Factory tours - from guitars to crayons

Start Day 1 with a visit to Allentown's America On Wheels museum to see the Mack Trucks archives and learn how these world-famous trucks were made in the region for decades. Dedicated to the past, present and future of America's over-the-road transportation, it preserves the history of transportation through displays of valuable artifacts and vehicles. Much more than just cars, the museum features everything on wheels, from racing lawn mowers and bicycles, to carriages and trucks. It has over 23,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space in three exhibit areas including subjects such as the American trucking industry, and also has a long-term education exhibit on alternative fuels.

Then drive east to Nazareth for a free, weekday-only, 45-minute behind-the-scenes factory tour at C.F. Martin Guitar and see how their musical instruments are made. Be sure to visit the Pickin' Parlor where several high-end and limited edition models are on display and can actually be picked up and played. Also visit the museum which traces the company's history and the special models made for musicians including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. And finally, stop by the 1833 Shop for souvenirs including Marting branded apparel, souvenirs and collectibles.

Finally, drive east to Easton for a tour of The Crayola FACTORY at Two Rivers Landing in Centre Square. While not an active factory, this facility is a welcome center for Crayola. Highlights include crayon-making and marker-making demonstrations as well as interactive stations where visitors can use various Crayola products to make creativecraft projects. Allow 2-3 hours.

When done, explore the shops in downtown Easton around Centre Square and along Third and Northampton Streets.

Tip: While parking at America on Wheels is free in their side lot, as it is a Martin Guitar, parking in downtown Easton is either at metered spaces on the street or paid parking spaces in the deck at 3rd Street and Ferry Street. Meters take quarters only.

Made in Lehigh Valley PHOTO GALLERY:

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Wineries and Vineyards

Spend Day 2 of our Made in Lehigh Valley tour exploring the nine family-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Most offer free tastings, while some charge a nominal fee for tastings.

Plan to attend one of the Trail's annual themed weekend events:

Anniversary Weekend in mid-July - all nine wineries celebrate the Wine Trail's anniversary with their own unique events. Specials could include a complimentary food and wine pairing, Sangria or a surprise.

Wine on the Mountain in late-July - Held in conjunction with Penn's Peak in Jim Thorpe, this event includes wine samplings, local artisans displaying their arts and crafts, light fare available for purchase, and live entertainment. Tickets are required for this event and can be purchased at each winery as well as at the door.

Harvest Weekend: The Butcher, The Baker and The Winemaker in mid-September. The wineries proudly promote the state's Pennsylvania Preferred program by partnering with manufacturers of other Pennsylvania products to showcase their high level of quality. Wine pairings, vineyard tours, food, music and other special activities are featured.

Chambourcin Weekend in mid-October - Taking place after the harvest is over, this event celebrates the official wine grape of the Lehigh Valley, the Chambourcin. It is the only wine made by all nine of the member wineries.

Nouveau Weekend in late-November - This is the earliest chance to sample the first vintages of the new harvest. It's also a great opportunity to purchase wines for the upcoming holiday season to give as gifts or to drink at dinner.

All events are free except for Wine on the Mountain at Penn's Peak. Event hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Made in Lehigh Valley PHOTO GALLERY:

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