Sands in Bethlehem pa??

[java]

Where have I been? They built a SANDS casino in Bethlehem pa??? More importantly they have an Emeril Restaurant in there.
Anybody been yet?
I'm going asap. It's about 30 minutes from us I think.
I can't believe I missed that that was going in?

 

[HelenePA]

I must have been the same place you were I had no idea either. Its not far from me either maybe an hour... Let me know how it is!

 

[mrs_hower726]

I checked it out on Yahoo and it says that the grand opening is May 22nd.

 

[java]

I checked it out on Yahoo and it says that the grand opening is May 22nd.

Good thing you mentioned that! I would have been a little lonely out there all by my lonesome tomorrow!

 

[racetrack18kb]

Have any of you been to Bethlehem before?

I live in Bethlehem and the part of the city that they built the casino in is mostly considered the "bad" part of town. It is not where I would seen them building it.

There is also not easy access to any major highways close to the casino. It is mostly 2 lane roads leading to the casino. I expect major traffic headaches since that area is already congested.

And not to be a total downer on this thread, I'd be happy to answer any questions about the area. There are some really nice things about our area but the location of the casino is something I just don't get.

 

[GraysMom]

Emeril is going to be at Barnes and Noble at the Promenade Shops, I believe on Tuesday of this week to sign one of his cookbooks. You have to buy that one cookbook and it will get a generic signature, no personalization and no other items to be autographed . There was a write up about it in the Morning Call this week. Apparently he's going to be in the area for the whole week to make sure it gets up and running well.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Emeril is going to be at Barnes and Noble at the Promenade Shops, I believe on Tuesday of this week to sign one of his cookbooks. You have to buy that one cookbook and it will get a generic signature, no personalization and no other items to be autographed . There was a write up about it in the Morning Call this week. Apparently he's going to be in the area for the whole week to make sure it gets up and running well.

I saw that too. I also saw that it said something that he would gladly accept gifts from admirers especially artwork from children. Kind of strikes me the wrong way that he will take gifts but won't even write someone's name on something that they had to buy to get his autograph.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I must admit that I'm excited to see what the Sands is going to look like. I think that it is neat that they incorporated the steel history into the design. I used to work at one of the old Bethlehem Steel buildings and it was always neat see what was left of Bethlehem Steel.

It's not a place I will go all of the time, but I am looking forward to visiting it.

 

[java]

Have any of you been to Bethlehem before?

I live in Bethlehem and the part of the city that they built the casino in is mostly considered the "bad" part of town. It is not where I would seen them building it.

There is also not easy access to any major highways close to the casino. It is mostly 2 lane roads leading to the casino. I expect major traffic headaches since that area is already congested.

And not to be a total downer on this thread, I'd be happy to answer any questions about the area. There are some really nice things about our area but the location of the casino is something I just don't get.

Yeah when I looked it up on the google map I was surprised- but I'm guessing they got the land dirt cheap. They are going to need some serious security there. But imagine the jobs it's going to create in that area.
They are building the hotel to open late 09.

And in the cute part of Bethlehem I'm guessing the people would have put up a fight over a casino. I love the area near the Hotel Bethlehem. Walking around there. It's so nice- and then just a few short blocks away. But honestly I see the area as more impoverished vs. dangerous. (where they built the casino) but I could be wrong. I don't know much about the crime situation.

But those brownstones in the historical section are so pretty.

And on Emeril's I have eaten at the one in Orlando and DH has been to the one in Vegas. Both have been up in the top 5 meals we have ever had. So I am anxious to try a restaurant within driving distance!!!

(dh has already said that he's afraid I'll make a dash out there for girl's day out while the kids are in school! LOL)

 

[Barb]

I had no clue either. I'll be curious to hear the reports.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Yeah when I looked it up on the google map I was surprised- but I'm guessing they got the land dirt cheap. They are going to need some serious security there. But imagine the jobs it's going to create in that area.
They are building the hotel to open late 09.

And in the cute part of Bethlehem I'm guessing the people would have put up a fight over a casino. I love the area near the Hotel Bethlehem. Walking around there. It's so nice- and then just a few short blocks away. But honestly I see the area as more impoverished vs. dangerous. (where they built the casino) but I could be wrong. I don't know much about the crime situation.

But those brownstones in the historical section are so pretty.

And on Emeril's I have eaten at the one in Orlando and DH has been to the one in Vegas. Both have been up in the top 5 meals we have ever had. So I am anxious to try a restaurant within driving distance!!!

(dh has already said that he's afraid I'll make a dash out there for girl's day out while the kids are in school! LOL)

I can understand why they wanted to put the casino there. Trying to rebuild the area and all that. But it really seems like they are jumping in with too much too soon.

Downtown Beth. is great. And they have done wonders in contrast to the neighboring cities. I live fairly close to the area that you are talking about and I wouldn't hesitate to walk around down there even late at night. I wouldn't say the same about the "southside".

I am totally excited about Emeril's restaurant and I can't wait to try it either. We always loved watching his show and wish we could have eaten in one of his places. Now I guess I'll get the chance.

 

[SamRoc]

My friend works not far from Bethlehem and said she is very glad they are building the Sands there. She can actually go on her lunch hour. Saves her a long drive to Atlantic city, where she probably wont be going much any more.

 

[PaulaSue]

Humm, how close to Hollywood Casinos? Maybe it will be a neat side trip this weekend.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Humm, how close to Hollywood Casinos? Maybe it will be a neat side trip this weekend.

Where is Hollywood Casinos?

 

[maelstrom]

I saw a billboard for this when leaving Atlantic City last month. It kind of made me mad, like, you had to tear down the Atlantic City Sands and build one in Bethlehem? Why?

 

[Kycha]

Humm, how close to Hollywood Casinos? Maybe it will be a neat side trip this weekend.

About an hour and a half away.

Where is Hollywood Casinos?

Just north of Hershey, at Penn National race track.

 

[racetrack18kb]

Just a quick update on the traffic situation for all those who are considering heading down there anytime soon.

We took a quick trip from Bethlehem to Quakertown today (Saturday). The easiest way to get from the Casino to the PA Turnpike is through Quakertown. The major roadway from Bethlehem to Quakertown is down to one lane in each direction while they do road construction. Traffic was backed up today on a normal Saturday. I can't imagine what it will be like when the casino opens.

So for those of you thinking about heading here in the next week or so, remember that the roads are not ready for the traffic that the casino will create. Please plan accordingly.

 

[starann]

A lot of people will be coming in via rt 78, which they will then take a right off the exits' to 412 north which will bring then right to the casino.

I live in Hellertown, the town to the left off the exit. It now takes me 40 mins to get to work on the other side of B-hem (used to take me 20!!!!) due to all the road closures, and I imagine when it opens will be just as long.


As far as the location....it is more impoverished than dangerous. I am a visiting nurse and often see patients in "Southside" While there is some crime, it is not as bad as Center City Allentown or Pembrook (another part of B'hem). We have had security experts come out and talk to us about our safety while see patients in these areas and they even said SS wasn't as bad as the other areas. I also know most of the security people are retired cops, or cops that left the force.....they aren't rent-a-cop or 'security' gaurds.


I am hoping it brings more jobs to a city that has been a hot mess since the Steel closed.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Where in Bethlehem is it? Dsis went to Moravian and I had friends that lived in Hellertown. I'm kind of familiar with the area but can anyone landmark this for me? I'm not familiar with "southside" as I didn't actually live there. Thanks.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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