HI

I've read a fair amount about New Hope, Pennsylvania and my curiosity has been piqued enough to check the purportedly quaint town out in the upcoming months.

One factor to add to the fun is that I don't have a car...I wrote to the New Hope Chamber of Commerce and they responded that coming from the south (Philadelphia), it's best to go to Doylestown or Trenton on SEPTA commuter train and catch a taxi from there. Does anybody have any idea how much a taxi from Trenton or Doylestown to New Hope might cost?
If it's too pricey, there is apparently a bus that runs from Doylestown to New Hope (20 minutes).

Once there, for those of you that know New Hope, what do you enjoy doing?

Thanks Daniel

Daniel,

I've read your Phila. posts (thanks for the city compliments!). As a native of the area, I cannot imagine spending time in New Hope area without a car. You could easily see the tiny town in a few hours - mostly shops and restaurants - similar to Manyunk but much,much more crowded with tourists. Am not very familiar w/the train system (in Trenton). Doylestown is great! You could see the Mercer Museum and other interesting sights. I would also suggest (if the train travels there) to travel to the Lambertville, NJ area - once there, you could walk across the bridge if you really want to visit New Hope. I wish I help you w/cab fare info - think it would not be inexpensive. Perhaps others living near Trenton would have a better idea of price for cabs and/or other suggestions.

Hi Elaine--

May I begin by saying that Philadelphia has EARNED every compliment it has received from me!. I always get a feeling of excitement every time I see the city skyline from the Amtrak train.

Just out of curiosity, do you (or anyone reading this) think that New Hope/Lambertville is an enjoyable destination? By the way, that's an interesting idea about spending time in Doylestown...maybe splitting the trip up, spending time in Doylestown and taking that bus to New Hope might work. Hmmm....

DAN

Brunch at Mother's in New Hope is a must.

Daniel,
Frankly, I don't think that New Hope is worth all the palaver you'd have to go through to get there. It's VERY touristy and I personally don't find it that impressive unless you had a car and could drive around a bit. As Tom Hanks said when he was in town to film the movie Philadelphia: "Philly is great, but you can keep New Hope."
Two alternative suggestions:
1. Chestnut Hill. You can get there easily from center city in Philly on the Chestnut Hill East or West trains (either one is fine). The trip is supposed to be about 30 minutes although it can take a little longer. The other way to get there (which is much longer!) is take the 23 bus (used to be a trolley) from Center City. It's very slow (although not as slow as the endless trolley ride used to be), but you go through some parts of town tourists NEVER visit.
2. Historic Bethlehem. Some excellent shops, very interesting historic sights, brewpub, cafes, etc. Except for peak periods (like Advent), this area is much less crowded than New Hope. More interesting and authentic, IMO, as well.
BTilke

Thanks Ilisa and BTilke for your thoughts. Maybe there's a quieter time to go to New Hope, such as late fall or early spring...if you think the tourists detract from the enjoyability of New Hope?

I've heard some of the jokes too (i.e., No Hope) but some people seem to like the town. (Any other Fodor opinions on New Hope?) As you say, maybe it's not worth all the palaver...but I don't mind going through some hassle to open my eyes to something new. Taking the train out to Doylestown and connecting by bus true sounds long but not SO bad to me... particularly if as Elaine says, Doylestown is interesting in itself.

Thanks for the suggestion about Chestnut Hill; I've intended to but still not made it out there. Went to Manayunk last trip up to Philly during their Canal Day Festival; unlike any suburb I'd ever seen before...people tell me Chestnut Hill is also special. Bethlehem...that's news to me...interesting idea.

Daniel,

Here are some websites you may want to check:
New Hope and Doylestown are located in Bucks County. Here is a website full of sights, dining, accommodations, etc.
www.bccvb.org
In Doylestown, there is also the James Michener Art Museum. Website is:
www.michnerartmuseum.org
In answer to your question, New Hope is always pretty crowded but should you decide to stay in the Doylestown area, you can take the bus and spend a few hours.
I live a "stone's throw" from Chestnut Hill and while it is a charming area, you could always visit on your next trip to Philadelphia.
Should you decide to visit Bucks County, make certain to phone for accommodations, as Summer brings lots of tourists as does the Fall. Re: Bethlehem: while I don't live in that locale, I cannot imagine spending a weekend there. Not that there's anything wrong with Bethlehem - it's particularly attractive during the month of December.

Daniel: Maybe there's a reason why New Hope is crowded with tourists and Bethlehem is not? As Elaine said, Bethlehem is a nice town but I can't see spending the weekend there. My vote is for a Doylestown/New Hope. And it is too bad you won't have a car- halfway between Doylestown and New Hope is the village of Lahaska- a great place for antiques, flea markets, and other shopping (if you are into that stuff).

