New Hope, PA

Expect the unexpected.
By Susan Haine
 
You never know what you’ll see on a Saturday afternoon visit to New Hope, PA. If the weather is nice, and sometimes even if it isn’t, the streets bustle with visitors, the crowded sidewalks nearly comparable to those of Manhattan on a weekend. Don’t be surprised to turn a corner and find yourself facing alleyway artfully stocked with a collection of mannequin heads, or a church converted into a restaurant.
 
“I’ve always compared New Hope to a few small streets of the West Village,” says Carol Della Penna, who moved to New Hope in 2005 with her family after maintaining a weekend home in the area for years. “We have made lifelong friends and still feel as though we have the same culture with art, music, theatre, cinema, and restaurants as we did in New York City.”
 
New Hope was originally dubbed Well’s Ferry—named for John Wells who established a ferry service in the area, which was the half-way point between Philadelphia and New York. According to the New Hope Historical Society website, www.newhopehs.org, the town was later re-named Canby’s Ferry and then Coryell’s Ferry. The area was of strategic importance during the Revolutionary War due to its central location on the main road between Philadelphia and New York, and it was viewed as a gateway to Pennsylvania and thus protected by Washington’s forces. (Coryell’s Ferry has operated since 1733, and is still open today, providing visitors the opportunity to travel the scenic Delaware River. Tickets are available at Gerenser’s Exotic Ice Cream, 22 S. Main Street.)
 
The area’s economic success continued with the opening of the Delaware Canal in 1832, and the town was incorporated in 1837 under its current name, New Hope. The Canal ceased commercial operation in 1931, and today visitors can bike, walk or jog along a multi-use path, which provides a great opportunity to enjoy the area. In fact, Penna suggests she recommends first-time visitors take advantage of this option.
 
“I would recommend bringing some bikes and parking at the Canal Park, and ride the towpath into town—the ride is fun and scenic,” she says. “Then I would suggest eating lunch outside at the Landing patio (22 N. Main Street, (215) 862-5711, www.landingrestaurant.com).”
 
In 1891, The New Hope-Ivyland Railroad was established. It is still in operation today, open for scenic tours, parties, and group events (www.newhoperailroad.com).  The New Hope Historical Society notes that more than 100 buildings in New Hope are older than 100 years. The group’s office, in fact, is located in the Parry Mansion (45 S. Main Street)—an 18th century mansion which had been owed by the man many consider the father of New Hope.
 
New Hope is notable for its deep involvement in and commitment to the arts. The town features a vast collection of galleries, including Topeo and Amano Art Galleries, J&W Gallery, Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art, Gallery of Stars and much more, the town has long been considered an arts inspiration, destination and haven. It has also been home to writers, including James A. Michener, Christian Bauman, and screenwriter Ted Tally.
Theatre is also of great importance in New Hope, which is home to the state theater of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Playhouse. According to the playhouse’s website, www.buckscountyplayhouse.com, the building itself was originally a grist mill, of historic significance due, in part, to its influence on the town’s name. The mill was first called Hope Mills, which was destroyed in a fire. Within a year, the mills were rebuilt by the above mentioned Benjamin Parry and re-named New hope Mills. In the 1930s, the mill was threatened by demolition. A group organized its purchase for use as a theater, and a star was born. Bucks County Playhouse has been renowned as “America’s Most Famous Summer Theatre,” and premiered many famous plays before they even hit Broadway. Actors who performed at the playhouse include Grace Kelly, Bea Arthur, John Travolta, Liza Minelli, Verve Griffen, Robert Redford, Leslie Nielson…the list goes on and on.
 
