Whether you are an underclassman living in the Lehigh Valley for the first time or an upperclassman returning to campus after a year at home, there are plenty of new opportunities to explore downtown Easton like never before.

According to Kelly Huth, Communications Coordinator of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), the Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) is hosting a series of “Explore Easton Tours” on select Saturdays until September 25. The tours are meant to promote local restaurants and small businesses.

“We wanted to encourage those market shoppers who were coming to downtown Easton to make Saturdays their shopping days. Market shoppers can park their bikes or cars in the free lots adjacent to the market, get their groceries and then explore what downtown Easton has to offer,” Huth wrote in an email.

Unlike a traditional tour or a self-guided exploration of the city, the Explore Easton Tours allow participants to view the city through the eyes of knowledgeable locals.

“The tours are led by local people and Main Street volunteers who know the town very well and are passionate about sharing their love for Easton’s history, food, art, culture and shopping options,” ESMI manager Kim Kmetz wrote in an email.

Tomorrow, Sept. 11, the Shop Small Hidden Gems Tour will depart at 10:30 a.m. from the west entrance of the Easton Farmers’ Market to explore small shops throughout the city.

According to Kmetz, the tour will guide participants through a 45-minute walk that visits a variety of local businesses.  Throughout the tour, participants will explore a number of local small businesses: Taylor Made Polish, which provides customers the opportunity to create their own signature nail polish color; Belle Ame, which sells handmade soaps; the Easton Outdoor Company, which allows community members to shop for a variety of outdoor apparel and equipment; and the Book & Puppet Company, which is an independent bookstore that hosts events throughout the year, provides book recommendations and features local authors.

In addition to the Explore Easton Tours, there are a number of events for community members and students to enjoy, Kmetz said. In September, there will be live concerts in Scott Park every Thursday. Other events this month include a PRIDE on the Riverside event on Sept. 12 and Clam Jam on Sept. 19. Throughout the fall, students can also expect to see the return of familiar favorites like Garlic Fest on Oct. 2 and 3 and the PA Bacon Fest on Nov. 6 and 7.

Students interested in keeping up to date with all the attractions that downtown Easton offers, including music, festivals and events, should text ‘CURNON’ to 56525.