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.