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.

Explore What Life Was Like Before We Were Constantly Tethered To Our Technology

Churchville Nature Center offers the unique experience to travel back in time to when Native Americans, specifically the Lenape Indians, lived off the land in Churchville, Bucks County and what their lifestyle consisted of.  Not only does Churchville Nature Center offer Lenape Indian educational programs, but you can walk the boardwalk trail to explore the wildlife of Bucks County.

Churchville Nature Center  

Address:

501 Churchville Lane
Churchville, PA 18966

Hours:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Mondays

Churchville Nature Center Welcome Sign

So, what is Churchville Nature Center's mission? It wants the public to be more aware and appreciative of nature, and its gifts to humanity.  We only get one earth, so why not appreciate the natural beauty of it? A great way to do this is by walking through the two-mile nature path at the Churchville Nature Center that ultimately leads to Springfield Lake.

The great part about the trail is that you follow a boardwalk-like path around the two-mile trail.  If any of you are like me, I love nature, but I do not like creepy crawlies unexpectedly latching on to me while walking in wooded areas. The Churchville Nature Center is a perfect combination because it offers a nature walk without having to actually step in the nature. However, the nature center also offers non-boardwalk trails as well if you prefer that type of experience.

Nature trails are open sunup to sundown every day all year long.

Here is a color-coded map of the nature trails at Churchville Nature Center.

The events page of Churchville Nature Center provides an upcoming section divided by month, so do not forget to check it out before your visit to plan accordingly.

Lenape Village Program

Hours:

Open to public for tours from April - October every Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Weekdays are reserved for school trips

Churchville Nature Center Totem Pole Recreation

The Lenape Village Program is an educational event that offers the public the chance to experience first-hand what life was like in Bucks County when the Lenape Indians occupied the area.  It is best described as a living history exhibit.  Exact replications of Lenape teepees, tools, clothing, fire-making sites, cooking sites and hunting tools can be found throughout the Lenape Village.  During the program, you learn about how the Indians survived off the land and what their day-to-day life was like.

Other events that are offered through the Lenape Village Program on the weekends are Lenape Indian Campfire Story Time and Pottery Workshops.  These two activities are great for all ages to experience.

Churchville Nature Center Main Building

Churchville Nature Center Main Building

The Churchville Nature Center offers a more in-depth look at what wildlife to search for while on your nature walk, and don't forget to stop by the gift store to pick up some interesting Native American and Nature keepsakes.

Churchville Nature Center Bunny

Take a walk into the main building and you will find this adorable bunny snuggled up in a ball.  He or she (I couldn't tell) is in Churchville Nature Center's Bird Watch Room.  So, before you go bird watching, say hello to this cute bunny.

Warning: There is a tarantula in a container in the Bird Watch Room along with the bunny.  If you suffer from arachnophobia, I would consider staying out of this room. I would have taken a picture, but I couldn't muster up the courage to look at it for more than two seconds.

Children's Natural Play Area

Children's Play Area 

This is a great place to take young children because it is not just an ordinary playground with slides and swings.

Children's Play Area Teepee

Children's Play Area Lenape Indian Sitting Area

This playground offers the chance for children to run around a traditional Lenape Village camp.  They can get up close and personal to a recreation of a traditional teepee and let their imaginations run wild as they live the life of a Lenape Indian.  The children's area also offers a Lenape Indian campfire recreation.  Among other kid-friendly activities, there are mazes, a tree house, a sandbox and much more for children to enjoy.

Many family-friendly activities are available all year long at Churchville Nature Center, so don't miss out on the fun.  Check out the home page for events, maps, nature information and much more.

Bucks County Farms

Bucks County is filled with farms and activities to partake of, especially in the Fall.  Fall is the ideal time to visit Bucks County farms. It's a great time to buy some apple cider and enjoy a hayride and/or corn mazes.

Here are my top two farm choices for Fall activities because they offer the best hayrides and apple cider in the area. They also offer year-round activities:

Solly's Farm and Market

Address: 
707 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974

Hours:

Vary depending on the season. Please check the website.

Here are the links to the Fall and Spring family events.

Fall Events

Spring Events

Shady Brook Farm

Address: 

931 Stony Hill Road
Yardley, PA 19067

Hours:

Vary depending on the season. Please check the website.

Here are the links to the Fall events.

Shady Brook offers a car tour of a Holiday Light Show every year during December. This is a can't-miss event. Please check the calendar of events for more information about year round activities.

Tanner Brothers Dairy Farm

Address:

1070 Hatboro Road
Richboro, PA 18954

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Tanner Brothers Store 

Tanner's is a great place to visit to get fresh milk (my favorite is its chocolate milk), vegetables, fruits and especially its famous ice cream.  The difference between Tanner's products and other supermarket stores is that they come from their farm located directly behind the store, so you know the products are extremely fresh.

