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    Meet Fig Bethlehem Contributor Vanessa Palumbo

    What do you love about your area?

    I love all the thriving small businesses. Being able to talk and get to know your neighborhood business owners is very special from Tony at The Goose, Sam at Bonn Brewing, and Melanie at LIT! I also love that every week in Bethlehem is jammed packed with entertainment options! There are so many nights filled with concerts in the garden, courtyard, or on the campus of ArtsQuest along with festivals!

     

    What is your favorite local restaurant? Favorite museum, landmark, place to visit?

    I love The Mint Gastropub! They have the best chickpea fries and cheese platters along with a solid draft list. Plus their staff is super accommodating. I just celebrated my 30th birthday there.

     


    Why do you like writing for Fig?

    I have been a fan of Fig ever since the first issue. The clean design of the magazine drew me in along with the passion of the Fig Bethlehem team. They’re all wonderful people who I’ve enjoyed many coffees with at The Wise Bean as we discussed contributing ideas.

     

    Where can we find you on a Friday night? Or on a Saturday?

    You can find me at Bonn Place Brewing. It’s my home away from home! They have something really special in that brewery. It is a place that welcomes conversations among strangers.

     


    What’s your dream day in your location?

    Start out with brunch at a local diner (we really miss the Blue Sky Cafe) followed by a concert at twilight down at the Levitt Pavilion in the evening. I also love a day at Musikfest. I live close enough to walk everywhere so during Musikfest I get a few good shows, food, and bulk-up on steps on my FitBit!

     

    How long have you lived in your area?

    I have lived in South Side Bethlehem for 4 years now this past August.

     

    Who would play you in the movie version of your life? 

    A lot of people say I have a resemblance to Anne Hathaway. So I would choose her.

     

     

    What do you feel you bring to Fig as a local expert?

    I love imagery both in my writing and photography and enjoy highlighting the area through my lens to readers! I love introducing people who have lived in the Lehigh Valley all their lives to restaurants, museums, or events they were never familiar with.