Philadelphia & The Countryside
Shunpiker's Guide
PA - Off the beaten path
Duration: Two days and two nights
As anybody who's ever been to Bucks County knows, this place has got charm bottled and ready for sale. But it's looking in between the obvious stops and byways that make joy in this region really memorable. Finding the brilliant little stops beyond the bend in the road. That's what "shunpiking" is all about, shunning the obvious and taking an odyssey to the hidden gems along the way. On this roadtrip, follow life along (and into) the canal, then scurry your way up north for some country-road surprises tucked away in the Lehigh Valley.
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Rice's Sale and Country Market (New Hope)
There's no better way to start a day than a 30-acre outdoor market chock full of, well, every single thing you can think of. Vintage, new, handcrafted; cookies, produce and plants; handbags, furniture and belt buckles; clothing, meats…well, you get the picture. Just remember it's only open Tuesdays and Saturdays, so be a sage Shunpiker and plan ahead.
Farley's Bookshop (New Hope)
You're not done digging through buried treasures just yet. This locally-owned bookstore has that well-worn leather and paper smell of an old library, and luckily you'll find the same variety of titles scattered throughout each room of this popular hangout. Plan to spend a bit of time perusing through each room and be sure to ask the helpful staff for assistance in finding that diamond in the rough.
Cockamamie's (New Hope)
Owners Herb and John are the authors of two books on art deco lighting, so you could say they know their stuff. Stop in, say hi, and peruse the finest collection of Art Deco lighting, furniture and collectibles in the land, including pieces made by Gilbert Rhode, Normal Bel Geddes and Donald Deske.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve (New Hope)
This 134-acre preserve features more than 800 species of native plants in a natural setting, ready for you to discover. Stroll among the woodlands, meadows, a pond and Pidcock Creek set amidst a changing collection of wildflowers, birds and wildlife. No wonder it's the premier destination for seeing and learning about the native plants of Pennsylvania.
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (New Hope)
All aboard the restored vintage 1920s passenger coach and antique bar car. Get your tickets in the original New Hope station, once home to the original telegraph operator for the entire town. See if a special Evening Star Dinner train is running during your trip for a white-tablecloth meal and ride to Buckingham Valley, or the Song & Story Hours Tuesdays and Thursdays for the kiddos.
Eat Here
Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream Parlor (New Hope)
It's always a good time (ice cream breakfast anyone?) for a convenient pre-ferry snack right along the main drag. Check out featured flavors like Wild Rhubarb and Cherries for George, and see why some people call this place the best ice cream parlor in the world. Then hop on the Coryell's Ferry out back and enjoy a beautiful scenic ride and boats-eye view of the Delaware River's varied wildlife. Don't forget to ask the diver about the area's importance as a colonial ferry crossing.
Dilly's Corner (New Hope)
They make ‘em big at Dilly's, including the quarter-pound Dilly Dog smothered in peppers, onions and fries and ha-uge ice cream cone. You'll know your order is ready when they call your playing card, the Dilly version of the deli-number system. This place is the king of decadence. Oh, and bring cash. Dilly's doesn't do plastic.
Sleep Here
Logan Inn (New Hope)
It started out as a tavern built by the founder of New Hope - now it's a first-class hotel with elegance to match its fabled history. They still hold true to their tavern roots, with the Inn's restaurant serving stellar cuisine. We recommend the Mini Crab cakes or the Grilled Duck Breast. There are only 16 rooms, so book early and try to get a room that looks out onto bustling Main Street.
River Country Canoes & Tubes (Pipersville)
Just eight miles north of New Hope, start your day with a wet ride down the Delaware, where it doesn't get much deeper than four feet, in your choice of kayak, canoe, raft, or inner tube - perfect for channeling your inner Huck Finn. And don't worry, "River Dan" will drive you back after you've floated all the way down river. That's where they have great barbeque waiting for you.
Ringing Rocks Park (Upper Black Eddy)
After lunch, head out past Milford to what looks like a moonscape of boulders. Make sure to bring along a hammer to smack the rocks in Ringing Rocks Park and discover their sonorous beauty (tire irons will do in a pinch). They'll literally ring like bells, on account of some geological you'll learn all about. Look for the dozen acres of grey boulders (some chipped white, a sign of popularity from hammers and tire irons), laying quarry-like near the lush Bucks County Woods. Let out some stress, and they'll chime like church bells. If you have time, it's also a beautiful spot for a hike through the lush woods. It's quite the contrast to the rock garden.
Eat Here
Canal Bar (Upper Black Eddy)
Canal Bar is a local joint that celebrates hunting and fishing, so expect something fresh. Here they are known for serving the best meats in down. USDA Prime steaks, Kobe burgers and wild game are staples on the seasonally changing menu.
Sleep Here
Indian Rock Inn (Upper Black Eddy)
Located between sheer rock cliff and the Delaware River this hotel offers fine dining, stone fireplaces and striking views of the Delaware River. Tom and Beverly Schweder are there to make you feel right at home, and the inn's taproom, the Barking Dog Saloon, is just as friendly for a nightcap.
