New Hope, Pennsylvania
In the 18th and 19th centuries, New Hope was a common stop for travelers making their way between New York and Philadelphia. It's said that George Washington slept in New Hope, and the town is chock-full of original Colonial and Victorian architecture that resurrects treasured memories of American history. New Hope's past is tangled with a hip, new-wave version of the present; along Main Street, an assortment of unusual boutiques and chic restaurants have been built into the ground floors of historic houses, and horse-drawn carriages often clomp down the street followed by the mobs of leather-clad motorcyclists who hang around town. The center of New Hope is sandwiched between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal towpath -- peaceful and idyllic natural retreats from the bustling crowds of Main Street.
Day One: Spend your first day walking around downtown New Hope. Explore the boutiques, art galleries and antique stores around Main Street, and be sure to head over to the the tow path for a more relaxing stroll. Take a break at one of Main Street's many eateries. Grab an outdoor table, rest your feet and sip on an iced coffee or a cold beer as you watch the crowds go by. After lunch, take a ride at Coryell's Ferry Historic Boat Rides (22 S. Main Street), which offers boat tours of the Delaware River and an overview of local wildlife and history. Eat dinner at one of New Hope or Lambertville's riverfront restaurants and then catch a live music performance at a local bar.
Day Two: Wake up early and visit the bustling Golden Nugget Antique Market in Lambertville. After bargaining for your finds, cross the street and take a morning stroll along the scenic Delaware River (if you have a dog, be sure to bring him!). In the afternoon, do some shopping and check out Lambertville's many art galleries. Stop by the River Horse Brewing Company, where you can tour the brewery and sample four five-ounce samples of local beer for $1. At the end of the day, pack some crackers or stale bread to throw to the river ducks as you walk over the bridge back into New Hope.
Day Three: Take a drive to Peddler's Village and enjoy another morning of shopping. Enjoy lunch at the Village and then, in the afternoon, drive to the Mercer and Fonthill Museums in Doylestown (make sure you call ahead to schedule a tour of Fonthill). Eat dinner in Doylestown, which has a number of great restaurants, including Honey, a chic tapas eatery that serves gourmet fare on small plates that are meant to be shared. Catch a movie at the County Theater in Doylestown, a community-owned Art Deco movie theater built in 1938.
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