Fine Dining in Bucks County

If you are looking for a fancy night out for a romantic dinner for two, take a look at some of the Bucks County fine dining suggestions in this blog post that will leave you wanting to have date nights every weekend.  These restaurants are on the high-end, but they offer high quality food and service that sets them apart from others.  Also, don't forget about Bucks County restaurant weeks.

La Stalla

Address:

18 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: 12:00pm - 10:30pm

La Stalla 

If you are craving authentic Italian cuisine, then La Stalla is the place for you. Located in a renovated historic barn built in 1929, the cozy atmosphere matches perfectly with the homemade family-style Italian dishes served here.  The building use to be filled with dairy stalls housing many horses and other farm animals. The restaurant even gave homage to the barn by naming it La Stalla, which is Italian for stables.

Feeling sporty during dinner? Try Bocce, which is the Italian version of bowling, in the restaurant's Bocce court.  So, you can try a new sport while enjoying a high quality meal.  What can beat that?

If you are Italian, then you know how important Sunday dinner is. At La Stalla, they want to provide you and your family with a traditional Italian style Sunday dinner.  Check out their special Sunday dinner menu here.

Before you go to La Stalla, look over their lunch and dinner menus to get even more excited for the great food you are about to try.

Do you love wine? To be more specific, do you love Italian wine? Well, if you answered yes to both questions, stop in during La Stalla's Italian Wine Dinner.  During this dinner, each course will be served with a different pairing of wine.  This is a wine lovers dream come true.

The Brick Hotel

Address:

1 Washington Ave
Newtown, PA 18940

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 9:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 7:30am-11:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 9:00pm

The Brick Hotel

The Brick Hotel is a restaurant/hotel that has been providing fine dining and overnight accommodations to the Bucks County area for over 250 years.  Back in the day, many wealthy Philadelphians would boat to Bristol, PA, and they would take their coach up to Newtown to stay at The Brick Hotel.  It even housed George Washington and his officers during their time in Newtown.

Today, visitors can enjoy a great meal in their dining room area and can still stay over in the historic hotel that has a wide variety of room layouts, prices and a multitude of hotel accommodations.

The beautiful ambiance of this historic hotel paired with the delightful food served from breakfast to lunch on a daily basis provides all of The Brick Hotel's restaurant and hotel guests with a five-star experience.

The Buck Hotel

Address:

1200 Buck Road
Feasterville, PA 19053

Hours:

Monday - Sunday: 11:00am - 12:00am

The Bucks Hotel

The Buck Hotel

The Buck Hotel is a can't miss social hot spot in Bucks County.  Many events such as business meetings, weddings and other celebrations take place here at "The Buck".  The restaurant/tavern is open seven days a week with live entertainment the majority of the nights. In the warmer months, stop in and take a seat on the second floor deck while enjoying a tropical drink and entertainment.

Are you in the mood for some great food? Take a look at The Buck Hotel's full menu to see whether you are in the mood for a fine dining, a tavern or a deck dining experience.

Check out the special events page as well for events such as Easter Brunch, Passover Dinner and much more.

Restaurant Weeks

If you love restaurant week, then you must visit New Hope and Lahaska.  New Hope's restaurant week begins in March of each year and offers great deals on drinks and food.

In Lahaska, Peddler's Village also has their very own restaurant week in March.  Many options are offered, so it may be difficult to choose where to go and what to try. It is guaranteed that no matter where you go, you will have a great time.

Bucks County Inexpensive, Yet Charming Restaurants

Some of my favorite places to eat in Bucks County are little restaurants that only locals really know about.  These restaurants are unique in their own way and offer great food for low prices along with a unique atmosphere.

Pat's Colonial Kitchen 

Address:

127 South State Street

Newtown, PA 18940

Hours:

Monday - Sunday: 7:00am - 2:00pm

Pat's Colonial Kitchen

Pat's Colonial Kitchen is a cozy restaurant tucked away on State Street in Newtown. This family-oriented restaurant has a homey feel to it from its decor to its homemade breakfast and lunch options. 

Pat's Colonial Kitchen Unique Mugs and Homemade Jam

Many unique features will be found throughout your experience dining in what is locally referred to as Pat's Kitchen. Where else will you find a UPS cup in a restaurant? That is what makes Pat's so special. Each visitors experience is unique from the food they order to the cup they are given.  This is a place where no two mugs are the same.  

As for the strawberry jam pictured above, Pat's has mastered the art of jam making.  If you fall in love with the strawberry jam that accents each table, don't worry because you can own your very own jar. Located next to the cash register is their wall of jam.  Choose from a variety of different flavors to take home to enjoy whenever you like.  

Pat's offers a variety of fresh, homemade breakfast and lunch options. However, my favorite dish to order when I go is the three-egg omelette with cheddar cheese and pork roll inside with a side of hash brown and toast.  You must get some toast while you are at Pat's so you can try the jam.

