Showing posts with label New Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Hope. Show all posts

Monday, March 24, 2014

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

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?

Monday, March 17, 2014

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.

Friday, March 7, 2014

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 pagemovie 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!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

"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 RosieHalloween 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. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

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.