With its extensive history, and list of things to do from excellent dining to extraordinary shopping, it’s hard to know where to start. The advice of Michelle Greco of Visit Bucks County, is to take your time. Says Greco: “I would start off by saying Stay the Night!  New Hope is home to some of the most charming Bed & Breakfasts from country to historic to luxuriously upscale.” Among these options is the Logan Inn – the Inn which was established by the town’s founder Johan Wells, and, according to its website, is the oldest continually running Inn in Bucks County (www.loganinn.com). The Mansion Inn is a gorgeous Victorian building that was constructed in 1865, which, according to the Inn’s website, featured the first running water in Bucks County (www.themansioninn.com). Other options in or very near town are the Wedgwood Inn Bed & Breakfast (www.wedgwoodinn.com), Porches Bed & Breakfast (www.porchesnewhope.com), and Fox & Hound (www.foxhoundinn.com).

Among the many activities in town, some of which are listed above, Greco suggests a visit to the New Hope Arts Center (www.newhopearts.org), the New Hope Winery (www.newhopewinery.com), and an exploration of things that go bump in the night, through Ghost Tours of New Hope (www.ghosttoursofnewhope.com). The New Hope Visitors Center (1 West Mechanic Street, www.newhopevisitorscenter.org) is also a great way to learn about the historic places to visit in the town, notes Penna, and keeps a list of upcoming events.
Most importantly, in New Hope, is to explore. The town has so much to offer visitors of every interest, that you will be continually amazed at everything there is to see and do.

“New Hope is a one square mile town packed with art, culture, sophistication and diversity,” says Greco. “The old-time town’s allure is as enchanting today as it was to so many eminent literary figures of yesterday.”
 
Upcoming Events in New Hope, PA
Presented by the New Hope Chamber of Commerce
 
May 11-16th- 7th Annual New Hope Celebrates Pride and Parade Week
“It’s a Family Affair,” is the theme for the seventh annual New Hope Celebrates Pride parade, which will amble, toot and trot down Ferry and So. Main Streets in the borough on May 15. The parade will be filled with music from bands, floats, flag-twirlers, Mummers, colorful entertainers, families and many friends of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and allied community. It is the cornerstone of a week long celebration, which is geared toward activities for everyone!

June 5, 2010- 17th Annual New Hope Historical Society’s Garden Tour
This self-guided tour themed “Eye Candy” features six private Bucks County gardens rain or shine! Perennial specialist and garden guru, Kent Russell, will be giving a demonstration and mini-lecture titled, “Candy in the Garden—New and Unusual Plants for the Landscape,” at the iris gardens at Paxson Hill Farm in Solebury.

June 21-27th, 2010- 2010 New Hope Film Festival
New Hope Film Festival was started with a group of artists who shared a passion for discovering and nurturing independent filmmakers, especially those who’ve been overlooked by established festivals. This includes international films, which the Festival is eager to attract! Home of the Bucks County Playhouse, actors such as John Travolta, George C. Scott, Robert Redford, Helen Hayes, Andrea McArdle and Colleen Dewhurst have graced the stage in this New Hope Theatrical landmark!

September 25-26, 2010- New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival
Over 150 artists present and sell their work at the annual juried event showcasing artists and craftspeople specializing in oil painting, pastels, etching, mixed media, black & white and color photography, soft and hard sculpture, wood turning and rustic furniture, pottery, handspun clothing, hand-blown glass beadwork and more!
 
Shop ‘til you Drop

Get ready for sensation overload—shopping in New Hope requires a certain amount of endurance, if only because they’re so much to see (and buy)! We couldn’t include everything on this list, and even if you could, you probably couldn’t visit every shop in one day, so be sure to plan at least one or two visits this year.
 
Bath Junkie
15 East Bridge Street 
(215) 862-2100
www.bathjunkie.com
This store is chock full of good clean fun, brightly colored bath products, and loads of yummy smells.
 
Savioni
10 South Main Street
(215) 862-5010
www.savioniboutique.com
Stylish clothing for men and women. Some funky, some edgy, all fashion forward.
 
Beyond the Wall
16 South Main Street
(215) 862-9533
Shop.beyondthewall.com
While you will find some fun and affordable wall décor, it also carries great gifts for all ages, including a selection of regional favorites, Ugly Dolls.
 