Another favorite item to order is french toast.  Words cannot describe how heavenly their french toast is. If only I knew their secret recipe. 

Here is a more detailed view of the menu and their specials.   

State Street Kitchen

Address:

24 South State Street 

Newtown, PA 18940

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 4:30pm

Friday: 7:00am-7:30pm

Saturday: 8:00am - 3:00pm

Sunday: 9:00am - 2:30pm

State Street Kitchen Exterior

Who loves Korean food? Who loves breakfast food? Well, now you can enjoy two for the price of one at State Street Kitchen.  Conveniently located in the hustle and bustle of Newtown borough's main area, this dining location offers uniqueness and comfortability.

 What's so unique about State Street Kitchen is that they combine American classics with Korean classics that really can't be found anywhere else.

State Street Kitchen Specials

Tip: The hot ticket seat in State Street Kitchen are the tables next to the big window next to State Street. Enjoy some people watching while chowing down on homemade delicious food.  

Recommendations: If you are going for breakfast, any egg platter is recommended.  For lunch, the kimchi cheesesteak is beyond addicting. Finally, for the take-out dinners they offer, enjoy some shepherd's pie or hot roast beef platters. 

Erwin's Country Kitchen

Address:

4059 Brownsville Road

Trevose, PA 19053

Hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday - Sunday: 7:00am - 9:00pm

Erwin's Country Kitchen Exterior

Erwin's Country Kitchen is another quirky, small restaurant that offers exceptional food and service in Bucks County.  Just like Pat's Kitchen, you will notice that no two coffee mugs are alike.  You never know what kind of mug you will get.  You may get a Fourth of July mug in the dead of winter, or you may get a flower mug (both of which they do have).  

The first aspect of the restaurant that you will notice as soon as you walk in is the mural on the wall. This painting was done by hand and is meticulously crafted. Every time you walk in, you will notice something different on the mural because it is so detailed.  

Don't forget the piano in the corner.  You never know when someone will have the urge to play.  Also, make sure to take a look at the old time movie actor's pictures displayed along the walls.  How many of them can you name? 

Now, to the food. Erwin's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  A recommendation for the big eaters in the family is the "big breakfast". This comes with two pancakes, two eggs, meat and toast.  Good luck finishing that one. 

Don't worry little eaters, Erwin's also offers a "little breakfast," which includes one pancake, one egg, meat and toast.

On the other hand, if you are looking for another type of breakfast dish, the breakfast wrap is always a great choice.  This is a wrap with eggs, cheese and your choice of meat mixed in along with a side of hash brown, which is my personal favorite.  

For dinner, Erwin's offers a great selection of choices ranging from traditional dinner entrees to seafood to German specialty dishes, since the owner and cook (Erwin) is German.

However, the best aspect of all about Erwin's are the cheese fries.  You will never be able to find cheese fries as delicious as Erwin's secret cheese sauce recipe.  When you order the cheese fries, you must indicate that you would specifically like Erwin's cheese sauce.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed. 

Take a look at Erwin's menu here. 

The Haunting of...Bucks County Community College and The Logan Inn

The hauntings never stop in Bucks County.  No matter what part of the county you are in, you are never too far away from a haunted location.  Even some schools and hotels are haunted in Bucks County, so don't be fooled because you're never too far away from the supernatural.

Bucks County Community College - Tyler Hall

Address:

275 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Bucks County Community College - Tyler Hall

Bucks County Community College, which was founded in 1964, is a two-year institution for residents of Bucks County to obtain higher education.  One of the buildings on the campus today is called Tyler Hall.  Tyler Hall, which is also known as Tyler Estate, was once the summer home of the Tyler family.

The Tyler family was wealthy and mainly lived on the Main Line in Chestnut Hill. However, they decided they wanted a summer home in Bucks County. The patriarch of the family was George Frederick Tyler. He was a prominent banker and farmer.  His wife's name was Stella Elkins Tyler. She was the granddaughter of William L. Elkins in which Elkins Park, PA is named after today.

Stella loved art and was a talented sculptress.  Stella Tyler also endowed the Tyler Art School of Temple University.  After World War I, the Tyler family began to buy some plots of land around the Newtown, PA area, and eventually, they decided on a location for their house, which is now Tyler Hall.

The house is 300 feet long and consists of 60 different rooms.  It even has towers and balconies. They wanted their house to be strong, so the exterior walls were built 2 feet thick. The rest of the house was custom-made and built to sustain any type of weather.  The mansion also consists of 20 fireplaces, a ten-car turntable garage and gold in each of the many bathrooms.  The Tyler's hired forty servants to keep the mansion running. In 1932, the Tyler family permanently moved into the mansion.

Once George and Stella Tyler died, their will stated that their Newtown property, including their mansion, would be donated to Temple University.  The rest of their property was sold to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to become Tyler State Park.  In 1965, the Bucks County Authority bought the 200-acre land from Temple to create Bucks County Community College.

