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Nestled along the Pennsylvania banks of the Delaware River, New Hope is a bohemian retreat with much to offer. Of course there’s the beautiful countryside, one of the prettiest patches of Buck’s County. Restaurants here will please gourmets, while wine tastings at local wineries will impress oenophiles. Shops are chock-a-block with beautiful antiques, funky flea markets are full of interesting finds, and playhouses stage everyone’s favorite comedies and dramas. Lambertville on the New Jersey side of this historic York Road connection between New York City and Philadelphia, is also a haven for artists and craftsmen, with antiques shops, eclectic galleries, restaurants and guest houses.

It’s no surprise that the gay community here is out and proud, running many of the best shops, restaurants, and lodgings. No wonder gays from all around Pennsylvania, as well as the rest of the Northeast, find it irresistible. See our events listings for info on New Hope & Lambertville Pride celebrations each May.

 

Getting here

Most people drive to New Hope. If you’re flying, the nearest major hub is Philadelphia International Airport. Amtrak has stations in Trenton and Philadelphia, connecting to cities throughout North America. Rent a car from any of these.

If you don't drive, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has train and bus services from Philadelphia. Commuter train stations throughout the area include Doylestown and Warminster (southwest of New Hope), Bristol (south), and West Trenton (southeast). Taxis cover the last few miles to New Hope, or take Rushbus by TMA Bucks from Bristol or Warminster SEPTA stations.

Trans-Bridge Lines has daily bus service to New Hope from New York City, along with Newark and JFK Airports.

 

Getting around

Mule-towed barges provide almost an hour of peaceful bliss, passing by cascades of flowers along the banks of the Delaware Canal. River Country rents canoes and rubber tubes provide another way to get onto or into the water.

For bicycle rentals, New Hope Cyclery (404 York Rd) lets you experience all the local scenery.

Climb aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad (32 W Bridge Street) passenger train and travel in 1920s vintage coaches through 16 miles of scenic rolling hills. Board at either New Hope or Lahaska stations.

 

Gay Resort

The Raven Resort (385 West Bridge St) - CLOSED - a local institution since 1979, this was the center of gay life in New Hope with rooms boasting marble baths, an acclaimed restaurant with oak-paneled walls, and eclectic menu, a piano bar on weekends, a pool with glistening pectorals everywhere, and a grill/ cabana bar. See New Hope Press comments by the new owners.

 

Media & Resources

Updated and detailed rosters of special events, accommodations, shops, art galleries and resources for all of Bucks County are available at: Visitbuckscounty, and the New Hope Chamber of Commerce websites.

The New Hope Free Press is the local newspaper.

For over two dozen places to eat on both sides of the river see Lambertville Restaurants.

For map locations and website links to the businesses below, and more, see our gay New Hope listings pages.

 

Accommodations

The 1833 Umpleby House Bed and Breakfast Inn (117 West Bridge St), steps from the village square but situated on two landscaped acres, a bit apart; relaxed and comfortable. Guests may access the six pool and four court tennis club nearby, for a little extra.

The Fox & Hound B&B (246 W. Bridge St), an easy walk to town, yet just outside the hustle and bustle on two landscaped acres. Formerly a Victorian farm house, their rooms have private baths, some with fireplaces and private balconies or patios. The secluded sundeck and three-course breakfast are additional pleasures.

Golden Pheasant Inn (763 River Rd, Erwinna), B&B water views from every room, restaurant serving classic French cuisine, wines, Sunday brunch; country tranquility between river and canal.

The Mansion Inn (9 South Main St), grand 1865 manor with private porches, and beautiful gardens; restaurant and bar. Aquired in June 2018 by company planning to combine it with the neighboring Logan Inn to create a 60-room hospitality complex in the heart of New Hope downtown .

Pineapple Hill Inn (1324 River Rd), 1790 colonial manor house, 18- inch thick walls, wide plank pumpkin pine floors, hand-tiled swimming pool, rose garden. Nine guest rooms and suites, private baths, gas fireplaces.

Porches on the Towpath B&B (20 Fishers Alley), ten guestroom gay-owned country house on the Delaware Canal, wrap-around porch, full country breakfasts.

