A sophisticated country town on the Delaware River, New Hope is a successful blend of history and commerce that attracts couples in search of romance, tranquillity, and memories in all four seasons. Founded in 1681, the town's thousand acres contain nearly 250 sites recorded in the National Register of Historical Places.
Exploring New Hope
Self-guided or expert-led historic walking tours are a great way to see the area, and one company called Ghost Tours leads the adventurous on lantern-lit journeys to spooky spots. But walking isn't the only way to see New Hope and other parts of Bucks County.
Visitors can tube, canoe, or take a ferry ride down the Delaware on a Mississippi-style stern wheel river boat. Couples can also trot around in a horse carriage or a mule barge, enjoy the view from a hot air balloon, or board the authentic New Hope and Ivyland Railroad steam train that weaves through the countryside. Horseback rides on trails can also be arranged.
Where to Stay in New Hope
While fine hotels are few in New Hope and environs, the area has more than its share of cottages, inns, and yes, B&Bs. Top local accommodations include the pre-Revolutionary Lambertville House and 1740 House.
Shopping in New Hope
If shopping is your favorite activity, start your stroll along the canal and then head for Main Street. But pace yourself: New Hope contains more than 200 art galleries, antiques shops, boutiques, and artesinal craft shops. The Lambertville Antique Market and Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, both on River Road, lead to one-of-a-kind finds.
Established 1860, Rice's Sale & Country Market in New Hope sells a legendary variety of goods to help furnish your new home. Main Street shops include A Mano Gallery, where furniture, jewelry, glass, and clay creations by more than 500 artisans are on display. The Bed & Breakfast Emporium specializes in brass and iron beds. Fred Eisen Leather Designs features finely made belts, bags, and other leather goods. New Hope Miniatures' hand-crafted dolls and collectibles make childhood at any age happier. And Vixen's Secret Gardens sells hand-made items that range from antique reproductions and stained glass to candles and fresh flowers.
Depending on your favorite indulgence, reward yourself for a day of tireless browsing with fresh strawberries hand-dipped in chocolate from Country Fair Chocolate, a delicate new piece of lingerie from Grownups, or a bottle from Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Bucks County's first winery.
