.

2100 Bushkill Park Drive, Easton, PA 18040, Phone: 610-258-6941

7.Crayola Experience

Both kids and adults can have fun at the Crayola Experience in Easton. Kids are expected to get their hands on all 25 interactive exhibits. Families can watch production of actual crayons, learning how they are made. On top of that, kids can create their own crayon wrappings to take home. Along with personalized crayons, guests can paint with melted crayons, make melted crayon spin art, and melt down old crayons to make new items, like crayon rings or animals. The Crayola experience wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the store, where kids can find stuffed animals of their favorite crayons, Crayola products and apparel, and even choose their own crayons for a pack – every kid’s dream!

30 Centre Square, Easton PA 18042, Phone: 610-515-8000

8.Marblehead Chowder House

For those looking for a place to eat, the Marblehead Chowder House is that place to go for authentic New England seafood. Serving lunch and dinner, patrons can enjoy classic New England recipes, like clam chowder, a raw oyster bar, and lobster rolls. Because all the food is made with the freshest seafood, daily blackboard specials offer the best options, like soft shell Po Boys and New Orleans Catfish. For those looking for something other than seafood, the menu does offer chicken and beef, though the seafood dishes really shine. Marblehead has a full bar, and there are happy hour specials throughout the work week.

4101 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA 18045, Phone: 610-258-4301

9.Two Rivers Brewing Company

The home of the Two Rivers Brewing Company has a rich history since its building in 1850. For a time, it was believed to be used as a brothel during WWII! Today, the main floor bar room looks much like it did originally. Only minor repairs and painting have been done to the area, and the original 1929 Zenith Radio Bar still serves as the bar. More than just a bar, the Two Rivers Brewing Company lives up to its name, brewing specialty ales. The bar also serves food for brunch, lunch, and dinner, with kid’s options available.

542 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-829-1131

10.Mesa Modern Mexican

Combining American, Spanish, and Mexican-style food is what Mesa Modern Mexican is all about. Driving inspiration from their sister-restaurant, Tapas on Main, Mesa Modern offers small plate options of menu items to share with the whole table. For those interested in tacos or quesadillas, several options are available: vegetarian, pork, chicken, beef, cod, salmon, mushroom & quinoa, and even falafel. If you’re more interested in a full meal, look into one of the full entrees, like the enchiladas or chicken roulade. Along with a large bar selection, Mesa Modern offers many tequilas and margaritas to try.

42 S. 3rd Street, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-829-2101

11.Eaton Area Public Library

Though patrons must be members of the library to take out books or use the computers, the Eaton Area Public Library is a historic delight for visitors. The plans to expand the original library were approved and funded by Andrew Carnegie, not once, but twice. Today, the architecture of the building harkens to a time when detail and grandeur were key. The main library system is built on an old graveyard, with two flights of stairs taking visitors up the hill to the front doors. If you intend on a long stay in Easton, you can sign up for a 3-month membership.

515 Church Street, Easton, PA 18042, Phone: 610-258-2917