Published August 11. 2026 12:09PM
The Velvet Raven, new to Main Street, held its grand opening July 24 with an official ribbon-cutting on the noon hour coordinated by the Downtown Bethlehem Association.
The retail shop offering LEGO kits, tabletop board and card games, puzzles, hobby assembly kits, 3D puzzles and other adventure kinds of gifts has grown from its original online presence according to owner Royce Atkins. “Anyone can come in and find something of interest.”
The 3D model kits are simpler than earlier generation kits because they snap together instead of needing glue according to Atkins. “They also incorporate some level of engineering into their assembly,” said Atkins, explaining he has also leased additional space where game enthusiasts will be able to meet and share their common love of the game genre. He hopes to have that space ready in August.
The Velvet Raven is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday and Monday from noon to 5 p.m. Game nights are held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. The Velvet Raven can be contacted at 610-849-2476 with any questions.
Press photos by Dana GrubbVelvet Raven owner Royce Atkins stands in front of a wall filled with games, puzzles, fantasy novels and more in his newly opened shop located at 523 Main St.
A fully assembled mechanical music box, magic cello, on display in The Velvet Raven.
Owner Royce Atkins says the Mechanical Typewriter is probably the most difficult to assemble.
Customers are checking out the kinds of products offered.
All the way from Greenville, South Carolina, Sally and Harry Foister enter a contest to suggest a name for the Velvet Raven mascot.
