New Hope

Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, New Hope is a bohemian retreat with much to offer. Of course there’s the beautiful countryside, one of the prettiest patches of Buck’s County. Restaurants here will thrill gourmets, while wine tastings at local wineries will impress oenophiles. Shops are chock-a-block with beautiful antiques, funky flea markets are full of interesting finds, and playhouses stage everyone’s favorite comedies and dramas.

It’s no surprise that the gay community here is out and proud, running many of the best shops, restaurants, and lodgings. No wonder gays from all around Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of the Northeast, find it irresistible. See our events listings for info on New Hope Pride Week celebrations each May.

 

Getting here

Most people drive to New Hope. If you’re flying, the nearest major hub is Philadelphia International Airport.

 

Getting around

Mule-towed barges provide almost an hour of peaceful bliss, passing by cascades of flowers along the banks of the Delaware Canal. River Country rents canoes and rubber tubes provide another way to get onto or into the water.

For bicycle rentals, New Hope Cyclery (404 York Rd) lets you experience all the local scenery.

Climb aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 W Bridge Street) passenger train and travel in 1920s vintage coaches through 16 miles of scenic rolling hills. Board at either New Hope or Lahaska stations.

 

Gay Resort

To The Raven Resort (385 West Bridge St), birds of a queer feather flock. A local institution since 1979 , this is the center of gay life in New Hope. The complex includes an inn (rooms boast marble baths) and an acclaimed restaurant with oak-paneled walls, an eclectic menu and extensive wine list. Friendly staff and great music attract guests from around the world. The piano bar is open weekends and special nights, and the pool is a huge summertime attraction, with glistening pectorals everywhere. The grill at the cabana bar is famous for burgers, hot dogs and wraps, with all the trimmings.

 

Restaurants

Hamilton’s Grill Room (8 Coryell St, Lambertville NJ) canal-side patio dining, rave reviews from Zagat and New York Times. Local, simple but inspired preparations, menu changes daily reflecting the season.

Havana (105 South Main St), Caribbean and all-American cuisine, moderately priced, large plates or small, with lobster and Surf & Turf specials. They also do karaoke and live music, Jazz to blues, R&B, funk and Motown.

Lambertville Station Restaurant (11 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ), restored 19th century train station, Delaware River banks. Renowned American cuisine includes exotic wild game from January through March.

The Landing (22 N Main St) favorite gathering spot on riverside terrace or fireside in winter. Inspired and varied menu, regional American cuisine, Mexican to Mediterranean influences. All-day menu service all day, every day.

Marsha Brown (15 S Main St) elegant Creole Kitchen serving meat and fish using old southern family recipes. Built within old stone church with stained-glass windows, in downtown New Hope.

Wildflowers (8 W Mechanic St) American home cooking, authentic Thai cuisine, and Mexican specialties. Paio seating served among the trees overlooking Ingham Creek

 

Media and Information

Updated and detailed rosters of special events, accommodations, shops, art galleries and resources for all of Bucks County are available at: Visitbuckscounty.com,  Newhopepa.com and the New Hope Chamber of Commerce websites.

 

Accommodations

The 1833 Umpleby House Bed and Breakfast Inn (117 West Bridge St) is steps from the village square but situated on two landscaped acres, a bit apart. It's relaxed and comfortable, and guests may access the six pool and four court tennis club nearby, for a little extra.

Victorian splender awaits at the 1870 Wedgwood Bed & Breakfast Inn (111 W Bridge St) a gracious Wedgwood-blue "Painted Lady" set in two acres of lawns and gardens. All eight guestrooms have fireplaces; some have Jacuzzi and/or private porches. Saturday afternoon tea is an occasion here.

The Fox & Hound B&B (246 W. Bridge St) is an easy walk to town, yet just outside the hustle and bustle on two landscaped acres. Formerly a Victorian farm house, their rooms have private baths, some with fireplaces and private balconies or patios. The secluded sundeck and three-course breakfast are additional pleasures.

On seven idyllic acres of serene gardens, Lexington House (263 Upper York Rd) is an escape from the ordinary with elegance and luxury in a house that dates from 1749. Elegantly decorated with antiques, they are casual and relaxed.