The Raven (385 West Bridge St) is an inn as well as a gay resort. Their ten rooms, all with private bath, have wireless internet and grant free admission to the resort pool in summertime. Book weekend reservations as early as possible, as they fill up fast.

Victorian splender awaits at the Wedgwood Bed & Breakfast Inn (111 W Bridge St), a gracious Wedgwood-blue "Painted Lady" set in two acres of lawns and gardens. All eight guestrooms have fireplaces; some have Jacuzzi and/or private porches. Saturday afternoon tea is an occasion here.

The Wishing Well Guesthouse (144 Old York Rd), a former farm house, six guestrooms within walking distance of shops, galleries and restaurants, just ten minutes walk to bus connections for New York and Philadelphia. Fireplaces, wooden floors, ceiling beams, antique furniture, a cozy dining area, and original stone walls contribute to a charming atmosphere.

 

Restaurants

DeAnna’s (54 N Franklin St, Lambertville), chef DeAnna and partner Lisa's LGBT community-welcoming Italian home-style meat, seafood and pasta dining, garden seatings; full bar, wines.

Hamilton’s Grill Room (8 Coryell St, Lambertville), canal-side patio dining, rave reviews from Zagat and the New York Times. Local, simple but inspired preparations, menu changes daily reflecting the season.

Havana (105 South Main St), Caribbean and all-American cuisine, moderately priced, large plates or small, with lobster and Surf & Turf specials. They also do karaoke and live music, Jazz to blues, R&B, funk and Motown.

Lambertville Station Restaurant (11 Bridge St, Lambertville), restored 19th century train station, Delaware River banks. Renowned American cuisine includes exotic wild game from January through March.

The Landing (22 N Main St), favorite gathering spot on riverside terrace or by winter fireside. Inspired and varied menu, regional American cuisine, Mexican to Mediterranean influences. All-day menu service all day, every day.

Marsha Brown (15 S Main St), elegant Creole Kitchen serving meat and fish using old southern family recipes. Built within old stone church with stained-glass windows, downtown New Hope.

Royal T's at The Mansion (9 South Main St) - Hotel under renovation - Thursday-Sunday lunch and weekend brunch, Tuesday-Sunday re-imagined classic fine dining; craft cocktails, wines.

Nektar (8 W Mechanic St), American wine, beer and whiskey bar; small plates steak strips, ribs, seafood, pasta, sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie meats, late night menu. Former Wildflowers location.

 

Shopping & Services

Acme Screening Room (25 S Union St, Lambertville), important local venue for Nickelodeon Nights cinema presentations and various performances.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve (1635 River Rd), 134-acre expanse of native plants in naturalistic settings of woodlands, meadows, a creek and a pond, with ever-changing wild flowers, birds and wildlife to see.

Bucks County Playhouse (70 S Main St), national landmark, rich in theatrical history since 1939 with some of the best Broadway entertainment at a fraction of big-city prices; performing arts center in waterfront revival effort with drama, comedy, musicals, cabaret and film screenings/ festivals.

Gallery Piquel (39 N Main St), paintings of international artists, honored, established, and emerging.

Haas Gallery (71 Bridge St, Lambertville), original oil paintings by Gordon Haas; Italian Amalfi Coast, France and Bucks County scenes. Nearby on the Jersey side of the river.

Lyons Antiques (130 N Main St), rare, exquisite 19th-20th century furniture: John Henry Belter, J. & J. Meeks, R. J. Horner, Fine Victorian Rococo; sterling silver from Tiffany, Gorham, S. Kirk and Son. By appointment only.

New Hope Antiques ​& Design Center (6148 Lower York Rd), all styles of antiques, collectibles, and curiosities; furniture and decorative accessories.

New Hope Flea Market (6520 Lower York Rd), every Saturday and Sunday 7am-5pm marketplace, open year-round, weather permitting, next to the Eagle Diner.

Rice's Market (6326 Greenhill Rd), 30 acre outdoor market of antiques, collectibles, food, and Amish goods among 700 or so vendors; open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7am to 1pm March through December.

For locations and website links to the above businesses see our map & listings section.

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