Now, Tyler Hall is an administrative building for the community college.  However, the administrative assistants have an extra worker lurking around the building.  Rumor has it that Stella Tyler still roams around her house, especially at nighttime.  It seems as though Stella likes to make her presence known through sounding alarms, turning appliances on and off and baking in the kitchen.  Her spirit is said to be in the house because it is where she was the happiest during her lifetime.

The question is, are you brave enough to encounter Stella face-to-face alone in Tyler Hall? If you dare, here is a map of Bucks County Community College so you can find Tyler Hall and see a ghost for yourself.

The Logan Inn

Address:

10 West Ferry Street
New Hope, PA 18938

The Logan Inn

One of the most notoriously haunted locations in all of Bucks County is The Logan Inn of New Hope, PA.  Many paranormal investigators stay the night in many of the supposed haunted rooms within the inn.  The Logan Inn is close to 300 years old, so if anywhere was to have ghosts, it would be this place.

It is considered one of the most haunted destinations in America, and many different television channel crews have staked out late at night to try to capture some paranormal activity with their ghost hunting equipment.

Many investigators have captured ghost orbs roaming around most parts of the Logan Inn, but especially in the lobby.  One of the most "popular" ghosts is a Revolutionary War soldier that has been seen around the inn.

However, the most sought-after room for investigation is room 6, which is also known as Emily's Room.  Emily was apparently the mother of one of the previous owners and liked it there so much she never left. Her new job now, whether she is aware of it or not, is scaring the guests who sleep in the room.

Guests who have slept in room 6 have experienced the aroma of lavender, which seems to come out of no where.  However, it is documented that lavender was Emily's favorite perfume. You can put two and two together with this one.

She also has been known to be a trickster.  Emily often moves around guest's items either because she likes playing tricks or because she wants them placed in the way she wants them in the room.

Some have reportedly heard crying in the room, and others have had the pillows pulled from under their heads in the dead of night.  What a rude awakening!

However, the scariest story in my opinion is the face in the mirror. Guests have stated that in room 6 when they look in the mirror, they see a man's reflection staring back at them.  If that doesn't scare you, I don't know what will.

I think i'll enjoy The Logan Inn from outside of the building from now on.  Are you bold enough to investigate the supernatural inside The Logan Inn?

The Haunting of...Fonthill Museum, New Hope and The George School

It doesn't have to be October to experience some haunting activity around Bucks County.  Bucks County has alleged ghost activities in the most expected and unexpected places.  Let's begin with a story about a castle and its housekeeper.  If you are a ghost lover, you must read on.

Fonthill Museum

Fonthill Castle

Fonthill Museum may look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside, a ghost is lurking through the halls.  As my previous blog post stated, once Henry Mercer passed on, he gave his entire estate to his housekeeper and her husband who lived in the castle.

Eye witnesses have described seeing an apparition walking through the halls that is believed to be Laura Swain, the old housekeeper who is now deceased. As the legend goes, Laura still goes about her daily housekeeping duties as if she is still alive.

Many workers and tour visitors throughout the years have seen Laura Swain walking along the barely lit hallways of the century-old castle.

Unfortunately, due to the delicacy of the castle, paranormal investigators are not allowed inside to do research.

So, if you want to experience a ghost, take one of the many daily tours offered at Fonthill. Maybe you will get lucky enough to see her doing her housekeeping duties.

Here is a video of the spooky exterior and some shots of the inside of the castle. Enter if you dare.

New Hope Ghost Tours

New Hope Ghost Tour Street

During the warmer months in New Hope, Bucks County, enjoy some haunted tales of historic New Hope.  Enjoy the cool September and October nights by participating in the lantern-led ghost tours. Walk along the streets at night while listening to ghastly tales about the phantom hitchhiker and the haunted Logan Inn.

Where does the tour begin? Intersection of Main Street and Ferry Street
When? June to the third weekend of November - tours meet every Saturday night
September and October only - tours meet every Friday and Saturday night as well as Halloween night
Time? All tours begin at 8:00pm
How much per person? $10.00
*All tours run rain or shine

The George School - Tate House

View picture here.

The George School is located in Newtown, Bucks County, and it is a prestigious day and boarding school.  The school is situated on a beautiful patch of land. However, with every patch of land comes its history, and not all of it is happy.

The Tate House is a building that is part of the school's campus, which now houses the teaching staff. This particular building was built in 1756 by a man named Anthony Tate.  Anthony had a son, James Tate, who eventually became a doctor.  James Tate inherited the house in 1781.

While the Revolutionary War was going on, legend has it that James Tate dug up the body of a Hessian soldier who was buried near his house (The Tate House). He had heard that the soldier died of a disease, and he wanted to get a closer look at his body. Not only did he get a closer look at his body, but he also dissected it.

Once he dug up the body, he carried it to his laboratory.  Once the dissection was complete, he buried the remaining parts. No, he didn't bury them back in the original grave. He dug a shallow grave in his own basement of the Tate House and buried the remains.

