America’s Newest UNESCO Site Is In PA—And It Offers More Than History
Bethlehem, Pa. is an underrated town gaining global notoriety.
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Big news for history lovers! 🎉 The Moravian Church Settlement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, putting this charming town on the global stage—and officially marking it as one of the most culturally significant places in the world.
That means this little Pennsylvania town is now on the same level of significance as the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis in Athens!
Tucked into Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, this small town is bursting with history. You’ll find beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings you can actually step inside and explore—making it feel like the past is just around the corner.
I visited Bethlehem in 2023 around Christmastime, and let me tell you—it’s magical. The historic Moravian district is filled with candlelit windows and old-world charm, while the holiday markets and twinkling lights create a scene straight from a storybook.
Add in the clip-clop of horses on Main Street and you have a picture-perfect family getaway.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to visit over the holidays, plan a trip close to Thanksgiving or after Christmas to miss the rush.
But Bethlehem isn’t just a holiday town. Its rich history spans from the peaceful Moravian settlers to the industrial powerhouse of Bethlehem Steel, giving it two distinct downtowns—each with its own flavor. One side is historic and walkable; the other is buzzing with music, food, and culture.
Why go now?
➡️ It’s now officially recognized for its global cultural value
➡️ You can explore original 18th-century buildings
➡️ It has a thriving arts scene, boutique shopping, and top-notch food
Why It Matters:
Bethlehem was founded by Moravian missionaries in 1741 and is considered one of the earliest examples of planned religious communities in America. The UNESCO designation recognizes its outstanding universal value—not just to the U.S., but to the entire world.
Bethlehem has always been a favorite of mine because it’s so walkable. Within a few blocks there a wide variety of stores, from shoes and clothes to cigars and gifts. Restaurants range from American to Mexican, Italian and Thai, just to name a few.
Things To See While You’re There:
✅ The 1741 Gemeinhaus (oldest building in Bethlehem) and the Moravian Museum
✅ God’s Acre Cemetery—peaceful, pristine, and perfectly preserved
✅ The Moravian Book Shop—yes, the oldest continuously operated bookstore in the world.
Where to Stay:
📍 Historic Hotel Bethlehem – Voted one of the best historic hotels in America, this elegant gem is located right on Main Street, with views of the Lehigh River and Moravian landmarks. It’s also walking distance to stores, restaurants and museums.
Check prices at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem and Book Now.
Where to Eat:
🍽️ The Tap Room inside Hotel Bethlehem – (Try the crab cakes!)
🍽️ Apollo Grill – A local favorite with elevated American fare and top-notch service.
🚗 Where I’ve Been. Where I’m going.
Where I’ve been… historic Bethlehem, Pa. of course! I visited Trenton N.J. during my trip to Bethlehem as well as the Revolutionary War Battlefield in Princeton.
Where I’m going… I’m going to look through my bucket list and hit some sites within an our or two of me for the rest of the summer. There are plenty to choose from!
☛ In The News
Old Books in Libraries May Be Poisonous
☛ This Week’s “Old Word.”
“Snollygoster”
A shrewd, unprincipled person—especially a politician.
🧐 Once a popular insult in 19th-century American politics, it faded from common use.
“Just when you think politics can’t get any more dramatic, along comes another snollygoster with a silver tongue and a hidden agenda.
Answer to Last Week’s Trivia Quiz: Congratulations to those who answered Anthony Wayne for the Revolutionary War officer who famously led a midnight bayonet-only assault and earned the nickname “Mad Anthony.”
This Week’s Trivia Question: Give it a try!
See you next week!
PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES:
— Best accommodation site: Booking.com
— Book day tours here: Viator.com
— Rent a car: DiscoverCars.com