Bucks County, PA is filled with hidden gems for nearby Pennsylvania locals or New Jersey residents to explore. One of those gems happens to be New Hope, a quaint town just west of the Delaware River. New Hope is a town filled with pride and quirky shops to express its eclectic nature.
Lined with art galleries, historic buildings, shopping, and restaurants - New Hope is a go-to spot in the Spring and Summer months for me and my friends. It’s a great place to take a quick drive to when you don’t have plans.
I first started exploring New Hope a few years ago, when I was still in college. I didn’t have the funds to travel during Spring Break, so I would seek out little adventures near my hometown. New Hope was one of those places that were filled with activities that could get me out of the house and keep my search for new experiences alive. Being in New Hope feels a bit like exploring through a town in a different century, with railroads and vintage manors covering the town. Not to mention, the views of the gorgeous Delaware River and surrounding Pennsylvania mountains are breathtaking. New Hope can sometimes feel more like a European town, but it’s right on the coast of Pennsylvania.
To breakdown New Hope, it’s best to start with restaurants in my opinion, as many of them are delicious and have varying cuisines. One of my favorite spots is Havana, a Cuban-inspired restaurant with yummy cocktails and wonderful desserts. I had my 20th birthday dinner at Havana and it was delicious! The Macaroni & Cheese bites are an absolute must-have, along with the Ropa Vieja. Havana also featured live entertainment Pre-Covid, which is something I hope to see again - once this pandemic has come to a close. I also love the River Cat Cafe for a quick bite, with their amazing paninis. Their Cuban sandwich is one of their menu staples and a personal favorite of mine as well. Also, they do have cats at the cafe, in case you were wondering!
Aside from the tasty fare, there are also a slew of vintage shops in downtown New Hope. If you know me, you know how much I love to shop, specifically vintage or second-hand. Some of my favorite finds have been at Love Saves The Day, a cooky store on Main Street, that sells collectibles and clothing from various eras. Thirteen Vintage and Night Bird Vintage also sell some amazing clothing, with authentic pieces from the 60s-70s. The workers are all extremely friendly and are willing to help you find the perfect vintage piece. I got a ZZ Top x Aerosmith tour shirt from Love Saves The Day two summers ago, and it’s one of my favorite band tees in my collection. The quality of vintage shopping doesn’t get much better than in New Hope.
For my history buffs, New Hope is a town filled with Native American antiquity. The area was originally claimed by Benjamin Parry, but the Lenni-Lenape Native American tribe first settled in this area of Pennsylvania in the pre-1700s. The New Hope area was given to William Penn by King Charles II as an addition to the Penn Woods. Some of the original roads in New Hope, like Old York Road, are still intact today. There is also a New Hope Historical Society that does tours of the old manors and keeps the history of the town alive. In the springtime, they host gorgeous garden tours, when the flowers are in bloom, making it a great outdoor activity during COVID-19.
New Hope is a town that is bustling with history and creativity. With local artists dwelling in the apartment buildings, it seems like there is magic in the air at all times, as the art hangs from windows or covers the street. Local art galleries are constantly featuring new works, made by New Hope residents. The town has long advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and continues to be a cultural center for everyone to enjoy. A weekend in New Hope is just enough time to revel in the amazing people and places that are hosted in this small but mighty town.
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