Posted on Monday, September 15, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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Seeking a small-town adventure rich in art, culture, and history? If so, New Hope and the surrounding area are the perfect weekend get-away! Discover why!
It’s that fun time of year!
With autumn just around the corner, and deciduous trees preparing their colorful transformation, it’s a beautiful time of year to enjoy a fun weekend trip offering opportunities to explore nature. Continually topping national lists as a number one cozy travel destination is New Hope, Pennsylvania. The scenic town located in southeastern PA’s Bucks County boasts quaint bed and breakfasts, riverside restaurants, eclectic shops, theatre and arts, and special nearby attractions. The town is roughly 40-driving miles from Philadelphia, so city visitors can get to New Hope by car in about an hour’s time.
Adventures await!
New Hope is situated along the west bank of the Delaware River at its confluence with Aquetong Creek. The two-lane New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge transports auto and foot traffic across the Delaware to Lambertville, New Jersey. Historic Lambertville boasts great antique shops, restaurants, art galleries and historical sites such as the Holcombe House where Gen. George Washington stayed in 1777 and 1778. Consider visiting the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum or the Howell Living History Farm, each dedicated to preserving farming and agricultural history. After enjoying a meal and jazz music at the historic Lambertville Station, head back to New Hope for more adventures.
The famed towpath
People who enjoy photography will delight in the unique beauty of the scenic wooded 60-mile canal towpath. The historic National Recreation Trail was once trod by mule teams pulling cargo boats along the canal. All along the path, witness special scenery, perhaps capturing ducks and other wildlife appreciating the start of a cooler season. The canal path runs through the town, and is also beloved by walkers, runners, and cyclists seeking exercise in beautiful surroundings.
A must for rail fans!
A trip to this striking town should include a ride on the New Hope Railroad. Per PA Bucket List, “The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.” The historic railroad’s history begins in 1891 and “invites travelers to step into a world where golden age of rail travel comes alive.” Excursions typically run Friday to Sunday, from late spring through the end of December. Autumn is an optimal time to witness stunning fall foliage. At Christmas, the railroad proudly puts on winter holiday themed events to be loved by children and adults of all ages. Visit their official website for schedules, tickets, and special event information such as taking a magical ride aboard Santa’s Steam Train Ride.
Bring your hammer & picnic basket
A trip to the New Hope area would be incomplete without journeying to Pennsylvania’s 128-acre Ringing Rocks Park known for its field of boulders that create unique musical tunes when struck with a hammer. The rocks make enchanting sounds, in part due to their unique arrangement, and toll like bells. Many families delight in a trip to this park to make music on the rocks and to check out Bucks County’s largest waterfall. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to make a special day of it in Upper Jay, PA.
Be mindful of history
Entertaining historical things to do in the region include visiting Washington Crossing Historic Park, a 500-acre site operated by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. This US National Historic Landmark marks the location of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War. Consider paying a visit to Pennsbury Manor house and grounds, also in Bucks County. Here, William Penn, founder and first Governor of Pennsylvania, provides a glimpse into the life of Penn and his family, and displays historical furnishings, artifacts, and architectural details. The estate grounds feature beautiful gardens, stables, and outbuildings that give a clear picture of colonial farm life.
Shop ‘til you drop!
Bucks County’s Peddler’s Village is an engaging tourist attraction. It features a storybook village with charming colonial-style buildings and attractive gardens – plus great shopping, dining and lodging. Peddler’s Village embraces every season, including fall with its scarecrow display, making it a great year-round destination. Their website shares that “For more than 60 years, visitors have followed the winding brick pathways to experience exceptional dining, explore the best of Bucks County shopping, enjoy family fun at Giggleberry Fair, escape from the everyday to a getaway at Golden Plough Inn, and celebrate favorite traditions at annual festivals and seasonal events.”
Plush vineyards and beyond!
The area features hundreds of acres of vineyards rich in grapes. Visitors can book individual tours to learn about winemaking or arrange a tour on the Tastings and Tour bus. Many of these wineries feature diverse selections of wine, pleasing for every special palate. In addition, the region features wonderful bed and breakfast accommodations that are steeped in charm. Historic favorites include Bridgeton House on the Delaware featuring cozy rooms with water views, hot breakfast, afternoon teas and more, Fox And Hound Bed & Breakfast of New Hope featuring cozy fireplace rooms and wildflower garden, and the romantic AAA 4-Diamond award property, the Inn at Bowman’s Hill.
Why visit New Hope?
New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant place offering small town charm with an abundance of activities near and far. Within an hour drive from Philadelphia, and just an hour and a half drive from New York City, it’s the perfect weekend getaway for city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle. In New Hope, folks can walk and relax along the pretty banks of the famed Delaware River, visit historic parks as the leaves begin to change color, dine, shop, visit museums and wineries, ride the railroad, and retire in comfort and style at a bed and breakfast for a delightful home away from home weekend getaway.
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