By The Rebecca Francis Team
We get asked often by clients relocating to the area where to go for a proper shopping trip, and Lehigh Valley genuinely delivers more variety than people expect. Between an open-air lifestyle center in Center Valley, a fully enclosed mall in Whitehall, tax-free outlet shopping in Bethlehem, and a historic downtown lined with independent shops, there is a real range here depending on the mood you are in. Knowing where to start makes it much easier to actually enjoy the trip. Here is our local guide to the best places to shop around Lehigh Valley.
Key Takeaways
- The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley offers an open-air lifestyle center with more than 55 boutique stores
- Lehigh Valley Mall provides all-weather, enclosed shopping with over 150 stores and major department anchors. In addition, this mall offers an open-air shopping area as well.
- The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem combine name-brand discounts with tax-free shopping
- Downtown Bethlehem's Main Street rounds out the list with independent shops and one of the oldest bookstores in the country.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
Right in Center Valley, the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley pairs an open-air layout with more than 55 boutique stores, giving the whole shopping trip a different feel than a typical enclosed mall. Bigger names like Gap and L.L.Bean sit alongside smaller boutiques, with several well-regarded restaurants mixed into the same walkable footprint.
What Makes This Spot a Local Favorite
- An open-air layout that makes the whole visit feel more like a stroll than a shopping errand
- A mix of larger retailers and smaller, independent boutiques
- Several strong restaurant options for a lunch or dinner stop during the trip
- A convenient, central Center Valley location for anyone in the Upper Saucon area
Lehigh Valley Mall for All-Weather Shopping
Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall offers a full, enclosed shopping experience with more than 150 stores, anchored by major department stores alongside popular retailers. It is the reliable option whenever the weather does not cooperate with an open-air trip.
What You'll Find Here
- Over 150 stores spanning both major retailers and smaller specialty shops
- Major department store anchors for a full range of shopping needs
- An attached outdoor lifestyle center for additional variety
- A location just beyond downtown Allentown, convenient from much of the Valley
The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem
For discount and outlet shopping, the Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem spread legendary brand names across two floors, with the added benefit of tax-free shopping in Pennsylvania. It is a strong option for anyone looking to stretch a shopping budget further.
Why This Spot Stands Out
- Two floors of well-known brand names at outlet pricing
- Tax-free shopping, which adds up quickly on larger purchases
- A location in Bethlehem that pairs easily with a visit to the historic downtown
- A solid option for both everyday shopping and gift hunting
Downtown Bethlehem's Main Street
Downtown Bethlehem, and especially the Southside, offers an entirely different shopping experience built around independent shops and galleries rather than national chains. Main Street here has earned recognition as one of the best in the country, and a stop at the Moravian Book Shop, one of the oldest continuously operating bookstores in the world, is worth building into any visit.
What to Look For Downtown
- Independent shops and galleries spread along a walkable historic Main Street
- The Moravian Book Shop, a genuine piece of the area's history
- A strong lineup of local restaurants and cafes to pair with an afternoon of browsing
- A completely different pace and feel compared to the Valley's larger shopping centers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shopping option if the weather is bad?
Lehigh Valley Mall is the strongest choice on a rainy or cold day, since it is fully enclosed and offers more than 150 stores under one roof.
Where can I find tax-free shopping in Lehigh Valley?
The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem offer tax-free shopping across two floors of well-known brand names.
Is downtown Bethlehem worth visiting for shopping alone?
Yes. Downtown Bethlehem's Main Street offers a genuinely different experience built around independent shops, galleries, and the historic Moravian Book Shop.
Shop Lehigh Valley With The Rebecca Francis Team
We love pointing new clients toward the parts of the Valley that make everyday life here feel good, right down to where to spend a Saturday afternoon. The Rebecca Francis Team wants every new resident to feel settled into the area quickly, not just into their new home.
If getting to know the area's shopping scene is part of settling into Lehigh Valley, we want to help point you in the right direction. Reach out to us, learn more about life in Lehigh Valley and let's start the conversation.
If getting to know the area's shopping scene is part of settling into Lehigh Valley, we want to help point you in the right direction. Reach out to us, learn more about life in Lehigh Valley and let's start the conversation.
