Newtown, PA - Not Just One of M. Night Shyamalan's Filming Locations

Newtown, PA is a borough in Bucks County, which is situated just north of Philadelphia and west of Trenton, New Jersey.  Not only does the character of this tiny borough radiate in the streets, but it is filled with history from its cobblestones to its beautifully restored historical homes.

So, how did Newtown, PA originate? It all started way back when in the 1600's when William Penn bought roughly 5,000 acres of land from the Native Americans.  Originally, the area was called
"New Town", which over the years morphed into the present spelling of Newtown.

Fast forward another 100 years, and we are in the middle of the Revolutionary War.  So, what was Newtown's role in the battle? As it turns out, George Washington himself made Newtown his home shortly after the Battle of Trenton and the infamous crossing of the Delaware River.

The history doesn't stop there for this little town. All throughout Newtown you will find Newtown Heritage Walk signs posted. Keep an eye out for the signs (34 in total), and take a look at the complete historic list here.

Let's begin with Newtown State Street.

Newtown State Street

Newtown Starbucks

Here on Newtown State Street, you can find any type of store your heart desires. Need a coffee break? Stop by Starbucks located on the corner of State Street and Centre Avenue.

Need a good book to read?  After your coffee break, take a right out of the store and two stores down is a unique one of a kind book store called Newtown Book and Record Exchange. In this bookstore, you can find an old book while at the same time sifting through old records. Have some old vinyl records lying around? Bring them in to Newtown Book and Record Exchange to earn a few bucks.

Are you a handyman or are you working on a weekend project and need some tools? State Street has you covered.  In between the Starbucks and the book store is Newtown Hardware House. This hardware store has its own history behind it, and it really adds to the hometown feel of Newtown. You can find tools and supplies that big chain stores do not carry. The supplies at Newtown Hardware House are top notch.

Sounds like a great place right? Let's take a closer look now at what historic Newtown has to offer.

Newtown Movie Theater:

Address:

120 N. State Street

Newtown, PA 18940

Newtown Movie Theater

So, your walking down State Street enjoying the beautiful day when suddenly, you get the urge to see a movie.  Well, you've come to the right place. The Newtown Movie Theater is the oldest United States theater still in operation. It was built in 1831, and it originally was strictly used for plays and town hall meetings. The first movie played here was in 1906.

What really sets this movie theater apart from any other, besides the obvious age difference, is the interior design.  As you step in, it's as though you are stepping back in time.  The theater has a main floor as well as a balcony level (my favorite place to sit).  Experiencing a movie at the Newtown Movie Theater is like no other.

Most importantly, when you do attend a movie screening at the theater, do not forget to buy the amazing popcorn at the concession stand. Not only are tickets much cheaper here than at the modern movie theaters, but the concession prices are great too.

Newtown Library

Address:

114 W. Centre Ave

Newtown, PA 18940

Newtown Library

Now that you have gotten your coffee fix from Starbucks, relaxed at the movie theater and took a leisurely stroll down State Street, meander up Centre Avenue (at the corner of Starbucks) to visit the historic Newtown Library Company. Established in 1760, this neighborhood library has served as an educational and relaxing environment for many locals through the years.

Newtown Library Company's Children's Reading Area

Do you have young children who love to read or be read to? Don't forget to stop by the children's nook located on the left-hand side of the library.

Newtown Library Company Heritage Walk Sign

Also, do not forget to read the Newtown Library Company's Heritage Walk sign right outside the library to learn even more history facts.  

Fun fact: Who knows what the title of this blog post is referencing? If you guessed the movie Signs, you are correct. M. Night Shyamalan is notoriously known for shooting his films in Philadelphia, and yes, Bucks County as well. Many scenes were filmed in and around Newtown, and even on State Street itself. Next time you watch Signs, keep an eye out for State Street in the background. 

Interesting Fact:

For the Bucks County locals, ever wonder why a random house is next to the Wells Fargo in the Village at Newtown Shopping Center. For years, I have been passing by and always thought it was a peculiar site for a house.  Well, now I know the history behind it and thought I would pass it along. 

In the 1800's, residents petitioned to create a turnpike road from the Anchor Tavern in Wrightstown, PA to Newtown, PA.  Long story short, the house was the tollbooth. The toll keeper lived inside and collected the one to two cent fair when passengers arrived. Interesting right? I never would have guessed the history behind this mysterious house.   

ATTENTION: Keep up-to-date on what's happening in Newtown, PA 365 days of the year by checking out newtownalive.com.