Nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, New Hope is a vibrant borough celebrated for its artistic heritage, historic significance, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. Just an hour’s drive from Philadelphia and New York City, New Hope radiates creativity, diversity, and rich cultural life, making it a beloved destination for weekend travelers, families, and history enthusiasts alike. From art galleries and theaters to scenic canal paths and riverside dining, New Hope truly captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s cultural heart.
A Brief History of New Hope
New Hope’s beginnings trace back to 1700, when a thousand-acre tract was granted to early settler Robert Heath. The land’s location, bounded by Ingham Creek and the Delaware River, made it ideal for mills and transportation. During the 18th and 19th centuries, water power and river travel transformed the area into a thriving mill and canal town.
Benjamin Parry, a visionary entrepreneur who arrived in 1781, built the foundation of the town we know today. After his Prime Hope Mills in nearby Lambertville burned in 1790, he rebuilt on the Pennsylvania side and named the new structure New Hope Mills, inspiring the borough’s permanent name. Parry’s contributions were immense: he founded the New Hope Delaware Bridge Company in 1812, helping connect Pennsylvania to New Jersey, and supported the Delaware Canal, which carried coal and goods from the Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia. His residence, The Parry Mansion, still stands as one of New Hope’s most important historical landmarks.
By the late 1800s, as canal and mill industries declined, artists such as Edward Redfield, William Lathrop, and Daniel Garber arrived, drawn by the river’s beauty. Their works formed the famous New Hope Art Colony, which helped birth the American Impressionist movement. By the 20th century, New Hope had become a cultural epicenter, home to landmarks like the Bucks County Playhouse, and a community defined by creativity, education, and inclusiveness that still thrives today.
Historical Sites and Landmarks
Parry Mansion Museum
Built in 1784, the Parry Mansion is one of New Hope’s oldest structures and now serves as the headquarters of the New Hope Historical Society. Guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the evolution of New Hope through six different eras of interior design, each meticulously furnished with period pieces.
Address: 45 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-5652
Website: newhopehistorical.org
The Bucks County Playhouse
Known as the “State Theater of Pennsylvania,” the Bucks County Playhouse was converted from an 18th-century gristmill into a theater in 1939. It hosted icons like Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, and Robert Redford, and continues to stage Broadway-caliber productions today.
Address: 70 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2121
Website: bcptheater.org
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Families love this vintage railway experience, complete with beautifully restored coaches from the early 1900s. Ride through scenic Bucks County countryside on themed excursions like the Easter Bunny Express, Fall Foliage, and North Pole Express.
Address: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2332
Website: newhoperailroad.com
Delaware Canal and Locktender’s House
Part of Delaware Canal State Park, the canal once carried coal between Easton and Bristol. Today, the Locktender’s House and Lock 11 serve as an interpretive museum, explaining canal life and offering a scenic walking route along the towpath connecting New Hope and Lambertville.
Address: 145 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2021
Website: fodc.org
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
This 134-acre sanctuary features more than 700 native plant species, woodland trails, and educational programs. It’s a captivating destination for nature lovers and families exploring the region’s biodiversity.
Address: 1635 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2924
Website: bhwp.org
Attractions and Family-Friendly Activities
Bucks County Children’s Museum
Interactive and educational, this museum fosters creativity and learning through hands-on science and history exhibits. Perfect for younger children, it encourages families to explore New Hope’s culture in fun, accessible ways.
Address: 500 Union Square Dr, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 693-1290
Website: buckskids.org
Solebury Orchards
A delightful seasonal escape, Solebury Orchards offers apple, blueberry, and blackberry picking, cider tasting, and family picnicking in an idyllic farm setting.
Address: 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 297-8079
Website: soleburyorchards.com
Paxson Hill Farm and Gardens
Part botanical garden, part artistic landscape, Paxson Hill Farm combines horticulture with creativity. Visitors can walk among sculptures, rare plants, and carefully curated gardens.
Address: 3265 Comfort Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2924
Website: paxsonhillfarm.com
Dining and Popular Eateries
New Hope’s culinary scene offers everything from luxury dining to riverside cafés:
- The Logan Inn: Established in 1727, it’s one of America’s oldest continuously operating inns. The restaurant features modern American cuisine with a historic charm.
Address: 10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2300
Website: logan-inn.com - Triumph Brewing Company: A favorite for craft beer lovers, Triumph serves locally brewed ales and farm-to-table dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Address: 400 Union Sq Dr, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-8300
Website: triumphbrewing.com - The Landing Restaurant: Enjoy waterfront dining on the Delaware with fresh American fare and stunning views.
Address: 22 N Main St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-5711
Website: landingrestaurant.com - Zoubi Restaurant & Bar: Contemporary fine dining set in a cozy courtyard with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 5-7 W Mechanic St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-5851
Website: zoubirestaurant.com - The Salt House: Comfort food in a rustic-chic setting inside a stone building from the 1750s.
Address: 7 E Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 501-7841
Website: thesalthousenewhope.com
Shopping and Local Boutiques
New Hope’s lively downtown is filled with boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries that define the town’s character.
- Peddler’s Village: Located just five miles away, this 42-acre shopping and dining destination is styled as an 18th-century Colonial village. Its brick pathways lead to fashion boutiques, galleries, and old-fashioned candy shops.
Address: 2400 Street Rd, New Hope, PA 18931
Phone: (215) 794-4000
Website: peddlersvillage.com
Other favorites include Heart of the Home for artisan crafts, Smooth Operations for handcrafted soaps, and Arete Gallery, showcasing works by contemporary artists.
Relaxation and Scenic Escapes
Delaware Canal Towpath Trail
Perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging, this scenic path transports visitors back in time while offering views of the river, lock systems, and historic stone walls. Couples often stroll along the bridge connecting to Lambertville, New Jersey—an experience enhanced at sunset.
Brownsburg Park
A quiet green oasis just outside town, ideal for picnics, sports, and family relaxation, with wide fields and playgrounds for children.
Bowman’s Hill Tower
A local icon, this stone observation tower dates back to 1931 and offers panoramic views of the Delaware River Valley, especially brilliant during autumn foliage season.
Address: 1112 River Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: (215) 862-2924
Website: bhwp.org/tower
From historic inns to vibrant art galleries, New Hope captures a rare blend of creative soul, history, and natural beauty. Its heritage as an artists’ colony still thrives in theaters, museums, and small studios scattered throughout the town. Its restaurants, scenic walks, and friendly locals make it a destination that invites exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
Whether you’re taking a scenic train ride on the New Hope Railroad, catching a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, or browsing boutique shops along Main Street, New Hope effortlessly combines yesterday’s charm with today’s energy.
For more information on New Hope and other destinations across Pennsylvania, visit MyPhillyConnection.