Spring Exploration With Sands Bethlehem

This post was sponsored by Sands Bethlehem as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Momma Told Me: A family that plays together stays together.


I come from the sort of family that prefers to get together every 4-5 years for a really big and elaborate reunion gathering. Because there are clans spread across the Western and Eastern Coasts, as well as down South in Lousiana, we try to choose 'playgrounds' close to or in between at least 2 of our major factions to help cut down on travel time. If this is sounding more like a battle plan then a vacation, I wish I could more accurately paint a picture of the sheer mass of relatives and the pandemonium which ensues when we roll into town. We need a versatile venue with prime location, plenty of 5-star amenities, and entertainment options that roll out 24/7.

I still recall my first family 'reunion' (which we actually call a 'cousin's party' in our family. I was nearing the age of 6, and everyone on the East Coast had decided they would make the cross-country trek in the name of checking Las Vegas off their bucket list. I may have been young, but this is what I recall: there was plenty to do but nobody could ever agree on what they were doing because the sheer number of options, and people with preferences, made it near impossible to come to a consensus. Most of the family activities, at the time, were off the strip and we traveled over an hour in the heat just for one family attraction. There were so many people- seas of people. No matter where we went we felt like the service was lacking and the waits were incredible. And, according to my grandmother, who has perfected the art of vacation shopping, there was nothing but chachkies and overpriced tourist junk.

Sure, times have changed, ans so has that city that never sleeps- but we've learned through the years  to take a more refined approach to our family gatherings. And, with a little bit of (never-ending) input from all of the family members we've come to realize that places such as Sands Bethlehem (PA) are the perfect solution to keep every age and interest happy. I was fascinated to learn that the 126-acre property was actually the former Bethlehem Steel plant, which provided steel for countless U.S. landmarks such as the Chrysler Building and Golden Gate Bridge! It's rich history, and prime location, make it the perfect attraction for the several history buffs and time explorers in our family.

With a AAA 4-diamond award winning hotel on the premises, this property also boasts a full service spa, penny slot to high-stakes, and even stadium gaming and the on site Outlets at Sands Bethlehem. And, if that isn't enough- our family can even plan a day trip to Philadelphia (50 miles away) or a quick 90 minute drive into NYC! It's the perfect compromise for all of the aunts who want to catch a broadway show, without having to stay in and deal with all of the bustle of the city.

Many people might think of Sands Bethlehem as a casino. I'll admit, I just has my first 'post age 18' casino experience last year and for anyone who hasn't been to a stand alone casino in a while you're missing out on some amazing updates. Sands not only offers the super cool Stadium Style casino floor- perfect for large mobs of family members to interact and game all at once- they also have MobileQube equipped game stations where you can keep your tech charged while your play. And, of course, there's a dedicated gaming area for the kids! The Cyber Quest kids arcade is the perfect place for all of the new generations of cousins to hang out and get to know one-another.

This springtime, families can check out:

• Easter Bunny Photos at The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem
  • April 1 - 15, 2017: Monday through Saturday from 11:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday from 11:00am to 6:00pm
  • Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny, Sunday, April 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
•  Kids Quest at The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem
• Grossology Science Weekends throughout April
• Visit Kids Quest every weekend for themed arts and crafts, special activities and more.

• The Outlets at Sands Bethlehem’s annual FREE community Easter event on Saturday, April 8 starting at 10:00 a.m.
  • Easter Egg Hunt
    • Located at Kids Quest
    • Age Groups / Start Times:
    • Infant to 4 yrs / 10:00am start
    • 5 yrs to 7 yrs / 10:30am start
    • 8 yrs to 10 yrs / 11:00am start
      • Kids must be pre-registered the day of the event.  Registration will begin a half hour before each hunt in front of Kids Quest.  

And, if you're like me, dining options are arguably one of the most critical of attractions when vacationing. Our family loves to splurge during these big family get-togethers and the generation above me love to have a few tales to tell when they return home. Where they ate, and what they ate, is always a big highlight. And with names like Emeril Lagasse and Buddy Valastro lending their talents to the Sands Bethleham signature restaurants design and menu concepts, there's sure to be plenty to talk about for weeks!

In fact, there are 3 dining locations at Sands Bethlehem with famed chef Emeril Lagasse's name on them, and the mouth watering Emeril's Fish House is sure to appeal to everyone from our staunchest New England descendants to the 'less refined' and casual SoCal clan. Salt and Pepper Calamari, Sweet Corn Hush Puppies, Prince Edward Island Mussels, and Whole Maine Lobster are just a few of the mouth-watering dining experiences guests can look forward too. We just might even be too content and full to waddle on down to the Steel Magnolia Spa and Salon- which just so happens to be offering 50% off a classic manicure with spa pedicure service this month. For more information on upcoming events and activities happening at Sands refer to: https://www.pasands.com/

Yes, Spring is here, and it's definitely time to get out and explore. In my world, explorations are best had alongside family, and I can already imagine the sort of adventures we'd find at Sands Bethleham. Does your family have any Spring adventures/travel planned?

What Daughter Says: Enjoy an adventure now that more sunny days are here for Spring!

 

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