Guide To New Hope, Bucks County

The quaint yet vibrant Bucks County hamlet of New Hope is known for its blend of history, natural beauty and the arts. Galleries, restaurants, bars, shops, a famous theater and rainbow flags—lots of rainbow flags—line the town’s riverside Main Street and side streets. If the flags weren’t enough of a clue, one of the borough’s many draws is its LGBTQ scene.

New to the scene: At the Bucks County Playhouse, the recently opened Deck Restaurant & Bar offers great views and gastropub fare; this summer the property will debut the restored and refurbished Ghost Light Inn. Visitors can find tickets for Playhouse productions and more on the new booking platform at Visit Bucks County, visitbuckscounty.com.

History:
A 1710 land grant from William Penn established what would become Coryell’s Ferry and later New Hope. George Washington is said to have lodged in town there during the Revolutionary War before his troops’ historic crossing of the Delaware River from nearby Washington’s Crossing. In the 18^th century, the area became home to dozens of mills, which, along with ferries, bridges and canals, facilitated trade along the 60-mile expanse of the river and canal. In 1925, the still extant New Hope & Ivyland Railroad added another means of travel.

In the early- to mid-20^th century, the region’s lush landscape became a magnet for artists. Edward Redfield and William Lathrop chose New Hope to develop a uniquely American expressionist style, the Pennsylvania School of Landscape Painting. An art colony formed around Redfield and Lathrop, and established a tradition of fine arts appreciation that continues to this day—and that extends across the Delaware River into Lambertville, New Jersey, a twin village of galleries, antique shops and bistros.

Later into the last century, New Hope also became a proving ground for the Broadway- and Hollywood-bound. A group that included playwrights Moss Hart and Kenyon Nicholson saved the town’s Hope Mills from demolition in 1938 and transformed it into the Bucks County Playhouse. The venue would go on to premiere Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. Still vital today, its stage saw performances by Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, Angela Lansbury, Bela Lugosi, Walter Matthau, Liza Minnelli and more. All this artistic activity earned the town the nickname “the genius belt.”

In the mid-century, New Hope, conveniently located at the midpoint between Philadelphia and New York City, became a destination for LGBTQ travelers. While many LGBTQ visitors were passers-through, others fell in love with New Hope and made it a permanent home. In 1979, the popular Raven Resort opened in an already-established LGBTQ destination, La Camp at the Brookmore Motel. To this day, the handsome, off-the-beaten-path inn, restaurant and tavern remains as popular as ever—especially in summer, when its outdoor pool opens. Each May, New Hope hosts one of the East Coast’s biggest and best Pride festivals (New Hope Celebrates), with a parade that crosses the bridge into New Jersey.

Dining: (*Denotes spots known for the bar scene.)