The Mansion Inn (9 South Main St), a grand bed and breakfast in an 1865 manor, is a luxurious treat, furnished in high quality antiques and art, and with private porches, and beautiful gardens.

The Raven (385 West Bridge St) is an inn as well as a gay resort. Their ten rooms, all with private bath, have wireless internet and grant free admission to the resort pool in summertime. Book weekend reservations as early as possible, as they fill up fast.

The Wishing Well Guesthouse (144 Old York Rd), a former farm house with six guestrooms, is within walking distance of shops, galleries and restaurants, just ten minutes walk to bus connections for New York and Philadelphia. Fireplaces, wooden floors, ceiling beams, antique furniture, a cozy dining area, and original stone walls contribute to a charming atmosphere.

In nearby historic Washington Crossing, Inn to the Woods (150 Glenwood Dr) is an enchanted bed and breakfast near the banks of the Delaware River (George Washington crossed nearby) with seven uniquely appointed guest rooms, each with fireplace and private bath. Country breakfast is served daily, and hors d'oeuvres and refreshments each evening.

For website links to these and more places to stay in New Hope, see our Lodgings listings section.

 

Shopping & Services

Acme Screening Room (25 S Union St, Lambertville, NJ), important local venue for Nickelodeon Nights cinema presentations and various performances. Recently the site of the Artist Visions Film Festival, July 2010.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve (1635 River Road) is a 134-acre expanse of native plants in naturalistic settings of woodlands, meadows, a creek and a pond, with ever-changing wild flowers, birds and wildlife to see.

Bucks County Gallery of Art (77 W Bridge St) traditional gallery, wide selection of oil paintings watercolors and pastel; bronze, steel, stone and wood sculptures, established and emerging artists.

Bucks County Playhouse (70 S Main St), national landmark, rich in theatrical history, since 1939. They have best the in Broadway entertainment at a fraction of big-city prices. Now playing: Cabaret. See website for future shows.

Cockamamie's (6 W Bridge St), one of the finest anywhere collections of Art Deco lighting, furniture and collectibles, includes pieces by Gilbert Rhode, Normal Bel Geddes, and Donald Deske.

Ferry Hill Fine Antiques (15 N Main St) fine original pieces or quality reproductions and collectables: pottery, porcelain, paintings, prints, Limoges boxes, teapots, cups, jewelry, trunks, chests and more.

Gallery Piquel (39 N Main St), the paintings of international artists, honored, established, and emerging.

Greene & Greene Gallery (32 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ) just over the bridge, fine jewelry, lighting, ceramics, glass and functional art for the home; personal accessories, hand dyed silk scarves, jackets, leather handbags.

Haas Gallery (71 Bridge St, Lambertville, NJ) original oil paintings by Gordon Haas; Italian Amalfi Coast, France and Bucks County scenes. Nearby on the Jersey side of the river.

Hobensack and Keller (57 W Bridge St) Victorian bird cages, post mortem mourning antiques -- not your mother’s antique shop, specializing in the amazing, weird and wonderful.

Lyons Antiques (130 N Main St) rare, exquisite 19th-20th century furniture: John Henry Belter, J. & J. Meeks, R. J. Horner, Fine Victorian Rococo; sterling silver from Tiffany, Gorham, S. Kirk and Son. By appointment only.

Maiden's Memoirs (12 West Mechanic St) diaries, love letters, journals, miniatures, scrap books, photographs, antique war posters, pins, toys and trophies.

Gardner's French Antiques (6148 Lower York Rd) all styles of French Country and Formal French antiques, furniture and decorative accessories.

New Hope Farmer's Market (180 W Bridge St) each Thursday afternoon, 3:30-7pm, from May 6 through November 18 at the New Hope-Solebury High School.

Rice's Market (6326 Greenhill Rd) a 30 acre outdoor market of antiques, collectibles, food, and Amish goods among 700 or so vendors, is open Summer Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7am to 1pm (Tuesdays only from December through March).

For locations and website links to the above businesses see our map and shopping listings section. For more shops and galleries see the extensive listings at NewHopePA

 

 

 

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