New Hope

New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a lively community situated along the Delaware River, approximately 30 miles north of Philadelphia. It is a location where history, artistic endeavors, and a spirited atmosphere converge, drawing thousands of visitors each week and establishing it as a primary destination in Bucks County. The town's riverside setting and eclectic character have earned it recognition as one of 'America's Favorite Towns' by Travel + Leisure.

Initially settled by the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, New Hope's strategic position on the Delaware River has rendered it a significant transportation nexus for centuries, accommodating stagecoaches, canal boats, trains, trolleys, and automobiles. Today, its thoroughfares are lined with art galleries, antique dealers, distinctive boutiques, and varied restaurants, presenting a blend of small-town allure with a sophisticated cultural landscape.

From Mills to Masterpieces: New Hope's Enduring Evolution

New Hope's origins extend back nearly ten thousand years to the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans, who established communities along the Delaware River. In the early 18th century, William Penn authorized a land transaction to Robert Heath, who founded a mill and a community, marking the town's formal inception. The area was initially recognized as Wells' Ferry, established in 1722 by John Wells, who operated a ferry service for travelers journeying between New York and Philadelphia. Later, it became Coryell's Ferry, named after subsequent ferry proprietors.

The town's current designation, New Hope, emerged after a notable event in 1790. A fire consumed several mills owned by Benjamin Parry. With an unyielding spirit, Parry rebuilt them, christening his new establishment the 'New Hope Mills,' a name that eventually encompassed the entire community. Parry was a pivotal figure, also instrumental in constructing the first bridge to New Jersey and founding the town's initial bank.

During the American Revolutionary War, New Hope played a crucial role. General George Washington traversed the town on four documented occasions, utilizing it as a strategic point in preparations for engagements like Trenton and Monmouth. Some historians even propose Washington lodged in New Hope the evening before his renowned crossing of the Delaware River, and his troops employed Coryell's Ferry to cross in 1778 after enduring the winter at Valley Forge.

The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed New Hope's transformation into a celebrated art colony. The natural grandeur of the Delaware River valley, with its historic farmhouses and mills, drew artists. The genesis of this art colony is often attributed to William Langson Lathrop, who settled near Phillips' Mill in 1898. He, alongside other distinguished artists like Edward Willis Redfield and Daniel Garber, formed what became recognized as the Pennsylvania Impressionists or the 'New Hope School.' This artistic community, which initially concentrated on depicting the rustic landscapes, later expanded to encompass a flourishing writing and theater scene, attracting figures like Oscar Hammerstein and Robert Redford to the Bucks County Playhouse.

New Hope offers a diverse range of attractions, blending its historical foundations with a flourishing contemporary arts scene. Begin by exploring the Delaware Canal Towpath, a picturesque trail ideal for walking or cycling alongside the historic Delaware Canal. You can also experience the canal's past firsthand with a canal boat ride. For a journey through the scenic countryside, consider a ride on the New Hope Railroad, particularly striking during the autumn foliage season.

Art enthusiasts will find ample to explore. The Phillips' Mill Community Association, where the Pennsylvania Impressionists first displayed their creations, continues to host a distinguished Juried Art Exhibition each fall. The New Hope Arts Center also exhibits local artists and nurtures the creative community. The Bucks County Playhouse, a historic grist mill reimagined as a theater, presents a variety of theatrical performances throughout the year and has welcomed many celebrated actors.

History comes alive at the Parry Mansion, constructed in 1784 by Benjamin Parry, one of New Hope's founders. This museum offers tours showcasing 125 years of decorative alterations across five generations of the Parry family. Do not overlook the New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge, a steel truss bridge built in 1904, linking New Hope with its sister town of Lambertville, New Jersey.

For distinctive shopping and dining, wander along Main Street, which features eclectic boutiques, antique emporiums, and riverside restaurants. The Ferry Market provides a variety of food vendors in a contemporary setting. Outdoor activities abound, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, or tubing on the Delaware River during warmer months.

The most favorable time to visit New Hope spans from late April through October, when the weather is most agreeable for outdoor pursuits. Spring brings forth blooming dogwoods and redbuds, and outdoor cafes reopen. Summer is animated with festivals, river recreation, and al fresco dining. Autumn, particularly September through early November, is highly recommended for its spectacular fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and seasonal gatherings like the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival. Pennsylvania winters are typically cold and snowy, which can render outdoor exploration more challenging, though the town still offers cozy experiences.

New Hope is readily accessible, located about an hour's drive from New York City and approximately 45 minutes from Philadelphia. The town is quite walkable, with many attractions concentrated along Main Street and West Bridge Street. For accommodations, New Hope offers a range of choices, from historic bed and breakfasts like the 1870 Wedgwood Inn to luxury hotels such as the Logan Inn and River House at Odette's. Parking can be found in various lots throughout the town. Many local businesses, including art galleries, shops, and restaurants, operate year-round, though some seasonal variations in hours or offerings may occur. The town celebrates its LGBTQ+ community with an annual Pride Week and Parade each May.