Around Town

RETURN TO NATURE

Reconnecting with nature is easy at River House, and popular now more than ever with social distancing in place. Our prime riverfront location offers convenient access to all of the seasonal adventures that Bucks County has to offer, many within walking distance of your guestroom. You can choose to enjoy the scenic surroundings from the comfort of your room, or for the more adventurous at heart, you can head out to explore everything from seemingly endless hiking and biking trails, including the historic Towpath – best explored on our fleet of custom bikes – to lazy river rafting explorations. Have the whole family in tow? Take the kids on a walk on the trails at the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve to find out about native wildflowers, meadows, and creeks.

For nearby outdoor activities VisitBucksCounty.com for full details on what’s happening in New Hope & beyond.

SHOP SMALL

There has yet to be a visitor that doesn’t seek to take a piece of this lively riverfront town home with them, whether it be a memory, a masterpiece, or a reminiscent trinket. Just down Main Street is a treasure trove of unique boutiques to explore on your hunt for the perfect keepsake, from quirky clothing and locally produced bath products to well-curated wine selections, incense, and vintage finds. For a fully curated shopping experience, check out Peddler’s Village. This spectacular year-round attraction has offered a charming storybook style destination with award-winning gardens, distinctive shopping, and delightful dining experiences for more than 57 years.

For a selection of local shopping options visitnewhope.com/shopping

ADVENTURES IN ANTIQUING

In New Hope and beyond, Bucks County’s breadth of history translates into a wealth of antiquing opportunities. A New Hope institution, Rice’s Sale & Country Market, has been a destination for vendors and bargain hunters alike for more than a century and is a great place to get started on your treasure hunt. From there, head across the walking bridge to visit our neighbors in Lambertville, NJ, to visit the Antiques Center at the People’s, an anchor of “antique row” offering options from 50 dealers and artists that dates back to 1839. Still haven’t found the historical item that makes your heart sing? Check out this Visit Bucks County Guide for a full day of antiquing options throughout the area.

visitbuckscounty.com/things-to-do/planning-ideas/a-day-of-antiquing-in-bucks-county

DRINK & DINE LOCAL

A spirited good time is nearly guaranteed when exploring the Bucks County Ale Trail. Haven’t hopped on the craft beer train? Not to worry! Our quirky community also features a Wine Trail, unique eateries with curated cocktail selections overlooking Main Street, a family-owned wine shop for sampling, distilleries, and so many other options that your cup is bound to overflow. Following a day of drinking, take your pick of abundant menu offerings of delicacies from New Hope’s array of unique dining destinations. Check-out VisitBucksCounty.com for full details on how to explore these local libation attractions responsibly.

ARTS & CULTURE

Located midway between NYC and Philadelphia – two of the nation’s art capitols – New Hope is one of Bucks County’s best-known towns. Frequently recognized for its cultural & artistic community and picturesque riverfront setting, it became an artists’ haven around the turn of the last century when several renowned Pennsylvania impressionist artists colonized here. First to arrive was the “Father of the School,” William Langston Lathrop, soon followed by a host of others, including Mary Elizabeth Price. With creativity booming and the buzz around the riverfront town growing, an eventual split between the Impressionists & Modernists occurred. The rest is history, which you can learn about, and be inspired by, just steps away… visitnewhope.com/arts-galleries for a complete list of local galleries.

HISTORIC NEW HOPE

Founded initially as Coryell’s Ferry over 200 years ago, it’s no surprise that New Hope is rich in history and lore. At River House, the hospitality at the heart of the land is more evident today than ever before. You may be surprised to learn that the original River House was once a stopover for coal miners traveling the Delaware River in the 1700s. Centuries later, a lively French artist named Odette Myrtil reinvented the original stone building as a boisterous cabaret and French bistro she dubbed “Odette’s.” Now located on higher ground within the heart of New Hope, you can visit the historic stone structure, restored to its original grandeur.

Make a full day – or vacation – of the fun and educational activities available around every corner. Some of our favorite ways to step back in time include:

Put yourselves in the shoes of Washington’s Army by taking a tour of the Revolutionary War site that served as the launching point for George Washington and his men as they headed into battle at Trenton, NJ, now known as, you guessed it, Washington Crossing State Park.

A monumental experience awaits at Bowman’s Hill Tower, a 125-foot-tall stone tower within Washington Crossing State Park that was built nearly a century ago. After years of standing tall, the tower required an extensive restoration in the 1980s, which also saw the addition of an elevator for ease of exploration.

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely afternoon adventure, ride the rails of the historic New Hope & Ivyland Railroad – a 1925 steam locomotive which will escort you on a 45-minute ride through the stunning countryside of Bucks County.

For those who can’t sit still, the 60-mile towpath is a winding trail through Delaware Canal State Park that offers prime views of the four original locks & the restored Locktender’s House, as well as nature in all its glory.

To learn of those who roamed the streets before, and perhaps alongside, you, follow along on a lantern-led tour through town to discover local legends including the phantom hitchhiker & friendly ghosts who still inhabit many local Inns.

Still in the mood for more information? Check out the New Hope Historical Society’s walking tour, tour the Parry Mansion built-in 1784 by one of our quaint community’s founders, Benjamin Parry. For nearby recommendations, check-out VisitBucksCounty.com for full details on history-centric attractions in New Hope & beyond.

SHOWBIZ, BABY

French actress and singer Odette Myrtil was known as the hostess with the mostess during the heyday of the cabaret that once stood where River House lives today. However, this infusion of spirited theatrics into our riverside community didn’t start – or end – with her. In addition to the nightly entertainment and monthly cabaret shows at River House, an unparalleled performance arts community is within a stone’s throw of the hotel.

A quintessential starting point as you delve into the plethora of performance arts available in New Hope and beyond, The Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) calls the site of a former grist mill home. In 1790 the mills were rebuilt by community founder Benjamin Parry after the existing structure – known as Hope Mills – was ravaged by fire. The newly constructed building took on the name of “New Hope Mills,” and the town formerly known as Coryell’s Ferry soon followed suit, renaming itself New Hope. Fast forward to the 1930s when the building found refuge from disrepair & possible demolition before being converted into a community theater under the leadership of Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident Moss Hart and a small band of inspired cohorts. The BCP quickly became “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater,” drawing first-class talent from across the nation. Today, the theater operates as a non-profit with its mission of providing the finest in theatrical entertainment and to stimulate, support, inspire and celebrate the performing arts in New Hope and Bucks County.

For a listing of nearby theater experiences, visitbuckscounty.com/groups/planning-ideas/entertain-your-group-with-live-theater-in-bucks-co/

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

New Hope has long been a riverfront gathering place for visitors from near and far, but at its core, our quaint town is a tight-knit community. A haven for artists and musicians, chefs, purveyors, boutique innovators, and more to create a home reflective of their creative spirit. From the area’s largest Pride parade and celebration to seasonal festivals, notable performances at the Playhouse, and artist showcases, there’s always an intriguing event available to attend.

Learn more about community happenings, history, and events at visitbuckscounty.com/towns-main-streets/new-hope-lambertville/

Scroll Down