In 1736, Thomas Penn (William Penn's son) surveyed the area and Easton was officially born in 1752. Prior to that, Easton had been known as "Lechawitauk", meaning "The Place at the Forks." On July 8, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read in Easton's Centre Square, one of three public readings of the document. Every year, Easton celebrates this historic event with its Heritage Day celebration, held in July.
Easton became a primary commercial location during the canals and railroads era of the 1800's. The Delaware, Morris and Lehigh canals were vital for transportation of goods. The railroads replaced the canals for transportation and five railroads served Easton. The city had a strong German heritage. During Prohibition, it was known for nightlife and had plenty of liquor and a large number of brothels.[1]
The population in Easton continues to diversify. Between the 1990 and 2000 censuses, the Hispanic and Black populations increased siginificantly. However, the primiary ethnicity in the city remains White/non-Hispanic.
Easton is located at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers; Native Americans originally called Easton "Lechawitauk" which means "The Place at the Forks".
Easton has a highly variable four-season temperate climate.
Summertime highs average in the low 80's, but with occasional short heat waves with temps over 95F, with considerable humidity and occasionally intense thunderstorms.
Winters are somewhat cold with average highs in the mid to upper 30's, but with occasional short thaws when temperatures can suddenly rise over 65F for a few days. Severe cold snaps are common, with highs dropping into the twenties. Heavy snowfalls rarely occur more than once or twice each winter, but a wintry mix of ice, sleet, and light snow is possible from mid-November through early April. The combination of above freezing daytime temps and below freezing nights makes black ice a constant wintertime driving hazard even when there has not been precipitation recently.
Late spring and early summer (from mid-April to late June), and autumn are the most pleasant times of the year, with very mild temperatures and generally low humidity. Autumn leaf season usually arrives in the last two weeks of October.
The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Easton and Lehigh Valley is Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), which is less than 15 minutes away from most parts of the city. Various airlines operate out of this airport. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper.
US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of Lehigh Valley except in Easton.
Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from New Jersey) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in Phillipsburg is possible but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous and adds only about half a mile to the trip (unless yu easily get lost).
From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel.
Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Easton, going in all directions north, south, east, and west.
PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the Poconos and points east.
The Crayola Factory, 18 Centre Square, ☎ 610-515-8000, [11]. Mon.-Sat., 9:30AM - 5PM; Sun., 11AM - 5PM. Fun, indoor theme park type place, where kids can enjoy lots of activities and learn how real crayola crayons are made. It's NOT the actual Crayola factory, but you can see how they make Crayola crayons. Very kid friendly. Adults & Children $9.50, seniors, military and infants charges less. edit
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd, ☎ 610-923-3548, [12]. Outdoor activities, hiking areas, arts events, historical sites all along the Delaware and Lehigh rivers.edit
Home to one of the oldest rivalries in American high school football history, the border war--the Easton vs. Phillipsburg high school football game--is held each Thanksgiving Day and routinely draws in excess of 15,000 spectators. Easton High School is also known for their often nationally-ranked wrestling team.
Moyer Aviation, Braden Airpark, 3800 Sullivan Trail, ☎ 610-258-0473, [13]. See Easton and Lehigh Valley from the air on a private plane tour. edit
National Canal Museum, ☎ 610-559-6613, [14]. The only museum in the country dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals. Features four galleries filled with hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain parents and children alike. Mule-drawn canal boat rides available. edit
Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, 101-107 S 4th St., ☎ 610-253-1222, [15]. edit
The State Theatre, ☎ 610-252-3132, [16]. Located in the downtown Easton, it is home to many traveling artists, ballet groups, broadway shows, national music and comedy acts, and more. Most famous for the Freddy Awards, an Emmy award-winning awards show put on by local high schools for drama productions during the school year; named for the famous ghost who resides in the State Theater, Freddy, the first owner of the theater. edit
The Club at Morgan Hill, ☎ 610-923-8480, [17]. 18-hole public golf course. Named 2009's "Best Places to Play in North America" by Golf Digest. Full-service clubhouse.edit
Riverview Country Club, ☎ 610-559-9700, [18]. Player-friendly layout, panoramic views. Two miles north of PA-22 on PA-611. edit
Skiing. This is a popular activity in nearby mountains. Most skiing areas are closed seasonally, since snow can usually only be manufactured from about November to April. Bear Creek Mountain Resort[19] and Blue Mountain Ski Area[20] are a short drive away in Macungie and Palmerton, respectively. Larger, world-famous ski resorts, including Jack Frost & Big Boulder[21], are located in the Poconos, about 1 hour drive north on Interstate 476.
