Recently, my sister Tasha, daughter Channing, and I spent a July Saturday exploring New Hope and Peddler’s Village in Bucks County.
Bucks County is one of those charming suburbs outside Philadelphia. Some rate New Hope overrated, but I have childhood memories of visiting this area with my mom. She looked for little ways to entertain and explore areas near our home in Philadelphia. It seems like there was always an adventure for family fun.
What’s so attractive about this area? As far as I can recall, New Hope is an artsy community, the Bucks County Playhouse. Of course, there is historical significance; the night before Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War in 1776, he lodged in New Hope. And the sheer natural beauty.
As lunch would have it, I planned this trip again to return to the boutique hotel Odette’s Rverhouse Restaurant in Bucks County, this time with my sister and daughter for brunch. My favorite part of Bucks County is the opportunity to dine alfresco, enjoy the view and breeze of the Delaware River, and walk off our meal to explore the downtown community.
Odette’s History
Odette Myrtils, a former French American entertainer and manager of the Buck County Playhouse, inspired herself to do more than live in New Hope. Ms. Myrtilis envisioned converting a two-story 1784 building on the western side of the Delaware River into a French restaurant called Chez Odette. Unsurprisingly, New Hope attracts national entertainers and the artsy type, perhaps because of the Playhouse, where notable actors honed their acting skills.
River House at Odette’s
Chef’s kiss for the appetizer choices: tuna wonton taco, thick-cut bacon, and kung pao wings. And libations—the lobster roll never disappoints.
Did I mention the beautiful Saturday in July, not too hot or humid? The best time to explore and walk around is when it’s not extreme weather. Of course, I checked the forecast before heading out, even though I had made reservations for Odette’s.
Tash, Chan, and I took a short drive to Peddler’s Village, another quaint area in Buck Country. I remember a post-pandemic trip to Peddler’s Village in 2021 with influencers. It was great to meet new faces, Jo and Julie, and reconnect with my Jersey girls, Kim and Michele.
An afternoon visit to Peddler’s Village is an easy way to enjoy nature, get in a few steps, work off your treats, support and explore the small business specialty stores, or people-watch after walking some of the 42 acres of the Colonial-looking village.
Since I walked my Oura ring step goal, I indulged in a Nina’s Ice Cream cone. The gluten-free cone was delicious.
Finally, New Hope’s primary industries are tourism and being a train town. There’s a dedicated PA Heritage (meaning operated as living history) Railroad similar to the Strasburg line in Lancaster County. I’ve yet to enjoy a train ride here, and I don’t remember nearby Washington’s Crossing, now a national park. It looks like I have plans for another visit to New Hope.
As always, thank you for visiting the Age of Grace.
