Many don’t know that Bucks County is one of Pennsylvania’s original three counties. It’s tucked away within the rolling hills and working farms of the countryside. When visiting the area, you can enjoy historical sites, scenic vineyards, picturesque countryside towns, gourmet dining, and boutique shops. It’s no wonder why Bucks County is a top travel destination for friends, families and couples!
If you plan on staying at a hotel in Bucks County, here are some must-see local attractions that come highly recommended.
Fonthill is a concrete castle that was built in the early 20th century by Henry Chapman Mercer. It’s one of three parts of the Mercer Mile, one of the most famous things to do in Bucks County.
Fonthill is located on the outskirts of Doylestown and is open for tours. People who visit say it’s one of the most impressive homes in the country. With its large size, towering concrete walls, mural decorations, and unique architecture, Fonthill deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
The second part of Mercer Mile is Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, also built by Mercer. The exterior looks like a Spanish monastery, while the inside features a workshop for producing tiles. Today, you can take a tour and watch artisans create Moravian tiles in the same way they were produced a century ago.
The last stop on the Mercer Mile is the Mercer Museum. It is a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer and completed in 1916. Today, it is one of Bucks County’s premier cultural attractions and a Smithsonian affiliate. The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 50,000 pre-Industrial tools—considered one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of pre-Industrial American material culture.
If you’re planning a family trip to Bucks County, pay a visit to the newly renovated Kids’ Castle in Doylestown Central Park. It’s free, so you can make a quick stop before heading onto something else. The park is recommended for children 5-12 and features eight stories of fun and adventure, including a twisty slide, treehouse, rocketship, and toddler promenade.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
One of the most well-known parts of the Revolutionary War is when George Washington and his army cross the Delaware River on Christmas Day. This historic site is preserved at Washington Crossing Historic Park, with reenactments held on Christmas each year. For added fun, take a quick drive over to Bowman’s Hill Tower where you can see spectacular views of the Delaware River Valley.
9/11 Memorial Garden of Reflection
The 9/11 Memorial Garden of Reflection is a tribute to the lives that were lost on 9/11. All 2,973 names are etched in glass and twin-lighted fountains. Each year on this date, the memorial hosts a remembrance ceremony.
Peace Valley Lavender Farm is a remarkable sight in the months of June and July when the lavender bloom. The farm is open year-round and offers a huge assortment of lavender-inspired gifts, including home products, culinary products, and dried florals.
As Bucks County has so much to offer, this is one getaway that won’t disappoint. Be sure to book your stay at a hotel that puts you in the heart of it all – The River House at Odette’s. Debuting in the spring of 2020, the hotel is situated along the riverfront in New Hope, and with breathtaking views and a hip vibe, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cocktail, and take in the culture and history that surrounds you.
photo: Francis Valocchi