Daniel,

I have lived in New Hope for over three years. I find it interesting the input people are giving you. They are not totally accurate. I sometimes wonder why someone would give advice when they really do not know what they are talking about. That said, New Hope is a great place to visit. Why do you think so many tourist go there? If you avoid the weekends anytime, you avoid most of the crowds. Sunday is usually the busiest day. New Hope is comprised mostly of restaurants, bars and shops. There are many places to stay in town. On the weekend, you will need a reservation. The Mansion Inn has been rated in the top 10 B&Bs in the USA. It is located on Main Street. Not having a car could be a bit of an inconvenience since driving up the Delaware River is a great experience. By foot however, you can walk to Lambertville, NJ. The bridge that connects it to New Hope is about 1/8 of a mile. Lambertville has more art galleries and antique shops. Again, there are numerous places to stay in Lambertville. One could easily spend two nights in either town, shop, search for antiques, eat and drink and be busy the entire time. Bicycling is a big sport since both sides of the river have gravel bike paths that go for miles and miles. Horse Back riding is readily available also. Not having a car is actually a blessing since you do not have to worry about parking. New Hope and Lambertville also have a high population of gays. If you are interested in the gay scene, there are two gay bars and restaurants that are only about 1 mile from the center of New Hope. You could easily walk to both places. Doylestown is a very nice place. It is less touristy with some nice restaurants, museums, shops etc. New Hope is more quaint with beautiful views of the Delaware River and it's surrounding countryside. Doylestown is actually the county seat for Bucks County. There is mostly county government business conducted there. New Hope is really a place to go for a romantic long weekend. I personally find New Hope in the summer heat a bit of a drag. The best times to go are either before or after the heat and humidity seasons. Unfortuantely, we have had a week of heat and humidity so far. I expect it to be a hot summer. Mid June or late September through October is probably the best times to visit. I hope you visit New Hope some day. Most residents, non-residents and tourists I speak with positively love New Hope. I hope this helps. P.S. I believe a cab from Trenton Amtrack Station would be about $40-$50 with tip. Wherever you decide to stay should know the rates. I hope you ignore some of the negative comments and visit New Hope. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

I don't recall suggesting anyone spend an entire week-end in Bethlehem, nor did Daniel ask specifically for a place to stay for the week-end. I would do a day (Sunday) in Chestnut Hill and a day (Saturday) in historic Bethlehem.
As for my New Hope experience, I'm a Lehigh Valley native, spent a lot of time in New Hope over the decades and actually worked there for a summer. Yes, I found it overrated, overcrowded, and parts of it were tacky and overpriced (like the old Chez Odette restaurant--I had some of the WORST French-style cuisine in my life there!). Much of it is pretty, but I think you'd need a car to really enjoy it. Otherwise, it's going to be quite expensive and time consuming to get around. And the SEPTA ride to Doylestown and/or Trenton can be long and filled with delays (track work is a favorite excuse when they bother to give you one).
New Hope Native has every right to say the town is a great place; we're all entitled to our opinions. However, it's off base to assume that those of us who don't think it's so great don't know what we're talking about.

Hello, Daniel! To me, a good description of New Hope is "precious". Of course, it all depends on which definition of that word you want to use, but the one with connotations of "slight affectation" is what I'm thinking about. That said, it is a nice day out with lots of restaurant and shopping choices. However, it isn't the easiest place without a car! (as a non-driver, I've found that Europe is far easier than the United States for travelers on public trans. Sad, isn't it?)

I have researched the word "precious" in several dictionaries. While 'gem' gets mentioned, I have not seen "slight affectation" used in the description of this noun or adverb.

Dear Mr. Chips,

Maybe that's because "precious" is an adjective. And even my scrawny old Webster's Collegiate gives one definition as "excessively refined: affected."

As for New Hope, I was raised near there and even back in the 1950's people were saying that it isn't what it once was. Nowadays, I wouldn't put it on my don't-miss list (any more than I'd put Sausalito or any other tourist-shop paradise there). But that's just my opinion.

All,

I think Daniel needs to go to New Hope and decide for himself. None of us really know what he likes to do.

Hi

How much fun all the opinionated replies I've been getting. The most appealing factor of everything I read was from New Hope Native, the idea of renting a bike and going along the paths along the Delaware River seems like it might be offer me some gorgeous views. That in itself, combined with coffees and pleasant meals in the albeit heavily touristed town sounds like a delightful relaxing weekend trip. Looking on the map, maybe I could even bike over to Lahaska once in New Hope?

I lived near Colonial Williamsburg for a few years and wonder if New Hope is similar or is it less artificial?

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts.

