Help with New Hope, Pa!
 

I am an American expat living in Scotland. An aquaintance here is going to New Hope for a wedding in October and would like some information. I've been there a few times, but don't really know what to tell her to do or see and where to eat etc. She is elderly, but energetic. I am assuming that people she's going with will have a car. They will be there for about 2 weeks. How are the canal rides? Mansions? Museums? Galleries? Restaurants? I've collected info for her from all over Bucks County, but would like some first hand info since I haven't been there since I graduated from school in Philly 14 years ago! Help! Thanks.

I like to hang out much more in Lambertville NJ, which is a short walk across the Delaware. It has many nice antique stores and, to my mind, has a nicer atmosphere than New Hope. The Bucks county area does have many attractions. In NEw Hope, there is a canal ride and also a steam railroad. A bit south is Washington Crossing, where Washington crossed the Delaware. There are State parks on both the NJ and Pa. sides. Incidentally, there is wonderful flat bicycle riding along the tow paths of either of the two cnals - one on NJ side and one on the :Pa. side. The Pearl Buck home is also in the vicinity. The countryside is beautiful and it makes sense to drive or bicycle a bit out of town into the countryside and especially along the river. I very much like the Black Bass Inn in Lumberville, somewhat to the North a bit. There-s a beautful river view.

A few miles from New Hope is Peddler's Village. Here you will find over 75 specialty shops and restaurants and also a wonderful luxury inn. It's a wonderful way to spend a day! Visit www.peddlersvillage.com for more information. <BR>

More questions....please indulge me. Are the canal rides and steam train worth going on or just plain hokey? How about the drought effects...will there be a "Fall?" In NJ this summer the leaves were almost totally brown where I was in August. Same for PA? Incidentally, she is staying at Peddlers Village for a few days and then at an inn in Lahaska. Thanks to you both for your help.

Weather in Pa. will be like that in NJ. People say there will be less fall foliage this year but I can't imagine there will be no foliage to see. There are very few places that I know of that have canal boat rides. However, with regard to that and the steam engine train ride (which is short), it really depends on what grabs you. To my knowledge they are not "totally hokey".