10 Fun Things to See and Do in The Delaware River Towns
Table of Contents
Stories and photos by Jeanine Consoli (unless otherwise indicated)
The Delaware Canal Path in Delaware Canal State Park
The Delaware Canal Tow Path is 59-mile flat gravel path that runs from Easton, PA south to Bristol, PA. The park and trail allows users several ways to enjoy the natural setting of the Delaware River towns. Originally, the towpath was used to transport goods and fuel along the Delaware River towns on barges pulled by mules. A series of locks were opened and closed as the materials were delivered up and down the path. Today, the towpath is a perfect way to get some exercise while exploring the charming towns that dot the way. Visitors and locals can birdwatch, walk, run, and bike on the towpath. For maps and information please check the website: www.fodc.org
Vault Brewing Company
The Vault is a fixture on Main Street in Yardley, PA. It a microbrewery that also serves incredible food. The atmosphere at the vault is more speakeasy than gastropub as it is housed in a refurbished bank. In fact, the old vault serves as a focal point. The open concept dining area allows patrons to see the tanks where their beer is brewed, and the wood fired oven where all the food is prepared. The owners wanted to provide an intimate atmosphere to enjoy their creative beers. Instead of TV’s, jazz or funk plays over the speakers or live on the small stage. The beer is unfiltered and is brewed just fifteen feet from the tap, with 8 – 9 different varieties at any given time. The food ranges from small bites to creative pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. All the food is made from scratch and sourced locally. It is one of my favorite places to eat and sip in the river towns. www.vaultbrewing.com
10 S. Main Street, Yardley, PA
Bowman’s Hill Tower
Bowman’s Hill Tower was completed around 1931 to commemorate the site of the Continental Army’s look out point during the Revolutionary War. The stone used to build the tower was excavated from the hill and mined from local quarries. After a renovation and the addition of an elevator in 1980, visitors can now travel easily up the tower and walk the final twenty-three steps to the top. On a clear day you can see for at least 14 miles and observe a breathtaking view of Bucks County, PA, the Delaware River, and New Jersey. The tower is not ADA accessible and dogs are not permitted. It is open 7 days a week from 10:00AM – 4:00PM weather permitting. A small admissions fee of $7.00 pp is charged.
1112 River Road, New Hope, PA.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
The Wildflower Preserve covers 134 acres and is an outdoor museum and botanical garden. Over 700 native plant species grow on the property with over 4.5 miles of trails that wind through the forest, meadows, ponds, and streams. Guided wildflower walks take place daily in April, May and June and at specific days and times July through September. Self-guided and group tours are also available. The preserve is located close to both Bowman’s Hill and the Thompson-Neely House so it is a great way to see all three when you visit the area. www.bhwp.org
1635 River Road, New Hope, PA
Thompson-Neely House and Gristmill
The Thompson-Neely house is a living history museum and a fine example of 18th-century architecture. Located on River Road in New Hope, the farmstead is visible from Bowman’s Tower. It is a terrific example of classic18thcentury architecture. Detailed guided tours of the house and its place in the American Revolution are given from March to December. Originally built in 1740, the preserved Pennsylvania Field Stone House became an encampment for the Continental Army and a makeshift hospital for soldiers needing care. The grist mill kept the Thompson-Neely family and its descendants wealthy as they provided flour to the troops, their neighbors, and customers in nearby Philadelphia. The farmstead is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM – 4:00PM. www.washingtoncrossingpark.org
1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA
The Bucks County Playhouse
Bucks County Playhouse is located on Main Street in historic New Hope, PA and on the bank along the beautiful river. The Playhouse resides in a restored gristmill and is known for their incredible theatrical productions including classic plays and musicals. Many of the productions feature famous Broadway and Hollywood actors. The Playhouse is also known for arts education and community programs that celebrate the arts. It is one of the most famous regional theaters in the country and acts as an incubator for new works prior to hitting the Broadway stage. For more information about productions and tickets check the website: www.bcptheater.orgor call (215) 862-2121
70 South Main Street New Hope, PA
Nurture Spa
Nurture Spa is one of the most beautiful spas I ever enjoyed. It is in the heart of New Hope and is a full-service spa offering facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, and hair styling. Each treatment is customized for you. The business prides itself on catering to your every need from the beautiful lounges and treatment rooms to a 1200 square foot boutique stocked with curated products procured specifically for Nurture clients. Once inside you can relax in a variety of lounges including a rooftop terrace. You can soak up the healing benefits of a salt cave or reduce stress in a steam bath. Even the locker rooms are gorgeous. The restored building dates back to 1850 and retains all the charm of a bygone era updated to reflect a contemporary vibe. www.nurturespa.com
31 West Ferry Street, New Hope, PA
The People’s Store
Lambertville is known as the Antique capital of New Jersey. Antique shops dot the sidewalks of one of the prettiest shopping towns in America. One store in particular, The People’s Store, has four floors of investment quality antiques in one amazing place. Over 50 quality dealers occupy specific sections of the store and sell furniture, rugs, period clothes, jewelry and art. The top floors are dedicated to working artist studios where you can browse or purchase original paintings in private gallery spaces. www.peoplesstore.net
28 N. Union Street, Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville
A visit to Lambertville New Jersey is not complete without a visit to one of the incredible art galleries that can be found along Bridge Street. One must-visit gallery, is Jim’s of Lambertville. Jim’s specializes in Pennsylvania Impressionist and Modernist paintings as well as 18th, 19thand 20thcentury art. The store also deals in quality antiques and custom framing. With over 400 works and fine quality frames, Jim’s collection spans across a 7,000 sq. ft gallery just steps off of the New Hope – Lambertville Bridge. www.jimsoflambertville.com
6 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ
Stockton Market
Stockton Market is a year-round market that is part food hall, part grocery store and part retail outlet. The stalls feature locally sourced food, meat, fish, and produce along with artisanal products that vary from week to week. Many stores just pop-up for a few days, and then another product steps in. This ever changing and growing concept is much more than a farmer’s market. There are dedicated food stands like Market Pizza which was recently named, “The Best Pizza in Hunterdon County.” Local entertainment is also featured on Friday evenings where guests can grab some food and enjoy the incredible talent. www.stocktonmarket.com
19 Bridge Street, Stockton, NJ
Jeanine Consoli is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and foodie based in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. A retired elementary school teacher, she used her summers to feed her passion for travel and kept journals of all the destinations she explored. Today, Jeanine is working as a writer full-time. She loves uncovering the history and understanding the culture of each location, including the local flavors of each unique place. She has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and is excited to keep adding to the list, finding unique sites that are off the beaten path both at home and abroad.