New Hope, Pennsylvania is a quaint town and a popular Pennsylvania getaway destination with eclectic shopping, cultural attractions, fascinating history, and a lovely riverfront location. This small town is one of the most unique places to visit in Pennsylvania and an excellent weekend getaway spot from New York City and Philadelphia.
Here is a sampling of the many things you can see and do when you plan a trip to New Hope.
Go for Food and Drinks at Ferry Market
What Is It? Ferry Market is a dining destination in New Hope with coffee, all-day dining, and a refreshing local vibe. It has been a local culinary destination since 2016.
Why Do It? Indoor food halls like Ferry Market are enjoyable because they offer a little something for everyone. There are over a dozen vendors inside to help you indulge your inner foodie.
Good to Know: Each vendor inside the market is individually owned and operated, meaning they each set their own hours. All of Ferry Market is closed on Tuesdays. Indoor and outdoor seating is available here.
Shop on Main Street
What Is It? As one of Pennsylvania’s most charming towns, New Hope unsurprisingly has a lovely Main Street that is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, home décor, and more.
Why Do It? This is a great place to find souvenirs for yourself or for loved ones that you can take back home with you after your trip.
Good to Know: Consider starting your journey at the visitors’ center in downtown New Hope to get some maps and advice about where to walk and park.
Go for a Ride on the New Hope Railroad
What Is It? At the New Hope Railroad, you can ride on a historical locomotive that dates back to 1925 and travels to nearby Lahaska. Train rides typically last about 45 minutes and travel along a very scenic route.
Why Do It? Families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique travel experience will love taking a ride on this train. With the onboard narration, you can learn about historical sites and also celebrate holidays with specialty rides, including a haunted ride every Halloween and a North Pole Express train around Christmastime.
Good to Know: You can buy tickets in advance for a train ride and choose from a variety of experiences.
Sample Local Wines
What Is It? The New Hope area is also known for being a prime East Coast travel destination for wine connoisseurs. There are wineries in the region where you can taste various wines and learn about how wineries operate.
Why Do It? The Bucks County Wine Trail runs through this region and features eight unique wineries. You can visit the wineries at your leisure, as each one has its own operating hours and unique experiences.
Good to Know: The wineries included on the local wine trail are Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Crossing Vineyards, Manoff Market Cidery, Rose Bank Winery, Rushland Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Sand Castle Winery, and Vino By Zzino.
Take a Step Back in Time at the Peddler's Village
What Is It? If you head just outside of New Hope to neighboring Lahaska, you can enjoy year-round fun in Peddler’s Village, which offers a storybook setting. This tourist destination features colonial-style buildings, gardens, shops, restaurants, and lodging. It has been operating for over 60 years.
Why Do It? This is a fun family weekend getaway spot where you can do a little bit of everything and be entertained all day long.
Good to Know: There are also annual festivals and seasonal events that take place at Peddler’s Village. Check the venue’s event calendar before your trip to see what’s going on during your travel dates. You may be able to catch a comedy show, yoga class, concert, or interesting workshop.
Check Out Local Art Galleries
What Is It? New Hope is an artsy town and one of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania for gallery hopping. This town is full with unique and inspiring art from local artists.
Why Do It? The art scene in New Hope is relaxed and friendly. You won’t feel pressured to buy pricey pieces, but you might find something that really stands out to you, and that would make a perfect souvenir.
Good to Know: One must-visit spot is New Hope Arts, where you can support the local art community and see various forms of modern and contemporary art. There’s also Canal Walk Studios, which has several local art galleries at West Bridge Street and Stockton Avenue.
Get Out in Nature at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
What Is It? This wildflower preserve is located in New Hope and offers opportunities to see beautiful wildflowers out in nature. The preserve spans about 134 acres and is open year-round.
Why Do It? There are over 700 native plant species to see at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. There are guided wildflower walks that you can join or just explore the site on your own.
Good to Know: Hours of operation vary by season, so check the official website for updates. The guided walks cost a small fee for guests over 14 years of age.
Bike Along the Delaware Canal Towpath
What Is It? New Hope is well-known locally for being a top scenic getaway destination and that’s due in large part to its wonderful array of bike trails, including the Delaware Canal State Park and the 60-mile-long Delaware Canal towpath. The path runs from Easton to Bristol and is part of the D&L Trail.
Why Do It? There are lots of hidden gems along the bike path and opportunities to get out in nature. You can see many miles of river shoreline, a 50-acre pond, 11 river islands, farm fields, and historic towns as you travel along the bike path.
Good to Know: If you are an experienced biker, a fun idea is to bike the trails during the day and stay overnight at quaint B&Bs along the way for an extended weekend. It’s also fun to rent an eBike and join a local guided tour to see the sights and have a unique biking experience.
Watch a Show at Bucks County Playhouse
What Is It? The Bucks County Playhouse is a local theater that is filled with history and a popular summer destination or date night spot if you’re in town on a romantic weekend getaway. The theater is on the site of a former grist mill and next to the Delaware River.
Why Do It? It’s fun to experience the local theater vibe and support New Hope-area actors. Many famous performers have been on the stage here over the years.
Good to Know: Check the venue’s website to book tickets to a performance before your scheduled trip.
Visit the Parry Mansion Museum
What Is It? There are many historic mansions in New Hope, including the Parry Mansion. Benjamin Parry owned this particular mansion, which was built in 1784 and is now part of the New Hope Historical Society.
Why Do It? This mansion is an important part of New Hope’s history. It is a two-story, Georgian-style mansion built by the founding father of the city. It was the family home for five generations before it was sold to the historical preservation organization.
Good to Know: You can join a tour of the mansion on a Saturday or Sunday at 1 pm. The tours begin on the hour and half hour. Tickets are available on the New Hope Historical Society’s website.
Take the Family to the Bucks County Children’s Museum
What Is It? This is the local children’s museum in New Hope and an educational experience that’s a must-add to the itinerary for a family weekend getaway in Pennsylvania.
Why Do It? The Bucks County Children’s Museum spans about 9,000 square feet and has exhibits that are perfect for kids between the ages of one and seven years old. Exhibits offer lessons on engineering skills, fossils, recycling, energy, and more.
Good to Know: The adult admission fee is very affordable; check the official site for current prices.
Walk Along the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge
What Is It? Built in 1904, this bridge is 1,053 feet long and extends from New Hope, Pennsylvania to Lambertville, New Jersey, one of the best places to visit in New Jersey. Vehicles travel across the bridge, but it is also a popular pedestrian route. The local toll bridge commission has recorded as many as 14,000 pedestrians crossing this bridge in a single day.
Why Do It? The bridge walkway has been widened and is very pleasant for a walk on a summer evening.
Good to Know: Many people find it convenient to park in New Hope and walk across the bridge to spend some time in Lambertville for some shopping. You can also find street parking in Lambertville to go in the other direction.
