New Hope lies on the west bank of the Delaware River at its confluence with Auqetong Creek. It is an old town — colonial era — and is located along the route of the Old York Road, the former main highway between Philadelphia and New York City. Because it was the halfway point, its inns and hotels would host travelers overnight, and then they would be ferried across the river the next morning. Lovely old stone homes are common around New Hope, testifying to the town’s lengthy history.
From the original settlers, the Lenni-Lenape Indians, to the Dutch and English followed by the Quakers to today’s varied population; New Hope maintains its historic status as a place where diversity is celebrated. New Hope (then, Coryell’s Ferry) is proud of its role in the American Revolution and its 300 years of history, from the early ferry boats, mills and canal boats to the magnificent and eclectic variety of galleries, shops and restaurants today.
You need more than a single day to explore New Hope!
In addition to its colonial and Revolutionary War history, New Hope has historically been a popular spot for Broadway shows to be tested and fine tuned. The Bucks County Playhouse featured a constant stream of plays and musical productions. The weekend we stayed there, a jazz band performed in this historic playhouse.
So what is there to do? Where do I begin? You can browse the variety of boutique and antique stores and art galleries…
… or walk or bike along the Delaware Canal towpath ….
…. or enjoy a performance at the Playhouse ….
… or tour the historic Parry Mansion ….
or dine at the many fine restaurants, such as Marsha Brown Restaurant, a refined Creole Kitchen & Lounge located in a 125 year old stone church right in the center of town …
….. or enjoy a fabulous meal at Zoubi Restaurant and Bar, which features a sophisticated, Euro-inspired setting and offering a creative global menu ……
…or enjoy a meal at the comfortable Logan Inn Tavern, which offers live performances by local artists on Friday & Saturday nights and live jazz during Sunday brunch. Its menu offers a variety of “New American” cuisine. You might just see a friendly ghost while you’re dining at this very haunted inn!
Just outside of town are several wineries, Washington’s Crossing State Park, a number of picturesque covered bridges, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and further up county, the under-rated treasure, Ringing Rocks County Park. Be on the lookout in the blog in the coming months for posts about all these places!
Websites: www.newhopehs.org/ and www.visitbuckscounty.com