Jaunted

The deli counter at the Moravian Book Shop

The heart of the city is historic Main Street, which is lined with quaint shops and restaurants. You could easily spend the day in the Moravian Book Shop, which touts itself as the oldest continuously running book store in the world. But it's a misnomer, since the book store is just a portion of the five-storefront shop. It's more like a department store but not so corporate, with upscale home goods, a stationery area, a deli/coffee shop and, of course, a Christmas room with tons of ornaments for sale.

To warm up and get some hearty food, head into the corner Irish-themed shop Donegal Square and go straight to the back and up the stairs. There you'll find the entrance to McCarthy's Tea Room. Fill up on "fancy" scones, dotted with dried fruit and white chocolate and topped with a light orange glaze, and traditional Irish dishes like sheperd's pie and oatmeal pancakes that have a surprising layered taste. Of course, this is a tea room, so order among the more than 30 teas, like cherry almond. If that's not your cup of tea, order one of the imported sodas, like the Idris Ginger Beer, a nonalcoholic beverage that tastes like a ginger ale with a big emphasis on the ginger.

Shopaholics will adore the independent boutiques like Chickadees, which sells everything from espresso cup sets to pictures and sculptures of the Eiffel Tower. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir, since there's not a Christmas ornament in sight.

Bethlehem's rich history is also worth checking out. Its early settlers were Moravians, a religious and cultural group from southeast Germany who came as missionaries to convert the Native Americans. The Moravians had some unusual customs, such as communal living, where even married couples would live apart in same-sex halls and have to rent a special room if they wanted to get busy. And of course, the city has a long past with former giant Bethlehem Steel. The Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center offers tours in warmer weather, but if you can bear the low temps, go to the center and pick up a $2 guide for a DIY walking tour of the city's landmarks.

For a sweet ending to your trip, visit to the Chocolate Lab. Try handmade goodies like the Inside Out Peanut Butter Cups, like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup but better, with the PB on the outside and creamy chocolate in the center, or the big-as-your-face pecan turtles. You don't need a holiday for an excuse to gobble these treats.

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[Photos: Jennifer Kester]