As the legend goes, whenever someone walks over the grave in the basement with a lighted candle, the flame will go out.  This even includes flashlights.

If you dare go to the basement in the dark, you may hear footsteps running up the basement stairs. Apparently, these are the footsteps of the soldier trying to escape the house.

Pretty spooky stories! If you must venture to these haunted places, I would suggest going with a group and not alone. You never know what you may or may not see.

Two Words: Octagonal Schoolhouse

Have you ever seen an octagonal schoolhouse from the early 1800's? Or how about a prison from the 1800's that is now an art museum? If you love history, art and interesting architecture, I know just where to recommend to go visit.

Wrightstown Octagonal Schoolhouse (Eight Square School)

Address:

Intersection of Second Street Pike and Swamp Road
Wrightstown PA, 18940

Hours:

Open every third Sunday of the month: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Octagonal Schoolhouse

The Octagonal Schoolhouse, also known as Eight Square School, is located in Wrightstown, Bucks County and was built in 1802.  It was a school from 1802-1850. The original settlers in Wrightstown were Quakers. They highly valued education, so sending children off to school everyday was very important to them.

In 1802, residents came together to lease land, which is now the Octagonal Schoolhouse, to build a school.  You may be wondering why they built the schoolhouse in such an out of the ordinary shape. The eight sides to the small school provided the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. Back then, artificial light did not work as effectively as it does today.  To solve the light problem, they turned to geometry, and they realized that eight sides would provide the correct amount of sunlight.

We all remember our younger days of going to school and daydreaming out the window. Well, the Quakers outsmarted the children.  The windows were built higher up than the standard height. This way, they gained more sunlight, and the children were less distracted during the day.

The small school was also ideal for winter time. A stove in the center of the symmetrical room kept the entire schoolhouse evenly heated.

Other octagonal schools were located throughout the Bucks County region during the 1700's and 1800's. However, the Wrightstown Octagonal Schoolhouse is the last one standing in the area.

Once the school stopped being used as a schoolhouse in 1850, the building served as the toll keeper's headquarters.  Today, it is being used as a way to go back in time and experience what it would have been like going to school in the 1800's, which is something you don't experience every day.

Michener Art Museum

Address:

138 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901

Hours:

Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Michener Art Museum

The Michener Art Museum  of Doylestown, PA once served as the Bucks County Prison for 100 years starting in 1884.  In 1988, the closed prison reopened as the James A. Michener Art Museum after extensive renovation.

Today, the museum has over 35,000 square feet of space and is home to many unique exhibits throughout the year.

Side note: Did anyone else go see the Grace Kelly Exhibit at the Michener Art Museum? The exhibit showcased many of her signature looks and gave an in-depth look into her short life.

Also, make sure to check out the current and upcoming exhibits, permanent exhibits and online exhibits.  The links are a great way to experience some of the artwork before you visit.

So, what are some upcoming events that you might be interested in at the museum? The Michener is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary, and they want you to celebrate along with them. Come see the top 25 art pieces at the museum, which were voted by the public.  

On your way out, stop at the museum shop to take home some memorabilia of your visit.

If you are feeling a little parched and a tad bit hungry, stop at the James Cafe at the Michener to satisfy your cravings.

If you live in the area and are interested in signing up for an art class, a summer camp session or even to see what the upcoming events are at the Michener Art, check the calendar of events.

Have You Ever Witnessed a Castle Made Completely Out of Concrete?

Fonthill Museum is a castle that was built entirely out of concrete by a man named Henry Mercer. Not only did Mercer build his house entirely out of concrete, but he also collected a multitude of items throughout his lifetime.  Do you love Moravian tiles? Fonthill is the place to visit to experience beautiful Moravian tiles and to see how exactly a house made entirely out of concrete is even possible.

Fonthill Museum 

Address:

East Court Street and Route 313
Doylestown, PA 18901

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Guided tours only
No photography allowed inside

Fonthill Museum

Fonthill Museum Backyard 

Fonthill was built during the years of 1908-1912 and was the home of Henry Mercer who was an archeologist, anthropologist, ceramist and a scholar.  Fonthill was built to showcase his collection of tiles/prints that he made himself during the American Arts and Crafts Movement and other tiles that he collected throughout his lifetime.  It was also the place he called home.

The big question is, why would he build his house entirely out of concrete? Well, Mercer had a fear of fire and his house burning down. To subdue his fear, he built his house out of concrete since it cannot catch on fire. His house was entirely designed by himself and has a Medieval, Gothic and Byzantine style to it.

When Mercer died in 1930, he left his estate to his housekeeper and her husband, named Laura and Frank Swain.  As stated in Mercer's will, he wanted his house to become a museum.  Laura Swain resided in the house and conducted tours until her death in 1975.

