Extended Weekend Getaways By Julie Dee Suman
Freelance Travel Writer
Historic Bethlehem invites visitors to explore 20 important sites that represent America’s first industrial center and Moravian culture. Eighteenth-century Eastern Europeans established the Moravian church and a presence in the Lehigh Valley, where Bethlehem is located. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests can dive into maker experiences such as blacksmithing, colonial baking, and pottery sculpting. These historic offerings set the stage for my visit to the forge.
Where History and Fire Meet
Blacksmiths were essential to daily life in Colonial America. The trade harnessed the power of fire, earth, and air to create essential tools. Forging produced not only weapons and armor, but durable daily tools such as axes, nails, and cooking utensils. Blacksmithing was a highly respected trade. 
My project, a decorative iron hook, started with working the bellows to flame the coals that would heat the steel and make it malleable. John taught our group the techniques of shaping the glowing metal with a hammer and an anvil. Little did I know how much of my own personal energy would be needed to bend, flatten, and twist my iron rod!
It’s quite amazing how a smithy’s hammer both coaxes gentle curls and creates U-shaped curves. Over the course of three hours, John and his wife helped us tame red-hot metal. I may have sweated a bit over my task, but I also had a smile on my soot-covered face when I completed my hook.
Forging Today
While I took a step back in time in the historic Bethlehem forge, blacksmithing is growing in popularity today. We are still learning from history how blacksmiths unlocked the secrets of metallurgy in their craft. In today’s world of mass production, there is a desire to return to tradition and create something by hand, showing why the craft still matters now. 
As I worked in the forge, I found a connection between culture and artisanal creativity. Some would even say that concentrating on metalwork is a mindful experience and an escape from screens and connectivity.
John also believes interest in blacksmithing has grown because the output is sustainable. He can create an axe, for example, that will last decades.
Modern techniques and equipment enable today’s smithies. It’s possible to buy a propane powered forge, which can operate in your own garage. A quick search on YouTube will reveal numerous educational how-to videos on blacksmithing.
Hidden Gem in Bethlehem, Pa
Historic Bethlehem offers a step back to Colonial America while also exuding charm and relaxation. Main Street is dotted with boutique shops and outdoor dining with colorful umbrellas. The dining scene is very international, ranging from Thai to Spanish to Mexican. We enjoyed the expansive beer list at Fegley’s Brew Works during dinner and later sampled macarons from Le Macaron. 
On a Friday night, live music drew visitors to grab a table outside the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. The hotel exudes charm and hospitality. My husband and I luxuriated in our comfortable suite. It’s no wonder the hotel has been recognized as the #1 Best Historic Hotel & Resort by USA for five consecutive years. 
If You Go Blacksmithing 101 is offered every other Saturday at the 1750 Smithy. The World Heritage Tour provides a 90 minute tour of Moravian history. In addition to visiting the historic sites, Historic Bethlehem offers walking tours, pub tours, and educational tours, making it easy to experience how the area’s history continues to come alive and to fill your weekend with discoveries.