Now to get to the most important part. The ice cream. Its ice cream is homemade, and it is nothing like you've ever tasted before.  It is the freshest, most delicious ice cream I have ever had in my life. I usually go for the traditional vanilla flavor, and I am never disappointed. If you are craving ice cream, it is worth the drive to go to Tanner's to get the best.

Once you try Tanner's ice cream, comment below and let everyone know what your favorite flavor is and how your experience went.

Where To Go For Some Fresh Air and Outdoor Fun All Year Long

Here are some great outdoor destinations that are must-sees no matter what month you visit Bucks County.

Tyler State Park

Address:
101 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Hours: 
Dawn - Dusk every day
Open all year round

Tyler State Park Neshaminy Creek

Tyler Park Creek Bridge

Tyler State Park is located in Newtown, PA, and is roughly 1,711 acres with many fun activities.  While traveling through the park, you will encounter the Neshaminy Creek that adds natural beauty to this state gem.

A multitude of picnic areas are scattered around the park. Bring your own food and drinks and have a nice barbecue with the family.  Barbecue pits are located in the dam area as well as the picnic/playground area in the park.  Restrooms are conveniently located near all picnic areas. This is a pet-friendly park, so bring your dogs as well.

Tyler Park Fire Pit/Picnic Area 

One of my favorite aspects of Tyler Park is the fire pit.  It is great all year round to enjoy.  In the summer you can roast marshmallows while watching kayaks and canoes ride by on the Neshaminy Creek.

Another one of my favorite activities is boating.  Canoe rental and kayak rental are available from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.  It is one of the most relaxing and fun boat rides you will ever experience gliding down the creek.

Tyler Park is a fishing-friendly area.  The main pavilion (follow signs through park) is where most of the fishing occurs. Not everyone may be fish lovers, so keep in mind that the canoe/kayak rental is in the same area as the fishing if some want to boat instead. More importantly for the kids, the main pavilion area is where the Ice Cream Man makes a stop usually everyday during the hazy, hot days of summer. Who doesn't love ice cream?

If you visit Tyler Park during the winter, you may think there is nothing to do. Not true.  Many winter activities to get involved in such a cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating and sledding. Of course, these activities require the proper weather.  Check the winter report before you venture out.

So, who loves disc golfing? Tyler Park is the perfect location to hone your disc golfing skills to perfection.  The park offers a 27-hole course with the objective of the game being to get the frisbee into the net with as few tries as possible.

Of course, there is also horseback riding that is available for kids, beginners and advanced riders. Before you plan your visit to Tyler Park, take a look at the Things to Do page and the Calendar of Events so you do not miss out on any activities.

Map of Tyler Park

Core Creek Park

Address:
901 Bridgetown Pike
Langhorne, PA 19047

Hours:
8am - sunset
Open all year round

Core Creek Park Entrance

Core Creek Park is also located in Lower Bucks County along with Tyler State Park, but it offers very different activities.  Core Creek Park is approximately 1,200 acres and offers fun activities to enjoy in Lake Luxembourg located in the heart of the park.

Core Creek Lake Luxembourg

Many locations for grilling and picnicking are available throughout the park. As for kid's activities, Core Creek has great playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields and water-fun to explore.

One of the most fun warm-weather activities at Core Creek is the paddle boat rentals (Open May - September). The park also offers kayak, canoe, paddleboat and rowboat rentals, and you can also bring your own small boat for the lake. Take the family for a scenic paddle boat ride while getting some exercise at the same time.

Core Creek Boat Rental Building

If boating is not your forte, take a walk, a bike ride and/or a horseback ride through one of the many nature trails offered. While on the trails, keep an eye out for wildlife and see how many different species you can spot in the park.

In the winter, the lake is open (depending on the lake conditions) for ice skating and ice fishing.

Core Creek Dog Park and Bench Area

Now to my favorite aspect of Core Creek Park, which is the dog park. (All of Core Creek is pet-friendly)

The dog park is an enclosed off-leash dog park for registered members of the only.  The park provides a section for small dogs, and a separate section for large dogs.  Not a member of the dog park? You can still enjoy the sites by relaxing on one of the benches next to the gate and watch the dogs frolic without a care in the world.

Not Too Many Children Like Museums - But How About A Children's Pretend Play Museum?

We have all been in the situation where our parents drag us to another boring museum as children. Most young children think once you've seen one painting you've seen them all. Well, did you ever want to experience a museum that is strictly for children? Now you can at the Bucks County Children's Museum.

