Contributed image provided by HBMS Ales & Tales Photo – Daniel Van Arsdale
Travel + Leisure recognized Bethlehem as one of the best places in America to spend July 4th
Bethlehem, PA (June 5, 2026) – World renowned travel publication Travel + Leisure named Bethlehem a top place to visit for America’s 250th Birthday. The publication reported Bethlehem is a history-rich alternative to more crowded destinations with colonial roots. It noted, “For travelers who’d rather skip the crowds of a major city celebration without sacrificing historical depth, Bethlehem offers a fantastic alternative just a short drive away.”
Travel + Leisure highlighted several offerings from Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS). They include the Ales & Tales Revolutionary Pub Walking Tour which invites you to explore some of Bethlehem’s most iconic inns and pubs, and the Bethlehem and The Revolution Tour which highlights Bethlehem’s unique role in America’s fight for independence. The story also highlighted Bethlehem’s World Heritage Site, the Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem, and suggested visitors stay at Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
The feature was purely editorial, not the results of a contest or advertisement. “This recognition is a testament to our community and supporters who work incredibly hard to preserve and share our historic treasures,” said HBMS President & CEO LoriAnn Wukitsch. “The story also demonstrates that historic Bethlehem is a year-round destination. So often, people think of us only during the holidays, but we are so much more than just a Christmas destination. HBMS cares for 20 historic sites and more than 60,000 artifacts that we invite guests to explore all year long.”
To celebrate being recognized by Travel + Leisure, HBMS is offering a special promotion
HBMS is offering special discounts on the revolutionary tours that Travel + Leisure highlighted. Use the code Bethlehem250 on the checkout page at historicbethlehem.org to get 25% on tour tickets purchased by Saturday, June 20. Wukitsch said, “This is a great opportunity for locals who may have been curious about Bethlehem’s history to learn more. Many will be shocked to learn how Bethlehem’s founders got pulled into the Revolutionary War even though they were pacifists.”
About Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites (HBMS) is a nonprofit institution that brings to life three centuries of American history. HBMS tells the story of a small town of great influence founded by Moravians on December 24, 1741. Home to some of our nation’s earliest settlers, America’s first municipal water pumping system, the earliest school to educate women in the American Colonies, and one of the world’s greatest industrial companies of the 20th century. HBMS preserves 20 historic structures, 7 gardens, 5 ruins, 1 orchard, and 60,000+ artifacts in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Located one hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City, HBMS is a proud Smithsonian Affiliate. Historic Moravian Bethlehem is a National Historic Landmark District and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 26th in the United States.
