Paul Wesley
Court Street
Colonial houses in Newtown, PA.
Bristol
Bristol, which is as old as Pennsylvania itself, has an interesting history that goes back to William Penn’s charter. The town, once a major recreation area because of the famous Bristol Baths and its beautiful riverside view, was an escape for wealthy Philadelphians who enjoyed spending their summers in what was a quiet little hamlet. Now with architecture that spans three centuries, Bristol’s houses range in size from mansions on Radcliff Street to smaller Victorians, a few colonials and some newer homes that don’t upset the historic appearance of the town. In town there are many interesting stores and specialty shops on and in the area of Mill Street. The Bristol Riverside Theatre provides top-notch entertainment and uses Equity actors in its performances It has a summer theatre program and children’s theatre too. There are several very good restaurants in the vicinity. During the summer outdoor concerts and festivals attract people from all over Bucks County to enjoy music and balmy riverside breezes.
Yardley
Yardley is a river town. We know it for skaters on Lake Afton, Yardley ducks, the stately yet welcoming Victorian buildings that house businesses along Main Street and the beautiful homes that surround this small Bucks County borough. The town’s main business at one time was, like most river towns, a mill. The old Yardley Grist Mill building is still standing and several businesses operate out of it. Yardley has some very fine restaurants, thriving businesses and the County’s largest association of artists. It is a beautiful town to visit during the summer and is walker friendly. The Victorian homes and well-landscaped yards are decorated with beautiful gardens during the summer. The path along the scenic Delaware Canal is nice for walking and riding a bicycle.
New Hope
The village of New Hope grew up along the banks of the Delaware River where the Aquetong Creek flows into it. Like Bristol and Yardley the site had an early ferry and gristmill to stimulate growth. In addition to having a rich history, New Hope boasts wonderful examples of 18th-, 19th- and 20th- century architecture. The importance of the town is recognized by the fact that much of the borough is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. New Hope’s architecture, its plentiful small shops, many restaurants and view of its sister town Lambertville across the Delaware make New Hope a picturesque town. During the summer tourists swarm the streets of New Hope to see the shops, visit restaurants and see plays at the historically famous Bucks County Playhouse. Art and art galleries are a big attraction to people visiting New Hope, which during the latter half of the 19th and early part of the 20th century was important in the history of American art for both its own New Hope School and the Bucks County Impressionists.
Doylestown
Doylestown became the county seat in 1813 and this led to the noticeable historic architecture and present day prosperity of what began as a very plain rural village. Doylestown’s main place of business historically has always been the courthouse itself. Coming onto State Street from the North brings one past a row of attorneys’ offices. But there is more to Doylestown than its beautiful Victorian architecture and the County’s business. Several of the best restaurants in the area are situated in Doylestown along with well-known art galleries, and several museums. Doylestown has increasingly become an art and cultural center. The James Michener Art Museum, the Mercer Museum, Fonthill, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works attract visitors from all over the area. Also, outside of Doylestown is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. Doylestown is a great place to shop and is know for its interesting boutiques.
Newtown
William Penn may actually have given Newtown its name. It is one of only three place names noted on Penn’s original seventeenth century maps of the county. Newtown was a planned community—an idea ahead of its time. Some of old Colonial architecture still remains, but Newtown is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, built a couple of centuries after the original settlement. Newtown is known for being picturesque. It has several very good restaurants that range from family fare to fine dining. The town has interesting shops on State Street and along Sycamore Street. There are several shopping areas and an Amish Farmer’s Market. Newtown has self-guided tour with maps placed throughout the town with directions to the next site. During the summer Newtown is a fun place to go to shop, walk and eat ice cream or have a nice meal at one of their fine restaurants.