Washington Crossing, PA

More than meets the eye.

This past December, a dedicated troupe of Americans set off across the Delaware, braving icy waters and frigid winds. Like the troops who had crossed the Delaware on December 25, 1776, their cause had faced adversity—a lack of funding from the State triggering for a brief while whispered rumors that the traditional event would not take place. But still, with the financial and moral support of their local community, organizers of the event persevered, and ultimately succeeded in their goal: to commemorate those brave soldiers who had risked their lives for their country during the Revolutionary War through the area’s annual reenactment.

Washington’s crossing of the Delaware, an event that turned the tides of war in favor of the Continental Army, has left an indelible mark on the history of our nation. It is commemorated through books, art, and documentaries, and through the naming of a small, quiet village in Upper Makefield, Bucks County, just footsteps away from where Durham boats were launched on Christmas Day more than 200 years ago: Washington Crossing, Pa. While the village is probably best known for its historical affiliation and the Washington Crossing Historic Park, to which it is adjacent, look a little closer and you’ll see there are some other unique finds in the area that you wouldn’t necessarily expect.

Never underestimate the imagination of a child.

That is what Christine Carroll says she and her husband Tom learned after moving into their 20-acre Washington Crossing farm in 1986. On the first day in the home, while sitting amongst still unpacked then 10-year-old Tom Jr. said to his parents, “You know? This would make a great vineyard and winery.”

Today, the family runs Crossing Vineyards, producing internationally award-winning wines in the heart of Bucks County. That 10-year-old with a dream, Tom Jr., spent time after college studying viticulture and enology in California, and is now the business’s vinter, and a successful one at that. The wines produced by Crossing Vineyards have been critically accepted by wine writers, sommeliers and in wine competitions. In fact, in the few years Crossing Vineyards has been producing wines—the winery was established in 2000—it’s received close to 100 medals in international competition.

“We have been recognized, blind tested, and evaluated around the country and around the world, and continued to turn up at the top of the pile,” notes Christine.

This acknowledgment shows that while there may still some hesitance from the general public about wines that come from the East Coast, wines from Pennsylvania and surrounding areas are actually growing in popularity. One of the Carrolls’ goals is to educate consumers about wines, both from the region and around the world. Along with selling wines produced at Crossing Vineyards, they also offer wine tastings, courses, dinners, among other events, and even international trips, all aimed toward educating people about all the different types of wines available, from all different regions around the world, even those as seemingly unlikely as Southeastern Pennsylvania. “After all,” Christine points out, “It wasn’t until 1976 that California was recognized as a wine region. It’s an educational process and an evolutionary process.”

Crossing Vineyard is clearly a business of passion for the Carroll family. While creating quality wines is the top priority, the aim to preserve a part of Bucks County history is at work here as well. The property itself is a former dairy farm, and is listed on the Bucks County Registry of Historic Places. The family is also dedicated to sustainable agriculture.

“We feel like so much agriculture has been lost in Bucks County,” says Christine. “When we moved here, the area was still pretty rural, now we are surrounded by development. Not only is this a working farm again, as it was in the past, we’re also preserving open space. It’s a triumph for us to be successful in our business, but we see it as a triumph for Bucks County agriculture as well.”

Crossing Vineyards is located at 1853 Wrightstown Road in Washington Crossing, www.crossingvineyards.com.

First, ring the doorbell. This is the only way to enter Diana Vincent’s Washington Crossing showroom. It is a store with Madison Avenue style, but Bucks County warmth and comfort. Because ringing the doorbell—though it may initially evoke a sense or even fear of elitism—is actually the first step to being welcomed as a friend.

“Jewelry can be very intimidating to many,” says Diana Vincent, co-owner and designer. “We like to make shopping an enjoyable, even educational experience. It’s what people are missing when they go to a store at the mall. That’s one thing were proud of accomplishing here—making our customers feel like family.”

It cannot be denied that the store’s warm, light wood and sleek modern design are both chic and appealing. But it is the people who work there, many of whom have worked with Vincent for years, who help create an inviting atmosphere.

Since she began operating Diana Vincent, Inc. out of her father’s garage in 1984, Vincent’s career has glittered—quite literally. She studied at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and decided to focus on jewelry design because, she says, “I realized that I like things that sparkle.” Since then, her pieces have won many awards, been displayed at exhibitions and in museums, and even been featured on television.

Vincent’s jewelry design has a soft fluidity unmatched by any designer in her field. Her pieces evoke a sense of continuity, most notable in the swirling shapes that are characteristic of many of her rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. And, Vincent notes, design doesn’t stop with what the eye can see. As she holds up a ring, she points out how the large diamond isn’t all she’s focused on. “I think that with a piece of jewelry, like a ring, what is wrapped around the finger is just as much a part of the design as the part people can see—the band is part of the design too,” she says. “I pay as much attention to the detail of the band as I do to every other part of the ring.”

She emphasizes that her focus is on creating art, not following popular culture. “Wearing jewelry is like wearing a piece of art,” she said. “It should be beautiful, timeless. I never follow the trends because they go out of style. I like mine to be pieces that will last forever.”

To further ensure the quality of her jewelry, all of Vincent’s pieces are made in an adjoining workshop. Here, master jewelers take her drawings and inspirations and carefully craft one-of-a-kind accessories. Vincent says it takes extreme precision and talent to set diamonds, rubies and the many other hand-selected precious and semi-precious stones while maintaining a designer’s artistic vision.

“There’s more than just design involved,” she laughs. “There’s the mathematics, too. It takes a lot of skill and precision to be able to fit a certain number of stones into the band of a ring.” It is this level of craftsmanship, the originality of her style, and the warmth of the environment that keeps people visiting Diana Vincent time after time. Vincent notes that many of her customers have been purchasing jewelry from her since the beginning.

When asked about her favorite piece in the store, Vincent laughs. “I get that question a lot,” she says. “And the thing is, the piece that I’ve most recently designed is my favorite piece in the store.”

But the truth is, whichever piece she is asked about brings a smile to her face, an explanation of its inspiration and an invitation to hold it, examine it and try it on. Because for Vincent, each is truly special, and that is what makes a piece of jewelry worth more than its price tag.

Diana Vincent: Jewelers Designers and Platinumsmiths is located at 1099 General Greene Road and Route 532 in Washington Crossing, www.dianavincent.com.

You have to taste it to believe it—or ask anyone who’s ever dined at Washington Crossing Inn, and they’ll tell you, its delightful menu and historic ambiance make for the perfect meal. Read more about the Washington Crossing Inn in Karen Appold’s review on our website at www.locallivingmag.com/2009/10/the-washington-crossing-inn.

The Washington Crossing Inn is located at the intersection of routes 532 and 32 in Washington Crossing, www.washingtoncrossinginn.com.

Spring, summer, fall, winter, there’s always a way to nurture your green thumb, no matter what the season, and Seasons Garden Center has everything you need to get growing. You can learn more about this fantastic business in our online profile by Dava Guerin, at www.locallivingmag.com/2009/06/seasons-garden-center.

1069 River Road, Washington Crossing, www.seasonsgardencenter.com.

Get your taste buds turning. Colonia Farms can tickle any palate with its gourmet deli meats, homemade salads and desserts. Whether you’re planning a dinner at home or a picnic in nearby Washington Crossing Historic Park, you’re sure find everything you need to make it a success at this unique specialty foods store.

Colonial Farms is located at Route 532 and Taylorsville Road, www.colonialfarms.com.