Your Next Weekend Escape: Bucks County, Pennsylvania

When you talk to anyone who’s been to this picturesque Pennsylvania county, the first thing they usually mention is New Hope, which is just about an hour north of Philly. You’ll find lots of truly eclectic shops, art galleries, restaurants and specialty stores here. In New Hope, it seems like there’s always a festival—dedicated to books, jazz, automobiles, arts and crafts and more—and this LGBTQ-friendly hot spot on the banks of the Delaware River is also host to one of the region’s most popular Pride celebrations. Grab dinner at the French-inspired (and BYOB) Blue Moose Restaurant and Cafe, the plant-basedSprig & VineorMartine’s Riverhouse Restaurant, an indoor/outdoor date spot on the Delaware River. Be sure to check out a show at theBucks County Playhouse, one of the country’s most famous regional theaters (that white building in the photo above).

This town of 8,280, which celebrated its bicentennial in July, is best known for its castles. Yep, you read that right:Fonthill Castle, built by archaeologist Henry Mercer in the early 1900s, is a concrete mix of Gothic, Medieval and Byzantine architecture. Mercer’s other castle is now home to theMercer Museum, which features extensive artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Another museum not to be missed is TheMichenerArt Museum. Housed in a stunningly transformed prison (!), it is dedicated to the culture of the region and hosts gallery talks, concerts and even a Broadway cabaret series. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head toHoneyfor creative New American small plates like black-tea-glazed spare ribs, followed by a drink at nearby86 West, a great place to watch a game or just chat with the locals. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a ride with theUS Hot Air Balloon Teamand prepare for jaw-dropping aerial views of the surrounding countryside and even the distant Manhattan skyline.

Just five miles west of New Hope, Lahaska is best known as the home ofPeddler’s Village, an 18th-century colonial replica. The 40-acre outdoor village comprises dozens of shops and restaurants and will keep you busy for an afternoon of shopping sans the Soho crowds. (It’s especially popular during the holidays, when it lights up like something out of thePolar Express.) Our favorite place to grab lunch here is Caleb’s American Kitchen, and we never leave “the village” before a stop atPhilly Pretzel FactoryorNina’s Waffles. Just steps from everything is theGolden Plough Inn, should you fancy an overnight stay in what feels like a well-appointed country home (one that includes an in-house spa). In November, get your fill of fall’s favorite fruit at the 45th annual Apple Festival happening right here.

雄鹿县都有其自己的葡萄酒的小道me to about 25 wineries and vineyards, and a few of the local favorites are centered right around Newtown. TheRose Bank Winerysits on land that once belonged to William Penn, the state’s founder, and features a manor house built in 1719. The owners also run the nearbyShady Brook Farm, a primo place to pick pumpkins and stock up on cheeses and homemade ice cream. In town, you’ll find a great main street filled with shops, bars and restaurants that’s quintessential small-town charm at its finest. Looking for a place to stay the night? Check in at theTemperance Housefor a truly posh stay or the historic 15-roomBrick Hotel, where the atmosphere will bring you back to Victorian times.

This small village, between New Hope and Yardley on the Delaware River, provides a welcome mix of history and the outdoors. It’s most famous for its role in the Revolutionary War:Washington Crossingis where General George and his troops turned the tide for the Continental Army on Christmas night in 1776. The site is spread across 500 acres and is home to 13 historic buildings, the 100-acreBowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserveand observation tower, and many scenic picnic areas.