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EmmausEmmaus, Pennsylvania

Give Emmaus one day as a base for the Lehigh Valley, not a trip of its own: two historic houses, a 1734 shelter, a 1900s cinema and a beer distributor.

Emmaus is a small Pennsylvania borough of about 11,000 people, bordering Allentown in the Lehigh Valley, 53 mi (85 km) north of Philadelphia and 91 mi (146 km) west of New York City. It is a Moravian-founded town with a compact Main Street, a handful of historic buildings and easy access to bigger Lehigh Valley draws. Most travellers see it in half a day or use it as a quiet, cheaper base for Allentown, Bethlehem and Dorney Park.

basic guide: no trip line yet
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3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
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Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
USD
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
avoid Jan–Feb (cold, ice), peak summer heat in Jul–Aug
Airports
Lehigh Valley (ABE) · Philadelphia (PHL)
Nights
1

About Emmaus

Emmaus is a borough in eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, bordering Allentown to the north. It sits 53 miles (85 km) north of Philadelphia and 91 miles (146 km) west of New York City, and 22 miles (35 km) southwest of the New Jersey state line. The town began as a closed Moravian village, and its Main Street keeps a compact core of historic buildings.

Most visitors pass through in half a day or use Emmaus as a quieter base for Allentown, Bethlehem and Dorney Park. It is known for the Shelter House, the 1803 House, the Emmaus Theatre and Shangy's, a beer distributor with more than 4,000 brands. The Halloween Parade draws thousands from around the Valley each October.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Emmaus: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Emmaus.

  • Shelter House — Built in 1734, it is believed to be the oldest continuously occupied building in Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley.
  • 1803 House — Jacob Ehrenhardt, Jr., who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, built it in 1803; tours are by appointment.
  • Emmaus Moravian Church — Founded in 1746, it co-educated Native American and European children and remains the town's primary Moravian church.
  • Knauss Homestead — A historic home built between 1840 and 1850 with Georgian-style influences, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
  • Shangy's — A beer distributor founded in 1980 that carries over 4,000 brands and draws beer enthusiasts from around the nation.

Do

  • Ski or snowboard at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, which has 23 trails on 330 acres, or hike and bike there off-season.
  • Ride the coasters and water attractions at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in neighboring South Whitehall Township.
  • Swim, play court and field sports, or walk the trail at Emmaus Community Park, which hosts summer concerts.
  • Catch a second-run film or a live event at the Emmaus Theatre, which offers BYOB.

Eat and drink

Specialities of this place.

  • Faschnachts — Pennsylvania Dutch donuts celebrated at the Faschnacht & Forsythia Festival on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
  • Shangy's — A beer distributor with more than 4,000 domestic and international brands, and tours by arrangement.

Customs

  • Emmaus began as a closed Moravian village, and the Moravian church has been central to the community since 1746.
  • The Forsythia is the town's flower, honored at the spring Faschnacht & Forsythia Festival.
  • Emaus Avenue keeps the original Pennsylvania Dutch spelling of the town's name.

Events

  • Snowblast Winter Festival — Held every February.February
  • Faschnacht & Forsythia Festival — Celebrates faschnachts and the Forsythia, crowning King Faschnact and Queen Forsythia.Tuesday before Ash Wednesday
  • Emmaus Halloween Parade — One of the largest parades in the Lehigh Valley, drawing thousands; the 2022 edition marked its 100th anniversary.Third Saturday in October
Emergency numbers for Emmaus911 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Emmaus, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Coffee$2–5 (2026 estimate)
  • Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range restaurant$15–30 (2026 estimate)
  • Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$8–15 (2026 estimate)
  • BeerDraught beer in a bar$5–8 (2026 estimate)
  • Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
  • Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
  • High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$120 · High US$220

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Moravian settlement historyShelter House (1734)1803 HouseEmmaus TheatreShangy's beer distributorEmmaus Halloween Parade
Airports
ABE Lehigh Valley International Airport (In Allentown, about 15–20 min by car; direct domestic flights) · PHL Philadelphia International Airport (About 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by car; wider domestic and international routes)

Map of Emmaus

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

AllentownFogelsvilleHellertownBethlehem, PennsylvaniaWhitehall TownshipPennsburgQuakertownKutztown

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Emmaus
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    4°C (39°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    6°C (43°F)

  3. Mar

    not flagged

    11°C (52°F)

  4. Apr

    not flagged

    18°C (64°F)

  5. May

    Best

    23°C (73°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    28°C (82°F)

  7. Jul

    Avoid

    30°C (86°F)

  8. Aug

    Avoid

    29°C (84°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    25°C (77°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    18°C (64°F)

  11. Nov

    not flagged

    12°C (54°F)

  12. Dec

    not flagged

    6°C (43°F)

Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Emmaus: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

4°C (39°F)

−5°C (23°F)

8 rd

Feb

6°C (43°F)

−4°C (25°F)

7 rd

Mar

11°C (52°F)

0°C (32°F)

9 rd

Apr

18°C (64°F)

6°C (43°F)

10 rd

May

23°C (73°F)

12°C (54°F)

12 rd

Jun

28°C (82°F)

17°C (63°F)

11 rd

Jul

30°C (86°F)

19°C (66°F)

10 rd

Aug

29°C (84°F)

18°C (64°F)

10 rd

Sep

25°C (77°F)

14°C (57°F)

9 rd

Oct

18°C (64°F)

7°C (45°F)

8 rd

Nov

12°C (54°F)

2°C (36°F)

8 rd

Dec

6°C (43°F)

−3°C (27°F)

8 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

A car is the practical choice: the sights sit along Main Street and Chestnut Street, and the region's draws are spread out. LANTA buses link Emmaus with Allentown and the rest of the Lehigh Valley. Car rental is available in Emmaus and, with more choice, in Allentown. Downtown itself is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time
Allentowngo

Door to door: 15–25 min (check)

Car via Lehigh Street or I-78, or LANTA bus

Dorney Park, PPL Center hockey and the IronPigs ballpark.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvaniago

Door to door: 25–35 min (check)

Car via I-78 and PA 378

Historic Moravian district and SteelStacks events.

Easton, Pennsylvaniago

Door to door: 35–45 min (check)

Car via I-78 east

Crayola Experience and the downtown riverfront.

Hellertown

caution

Door to door: 20–30 min (check)

Car via PA 29 and local roads

Small borough; a short stop rather than a day out.

Slatington

caution

Door to door: 35–45 min (check)

Car via PA 309 north

Gateway to the Lehigh Gap trails; a half-day at most.

Fogelsville

caution

Door to door: 20–30 min (check)

Car via I-78 west

Mostly a food and shopping stop.

Whitehall Township

go

Door to door: 15–25 min (check)

Car via Lehigh Street and PA 145

Big-box shopping and chain dining north of Emmaus.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Allentown or Bethlehem

The nearest established hotel stock; 15–25 min by car into Emmaus. Book ahead in summer and on event weekends.

Chestnut Street corridor, Emmaus

Roadside motels and diners toward Allentown; a car is needed. Availability and rates: check.

Downtown Main Street, Emmaus

Walkable to the historic sites, the theatre and restaurants, but rooms are scarce — check availability before you plan around it.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
$60–100 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Mid
$100–180 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
High
$180+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150US$150
Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120US$240
Car rental, one day1 × US$60US$60
LANTA day of local buses2 × US$5US$10
eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15US$30
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeUS$49
Trip total≈ US$270 per person per day, bed includedUS$539

2026 estimate in US dollars; prices before sales tax. Bed rates are planning estimates. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee$2–5 (2026 estimate)
Diner breakfast$8–15 (2026 estimate)
Deli sandwich$8–14 (2026 estimate)
Dinner main, mid-range restaurant$15–30 (2026 estimate)
Draught beer in a bar$5–8 (2026 estimate)
Emmaus Theatre film ticketcheck
Rideshare across towncheck

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Emmaus is a small, quiet borough and feels safe by day and evening. Take the usual care: lock the car, watch for ice and snow in winter, and drive carefully on dark rural roads. Emergencies: 911.
  • Distances between sights are short by car but long on foot; plan on driving or taking LANTA.
  • Some historic houses open by appointment or on limited days only: check before you go.
  • Winter brings ice and snow; summer afternoons can be hot and humid.
  • Small-town evenings are quiet: many kitchens close by 21:00.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911

Pocket card

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EmmausEmmaus, Pennsylvania

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

To this address, pleaseTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911

Embassy

No embassies in Emmaus; consulates sit in Philadelphia and New York City.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • ABE airport → Emmaus, taxi or rideshare: check
  • PHL airport → Emmaus, taxi or rideshare: check
  • LANTA bus, single ride: check

Say or show

  • Thank you — Thank you
  • Where is the restroom? — Where is the toilet?
  • Do you take cards? — Can I pay by card?
  • Could we get the check, please? — The check, please
  • Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?

Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Emmaus. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, ice), peak summer heat in Jul–Aug · month by month →
  2. 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 7 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for ABE and PHL: last LANTA departures, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
  2. Walking cluster for downtown: Main Street historic sites, Emmaus Theatre, the farmers market and the brewery.
  3. Place pages with verified opening days for Shelter House, the 1803 House and the historical society museum.
  4. Eat pages with last orders for the Main Street and Chestnut Street diners.

Meanwhile

Back to United States

Sources

Ask about Emmaus

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