Best New Lehigh Valley Blogs of 2009

Oh, 2009, you silly little year filled with drunken promises of change, girls turning 18 years old and Obama pretending he is Jesus… I will miss you.

However, since the year is coming to a close, Lehigh Valley With Love thought it would be a great time to perhaps round up a few different local things/blogs/events/stories/hot chicks in an effort to provide some perspective into the year that takes us out of the decade of Napster/usable Internet porn/iPods into the next decade hopefully filled with tons of naked robots.

So, first up are the best local blogs that either sprouted up this year or really came into their own.

The thing with local blogs is that while they may not provide the wide scope of some national blogs, they are probably more useful to you since they list local happenings or perspectives on a daily and weekly basis… So, if you haven’t been to any of these yet, go or start going, because it’s not like you’re fucking working the next few days.

1. The ElVee (www.theelvee.com): Started in 2009, this is basically a higher end no-nonsense review and photography blog that grades restaurants, clubs and other social fun stuff (like beer) in a pretty detailed and colorful way.

Highlight: Review of the Carnegie Deli at The Sands:

I witnessed a hostess tell a couple that the service was going slow because it’s a new restaurant.  It doesn’t matter how fresh the place is, service like that is unexcuseable.  Also, don’t make excuses for your shitty service.  A waitress then made the comment that it was shift change, that’s why the service was taking so long.  Listen, shift change at a restaurant shouldn’t be rocket science, and I certainly shouldn’t have two waitresses coming back and forth to me duplicating work.

That’s how you write a review, kids. Start taking notes. You don’t say how wonderful a place is if it actually fucking blows. Just because it’s in The Sands and it’s a part of the famous Carnegie Deli name doesn’t exactly mean shit…

FUN FACT: The blog writer also takes some kick ass shots of each place he goes to. I think it’s to prove he actually went there… but, whatever.

2. LVScene (www.thelvscene.com): Want to know where the hell to go EACH day of the week in the Lehigh Valley? Well, LVScene has got you covered, especially when it comes to the Early to Late 20s crowd. So, if you’re looking for the best DJ in the area or who has Trivia/Karaoke going on on a Tuesday, this is the site to click on.

Highlight: List of New Year’s Eve Events:

UPDATE 1: Both the Allentown and Bethlehem BrewWorks are throwing parties to ring in the new year. Check out the details at the Bethlehem BrewWorks HERE and the Allentown BrewWorks HERE.

UPDATE 2: Commenter Jenny tipped me off to a couple of cool events. Over at the Sands in Bethlehem, Emeril’s Chophouse is throwing an all inclusive party for $125 per person. And several local hotels are also throwing New Year’s Eve gatherings…the best part about that is there’s no need to drive at the end of the night! Thanks, Jenny!

UPDATE 3: PigPen Sports bar has finally announced the details of their NYE party. Take a look at them here.

You have to love a blog that uses inside sources and updates a listing often, you know the blog writer is really into making sure you get drunk. There is NOTHING wrong with that!

3. Lehigh Valley Transplant (http://2cheese.blogspot.com): Recently moved to the area and feel like a douche because you don’t know where to go or what the hell to do? Well, this blog writer will make sure you know where some of the “secrets” are hiding. She’s pretty no nonsense and gets to the nitty gritty of why you should check a place out. A must read for those looking for something beyond the local bar scene and is great for those in the Mid 20s to maybe even early 40s crowd (Can they use the Internet yet?)

Highlight: Secret Art Space in Bethlehem

Want to know a secret?

The Secret Art Space is on Rink Street, near Vine Street, on the South Side of Bethlehem (very close to Deja Brew Coffeehouse).

The first-ever LV Ladyfest will be taking place there on January 2, featuring Fursaxa, Bad Temple, Ninjessa, Dark Circles, and Mad O, “a celebration of bands in the Lehigh Valley that have female musicians.” Fursaxa is the only artist I’m familiar with; Tara’s music is considered “acid folk.” Overall I’d say they’re mostly punk rock/indie but most indie groups defy classification in my mind. Check out the links above for more information and free previews of each group’s music.

I didn’t even know about this place and that says a lot. Who is this blog writer and how is she getting invited to these places with hot chicks and not inviting me? I hope her inclusion on this list will make her think twice about that in the future.

Other Blogs you should always check out (they aren’t necessarily new):

1. Cooking with Anne: I don’t cook, but if you do and want to have some kick ass recipes… this is where you go.
2. Lehigh Valley Political Blog: A bit more dry and, well, political based, but if you’re into that thing, and sometimes you must be, here’s where you find the low down locally, along with Lehigh Valley main stay Lehigh Valley Ramblings
3. A View Beyond Bethlehem: I’m not really sure what goes on here, but if you’re older than me and enjoy the ramblings of a good writer in his (early 30s? :P) who has a bit more mature perspective than yours truly… read this…)

Ok, I’m sure I missed a bunch, so comment or e-mail me others and we can list more and all that shit, besides, my fingers are now tired and I’m lazy and still pissed I wasn’t invited to that secret club place :(