Travel Nursing:
Allentown

Once an industrial center for automotive companies, Allentown has since reinvented itself and offers something suited to any lifestyle.

Allentown is the third largest city in Pennsylvania and is located in Lehigh Valley on the Lehigh River. Home to the Liberty Bell, Allentown attracts millions of people worldwide who want to enjoy its historical charm.

Known as a national success story for its downtown redevelopment and revival, Allentown has become the fastest-growing city in Pennsylvania.

With an above-average livability score, Allentown proves to be a great place to work, live, and play. Allentown ranks particularly well for low crime rates and good education, making it both a safe place to explore and a great place for travel nurses to consider picking up some continuing education credits.

In fact, the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing offers numerous credit-bearing programs and short courses.

And if you need a quiet place to study or enjoy during your days off, Allentown is well-known for its extensive, award-winning parks system. Allentown residents enjoy the highest acreage of any city its size.

Aside from its captivating beauty, Allentown is teeming with exciting attractions and events, such as:

• Museums
• Lehigh Valley Zoo
• Da Vinci Science Center 
• Nature preserves and trails
• Many parks
• And so much more

Sports fans will love cheering on the boys of summer at Coca-Cola Park where the Lehigh Valley IronPigs play all summer long. And cold-weather nurses will enjoy catching a Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey game at the PPL Center downtown.

If you prefer the cultural side of a city, you might want to grab tickets for the latest show at the Civic Theater of Allentown. Or visit the Allentown Art Museum on your days off to view their world-class collection — it’s free!

Foodies will love the year-round Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market which features more than 65 merchants selling everything from produce, meats, seafood, flowers, local wines, and more. 

When you’re done browsing the many vendor booths, why not grab some lunch? You can find all kinds of delectable dishes at the market, such as:

• Dan’s BBQ Chicken Stand for mouth-watering roasted chicken with carrots and baked potatoes
• Foods of the Mediterranean for a variety of hummus dishes using the freshest ingredients
• New York Pickle for deli-style pickles and more
• Mary Ann’s Donut Kitchen for the best donuts you’ll ever have
• Charlie K’s for a legendary “Pizza Kitz”

Venture outside of the market and go downtown or riverside for more delicious options in one of the dozens of 5-star restaurants around town.

Feeling adventurous? Lehigh Valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking trails with incredible valley views to rafting and kayaking adventures on the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun near Allentown.

Winter sports lovers will appreciate the proximity to four fabulous ski resorts that will take your breath away while providing that much-needed adrenaline rush.

In the northern reaches of Lehigh County, you can find one of the most popular hikes along the Appalachian Trail called Bake Oven Knob. You won’t want to miss the views from this ridgeline!

Got the urge to release your inner child? Round up some of your new nursing friends and head to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom for a day of non-stop amusement park fun.

Or perhaps you consider yourself more the city-dweller type, in which case, you may find yourself window shopping downtown or enjoying one of the many breweries or cafes.

With many travel nursing assignments lasting 13 weeks or less, playing tourist on your days off will help you make the most of your time in each city. Allentown is teeming with amazing things to do and see, so be sure to get out there and enjoy!