Home to trendy shops, beautiful historic riverside restaurants, and an abundance of cultural attractions, the eclectic community of New Hope with its marvelous Main Street and the nearby small town of Lahaska, home to the shoppers’ paradise known as Peddler’s Village, together provide the ideal setting for a Great American Getaway. At just a little over an hour’s drive from New York City and Philadelphia, we have put together a 48-hour getaway guide that maps out some of our favorite and top picks to see, do, and devour to help you pack the most into your trip at these fun getaway destinations.
Please note, this itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Before you depart on The Great American Getaway to New Hope and Lahaska, we highly recommend you check the websites of our suggested places to visit for any seasonal hours of operation and available offerings.
Day One
Afternoon — Arrive in New Hope and check in to your chosen accommodations (keep scrolling for our picks at the bottom of this page).
Then, walk through New Hope's vibrant downtown to discover its many shopping treasures. This small town with a big city feel is lined with independently owned stores, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that are sure to entice the savviest shopper. New Hope is also the gay-friendly centerpiece of Bucks County and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with the annual Pride Week and Parade held each May.
One must-visit shop is Love Saves the Day, a psychedelic oasis where you can blast to the past listening to Madonna and pick up retro toys, secondhand fashion, or vinyl’s. Whether or not you’re sporting a flower child look or Y2K, Ditto Vintage is another must shop. Explore the works of handmade ethereal jewelry and crowns for the modern goddess at Avigail Adam Jewelry, or stop in Chromium Space Sound Gallery and explore unique designs and furniture from 1965-1974.
Looking for a bite to eat? The Ferry Market is a collection of unique culinary delights and vendors full of flavor that are going to make you want to try them all!
Just a 10-minute walk from Main Street, you can walk or bike off your meal along the Delaware Canal Towpath at Delaware Canal State Park. As the only remaining, continuously intact canal of the towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century, the diverse, historic park offers many miles of river shoreline to explore.
Evening — Enjoy a delicious dinner with beautiful views of the Delaware River at The Playhouse Deck Restaurant and Bar, where every dollar spent supports the nonprofit mission of the theater. Garage windows line the dining room and bar, giving every seat inside the restaurant a river view. Enjoy a seasonal menu of house-made pastas, stepped up and inspired salads and snacks, and delicious fish entrees. There are drinks all around, from wine and top-shelf spirits to local craft beers and a creatively curated specialty cocktail. On a beautiful day, opt for outdoor seating on the riverside promenade and deck for an even more delightful dining experience.
After dinner attend a show at one of America’s most famous summer theaters, the Bucks County Playhouse. The curtain goes up year-round for a live production, event, or even corporate meeting. Great performers have graced its stage including Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, and Kim Hunter. New Hope continues to be the town artists frequent and actors and actresses visit for a getaway.
Nightlife continues onto New Hope’s main streets at bars such as Havana, a restaurant and bar with wonderful live entertainment. The Tavern at New Hope Winery is well known for their mouth-watering wine, but also for their 250-seat live music center that hosts phenomenal live shows, while the John & Peter’s Place nightclub features live performances seven days a week, 365 days of the year.
Day Two
Morning — Take a five mile drive down the road to Lahaska and historic Peddler’s Village. This storied destination houses 42 beautiful acres of charming colonial-style buildings, award-winning gardens, and brick pathways, with more than 60 unique shops, six delicious restaurants, and distinctive lodging (keep scrolling for places to stay at the bottom of this page).
Start your adventure with a quick bite of a delicious baked treat and coffee from Mama Hawk's Kitchen & Coffee, or breakfast and brunch options at FresCafe, or Hawaiian-style poke at Moku-Bowls. Afterwards, check out the village’s schedule of special events. There is always something special going on at the village!
Afternoon — From fashion and jewelry to cigars and specialty food and gift shops, the village’s boutiques and local shops are a shopper’s dream or just fun to explore. Stop by The Cloak and Wand to cast a spell at their fantasy store and try a signature drink from their potion bar dedicated to the wizards and witches of myth. Be sure to check out the extensive collection of authentic cuckoo clocks and other German gifts direct from Deutschland at Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks & German Gifts. Looking for even more unique gifts? Check out The Mole Hole’s selection of jewelry, music and motion clocks, potpourri products, windchimes, home décor, and wine and dining accessories.
While perusing the landscaped grounds, grab a beer or cocktail from Free Will Brewing Taproom, Hewn Spirits, or Nissley Vineyards.
Evening — Finish your day at the village enjoying one of their year-round events, including specially themed months, comedy nights, outdoor movies, and extensive holiday happenings. Some popular events include the Strawberry Festival (May), Bluegrass & Blueberries (July), Peach Weekend (August), Scarecrows in the Village (October), Apple Festival (November), and the Grand Illumination Celebration, Gingerbread House Competition and Display and Holly Jolly Weekend (December).
