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Looking for a small town destination that’s equally chic and arty, offbeat and rural? New Hope’s timeless appeal has attracted generations of visitors — from artists to LGBTQ+ folks. Most recently, it’s become a haven for celebrities seeking a country getaway.
Situated along the Delaware River and just across the bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey, New Hope served as a trade center in the 19th century, namely as a midway point between New York City and Philadelphia.
The Delaware Canal, built in parallel to the river, remains today and you can walk and bike its towpath (originally the thruway for mules pulling barges) for a scenic detour.
At the heart of New Hope, Bridge Street and Main Street’s galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and bars reward thorough exploration. Many eateries have sidewalk and porch seating in the warmer months, and hidden gems lurk around nearly every corner.
Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse of old mill buildings, colonial and Federal-era homes, and the historic New Hope Railroad. For more local history, visit nearby Washington Crossing Historic Park, a key Revolutionary War site.
Read on for more things to see and do in New Hope, curated with help from Visit Bucks County.
Nostalgic and thrifty finds await at New Hope’s many vintage stores and markets. A New Hope fixture, Love Saves the Day has a counterculture aesthetic and an enticing jumble of clothes, shoes and collectibles. (Adults must accompany kids. Some of the kitsch can be racy.)
The clothing and housewares at Bridge Street’s Ditto Vintage focus on the 1960s to 2000s eras, while at Night Bird Vintage you might find leather biker jackets or rare vinyl records.
Nearby Rice’s Market, open Tuesday and Saturday mornings, March through December, features 30 acres of indoor and outdoor flea market stalls.
For a lunchtime treat, sample the wide-ranging international options at Ferry Market’s food hall, or nab a burger and fries at The Burgerly.
End your day with wine and small plates at Nektar Wine Bar, housemade pasta on the deck at Stella of New Hope, or a classic steak in a converted church at Oldstone Steakhouse.
Its historic pedigree and top-tier talent make the Bucks County Playhouse a must-see for theater enthusiasts.
The award-winning theater, founded in 1939 in a former grist mill, stages productions year-round and has hosted an incredible lineup of celebrities over its lifespan.
Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Just outside New Hope in Lahaska, Peddler’s Village draws shoppers, families and fun-seekers to its more than 70 shops, restaurants and pubs.
Kids love the activities at Giggleberry Fair, and weekend festivals and events herald annual holidays and seasonal celebrations.
— Photo by P. Boger
For more bucolic beauty, make a detour to Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, a 134-acre landscape of ponds, meadows and forest with native flora and fauna on view. Walk the 4.5 miles of trails to learn about local wildlife and stop in the nursery to purchase your own native plants.
Take it all in from the nearby Bowman’s Hill Tower, constructed in 1929-31 from local stone. Ride an elevator most of the way up or climb the steps to the top for a 14-mile panoramic view.
The charming Logan Inn rests right in the heart of New Hope, serving up elevated pub faves at its on-site Landmark Tavern.
Visitors can also stay close to the river — and the town’s walkable action — at the quaint, intimate Carriage House of New Hope, or the more expansive River House at Odette’s, located on the site of a former famed cabaret bar.
Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
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Contributing Writer
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