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by Bill Waite
Growing up in and around Bucks County I can sometimes take the beauty of the Delaware River and its river towns for granted. That I can get used to towns with such charm and character is mind boggling. Yet every now and then I find myself passing through New Hope, Bristol, Lambertville and other scenic towns in a hurry and have to tell myself to slow down and enjoy. I enjoy the architecture, gardens, and incredible scenery that is on display in these small historic towns along the Delaware River. When I find time, I love to explore these towns. I always find something tucked away on a side street or alleyway that I never knew existed.
The area is sacred, having a history that precedes our founding and continued with such momentous events as George Washington crossing the Delaware. I think of farmland once worked by Quakers settlers that brought with them the noble ideas of religious tolerance and freedom. It is an area once occupied by the Lenape Indians who lived peaceably with these hardworking settlers from England almost 400 years ago.
Bucks County river towns have always been mecca for tourists. But it was New Yorkers who came to Bucks County during the 1950s that catapulted our river towns into national destinations. Many of these New Yorkers had getaway farmhouses to escape the hectic city life and by the mid-1960s made the artsy town of New Hope became the heart of Bucks County.
Over the years I’ve seen major changes in our river towns on both sides of the river. These towns became a continuation of New Hope. On the New Jersey side, we have Lambertville, Stockton, Frenchtown and Milford. On the Pennsylvania side we have Bristol, Morrisville, Yardley, Washington Crossing, New Hope, Center Bridge, Lumberville, Point Pleasant, Erwinna, Upper Black Eddy and Riegelsville.
There are several bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the river. You can ride across or walk across the New Hope/Lambertville, Frenchtown/Uhlerstown, Stockton/Centre Bridge and the Washington Crossing bridges. And you can also walk across the pedestrian-only bridge in Lumberville, Pennsylvania. My wife Vicky and son Bobby walked across from New Hope into Lambertville recently for the Shad Festival. I get a thrill every time I do it and I realized it was a long time since I last took that hike, and it was just great being there with my family.
The river towns are known for their great restaurants, the Bucks County Playhouse, Bristol Riverside Theater, the New Hope Ivyland Train, boating, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, interesting and unusual shops, art galleries, antiques and flea markets. You can enjoy bicycling or walking along the canal path—a fun way to explore the river and its towns.
There are plenty of picnic areas along the river. You have Washington Crossing Park on both sides of the river, and there is Ralph Stover Park, Tinicum Park and Ringing Rocks County Park. Some areas offer camping and others have state cabin rentals available.
Our river towns have much to offer for us and many events throughout the summer months. If you are planning a trip (I suggest a staycation) a good place to start planning is www.visitbuckscounty.com, www.buckscountymag.com and www.delawarerivertowns.com.