• Blue Moose Restaurant and Cafe – Chef Skylar Bird began his bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot as a private supper club in 2006—when he was 14 years Today, his restaurant offers a fresh, seasonal New American menu that continues to draw crowds for brunch and dinner. 9 W. Mechanic Street, (215) 862-6800, cafebluemoose.com
• *Bowman’s Tavern – Meals are casual and classic at this popular, out-of-village pub. Open daily for lunch through late night, with music nightly, Bowman’s is known for its burgers, including own-recipe veggie burgers, microbrew beer list, done-right cocktails and inventive seasonal specials. 1600 River Road, (215) 862-2972, bowmanstavernrestaurant.com
• C’est La Vie – Fresh fruit tarts, buttery croissants and crusty baguettes are the stock and trade of this French bakery, a great stop for a quick breakfast or treat. 20 S. Main Street, (215) 862-1956
• The Deck Restaurant & Bar – Newly opened at the Bucks County Playhouse (and helping to fund its theatrical activities), the Deck serves chef Rachel Brill’s gastropub fare for lunch, dinner and late night, plus craft beer and cocktails, an extensive wine list and glorious views where the Aquetong Creek meets the Delaware River. 70 S. Main Street, (267) 270-2989, playhousedeck.com
• *The Dubliner on the Delaware, an Authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant – Fish and chips and Guinness on the outdoor PaddyO, and corned beef fritters, boxty potato pancakes and the All-Day Irish Breakfast served in the Blackthrone Lounge make this brick Emerald Isle replica pub a cozy retreat. 34 N. Main Street, (215) 693-1816, thedublinernewhope.com
• *Havana – Colorful mojitos and other tropical cocktails are as strong as the live music program at this expansive day-to-night Pork wings, chili nachos, inventive salads and seafood dishes, and a renowned burger are staples on a menu that draws inspiration from around the world. 105 S. Main Street, (215) 862-5501, havananewhope.com
• The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm – If staying at a literary landmark estate once owned by playwright George S. Kaufman weren’t already a lure (back-in-the-day guests included Groucho and Harpo Marx, John Steinbeck, Irving Berlin and Lillian Hellman), Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan’s glowing review of the inn’s restaurant should be. His three-bell (out of four) critique especially praised chef Joshua Homacki’s foie gras, rabbit and lobster tail, served in a BYOB dining room that is open to the public. 5281 York Road, Holicong, (215) 794-5104, barleysheaf.com
• The Inn at Phillips Mill – An 18^th-century barn on the National Register of Historic Places houses four guest rooms and a dinner-only French country restaurant (BYOB, cash or checks only) known for its wild mushroom soup, house-made pate and lamb chops. An onsite cottage has additional guest rooms. 2590 River Road, (215) 862-9919, theinnatphillipsmill.com
• Italian Cucina – Without a set—or even printed—menu, chefs Joe Lombardi and Sam Fusco concoct authentic Italian dinners for this homey hideaway. Lobster ravioli, meatballs and burrata salad appear nightly—or don’t. 95 S. Main Street, (215) 862-3818
• Jaffron Indian Restaurant – This simple spot’s extensive selection of Indian classics includes samosa, naan, korma, tikka masala, tandoori chicken and plenty of vegetarian dal, roti and kofta. 11B W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-1677, jaffronindiannewhope.com
• *Karla’s Restaurant – Big portions, affordable prices and generous martinis are hallmarks of this open-since-1978 greenhouse eatery. Casual, trend-focused American fare includes mac and cheese, sandwiches, salads and burgers, with larger entrees at dinner and creative omelets for brunch. 5 W. Mechanic Street, (215) 862-2612, karlasnewhope.com
• *The Landing – Umbrella tables line the deck over the river in summer, and the fireplace cranks all winter long, at this casual new American spot. The all-day menu riffs on comfort fare—blueberry grilled cheese sandwiches, shrimp tacos—and cocktails galore. 22 N. Main Street, (215) 862-5711, landingrestaurant.com
• *Logan Inn – A gorgeously renovated circa 1727 inn has an American tavern known for its raw bar, seasonal salads, steaks and chops, and, on Wednesdays, fried chicken with gravy and biscuits. The same menu is served in the cozy Fireside Room, which dates to 1722 and is known for its wine list and refreshing cocktails. 10 W. Ferry Street, (215) 862-2300, loganinn.com
• Marsha Brown – This romantic, Louisiana-informed favorite operates out of a 140-year-old stone church with 40-foot ceilings and stained-glass windows. Rich lunch and dinner menus star Creole classics: bayou dry-rubbed steaks, crawfish etouffée, jambalaya and blue crab beignets. 15 S. Main Street, (215) 862-7044, marshabrownrestaurant.com
• Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant – With an unbeatable view overlooking the Delaware, this seven-day-a-week stalwart is best enjoyed alfresco—or, at least, near a window. 14 E. Ferry Street, (215) 862-2966, martinesriverhouse.com
• Moo – Born of a food truck, this modern burger, fries and shakes joint relies on pasture-raised beef, Pennsylvania potatoes and locally made ice cream to serve up a delicious and classic American combination. 137 S. Main Street,(267) 743-2192, eatmoo.com
• *Nektar Wine Bar – Sleek, modern and laid back, this wine, beer and whiskey small plates spot is justly popular. Grilled octopus, Portobello fries, ricotta-topped bruschetta, sandwiches, flatbreads and cheese plates complement the adult beverages. 8 W. Mechanic Street, (267) 743-2109, nektarnewhope.com
• Nina’s Waffles and Ice Cream – With three-and-expanding seasonal Bucks County locations (two in New Hope), this dessert specialist makes homemade, small-batch ice creams in flavors like key lime raspberry, espresso crunch, cracker caramel brittle, banana and the classics, best enjoyed atop housemade Belgian waffles. 31 W. Mechanic Street and 87 S. Main Street, (215) 862-1660, ninaswaffles.com
• Sprig & Vine – Sleek and seasonal (when it comes to from-the-farm ingredients), this shopping center BYOB is a destination spot for discerning vegans. Chef-owner Ross Olchvary tailors the plant-based menu to specific diets (including gluten-free) and transforms oyster mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns, cauliflower, tempeh and more into seasonal creations. 450 Union Square Drive, (215) 693-1427, sprigandvince.com
• *Square One Pub – This gastropub lacks pretense, delivering club sandwiches and filet mignon with the same, friendly attitude. Locals especially like Square One for its away-from-the-fray location. 15 Market Place, (215) 862-2730, squareonepub.com
• *The Raven Resort – More than just the place to be when the pool is open, this year-round destination has a handsome pub, lovely Oak Room piano bar, Raven Hall dance club, chic sunken dining room and serene outdoor garden for enjoying lunch, brunch and dinner. Over the years, Raven customer favorites have included the signature house-made chicken liver pâté, eggplant Napoleon and chicken piccata. 385 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-2081, theravennewhope.com
• *Triumph Brewing – Pennsylvania’s Triumph microbrewery (there’s another in Princeton, New Jersey) operates out of an industrial space in a modern retail center on the edge of the village. The convivial spot is known for its Belgian, German and English beer styles from six taps and a hand pump; a casual menu of burgers, sandwiches stuffed with porchetta or falafel, wings and truffle fries, plus vegan and vegetarian options; live bands on weekends, weekly open-mic nights and Wednesday bluegrass jams. 400 Union Square, (215) 862-8300, triumphbrewing.com
• Wild Ginger III – This BYOB outpost of a small chain of Japanese, Chinese and Thai food restaurants occupies a second-floor spot in a shopping center. Regulars love the sashimi, basil fried rice and spicy Thai curry. 24-25 Logan Square, (215) 862-1777, wildgingerpa.com
• Zoubi – Lights hang among trees and candles twinkle in the patio behind this elegant, dinner-only bistro, where a small, impeccable menu—tuna poke bowl, cheese board, jumbo lump crab cakes and a daily butcher’s cut—offers just enough options to please a small crowd. 5-7 W. Mechanic Street, (215) 862-5851, zoubierestaurant.com