Bucks County Children's Museum

Address:
500 Union Square
New Hope, PA 18938

Hours: 
Closed Monday
Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Admission: $7.00 per person

Bucks County Children's Museum

The Bucks County Children's Museum is an establishment built on imagination.  It is an interactive and educational setting designed for children 1 and up.  Throughout the exhibit, children will get an in-depth look at Bucks County's history and culture in a way that is for young children.

The museum is geared toward children 1 to 8 who have a broad imagination and enjoy pretend play.  It takes about 90 minutes to walk through the entire exhibit.  The visit is not too long (since we know children's attention spans are short), but not too short.  Parking is available in the parking lot the museum is located in as well as on the street. Both are metered parking.  One quarter equals twenty minutes, so make sure you bring along an adequate amount of quarters.  (Some parking kiosks in the lot accepts credit cards.)

Any Bucks County locals looking for a family-friendly location to have a children's party? Bucks County Children's Museum hosts parties as well. You and your guests can even take a short walk across the parking lot to take a ride on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad to end the day.

Don't forget to take a look at the museum's calendar to plan the perfect visit for you and your family.

Triumph Brewing Company 

Feeling hungry? Triumph Brewing Company is a short walk across the parking lot from the museum. They offer children menus as well as a 15% discount when you show them your Bucks County Children's Museum receipt.  You can't beat the location or the price, so why not stop by on your way home?

Sesame Place

Address: 
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
Please click here to see park hours and events

It's theme park time. Get your family together to experience the family fun at Sesame Place. Come to Sesame Place to experience the water rides, the roller coasters and amusements as well as the various shows and parades.

Get acquainted with the Sesame Place characters by clicking here before your visit, and keep an eye out for them as you walk around the park. You never know when you may see Bert and Ernie, so keep your cameras (or phones) ready.

After your Sesame Place adventure, enjoy plenty of dining options inside the park and outside the park. Enjoy some clothes shopping while you are in the area by stopping in the Oxford Valley Mall. Don't forget to go into the Oxford Valley Movie Theater located next to the mall to catch up on the latest family movies out in theaters.

Horseback Riding

Tyler Park Stable Inc.

Address:
451 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Hours: (weather permitting)
Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 3pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday - Sunday: 9am - 3pm

Tyler Park Horseback Riders 

*Must be 12 years and older to ride a horse
*Pony rides are available for children younger than 12 

One of the best aspects of Bucks County is the open fields and state parks. One of my favorite activities is to go horseback riding in Tyler Park at Frank's Stables. Even the most inexperienced riders can jump on a horse and enjoy the beautiful views of Tyler Park during their ride. Frank's Stables offers guided tours through the nearly 2,000 acre state park.  This is a great family activity that all ages will enjoy.

Pony rides last 30 minutes to 1 hour. Guided horse rides last as long as you would like.

Prices:

Guided Trail Ride: $30 for one hour
Pony Ride: $15 for 30 minutes, $30 for one hour

"Mom, Are We There Yet!?" - Where To Go For The Best Kid's Entertainment

So kids, you're probably wondering, what is there to do in Bucks County? Parents, you're probably wondering, where the most family-friendly entertainment is to keep your kids happy.  Well, where should we begin.

Bucks County Playhouse

Address: 

70 South Main Street 

New Hope, PA 18938

Hours: 

Monday: Closed

Tuesday - Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Bucks County Playhouse

Are you visiting Bucks County in the dead of winter and have restless children with you? Well, here is the answer to all your problems. The Bucks County Playhouse is literally a playhouse which hosts plays all year round.  

Playhouse History

The Bucks County Playhouse is located in New Hope, PA just off River Road and next to the Delaware River. Built in 1790, Benjamin Perry (who is he? Click here for more details) rebuilt what is now the playhouse after the previous structure burnt down.  He named it the Hope Mills, which inspired the town to change the name from Coryell's Ferry to New Hope. 

Later in the 1930's, a Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident, named Moss Hart, influenced the community to save the structure from demolition and turn it into a theater.  This lead to the first Bucks County Playhouse play in 1939.  Over the years, many famous faces have made appearances at the playhouse, such as Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Robert Redford and many more.

Some of the past children shows and events at the playhouse have been Free Movie Fridays, Sing-A-Long Saturdays, Really Rosie, Halloween Festivities and holiday events.

For an updated list of current plays and events, check out the Bucks County Playhouse's main page.

Feed the Ducks by the Delaware River

After you enjoy a nice day at the Bucks County Playhouse, don't forget to stop by the "Quack Shack" next to the playhouse parking lot to feed the ducks. Ducks are just as hungry as we are, and it's only a dollar. While you are feeding the ducks, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Delaware River and New Jersey. 