DAN

Hi Daniel,

I live in Bethlehem and have to tell you it is a great place to visit. However, I would try to visit in August, during Musikfest (www.musikfest.org). Musikfest is the largest annual Music festival in the United States. The festival, which showcases over 1000 FREE, live musical performances by more than 300 local, regional, national and international performers, offers something for everyone's musical tastes. This 10-day event features nonstop programming at 15 outdoor and six indoor venues in the city's streets, parks, colleges and churches. From noon-11 p.m. daily, these venues are filled with a wealth of sounds that will lift your heart and brighten the spirit. Another good website to check out is cityofbethlehem.com! New hope is very nice, very touristy and you really do need a car. I make a trip there once a year to Peddler's Village for the Strawberry Festival (www.peddlersvillage.com).

Hi daniel, I grew up in Bucks County and although it has been awhile, I think biking between Lahaska and New Hope would be possible. When I think of Lahaska, I think of country shops. There is a liitle village of shops called Peddlers Village which is kind of charming, but contrived. To me, New Hope is nothing like Williamsburg. New Hope is a collection of shops and restaurants sitting by the Delaware River. Everyone else is right in that driving around the countryside is just as enjoyable as visiting the town itself. Being able to bike around would give you the advantage of being able to see some of that beautiful countryside. We are glad you like the Philadelphia area. It is beautiful (I live in Chester County now).

New Hope---Williamsburg??? Not even close! While there are a few unique shops/galleries in New Hope, I find that mostly it's become the same tacky items you'd find in any tourist shops. Really loved it in high school as a "place" to go, but I've passed that stage.

Outside of New Hope, throughout Bucks County, there are some very scenic spots and wonderful old stone buildings, but a car would be a must. Centre Bridge Inn and Black Bass Hotel, both north of New Hope, are on the river and offer a much nicer setting (IMHO) for a dinner overlooking the river and New Jersey.

Being pretty much of a foodie, myself, I think you'll find much better restaurants across the river in Lambertville. If you're into viewing wonderful little gardens or Victorian houses, Lambertville has tours of both. Not sure of the dates, obviously the garden tour is spring/summer and the house tour a weekend in early October.

We recently visited the Michner Museum in Doylestown, and totally loved the local art. They were in the process of constructing an outdoor exhibit area and cafe, which I imagine will be lovely.

Have only been to Muskic Fest in Bethlehem in the rain, so it didn't leave me with a wonderful impression, but it gets great press. We find Bethlehem a true delight around Christmas (it is the "Christmas City" after all) There are walking tours, bus tours, great concerts in the old churches, exhibits of "putz" (like nativity scenes, very elaborate, but tasteful) To me, Bethlehem is much more real than either New Hope or Williamsburg. As someone else said, I don't think it'd make a weekend, but certainly a day and evening at either of these major times is a treat.

PS. Some great coffee spots, too, Dan!

Pennsylvania also has a No Hope (formerly Scranton), but I wouldn't recommend it for a visit, or for passing thru, for that matter.

Earnest

DON'T go to Bethlehem during Musikfest! It's a total zoo and will be virtually impossible to get around. Our Lehigh Valley native friends have become increasingly disappointed with Musikfest. It used to be fun for all ages, from little kids to grandparents, with everybody ending their day by "getting down" in true (fancy) PA Dutch fashion in the polka tent. The organizers shifted focus a few years, ago, however, and now are going after basically the youth market and not much else. They want to become the country's biggest music festival, but are dropping many of the smaller events that appealed to people over the age of 25 (like the candelight chamber music concerts and vesper ceremonies). Last year and the year before, there were some crime problems in the Main Street area during Musikfest, which is a real shame. I think they've lost sight of the true meaning of Musikfest, which was celebrating the area's rich musical history, especially the ties to classical music by German composers.
To me the best time to visit Historic Bethlehem is on an off-peak week-end (May or October) or on a weekday during Advent. God's Acre is a wonderful place for contemplation and reflection and the simple tombstones tell many moving stories with just a few lines (one row is almost all children who died during the terrible influenza epidemic in 1918-1919; another hold the remains of the many Mohicans who converted to the Moravian religion and then there is the 18th century tombstone of "Magdalen, an African"--I would love to know her story--who was she? how did she end up in Bethlehem?). The Moravian Bookshop is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world; the adjacent cookshop is one of the best places I know of to shop for cookware and home decorating items. The Bethlehem Brewpub has a fantastic painting in the back of steelworkers; every time I visit, I bug them to turn it into a poster--I know I'd buy one! There are several small museums in the area that are worth visiting. The Sun Inn has an interesting history (Dickens passed through on his travels in American and gave its beer high praise) and it's pleasant to sit on a bench and watch the wedding parties coming out of the Old Chapel behind Central Moravian Church (we were married in the Old Chapel ourselves--it's used only for Moravian weddings and christenings these days).
BTilke