Neighborhoods
Atlantic City, NJ | The Countryside | New Hope, Bucks County |
Northern Liberties | Wilmington, DE and Brandywine
Philadelphia Neighborhoods - New Hope, Bucks County
Nestled between Philadelphia and New York City, Bucks County is home to dozens of perfect getaways and historic destinations. The country cousin of the big city lifestyle, Bucks County offers a diverse spectrum of experiences that can be enjoyed at a quieter and more leisurely pace than its urban neighbors. Visitors can tour wineries, ride an old-fashioned steam locomotive, scout out romantic covered bridges, take in the outdoors and explore the galleries of local art museums.
Visit the home of Nobel Prize winner Pearl S. Buck. Stroll the grounds and tour the manor house of William Penn, and visit the sailing sloop in which he traveled to and from Philadelphia. Stop at the home, museum and tile works of 20th-century "Renaissance Man" Henry Chapman Mercer, and enjoy a living history tour.
Bucks County is blessed with an array of museums, galleries and art fairs. Wander the narrow streets of New Hope, a unique river town and famous artists' colony packed with art galleries and shops. Tour the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown or their satellite location in Union Square, New Hope to see fine examples of Pennsylvania Impressionism.
Be sure to pack your outdoor clothes to take part in the country experiences that only Bucks County can offer. Visit the top of Bowman's Hill Tower for the view of the wild and scenic Delaware River. Relax and enjoy Delaware Canal State Park. Hike, camp, bike, golf, tube, kayak and canoe the great outdoors of Bucks County. Ride a steam-powered train through the countryside. Float above it all in a hot air balloon.
The riverside village of New Hope is hardly a new destination for gays and lesbians. Located approximately an hour from downtown Philadelphia, the former artists' colony has served as a gay-friendly retreat for decades and continues to thrive as a diverse leisure destination. Gay-owned and gay-friendly stores and restaurants line riverfront Main Street as well as the surrounding roads, and a number of bed-and breakfasts and inns in the center of town are extremely welcoming to gay and lesbian guests (many are gay-owned as well).
Art galleries and antique shops are plentiful in New Hope and across the bridge in Lambertville, New Jersey. The famed Bucks County Playhouse has been home to bright stars and popular stage productions since 1939. Famous actors from stage and screen, such as Kitty Carlisle, Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Walter Matthau and Roddy McDowell, have appeared at the Playhouse over the decades.
New Hope's community gathering place is The Raven (theravenresort.com), which attracts people from around the world. The complex includes a first-class restaurant, gay bar, outdoor pool and small inn.
A trip to Bucks County is not complete without dropping by Peddler's Village in Lahaska to walk the winding brick pathways and enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience. With 70 specialty shops, six restaurants and 11 annual events, Peddler's Village has something for everyone. peddlersvillage.com And if you are really in the mood for bargain shopping be sure to hit Rice's Market, a 30 acre outdoor market. You can find a large variety of items including antiques and collectibles, jewelry, fresh produce, Amish meats and baked goods, clothing and handbags, pet supplies, household products and so much more. Rice's is open every Tuesday year round 7am-1:30pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm March through December. www.ricesmarket.com
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