Heart of the Home
28 South Main Street
(215) 862-1880
www.heartofthehome.com
This store specializes in handmade-in-America home and garden pieces, including extraordinary pottery, as well as jewelry and clothing.
 
Zikos Jewelers
34 North Main Street
(215) 862-2322
To read our 2009 interview with Zikos Jewelers’ owner, visit www.buckslivingmag.com/2009/06/zikos-jewelers/
 
Five Days After Four Years Later
32-34 S Main St
(215) 862-2221
The sensory overload we talked about above, prepare for it in one store. You won’t be able to get enough of the fun trinkets, and beautiful wind chimes.
 
Jake’s Playhouse
40 South Main Street
(215) 862-2067
www.jakesplayhouse.com
Loads of gifts for your littlest loved ones—both children and pets. This store has oodles of delicious Melissa and Doug toys for kids, and lots of fun treats and toys for dogs as well.
 
Farley’s Bookshop
44 South Main Street
(215) 862-2452
www.farleysbookshop.com
It seems impossible for this bookshop to add any more titles to their stuffed shelves—but we’re sure they work it out. Simply put, this store is a bibliophile’s dream.
 
Strawberry Jam
44 South Main Street
(215) 862-9251
www.strawberryjamnewhope.com
The name lone makes us salivate—just wait until you walk in the door for a tasty treat and a browse of all the store’s gift items.
 
Celt-Iberia Traders
15 West Ferry Street
(215) 862-4922
www.celtiberiatraders.com
Visitors walk into this store and get a wallop of culture. Celt-Iberia Traders features arts and crafts from Spain and Ireland.
 
Gallery of Stars
12 W. Mechanic St.
215.862.4858
www.imagemakersart.com
This store is known for its collection of Jerry Garcia pieces, and also carries the works of other talented artists.
 
Night Bird Vintage Clothing
12 W. Mechanic St.
(215) 862-1902
Try not to miss this New Hope treasure. It’s on Mechanic Street, just a few doors up from Main Street, and down a flight of stairs, and features brightly colored duds from the ‘60s and 70s.
 
Mechanic Street Mugs
10 West Mechanic Street
(215) 862-8030
mechanicstreetmugs.com
If you didn’t already have a huge collection of mugs, you will after leaving this store. And don’t be fooled by the name, this shop doesn’t sell just mugs; there are loads of other great options, including beautiful earthenware plates and vases.
 
SuperKind
12 West Mechanic Street
(215) 862-3575
Just one word to describe this shop: Groovy.
 
Crafted Naturally
17 West Mechanic St
(215) 862-2133
www.craftednaturally.com
We just can’t get enough of the rompers and onesies in this store, which features items made from natural materials including clothing for all ages, jewelry, home décor and beyond.
 
Bliss
19 West Bridge Street
(215) 862-9994
www.blissjewelry.biz
Attention purse and jewelry-loving women: We dare you to walk by this jewelry and accessory store and not think to yourself “I want that!” Seriously. Dare you.
 
Suzie Hot Sauce
19 West Bridge Street
(215) 862-1334
www.suziehotsauce.com
For those who like a little spice in their lives…yum!
 
Bucks County Gallery of Fine Art
77 W. Bridge St.
(215) 862-5272
www.buckscountygalleryart.com
This gallery features a diverse collection of artwork and sculpture for any taste.
 
J&W Gallery
20 West Bridge Street
(215) 862-5119
www.jwgallery.com
Art pieces from furniture to paintings, all beautiful, elegant and unique.
 
Dominique Daniela
37 N. Main Street
(215) 862-2022
www.dominiquedaniela.com
Dominique Daniela brings New York to New Hope, with attire for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner, a formal fundraising event, or even custom wedding dresses.
 
Fred Eisen Leather
129 S. Main Street
(215) 862-5988
www.fredeisenleather.com
Handcrafted leather purses, belts briefcases and beyond.
 
Love Saves the Day
1 South Main Street
(215) 862-1399
This eclectic New Hope staple features vintage clothing and toys, silly gift items, amusing sunglasses, and much more.