Brigita McKelvie, Horse Property REALTOR Eastern PA Horse Properties & Farms

"Nazareth, PA? Where the heck is Nazareth, PA?" I have heard this from a number of people from out of state. So, to help give you an idea, I will do my best to explain the area and give you a quick overview.

Nazareth, PA is a nice, quiet, little town, located in central, eastern part of Pennsylvania. It is part of the Lehigh Valley, north of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, PA. New Jersey is only 20 minutes away. New York City and Philadelphia are only 1 1/2 hours away. Even though Nazareth is a small town, it is close to major routes, shopping and malls, and recreation. For those of you that are into NASCAR, it is home to the Andretti family.

Nazareth has many things to offer, especially if you are a history buff. On Main St., in downtown Nazareth, there are quaint little shops that offer friendly service. These shops are located in historic buildings, dated from the late 1700's to 1800's. One store that is great to spend an afternoon in is Nazareth Furniture Nazareth Furniture used to be a hotel years ago and the owners have tried to keep it as original as possible. It offers different types of furniture set up in the original hotel rooms. Some of the rooms even have the original old style phones on the wall.

The Nazareth area is packed full of history and many things to do. It has the Whitfield House and Museum, the Gray Cottage, Jacobsburg State Park C.F. Martin & Company (better known as Martin Guitar) and many historic homes to name a few.

Nazareth holds many events throughout the year. For example, in June you have the Nazareth Carnival, assorted parades throughout the year, walking tours, tree lighting and arrival of Santa the first Thursday after Thanksgiving, car show, go cart races, etc.

Nazareth is also well known for an excellent school system. Many move into the area just for the schools. My children have attended the schools, so I am speaking from experience. In addition to offering a good education, they also offer many after school activities and clubs for the children to get involved in. Nazareth HS is known to have an excellent orchestra and band and drama club. Nazareth Band is consistently in the top 3 places in competitions. The drama club offers great plays and musicals. Many throughout the Lehigh Valley attend the numerous performances and usually have a full house.

Nazareth is a great area to live. The people are friendly, you know your neighbors and they tend to help each other out, plenty of activities for all ages, and full of history. Even the churches have some history to them. There is even an assisted living facility.

So, if you are tired of city living and are looking for a better life for your family with a small town feel, you will find it here in Nazareth. You will not regret the move.

Nazareth, PA is home to C.F. Martin & Co., which is celebrating it's 175th Anniversary this year. It is the oldest surviving producer of guitars in the world and currently the largest manufacturer of acoustic guitars in the United States. The company is known for making some of the finest, quality instruments, and introducing standards in the music products industry. C.F. Martin & Co. was started by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. in 1833 and was founded in the U.S. It has been family owned and operated for 6 generations.

The company will kick off it's year long celebration in honor of the acoustic guitar, which has been played in all types of music, from classical and country, to blues, folk and acoustic rock. Special events will include an auction of exquisite Martin prototypes to benefit the Martin Foundation in late 2008. In addition, the company will introduce a line of limited edition guitars, publication of several books, a CD featuring performances of Martin artists, an in-depth online photo gallery showing the company's history, as well as the copmany's accomplishments and cultural contributions throughout the world during the last 175 years.

C.F. Martin & Co. has survived many economic, social and political events, such as the Civil War, post war turmoil, immigration, World War I, the "Roaring 20's", the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War and the technological revolution. Not only did it survive through it all, it also improved and increased. Recently, Martin has set company sales records even with the down economy. It has crafted it's millionth acoustic guitar, has undergone renovation and expansion of the factory, plus, it unveiled a new museum and visitor's center in Nazareth, PA.

Over the years, Martin started producing mandolins in the late 1800's, and becoming the top producer of ukuleles in the 1920's. In 1970, Martin acquired Darco String Company and are also now producing quality guitar strings.

Christian, better known as Chris, Frederick Martin IV took over the company in 1986 and is the current Chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, he has increased sales and production, maintained the level of quality, introduced new technologies and expanded the factory to nearly 3 times its prior size. He has also introduced many affordable guitars.

If you are ever in the area of Nazareth, PA, be sure to stop and visit the museum and take a tour of the factory. You will be totally amazed at the craftsmanship that goes into manufacturing a guitar.

Hey, all you antique buffs! A huge antique show will be happening here in the Lehigh Valley, PA. It will be held at the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown (The exact address is 1901 S. 12th St.) on Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 10AM - 4PM and Sunday, February 3, 2008 from 10AM - 3PM.

There will be over 45 dealers from 3 area states participating. You will find antiques dating from the 1900's through the 1960's for show and sale. You will find linens, depression glass, jewelry, pottery, porcelain, vintage books, antique glass and china, Victorian items, furniture and many, many more items.

The cost is $4.00 and children under 12 get in for free.

Come out and see, and maybe even purchase, items from the past at the Great Lehigh Valley Antique Show in Allentown, PA. There's something for everyone!