After her death, Fonthill became noticed as a historical museum by the Bucks County Historical Society.  As of today, Fonthill provides an assortment of guided tours that attract nearly 30,000 visitors per year.

One of my favorite events to enjoy at Fonthill Museum is its annual Fourth of July Celebration. Fonthill provides food, games, crafts and live entertainment.  Do you love watermelon? Participate in the watermelon eating contest as well as the tug-o-war and sack race during the festivities.

Partake in Fonthill's annual beer event that takes place in August. Here, you will find local food and beer to experience.  However, my favorite time to visit Fonthill is during the holiday season when all of the castle is festively decorated.  It is a can't miss time of the year at Fonthill Museum.

Fun Fact: Keep an eye out for some dog prints along the guided tour. Henry Mercer loved Golden Retrievers, and he even dedicated staircases to his beloved four-legged friends. It's safe to say that he was a Golden Retriever aficionado since he owned over twenty of them throughout his lifetime.

Tile Works

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is located on the same ground as Fonthill Museum. Today, handmade Moravian tiles are still created here.  Get up-close-and-personal with the tiles to see how they are created. The Tile Works also provides tile making workshops. The Tile Works building was also created by Mercer.

If you are interested in a three-day tile workshop, learn more here about the agenda and how to register.

Mercer Museum

Address:

84 South Pine Street
Doylestown, PA 18901

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Mercer Museum

The idea that Henry Mercer had for the Mercer Museum was for it to be a museum for a collection of handmade objects before they became obsolete before the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. The Mercer Museum was built in 1916 out of concrete and is six-stories tall.

Since Mercer was a historian and archeologist, he understood the impact the Industrial Revolution would have on all aspects of life.  So, Mercer collected 30,000 items that spanned from handmade tools to vehicles, and he placed all of the items he collected in an encyclopedia-type fashion in the Mercer Museum.

He wanted the museum to be a place to educate the public. What is so interesting about the Mercer Museum, besides the artifacts themselves, is the way Mercer meticulously classified each item in the museum so it would be like a library where you can easily find what you are looking for.

As of today, the collection is now at 40,000 objects and is seen by some 65,000 Mercer Museum visitors each year. Visiting the museum is a great way to take a look at what life was like during the 18th and 19th centuries.  With 55 exhibit rooms, there is plenty to see and read about while meandering through the six-story concrete museum.  

Keep the map of the Mercer Museum close with you throughout the tour so you see everything there is to see.

Do you want to experience Fonthill and the Mercer Museum virtually? Check out the virtual tour of both museums.

Don't forget to check out the calendar of events, permanent exhibits, online exhibits as well as the upcoming exhibits so you don't miss any of the family-friendly events throughout the year at Fonthill and the Mercer Museum.

New Hope and Doylestown Nighttime Hotspots

New Hope and Doylestown are two of the top Bucks County spots to go to on Friday and Saturday nights.  These two spots are great locations to visit whether you want to have a few drinks, take a stroll down Main Street or even see a movie.

Stephanie's Sports Bar and Lounge

Address:

29 South Main Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

Hours:

11:30am-2:00am daily

Stephanie's Sports Bar

Are you in the mood for some great drinks? Stop by Stephanie's Sports Bar and Lounge on Main Street in Doylestown for a night out on the town.  Are you a beer lover? Stephanie's offers over 42 different types of beers on tap and a variety of appetizers that will crave your hunger pains while watching some sports on their 50" flatscreen televisions.

Stephanie's is a sports bar lovers dream destination because they have great food, great drinks and great people. What more could you ask for? 

In the mood for some music? Take a walk down to the lower level of Stephanie's where you will find live entertainment and a game room, which is my favorite place to hangout. 

Take a look at their beer list. There is something for everyone. 

Do you get lost easily? Here is a map of where exactly Stephanie's is located and where you can find parking. 

Doylestown Inn

Address:

18 West State Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

Doylestown Inn

The Doylestown Inn is a great place to go for those who are looking for a place to stay in the Doylestown area. Doylestown Inn is filled with history and charm.  Established in 1902, the Inn has been accommodating Doylestown guests for over 100 years.  It is an absolutely beautiful place to stay, and it is conveniently located on a major street, so you are close to the nightlife action. 

Doylestown Inn Exterior

Doylestown Starbucks

In the mood for some Starbucks? How about some Doylestown history? Well, you can get two for the price of one in Doylestown. The main Starbucks is located in a historic building in the center of the action.  The building that Starbucks occupies was built in 1752, and it was originally an inn and a tavern. So, catch up on some Doylestown history while you sip your coffee.

The County Theater 

Address:

20 East State Street

Doylestown, PA 18901

The County Theater

If you love old movie theaters, you must stop in The County Theater on State Street. The theater opened in 1938 and has been providing entertainment to the Doylestown community ever since.  It has the movie theater charm and feel of decades past. 

If you are also a history lover, check out the history page, movie times and the special events pages so you can experience the historic theater yourself. 

