“I didn’t expect Easton to feel like a museum and a playground at the same time.” That thought struck me as I stood at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers in Scott Park, watching the current swirl past benches and sculptures. Easton revealed itself in chapters: from historic canals to street murals, vintage amusement parks to chowder bowls that felt like a reward. I came in curious. I left a little smitten.
Best Things to Do in Easton, PA
Scott Park
Scott Park was my entry point—an easy place to stretch my legs and take in the view where two rivers meet. Joggers passed with dogs in tow, and a family spread out snacks near a sculpture of a steelworker mid-stride. The park was peaceful and proud, like the town itself. “Every story starts somewhere,” I thought, looking out at the water.
Easton Public Market
From there, I walked to the Easton Public Market, where the scent of garlic knots, barbecue, and fresh bread hit me before I even made it through the doors. Vendors lined a warm, bustling space—cheesemongers, noodle bowls, tacos, locally roasted coffee. I grabbed a bánh mì and a sparkling lemonade and perched at a communal table where strangers exchanged restaurant tips like old friends.
Sigal Museum
Next was the Sigal Museum, which blends local history with surprising depth. Arrowheads, colonial maps, a clockmaker’s workshop, even a collection on the Lenape people—it was all there, arranged with care. The building smelled like polished wood and old stories. I lingered in the textile exhibit, tracing embroidery from centuries past, imagining the hands that made it.
Karl Stirner Arts Trail
To walk off lunch, I strolled the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, which threads art into nature along the Bushkill Creek. Installations appear when you least expect them—a sculpture hanging from a tree, a poem carved into steel. A man with a sketchpad nodded as I passed. The path felt like a secret conversation between the town and anyone willing to listen.
State Theatre Center for the Arts
That night, I caught a show at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, a gilded gem that dates back to the 1920s. Crystal chandeliers, red velvet, gold trim—it had the feel of a place where stories come to life. I didn’t know the performance, but I knew the feeling: hushed anticipation, shared applause, magic between acts. “Some buildings remember everything,” I thought, looking up at the painted ceiling.
National Canal Museum
The next day began at the National Canal Museum inside Hugh Moore Park. I toured canal boat replicas and learned about lock systems and mules that once pulled cargo. The air smelled of river and old rope. A kid next to me asked if people used to ride boats to work. His mom smiled and said, “Sort of.” It made the past feel personal.
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Just beyond, the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor expanded the story. Trails ran alongside the water, used by walkers, bikers, and the occasional rollerblader. I followed a short stretch lined with wildflowers, the breeze carrying the scent of honeysuckle and damp earth. It felt like walking through a living timeline.
Nurture Nature Center
Back in town, the Nurture Nature Center offered a quiet moment of reflection. I walked through interactive exhibits on climate, rivers, and sustainability—timely topics delivered without preachiness. A rotating light sculpture modeled flood patterns, and I watched it for longer than I meant to. “Science can be beautiful,” I scribbled into my phone.
Bushkill Park
Later that afternoon, I swung by Bushkill Park, one of America’s oldest amusement parks. It felt like a time capsule—antique rides, faded signs, echoes of laughter. A carousel spun to old-timey music, and kids shrieked from the tilt-a-whirl. I got a funnel cake and powdered sugar dusted my jeans. Totally worth it.
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience was pure joy in 64 shades. I dipped my own crayon, designed a coloring page with my face on it, and made a wax sculpture that vaguely resembled a flamingo. Families with kids were everywhere, but no one judged me for being fully invested. The scent of warm wax and creativity hung in the air. This was play, no matter your age.
Marblehead Chowder House
I finished the day at Marblehead Chowder House, just outside the city center. I ordered the lobster bisque, which arrived steaming and rich, with buttery croutons floating on top. For the main, I went classic: crab cakes with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal greens. The dining room buzzed gently, and the server called me “hon” when she dropped off dessert. That, too, felt earned.
Easton At a Glance
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Historic, creative, playful with a dash of riverfront calm
- Highlights: Canal history, local art trails, Crayola, antique amusement park, public market
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for festivals, mild weather, and walking trails
- Cost: Moderate; many museums and parks are free or low-cost, while dining and attractions vary
- Hours: Markets and museums close by 5–6pm; shows, restaurants, and trails extend later
- Address Base: Start at Centre Square and build out from there
Final Thoughts
Easton invites you to be curious—to color outside the lines, step into history, and take your time doing both. From riverwalks to wax crayons, chowder bowls to antique rides, the town never stopped offering little moments of surprise. And honestly, I didn’t stop saying “I didn’t know that” all day.
Jump to a Spot...