What we’re about
Welcome to the Bucks County and Lehigh Valley Historic Tavern Trail! Bucks and Lehigh (and neighboring) Counties in Pennsylvania are rich in history, dating back to colonial times. This group will explore that history through the bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants that have served these communities for hundreds of years and played a part in the history of our nation. Think McCoole's Red Lion Inn, Brick Tavern Inn, Spinnerstown Inn, Jamison Publick House, Bethlehem Hotel and many more.
So if you're interested in meeting new people, socializing, soaking in the historic atmosphere and learning something about the history of these establishments, this group is for you.
Meetups will be monthly to semi-monthly at a rotating location, and most events will feature a historic presentation of some kind. Just casual get-togethers where we have a chance to mix-and-mingle, enjoy some food and drink, make intelligent conversation and learn something about the history of the venue where we're meeting. No dues, fees or cover charges, this is a fun thing for me, not a side hustle.
See you on the trail!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- The Little Engine That Could: The Alburtis Tavern in AlburtisAlburtis Tavern, Alburtis, PA
A bit of a later start for this one, but the plan is to take advantage of the lull in between the lunch and dinner rushes and enjoy the outdoor patio space at the Alburtis Tavern and Lodge in Alburtis.
Alburtis is an old railroad town, literally. The town was named after Edward K. Alburtis, a civil engineer involved in the construction of the East Pennsylvania Branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railway. The railroad's board of directors named the town in honor of Alburtis when a railroad station was first established in the town in 1859.
A year later, the American House hotel and tavern opened across the street from the train station. It catered more to the train crews passing by than the stagecoach drivers that patronized most of our historic taverns in this area. The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1895, but rebuilt as the current three-story brick structure that same year.
At some point in the 20th century, the American House was rechristened the Iron Horse Inn. But that restaurant closed in 2011 with the building in disrepair and hit with multiple code violations. The owners of the Buckeye Tavern acquired and re-opened the space as the Alburtis Tavern in 2013, after their own nearby historic restaurant was destroyed by fire. But seven years later, Covid hit, shutting down the Alburtis Tavern. It didn't reopen until last September, under new owner Joe Galazin.
Trains on the Norfolk Southern Reading Line still pass by the tavern today. We'll have a good view of them from the patio deck behind the restaurant. We'll learn more about the history of the railroad, the town and the local industry, in addition to the tavern.
See you there!