3 Best Sights in New Hope, Bucks County

Completed in 1832 during America's great era of canal building, the 60-mile-long Delaware Canal runs from Bristol north to Easton, and today its towpath draws bicyclists and walkers who appreciate the scenic path with its canal and Delaware River views. It's easy to access the towpath in New Hope. In addition, the restored Locktender's House and Lock 11 ( 145 S. Main St.  fodc.org   Closed weekends Nov.–Apr.) explore how locks work and what daily life was like on the canal. 

Built in 1784 and now home to the New Hope Historical Society, this stone house is fascinating because the furnishings reflect decorative changes from 1775 (Colonial) to 1900 (Victorian)—including candles, whitewashed walls, oil lamps, and wallpaper. Wealthy Quaker lumber- and flour-mill owner and businessman Benjamin Parry, often called the "father of New Hope," built the house, which was occupied by five generations of his family. Guided house tours, including a brief film, give you a good sense of town history. The historical society also offers a one-hour walking tour of New Hope ($10) from May through October on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Pulled by an authentic steam locomotive or vintage diesel, this heritage passenger train makes a 9-mile, 45-minute (an hour in fall) scenic round-trip between New Hope and Lahaska, and standard trips are narrated. Among many special events are Halloween-theme trips, holiday excursions in December, and a Wine & Tapas train. Trips get pricey for a family and may be best for those who love old trains. Advance reservations are encouraged, and required for special events. Parking in the on-site lot is expensive, so find a spot on the street or in a town lot.