Conveniently tucked within Philadelphia’s countryside among rolling hills, working farms and picturesque towns, Bucks County, PA is truly an inviting place. Visitors in search of antique or artistic treasures, charming accommodations, and miscellaneous shops will find that Bucks County offers it all and is close to major East Coast US cities like Philadelphia, New York City, Washington DC and Baltimore. It’s the ideal getaway if you want to get out of the city but don’t have the time to go too far away
Start your adventures in Newtown, one of Bucks County’s must-see historic areas. Founded by William Penn in 1684, Newtown‘s famous State Street, is home to unique destinations and eateries, such as the Zebra Stripped Whale, Isaac Newtown’s and the Black Horse Tavern, which offsets the region’s history with modern experiences.
The Temperance House is a great place for families to stay. It’s a family friendly inn chock full of historic charm. Proprietress, Kathy Buczek, is a mother of 4, and has made sure to make the property hospitable and inclusive for everyone. The Temperance House began in 1772 when Andrew McMinn first opened the Inn. Union General Francis Murray made the Inn his lodging during the Revolutionary war, and the site became a gathering place for those fighting for the colonists’ cause. You will feel the history oozing from this inn and major bonus, they have a great tavern where kids eat free on Sundays!
Make sure to plan a visit to Doylestown, which is home to an extraordinary stretch of historical attractions such as the Mercer Museum, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works and the James A. Michener Art Museum. The main thread that connects these treasures? They all tell the story of creative genius Henry Mercer.
Step back in time and experience one of the most unique personal collections in U.S. history, at the Mercer Museum. The castle is home to more than 40,000 early American artifacts including, a Conestoga wagon, horse-drawn carriages and an antique fire engine suspended overhead in the Central Court area. It’s truly a sight to see! See changing exhibits in the galleries and buy unique, handcrafted items in the gift shop. They even have fun scavenger hunts the kids can partake in that keeps them occupied throughout their visit. They can choose from the Ben Franklin Scavenger Hunt to Lord of the Rings and even the World of Wizzarding. If they complete it, they get a certificate as well.
A National Historic Landmark, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works is a “working history” museum where handmade tiles are still produced in a similar manner to founder and builder, Mercer. Mercer was a major advocate of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America and he led the work at the pottery from 1898 until he died, in 1930. Tours are offered every half-hour with a brief video followed by a self-guided walk through of the facility. It’s not very large and kids will enjoy seeing the beautiful tiles. The best part is the quaint store where you can purchase some of the tiles, or order custom made ones, to take home.
A center for culture and beauty, the James A. Michener Art Museum is housed in the former 19th century Bucks County prison! The prison doors still stand and it’s an interesting thing for everyone to see. The museum is home to the largest public collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings. It’s a nice museum with work from regional artists and has a fun, interactive children’s area. Make sure to check out the serene Nakashima Reading Room and let the kids run around in the eclectic and energizing outdoor sculpture garden.
The Doylestown Cultural District, featuring the Mercer Museum and James. A Michener Art Museum, is just a short walk away from Main Street so great to be able to grab a bite for lunch or just walk around and check out the boutique stores!
Before departing Doylestown, and after spending a day observing history, take the little ones to explore the Kids’ Castle! This massive playground is fit for royalty! The wooden castle has eight stories and is designed for kids ages 5-12. There are fun slides and nooks and crannies for kids of all ages to get lost in. Don’t fret, there are also toddler swings for the wee ones!
An absolute must visit in Bucks County, is New Hope! New Hope is more than 200 years old and has one of Bucks County’s most iconic Main Streets. A popular artist colony, New Hope, is filled with art galleries, unique shops, and restaurants.
Right smack in the middle of New Hope, you can dig for artifacts, ride in a hot air balloon, design a race car ramp, experiment with air and more at the Bucks County Children’s Museum! Explore fun, interactive and educationally based exhibits for kids. This is also a great place to park and explore New Hope.
You’ll work up an appetite at the Children’s Museum so make sure and take a walk down Main Street to LouLou Burger. Grab some delicious handcrafted burgers and fries, No worries, they have plenty of delicious vegetarian options available as well. Need something sweet? No visit to New Town is complete without dropping into Nina’s Waffles! Nina’s has more than 100 hand-crafted ice cream flavors and delicious homemade waffles!
Perhaps one of the coolest things about New Hope, PA is that halfway through walking the New Hope–Lambertville Bridge, you cross into Lambertville, New Jersey…for reals! Stand on the state line, two place at once! Have one foot in NJ and the other in PA. Super fun!
In 1683, William Penn started construction on his country home, Pennsbury Manor. Today, his restored 17th century estate sits on 43 picturesque acres along the Delaware River. It’s a beautiful place to visit and experience colonial life at its best. The family can take a stroll down by the river and enjoy fun family activities while learning more about one of America’s most famous Quakers. Experience colonial craft demonstrations and daily life as it existed 300 years ago.
History buffs will also want to visit the Washington Crossing Historic Park, where General George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 to march to Trenton, New Jersey. The park also features the 19th-century village of Taylorsville and outdoor recreation and picnic areas.
History, art and charm abound in Bucks County, PA. It’s a wonderful area to explore while getting away from the hustle and bustle of big Northeastern U.S. cities.
