A weekend in New Hope, Pennsylvania

My travels have taken me far and wide, experiencing many different places and their cultures. Some I have to take a plane to get to, sometimes even a boat, and sometimes I get lucky, and find a little bit of paradise right at home! Along the Delaware River, neighboring Philadelphia, is beautiful Bucks County. This summer I partnered with Visit Bucks County to fully experience all the area has to offer. My host for this lovely staycation was the Famous Ghost Light Inn, in New Hope. This boutique hotel is located on the Delaware River, and includes a river walkway perfect for relaxing by the water. The rooms are gorgeous, but the super close proximity to downtown New Hope means you won’t be in them often! Always full of lively energy, Main Street in New Hope is lined with unique shops, restaurants, bars, and places to get fun snacks.

After we arrived at the hotel, and settled our things, we took a stroll down Main Street. Along the way we stopped by some different shops to check out vintage clothes, local art, unique snacks, and other goodies. One of our favorite little shops was Olive-N-Grape, which sold dozens of different flavored balsamic vinegars and olives. We got some White Truffle balsamic and Jalapeno Olive Oil. For dinner, we hit one of the local hot spots, Nektar Wine Bar. Known for its great whiskey, wine, and beer selection, this bar also has a delicious menu with small plate options. While Nektar has all the comfort of indoor dining, the open walls and riverside view makes for a peaceful and natural environment. With full stomachs and slightly tired feet, the hotel’s luxuriously comfy beds were just what we needed for another day of adventures.

Menu Tasting:

With full stomachs and slightly tired feet, the hotel’s luxuriously comfy beds were just what we needed for another day of adventures. For the second day of our trip we started with one of New Hope’s most famous attractions, and a real blast from the past! The New Hope Railroad is an historic train, running on lines originally placed in 1891, and maintains all of its old world charm. Stepping into the train car and into the past, felt like leaving the complicated modern world for a simpler time. The classic design of the interior, the sound of the engine, the gentle rumble of the train carriage, the picturesque window views. All of these touches together made for a pleasantly tranquil and magical experience.

For dinner, we had a lovely experience at Stella of New Hope. Conveniently connected with the Ghost Light Inn, Stella of New Hope serves delicious food and drinks, with picturesque views of the river and Playhouse. With focus on local ingredients and inspired by the bounty of Bucks County, Stellas dishes are delectably fresh and flavorful.

Menu Tasting:

BERKS COUNTY PEKIN DUCK
Farro risotto with sweet corn & tuscan kale, crispy maitake, roasted cherries.

Before leaving New Hope, we decided to take one last stroll through Main Street, enjoying the local shops and people, while basking in the energy and spirit of the town. Inspired to see more of beautiful Bucks County, we decided to drive around and check out some hidden gems. My favorite being an adorable little moss covered cottage, surrounded by a flood of vibrantly green leaves, off Cuttalossa Road. It was such a pleasure to experience a new place, rich with beauty and culture, and even more special, because it’s so close to home.

To find out about this getaway visit Bucks County for more information!

Happy Traveling!