New Hope Main Street 

New Hope Main Street

The New Hope Main Street is a very busy weekend destination, especially during the warmer months. You will always find the sidewalks and restaurants filled with people looking for some weekend fun, and they have come to the right place.  

Plenty of spots are available to stop in for food, drinks, and entertainment along Main Street in New Hope. 

The Logan Inn Bar and Terrace

Address:

10 West Ferry Street

New Hope, PA 18938

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-11:00pm

Friday: 11:00am-12:00am (midnight)

Saturday: 10:00am-12:00am (midnight)

Sunday: 10:00am-10:00pm

The Logan Inn

The Logan Inn Bar and Terrace is a popular hotspot located in the heart of the action in New Hope. The Logan Terrace offers a wide selection of beers, specifically 22 different drafts of beers, and 50 different kinds of beers in bottles. They also offer a wide selection of seafood and cocktails.

Quite often on Fridays and Saturdays, live entertainment is offered. The combination of food, drinks, entertainment and atmosphere is what makes The Logan Inn a popular nightlife spot. 

Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant and Bar

Address:

14 East Ferry Street

New Hope, PA 18938

Hours:

11:30am-10:00pm daily

Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant and Bar

Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant and Bar is located on the beautiful Delaware River and close to the Lambertville-New Hope bridge. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner and views you can't beat. If you are looking for a scenic dinner experience, Martine's RiverHouse Restaurant is the place to go. The restaurant offers an assortment of different soups, entrees and drinks.  

Once you experience some, if not all, of these great hotspots, comment below and tell me what you loved the most!

When It's 11pm on a Friday Night in Bucks County, You May Find Yourself Asking, "Where Are the Best Nightlife Spots?"

Bucks County is a great family-friendly destination. However, if you are 21 and up and want to experience the nightlife, you might think there is no where to go since the suburbs aren't known for their nightlife. Well, that is not true.  Plenty of nightlife spots are waiting for you to come and enjoy a night out with your friends.

Parx Casino

Address:

2999 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

Hours:

Open 24/7

Parx Casino Entrance

If you've visited Bucks County years ago, you may be thinking, isn't Parx where the horse racetrack is? Yes, the racetrack is still in use.

Do you have a favorite horse you want to see race? Take a look at the racing calendar to see when the next race will be and who is racing. If you want to watch the race live but aren't able to attend, you can now watch the live stream footage by going to the parx racing website.

So, who's feeling luck today? If you think you have finally mastered your poker face, try it out at Parx Casino. Parx is a 24-hour casino that provides all different types of gaming opportunities with 3,500 slot machines, 140 table games and a 60 table poker room.

Here is a map that contains where to go to find the specific game you are looking for inside the casino.

Parx Sports Bar Advertisement

Are you in the mood for some drinks but don't want to loose your lucky slot machine? Parx provides complementary drink services to anyone who is in the midst of their gambling game. If you want to walk to the bar, Jax Bar is located in the center of the casino, and it offers a variety of drinks as well as sports coverage on their flat screen televisions.

Parx Chickie's and Pete's Advertisement

Now to the most important aspect of Parx, which is the food of course. Gambling can really increase your appetite, so stop by one of the many restaurants conveniently located inside the casino.

My favorite restaurant to go to inside Parx is Chickie's and Pete's. Who doesn't love their highly addictive crab fries? Chickie's and Pete's is a sports bar/restaurant well known for their famous crab fries. They even have an interactive sports bar inside their restaurant.

Plenty of other dining options are located in the casino that will satisfy any craving you may have. Take a look at the full list of dining options here.

Now that you did some gambling and filled your stomach with delicious crab fries, it's time to explore Parx's nightclub called 360.  360 offers a great atmosphere to socialize and dance the night away. At Parx Casino, plenty of entertainment is available to create great memories and have fun with your friends.

Check out the calendar of events at Parx Casino to stay informed about upcoming events/activities.

Maggio's Restaurant 

Address:

400 Second Street Pike
Southampton, PA 18966

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm
Friday: 11:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 10:00pm

Mag Bar Hours:

Monday - Sunday: 11:00am - 2:00am

Maggio's Restaurant

Maggio's is a restaurant/bar located down the street from Parx Casino. Connected to the restaurant is the Mag Bar. Before enjoying some drinks and live entertainment at the Mag Bar, have dinner in the restaurant.  They have great Italian food, but my favorite meal to order is the Boardwalk Burger.  This burger is topped with American cheese, pork roll and a fried egg with a side of fries.  If you are a burger lover, you must try the Boardwalk Burger because it is something that is special to Maggio's, and you can't find it anywhere else.

Maggio's Rice Pudding Dessert

If you are craving desserts, Maggio's offers a fresh variety of desserts from rice pudding to cheesecakes to authentic Italian desserts.

Once your stomach is full, head over to the Mag Bar for some drinks. Not only do they serve great drinks, but they also provide live entertainment such as karaoke, DJ's, contests and parties.