The Crayola Store, 18 Centre Square, ☎ 610-253-2966, [23]. Home decor, toys, party products and craft supplies by Crayola.edit
Easton Farmers' Market, Centre Square, ☎ 610-330-9942, [24]. Saturday 9am-1pm May-November. The oldest continuous open-air farmers' market in the country occupies all of Easton's Centre Square, and has over 30 vendors, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, wine, crafts, sweets, and even pet food.edit
Palmer Park Mall, 123 Palmer Park Mall, ☎ 610-258-6017, [25]. It is the premier shopping site for the Easton, Glendon, Palmer, Forks Township and Wilson communities. It features 50+ unique stores and weekly events dedicated to arts and crafts, collectibles, and different artists.edit
Partyology, 230 Northampton St, ☎ 610-330-9535, [26]. Cool, eclectic gifts and party supplies.edit
Don Juan Mexican Grill, 518 March Street, ☎ (610) 438-5661, [29]. An independently run fast food burrito and taco joint right next to Lafayette College. Open late on the weekends.edit
Gino's Pizza, 349 Northampton St, ☎ 610-258-7690. Good pizza and cheesesteaks, friendly service.edit
Mex-Tex Trio, 42 S 3rd St, ☎ 610-253-2235, [33]. edit
Morici's Pizza and Sub Shop, 218 Cattell Street, ☎ (610) 253-6257. Cozy pizza place with comfortable indoor dining available. The subs and pizza are excellent for takeout, but they offer many Italian pasta dishes as well.edit
Touch of Thai, 123 N 2nd St Apt 110, ☎ (610) 250-0716. edit
The Game Gallery, 315 Northampton st, ☎ 610-829-1133, [45]. 10-7. The Game Gallery is a retro video game store that also houses a small but growing arcade3-10. edit
Black and Blue, 683 Walnut St., ☎ ''1'' 610 438 3604 (craft@blackandblueeaston.com), [46]. Black and Blue offers a cozy atmosphere with a fantastic craft beer selection and a unique menu.edit
College Hill Tavern, 420 Cattell St., ☎ ''1'' 610 252 9456, [48]. Mon-Sun 4pm-2am. The preferred hangout of Lafayette students, it can change dramatically depending on the night. When college is not in session, this becomes a chilled out spot, but when it is, it can be loud music and a noisy college atmosphere. Non-smoking.edit
Drinkys, 5 Centre Square, ☎ ''1'' 610 252 3800, [49]. This is where the youngest crowd heads on the weekends. It can get very loud and crowded.edit
Eddie G's, 1 Lehns Ct (Centre Square), ☎ 610 252 3200. Definitely a dive bar, and can attract an interesting crowd. Friendly service, smoking permitted indoors.edit
Lafayette Bar, 15 N 4th St/, ☎ ''1'' 610 252 0711, [51]. Original home of Jazz in Easton.edit
Leaf Cigar Bar and Restaurant, 90 Mort Drive, ☎ ''1'' 610 559 1336 (info@leafcigarbar.com), [52]. 5-star cuisine, prepared from scratch. The finest spirits, wine, and craft beers. Over 2,000 square feet of cigars. Smoke-friendly indoor and outdoor seating. State-of-the-art ventilation.edit
Milo's Place, 217 Cattell St., ☎ ''1'' 610 258 4390. Average bar, smoking permitted inside.edit
Mothers Bar & Grill, 3 Lehns Ct (Centre Square), ☎ ''1'' 610 559 1700. Typical bar scene, with quoits in the back.edit
Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square, ☎ ''1'' 610 253 9499, [53]. Mon-Sun 10:30am-2am. Good selection of beers on tap, with a more sophisticated atmosphere. Excellent food.edit
Porters Pub, 700 Northampton Street, ☎ ''1'' 610 250 6561, [54]. Mon-Sun 11am-2am. Friendly pub atmosphere, with a great beer selection and frequent live music.edit
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 90 Kunkle Dr., ☎ +1 610 923-9495, [58]. Located right off of 22, the Holiday Inn Express features continental breakfast and free internet. $75-150. edit
The Lafayette Inn, 525 W Monroe St., ☎ 610 253-4500, 1-800 509-6990, [59]. The Lafayette Inn, located on historic college near Lafayette College, is a beautiful bed and breakfast. On the pricier side, it provides its guests with a spa, balconies and other special amenities. All of the eighteen custom decorated rooms feature antique furnishings and private baths. A variety of bed sizes is available to suit every need. All of the rooms have a desk, armoire or closet, TV with DVD, alarm clock, hair dryer, and telephone with data port. The Lafayette Inn welcomes families, business guests, visitors to Lafayette College, and anyone wishing to stay or meet in a gracious, comfortable setting. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or meeting up with friends and family; they've got a room that will suit your needs. edit
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