For dinner, enjoy Buttonwood Grill‘s signature Buttonwood Burger, crafted with meat ground fresh daily. Nosh on American comfort classics such as chicken pot pie or beef burgundy at the Cock ‘N Bull or sit down to a succulent seafood dinner at Earl’s New American with options such as sustainable Chilean sea bass, sautéed shrimp, and grilled salmon.
After dinner, find delectable desserts and sweet treats at Nina's Waffles & Ice Cream, The Lucky Cupcake Co., and Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn.
Day Three
Morning — It’s back to New Hope and a stop at the Factory Girl Bake Shop for just the right amount of sweetness to get your day started. They offer all sorts of sweet confections, such as salted caramel brownies, scones, cookies, and apple cake, plus daily specials like coffee cakes, cream puffs, and croissants, all baked with love.
Newly fortified for your day, enjoy a narrated 45-minute train ride through the scenic rolling hills of Bucks County along the New Hope Railroad! Travel into the past by climbing aboard the vintage passenger coaches or antique bar car pulled by a 1925 Baldwin Steam Locomotive or historic diesel engines. This heritage train will take you along the same route filmed in the 1914 classic movie series, the “Perils of Pauline.” The Railroad offers everything from the Grapevine Express, Sunday Brunch, and an Evening Star Dinner to a Murder Mystery ride, as well as seasonal train rides including fall foliage, Haunted Halloween, and Trick or Treat trains in autumn, and the North Pole Express, a magical event with Santa Claus, hot chocolate, cookies, and sing-alongs during winter’s holiday season.
Afternoon — While in town, if you’re a craft beer aficionado be sure to follow the Bucks County Ale Trail! Download the digital passport and check in to more than 30 outstanding craft breweries to earn points towards free prizes including an Ale Trail t-shirt, hat, and hoodie and discover deals and discounts to breweries all across the county!
While in New Hope or Lahaska, visit the Great Barn Taproom, Triumph Brewing Company, or Free Will Brewing Taproom for a great variety of brews and food!
Add A Day
Not ready for your Great American Getaway to end? Extend your stay with more fun adventures in Bucks County, including its spectacular and super-scenic covered bridges. One of the birthplaces of covered bridge-building in America, the county is known for its unique collection of these cherished timber structures. The county’s 12 remaining covered bridges can be explored along the self-guided driving tour.
Enjoy more historic places in Bucks County with a visit to Washington Crossing Historic Park. This 500-acre park preserves the site where General George Washington and his troops made their famed crossing of the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War in 1776. The park contains restored 18th century buildings and homes, Revolutionary War gravesites, and the 125-foot-tall Bowman’s Hill Tower with its spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Delaware River. The park also plays host to an annual reenactment of Washington’s famous crossing each December.
For more awesome things to do with the whole family especially little ones, visit Sesame Place® Philadelphia! Meet Elmo, Big Bird, Grover, and many more Sesame Street characters at the popular theme park. This season, join in on the fun with an exciting line up of meet and greets, music, magic, pirate adventures, and fireworks on select weekends.
Places to Stay
New Hope
Aaron Burr House Bed & Breakfast — Located in the center of New Hope, The Aaron Burr House Bed & Breakfast is great for travelers who want a comfortable spot after a day of touring. Shops and restaurants are at your fingertips while staying at this beautifully renovated Victorian gem, complete with private baths, air conditioning, and welcoming hosts.
Fox & Hound Bed & Breakfast — The Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast offers a relaxing, romantic ambiance, perfect for making wonderful memories. The historic stone manor offers guests a variety of luxurious room options, all custom designed for your comfort and enjoyment. Whether you choose a balcony, garden view, or one of their cozy fireplace rooms, you’ll find the same high quality and attention to detail throughout.
Ghost Light Inn — The Ghost Light Inn offers unparalleled riverfront views and comfort. Enjoy a luxury experience at this boutique hotel offering exceptional in-house dining and gas lantern strolls along the river, all in the center of one of the most beautiful small towns in America.
Logan Inn — Established in 1727, the Logan Inn boasts 16 original rooms and 22 recently added rooms, each uniquely appointed and distinct but all sharing the enthusiasm for architecture, art, design, and colorful luxury at this, one of the nation’s longest continuously running inns.
River House at Odette’s — The River House at Odette’s is New Hope’s first luxury lifestyle hotel. They offer a variety of rooms and suites, including a guest house, providing an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway.
Lahaska
Golden Plough Inn — Steal away to the Golden Plough Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast located in the heart of Peddler's Village. They offer 65 exquisite guest rooms and suites with world-class amenities including gas-lit fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Ash Mill Farm B&B — Bring man's best friend and rest your head for the night at a real working sheep farm. Ash Mill Farm B&B features five manor house guest rooms and two guest cottages, all of which are pet-friendly.
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm — For an elegant country getaway, escape to the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm and enjoy a luxury suite in the manor house or cottage complete with all-natural spa services in private treatment rooms.
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