Check out the Mag Bar's weekly specials here for a full list of weekly events and drink specials.

Steam Pub

Address:

606 Second Street Pike
Southampton, PA 18966

Hours:

Sunday - Saturday: 11:00am - 2:00am

Steam Pub

Steam Pub is located down the street from Maggio's Restaurant. By day, Steam Pub is a great place to enjoy a meal. By night, it is filled with people ready to dance and have a good time.

On Thursday and Friday nights, a DJ is at Steam Pub playing all of the hit songs, and Saturday night is the live band night. Thursday and Friday night entertainment is geared more toward a younger crowd, while Saturday night entertainment is geared toward all ages.

No matter what night you go to Steam Pub, it is inevitable that you will have a great night because the entrainment and drinks are top notch.

Check here for the upcoming events at Steam Pub.

IMPORTANT: While it is fun to go out and enjoy the nightlife of Bucks County with your friends, be sure to think ahead. If you are drinking, I highly recommend calling the cab company All Threes. The phone number is 215-333-3333, which is pretty easy to remember, and they arrive in a timely manner. It's better to play it safe, so save this number into your phone before you venture out.

Enjoy the Unique Food and Culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch Without Having to Travel Too Far

The Pennsylvania Dutch community is one of the many interesting aspects of Pennsylvania that sets it apart from other states.  The Amish reside mostly in Lancaster County, which is about two hours west of Philadelphia. However, you do not have to travel too far from the city to experience the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.

Newtown Farmer's Market

Address: 

2150 South Eagle Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Hours:

Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Market closed the rest of the week.

Newtown Farmer's Market Entrance

The Newtown Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer's Market contains 16 unique vendors that offer very interesting foods in which they are unique to the Amish and other specialty vendors.  To give a comparison, the Newtown Farmer's Market has a very similar set-up as the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. However, almost all of the vendors in the Newtown Farmer's Market are from the Dutch community.

Riehl's Bakery Inside the Market

One of my favorite places to stop at on my stroll through the Newtown Farmer's Market is Riehl's Bakery. Pictured above are Riehl's homemade pies.  If you love fresh, homemade sweet treats you must stop by Riehl's Bakery. They have the freshest pies you will ever buy. They also sell cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, breads and sugar free pies.

Not only can you find sweet treat vendors at the market, but also seafood, candy, falafel, soft pretzels, vegetables/fruit and sushi vendors are available.  What is so interesting about the Newtown Farmer's Market is that you can see the Amish making the food right in front of you.  If you want to relax and eat your Dutch food, plenty of sitting areas are available around the market. It is a great place to stroll through to enjoy the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Rice's Sales and Country Market

Address:

6326 Greenhill Road
New Hope, PA 18938

Hours:

Open all year round on Tuesday: 7:00am - 1:00pm
Open Saturday's March - December: 7:00am - 1:00pm

Rice's Market Shops in the Barn

Rice's Market origins begin back in 1860 when A.L. Rice arrived in Solebury Township, PA. He settled on a farm, which is now the location of the 30 acre Rice's Market. He began to auction off his livestock products.  Word spread about Mr. Rice's auction, and soon neighbors and other farmers brought their products to the farm to get auctioned off.

Rice's Market Fruit Vendor

In the 1950's, a market portion of the auction was added, and it rapidly grew to 400 vendors, which sold a variety of products.  The evolution of the market started with it being a mainly produce market to it now being a bargain shopping market.

Today, Rice's vendors sell products from home goods, antiques, clothes, handbags and even handmade home decor all at reasonable prices.  It is now the oldest and largest outdoor market in Bucks County. Approximately 8,000 people visit Rice's Market per week.  It has been a bargain shopper and tourist destination for many years.

Rice's Market Wicker Country Collage

Rice's Market Antiques

So, who needs Canal Street when you have Rice's Market? Rice's is a great outdoor market that sells anything your heart desires.  Do you want a Gucci bag? No problem. Stop by one of the many vendors that sell "designer" handbags to get a great deal.

Here is the list of products at Rice's Market.

Rice's Market Handbags

My favorite aspect of Rice's is the clothes and handbags the vendors sell.  Although the prices are low, make sure to bring along your bartering skills to get the best bargain shopping price you can. Be sure to check out the indoor shops, which sells furniture, home decor and food.

If you are looking for a specific product, look through the merchant directory to find what you are looking for, and here is the market layout in case you get lost.

Rice's also has paved walkways, so it is wheelchair assessable and pet-friendly too.

Have an interesting product or produce that you think people would love? You can become a Rice's Market vendor by clicking here to find out what the prices are. Rice's shoppers are always looking for new and interesting products to buy, so consider selling at Rice's.

For more information and to view Rice's photo gallery be sure to visit Rice's main page.