Bar Life:

• The Cub Room at New Hope Lodge – The Raven’s handsome little neighbor—part of the New Hope Lodge—is known for its classic cocktails, interesting wines and intimate live piano music on Fridays and Saturdays. 400 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-2737, newhopelodge.com
• Great Barn Taproom – A farm in nearby Kintnersville sustainably grows and brews the barley that this taproom serves in Farmhouse ales, IPAs and seasonals. Typically on offer inside and on the kid- and dog-friendly patio: eight beers, Stone & Key Cellars cider and light snacks, although guests can also BYO food. 12 W. Mechanic Street, (215) 300-2344, greatbarnbrewery.com
• John & Peter’s – Live music seven nights a week has been the name of the game at this indoor-outdoor club since 1972. Odetta, Norah Jones and Mary Chapin Carpenter have all taken John & Peter’s stage, and many a customer has chased the tunes with a burger and a cold beer or two. 96 S. Main Street, (215) 862-5981, johnandpeters.com
• New Hope Winery – An 18^th-century barn with a robust gift, antiques and gourmet food shop, this combination wine bar, restaurant (helmed by French Culinary Institute grad Larry Brown) and music/entertainment venue, featuring national artists year-round, sells fruit wines, a rosé and a variety of reds and whites. The winery doesn’t offer tours, as its vineyard is off-site, but there’s more than enough activity to keep even casual visitors entertained from Thursday to Sunday. 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, (215) 794-2331, newhopewinery.com

Art & Attractions:

• Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve – More than 700 of Pennsylvania’s 2,000 native plant species grow at this historic, 134-acre Pidcock Creek Valley nature preserve, botanical garden and museum. Year round, nature seekers can find pileated woodpeckers, sugar maples and orange chanterelles among 2.5 miles of trails. Wildflower walks cater to all ages; an onsite nursery sells plants that support healthy ecosystems. 1635 River Road, (215) 862-2924, bhwp.org
• Bucks County Children’s Museum – Interactive, educational fun for ages 1-7 and their families comes in the form of digging for artifacts, designing a racetrack, taking a virtual balloon ride and more. 500 Union Square, (215) 693-1290, buckskids.org
• Bucks County Playhouse – Four Broadway producers have taken over this historic theater housed in an early 20^th-century gristmill. Together, they’ve revived the storied scene by opening year-round and arranging for original plays, world premieres, musicals, solo performances, live music, youth programs and more, including the new Deck Restaurant & Bar (see above). 70 S. Main Street, (215) 862-2121, buckscountyplayhouse.org
• Delaware Canal Towpath – The 60-mile trail between Easton and Bristol, once traveled by workhorses, now sees sneakers and self-powered wheels of people who are moving along for fun—or exercise. Passers-through can discover a 90-acre pond, 11 river islands and historic bridges. A construction project has closed a section of the path north of New Hope and below Centre Bridge in 2018, and detours remain in effect, with updates posted online. dcnr.state.pa.us
• New Hope & Ivyland Railroad – Along a 150-year-old rail line between New Hope and Lahaska, home of Peddler’s Village, heritage trains depart Witch’s Hat Station, passing streams and farmland, opening windows during warm weather and serving as a holiday express come winter. 32 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-2332, newhoperailroad.com
• New Hope Arts Center – This art space carries on New Hope’s artistic roots by hosting exhibits and performances in contemporary visual, performing and literary arts, including an indoor and outdoor sculpture and film festival each summer. New Hope Arts also distributes information about other nearby artist-driven events. 2 Stockton Avenue, 2^nd floor, (215) 862-9606, newhopearts.org
• New Hope Boat Rides – Boarding behind The Landing, a pontoon known as the Wells Ferry transports weekenders along the Delaware River, under bridges and between tree-lined banks in this serene, scenic and blissfully slow sojourn. 22 N. Main Street, (215) 205-1140, newhopeboatrides.com

Shops & Galleries:

• Ferry Market – Patrons grab seats indoors or in the garden, or simply pick up takeout at this local take on Manhattan’s Chelsea Market. A baker’s dozen or so small shops offer such things as coffee, seasonal produce, chocolates, Peruvian food, crepes, and local wine and craft beer. 32 S. Main Street, (609) 240-5983, theferrymarket.com
• Gallery Piquel – Contemporary paintings and sculptures by dozens of artists from Bucks County and around the world fill this friendly and abundant member of the local art scene. (There’s a second Gallery Piquel across the river in Lambertville, New Jersey.) 39 N. Main Street, (215) 862-3523, gallerypiquel.com
• Heart of the Home – This American craft gallery carries earthy pottery, artisan jewelry, handmade wooden utensils, old-fashioned games, luxury bath and body products and a generous section of adorable children’s toys. 28 S. Main Street, (215) 862-1880, heartofthehome.com
• Love Saves the Day – Founded in 1966 in the East Village, when the neighborhood was the dominion of hippies, this corner store—notice the initials—served as the creative play space of the late artist Leslie Herson. Intrepid shoppers still find wacky vintage clothes, old vinyl and objects. 1 S. Main Street, (215) 862-1399
• New Hope Stuff – The owner of Studio Art Gallery created this new concept in the same location: New Hope-branded gifts and apparel made by local artisans. 17-19 W. Mechanic Street, (215) 738-1005
• Red Tulip Gallery – This artists’ cooperative presents work for sale from members of the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen, making it an authentic representation of local talent as translated into jewelry, pottery, fiber, wood, glass and photography. 19C Bridge Street, (267) 454-0496, redtulipcrafts.com
• The Soap Opera Company – Every busy town deserves an adorable soap boutique. This one sells the prettiest of French-milled and American-made shea butter-based bars, plus own-make scrubs, bath and shower bombs, lotions and shave sets. A majority of the products here are sourced from independent, women-owned businesses. 44 Main Street, (215) 693-1714, soapoperacompany.com
• Topeo Galleries – This fine craft, jewelry, gift and décor gallery has a collection so deep, it requires two locations to contain it. Topeo has been a Main Street fixture and American craft retailer since the 1980s; the two locations display all manner of work by all manner of artists. 35 N. Main Street, (215) 862-2750; 15 N. Main Street, (215) 862-4949, topeo.com

Where To Stay:

• 1870 Wedgwood Inn, 111 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-2570, wedgwoodinn.com
• The Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast, 246 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-5082, foxhoundinn.com
• The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, 518 Lurgan Road, (215) 862-8090, theinnatbowmanshill.com
• Logan Inn, 10 W. Ferry Street, (215) 862-2300, loganinn.com
• Porches on the Towpath, 20 Fishers Alley, (215) 862-3277, porchesnewhope.com

Getting There:

Driving is a must from Philadelphia: It’s about a one-hour trip up I-95 and Route 32. Once there, metered street parking and surface lots fill up quickly on summer weekends.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.