Kids Castle

Address: 

425 Wells Road

Doylestown, PA 18910

Kids Castle Welcome Sign

So, how many kids love playgrounds? Playgrounds can occupy children's time for hours, but how about a playground castle? 

Children will be amazed when they see Kids Castle located in Doylestown, PA for the first time (I know I was). This playground is unlike any other playground. Kids Castle is eight stories high. Recently renovated as of 2014, it is in mint condition, and it is ready for children to run around until they can't run anymore.  It is a great place for both parents and children to socialize with their peers as they enjoy the park and the playground.

Kids Castle Entrance

What's the best part about Kids Castle? The gigantic twisty slide from the top of the castle. The castle has mazes, obstacle courses, imagination stations, swing sets, monkey bars and not to mention the never-ending climbing to reach the eighth story. If this playground doesn't tire kids out, I don't know what will.   

Kids Castle

After enjoying the most intricate playground ever, relax in the neighboring park to take a leisurely stroll to end your day at Doylestown Township Park. It is even a short distance from Doylestown Main Street so stop by one of the many museums or have a bite to eat in town. 

Caution: Temper tantrums may occur while departing Kids Castle since it's just too fun to leave. 

New Hope, PA - Where New Jersey and Pennsylvania Collide

New Hope Sitting Area 

New Hope, PA is a fantastic area to visit because not only is it picturesque, but it is full of entertainment, history, shopping, etc.  Located directly across from Lambertville, New Jersey and 35 miles north of Philadelphia, it is not just a fun destination, but it is filled with history and historic sites.

Originally, New Hope belonged to the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans until William Penn was given the land (1,000 acres) due to a debt owed to Penn by King Charles II of England.  A couple years later, Robert Heath became the new owner of the land, and he created the first mill in the area.

Later on, John Wells purchased part of the land from Heath to open a ferry business, in which he ultimately named the town Well's Ferry. A few years after that, it was renamed again to Coryell's Ferry. George Washington lead his troops through what was then called Coryell's Ferry on his way from Valley Forge.  In 1837, Coryell's Ferry was renamed to its present day name of New Hope.

Another very important name in New Hope history is Benjamin Perry. Who is he you ask? Well, he is considered the "father of New Hope" because he brought great economical success to the area in the 1700's.

New Hope-Lambertville Bridge

Not only did Benjamin Perry bring economic success to New Hope, but he was a pioneer in creating the New Hope-Lambertville connecting bridge, the first New Hope bank and he even had a role in the construction of the Delaware Canal.

Delaware River in New Hope

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

Address:

32 West Bridge Street
New Hope, PA 18938

So, now that we have the history of New Hope down pat, let's talk about some of the attractions. My favorite aspect of New Hope is hands down the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. This railroad station is unlike any other you've seen before. It's not a typical modern day railroad...it's a steam locomotive. As you travel through the hills and valleys of scenic Bucks County, you will be enjoying the ride in a fully restored antique 1920's passenger railcar.

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad Passenger Railcar

The train has "hourly excursions" which run throughout the year on a regular schedule. The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad takes you through the peaks and valleys of beautiful Bucks County to the Lahaska Train Station and back again.

New Hope Railroad Schedule 

New Hope Train Station

Travel back in time and experience the wonderful hour-long scenic tour of Bucks County.  Don't know where to purchase tickets? Tickets can be purchased at the train station stop (pictured above) and conveniently online here. While you are purchasing the tickets at the station, don't forget to look around the gift shop. You never know what interesting tidbits of information/gifts you may find. Not to mention the history of the ticket booth itself, which used to be the location of the railroad telegraph operator.

New Hope Train Ride Information

New Hope Main Street 

After you take a relaxing train ride, enjoy a stroll down to Main Street and the New Hope - Lambertville Bridge. Main Street offers great options for dining, shopping, and more history. Of course, don't forget about Starbucks (Located at the corner of the bridge).

On of my favorite parts of New Hope is walking across the bridge and taking in the breathtaking view of the Delaware River on my way to Lambertville, New Jersey and back again.

New Hope Ice Sculpture 

New Hope Ice Sculpture 

If you come to New Hope during the winter months, keep an eye out for ice sculptures around the area. Fear No Ice Philly is an ice sculpting company in Philadelphia.  Fear No Ice Philly visits New Hope every year during their Winter Festival in January to create live ice sculptures and bring pre-sculpted ice sculptures.  It's a great event to attend since it is not everyday you see how an ice sculpture is made.

Attention: Want to know what's going on in New Hope throughout the year? Take a look at the upcoming events section of the New Hope website.