A City of Unique Shops and Outlets Awaits You At Peddler's Village

The shops at Peddler's Village are where you can find anything and everything your heart desires. Conveniently located just across the street from Peddler's Village are designer outlets, and who can resist great deals? It is a dream come true.

Peddler's Village

Address:

41 Peddler's Village Road
Lahaska, PA 18931

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hours vary depending on season please click here for more information.

Peddler's Village Welcome Sign

Peddler's Village is a colonial style shopping village containing 65 specialty stores and 5 restaurants located on 42 acres of land in central Bucks County.  Created in 1962 by Earl Jamison, it started out as a 14 shop, 1 restaurant shopping village and has now grown exponentially throughout its 50-year existence.  It attracts nearly 2 million visitors per year.

Do you feel like making a weekend trip to Peddler's Village? I recommend staying at the Golden Plough Inn, which is located in the heart of the shopping village.  It is a cozy bed and breakfast with 70 rooms and many amenities. Have a nice night in next to the warm fireplace while sipping your complimentary Chaddsford Winery bottle of wine. Not only does each overnight guest receive a bottle of wine, but he or she also receives a complimentary snack basket, a Chaddsford Winery gift card and a breakfast or lunch voucher that is valid at any of the 5 restaurants in Peddler's Village.

Peddler's Village Map Center

Shopping at Peddler's Village is a one-of-a-kind experience. If you are a new visitor, be sure to stop by the hospitality center and get a map so you know where to go and how to get there.

Some of my favorite shops are Canterbury Tales Forever, House of Coffee and Pigadilly's.  

Canterbury Tales Forever

Canterbury Tales Forever is a specialty shop of mostly Indie books with reasonable prices.  It is a great shop to spend an afternoon in looking through mainstream and non-mainstream books. The best part about Canterbury Tales Forever? It offers offer 20-40% discounts on a variety of books. It even hosts author signings throughout the year.  Keep checking its website to see who its next guest will be.

How many people love coffee? Well, you will be in heaven when you step into House of Coffee. Fresh coffee is made on a daily basis through an antique Probat Roaster using imported beans from around the world.

So, not everyone may be a coffee drinker.  House of Coffee has you covered. It also serves a variety of teas from dark roast to exotic blends.  Take a trip down the stairs to the cafe section where your nose will be filled with the aroma of fresh scones, croissants and other sweet treats. Then, take a break from your shopping to enjoy the House of Coffee's relaxing sitting area atmosphere.

Pigadilly's Ice Cream

I saved the best for last. I love ice cream, and I enjoy trying new flavors and ice cream shops. At Pigadilly's, you can enjoy a selection of 24 different home-made flavors you can't find anywhere else. They even offer soft-serve and gelato for those who may not be a fan of traditional ice cream.  Its soft serve is just as delicious as its ice cream.  What makes this ice cream shop different from others is it uses all-natural ingredients. You can choose from fat free, no sugar added and lactose free ice cream, so everyone can find something he or she will enjoy.

If you are interested in what other stores are located at Peddler's Village, please click here for a complete directory.

Peddler's Village Water Wheel

Peddler's Village Gazebo

Peddler's Village Water Wheel is an interesting design aesthetic that adds to the character of the village.  It was designed by Alfred Boell of New Hope and was recently restored to mint condition in 2006.  It is a relaxing view during the spring, summer and fall months when the water is flowing and the wheel is churning.

 Are you getting married anytime soon? Well, a Peddler's Village gazebo wedding should be highly considered. If you are looking to have an intimate, romantic wedding, a gazebo wedding is the best choice. The gazebo pictured above is a great place to relax and or to even have a wedding ceremony. How many people can say they got married in a picture-perfect gazebo in the heart of Bucks County? It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Festivals are a major part of Peddler's Village. Take a look at the list of festivals and events to plan your trip so you don't miss out on a great event.

Penn's Purchase

Address:

5861 York Road
Lahaska, PA 18931

Hours: 

Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hours vary depending on season. Please click here for more information.

Penn's Purchase Stores

Penn's Purchase Directory

Penn's Purchase is a city-like outlet center directly across from Peddler's Village. Some of my favorite outlets are Coach, G.H. Bass & Co and Nine West. Because they are outlet stores, Penn's Purchase always has great discounts on all products throughout the outlets. In Coach, it offer up to 75% off some of its products during certain times of the year.  How can you beat that price?

Warning: This is not the place to visit if you are trying to save money. It is near impossible to leave the outlets empty handed.  I know through experience.

Penn's Purchase Coach Outlet

Penn's Purchase Outlets 

Before you visit Penn's Purchase, take a look a the store directory and events page.

Interesting Story: So, I visited the outlet store G.H. Bass & Co in Penn's Purchase around the time of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Guess who stopped by the store the day before I was there? An Olympian who won the women's skiing half-pipe, and came home with the silver medal!  So, you never know what famous faces you may come across in Bucks County. Even Olympians love Bucks County, which just adds one more reason to the list of reasons to visit.