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Enjoy These Day Trips from New Hope, PA

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:47:05 GMT

New Hope, Pennsylvania is surrounded by charming small towns and beautiful natural attractions ideal for memorable day trips. Whether you're looking to pick fresh fruit at a family-owned orchard or wander through thousands of native wildflowers, these nearby destinations are some of the best things to do near New Hope, PA.

Just a 10-minute drive from New Hope, Solebury Orchards is a family-owned farm that has welcomed visitors for generations with seasonal fruit picking, fresh produce, and picturesque countryside views.

About Solebury Orchards

Solebury Orchards was established in the early 1980s by the Kuffel family and has grown into one of Bucks County's favorite pick-your-own farms. The orchard spans more than 80 acres and produces a wide variety of apples, peaches, cherries, blueberries, and other seasonal fruits.

Family ownership and sustainable growing practices have helped preserve the orchard's welcoming atmosphere while providing fresh local produce to the community. Today, visitors return year after year to enjoy seasonal harvests, beautiful rural scenery, and a classic Pennsylvania farm experience.

Things to Do

Visitors can spend several enjoyable hours exploring the orchard and taking advantage of its seasonal offerings.

Pick Your Own Fruit: Depending on the season, guests can harvest cherries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, and other fresh produce. Picking schedules vary throughout the growing season, making each visit a little different.
Visit the Farm Market: Browse freshly picked fruits and vegetables, local honey, baked goods, jams, cider, and other farm-fresh products to take home.
Enjoy the Scenery: Rolling orchards, colorful fruit trees, and peaceful farmland provide excellent opportunities for photography and a relaxing stroll through the property.
Seasonal Family Outings: Autumn is especially popular as visitors combine apple picking with pumpkin purchases and crisp fall weather, creating a fun outing for families and couples alike.

Things to Know

The orchard is typically open seasonally from late spring through fall, with harvest dates depending on weather and crop conditions.
There is no general admission fee; visitors pay for the fruit and products they purchase.
Free parking is available near the farm market.
The farm market offers snacks, beverages, baked goods, and fresh seasonal products.
Some areas are accessible, though uneven ground in the orchards may limit accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Visitors should check the orchard's website before visiting for current picking conditions, operating hours, and crop availability.

Solebury Orchards

Less than 15 minutes from New Hope, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve offers visitors a peaceful escape into one of the region's finest collections of native Pennsylvania plants.

About Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Founded in 1934, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve was created to protect and showcase the native plants of Pennsylvania. The preserve encompasses more than 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, streams, and ponds while featuring over 700 species of native plants.

Beyond its beautiful gardens, the preserve plays an important role in conservation, education, and ecological restoration throughout the region. Visitors can enjoy changing displays of wildflowers throughout the growing season while learning about the importance of preserving native habitats.

Things to Do

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore throughout the preserve's scenic grounds.

Walk the Nature Trails: Several miles of well-maintained trails wind through forests, wetlands, meadows, and gardens, offering opportunities to enjoy native plants in their natural settings.
Visit Penn's Woods: This recreated native woodland showcases the diversity of Pennsylvania's forest ecosystems while providing a peaceful place to observe birds, butterflies, and seasonal wildflowers.
Climb the Observation Tower: The preserve's stone tower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and nearby forests, especially beautiful during spring and fall.
Attend Educational Programs: Throughout the season, the preserve offers guided walks, gardening workshops, plant sales, and educational programs focused on native landscaping and conservation.

Things to Know

The preserve is generally open from spring through fall, with seasonal operating hours.
Admission fees help support conservation and educational programs, with discounted rates often available for children, seniors, and members.
Free parking is available near the visitor center.
A gift shop offers books, native plants (seasonally), gifts, and educational materials. Picnic areas are also available for visitors.
Many main pathways are accessible, though some natural trails include uneven terrain and moderate hills.
Check the preserve's website before your visit for current hours, admission prices, seasonal blooms, and special events.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Stay at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn

After a day exploring the orchards, gardens, and scenic countryside surrounding New Hope, return to the comfort of Olivia's Bridge Street Inn. Ideally located in the heart of New Hope, the inn offers beautifully appointed accommodations, modern amenities, and convenient access to many of Bucks County's most popular attractions.

Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend getaway or several days of sightseeing, Olivia's Bridge Street Inn provides the perfect home base for your adventures. Book your stay today and discover all that New Hope and the surrounding countryside have to offer.

Take a Ride on the New Hope Railroad

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:47:04 GMT

The New Hope Railroad offers one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty and charm of Bucks County. Departing from the thoughtfully restored 1891 station in downtown New Hope, these vintage train rides combine history, picturesque landscapes, and unique themed excursions.

Whether you're traveling with family, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, the railroad is one of the best things to do in New Hope, PA.

The New Hope Railroad started its service in the late 1800s. The line was originally built to transport passengers and freight between New Hope, PA and the surrounding communities. For many years, the railroad played an important role in moving agricultural products, coal, lumber, and other goods throughout Bucks County.

As highway transportation became more common, rail service gradually declined, but the historic line was preserved and transformed into a heritage railroad.

Today, carefully restored diesel and steam locomotives continue to operate along the original route, allowing visitors

History of the New Hope Railroad

Locomotive Cab Ride

Duration: 45-120 minutes

For an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience, the Locomotive Cab Ride places guests with the engineer inside the locomotive. Available for older children and adults, this premium experience offers a unique look at how the train is operated while traveling the same route as the Traditional Excursion.

Riders enjoy incredible views from the front of the train as they learn more about the role of a train engineer. The experience is designed for guests looking for a one-of-a-kind railroad adventure rather than a dining excursion.

Duration: ~45 minutes

The Traditional Excursion is the railroad's signature ride and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bucks County. This round-trip journey travels through rolling farmland, wooded landscapes, and charming rural communities before returning to New Hope.

The ride welcomes guests of all ages, making it a favorite for families, couples, and first-time visitors. While meals are not included, passengers can relax in restored vintage railcars and enjoy the scenery from comfortable seating throughout the journey.

Traditional Excursion

Buckingham Flyer

Duration: ~90 minutes

The Buckingham Flyer offers a slightly longer excursion through the picturesque countryside north of New Hope while traveling aboard beautifully restored passenger coaches.

The ride is appropriate for all ages and provides a leisurely way to experience the area's rural landscapes. Depending on the seating option selected, light refreshments may be available, though the excursion is primarily focused on sightseeing and the historic rail experience.

Grapevine Express

Duration: ~120 minutes

Perfect for adults looking for a relaxing outing, the Grapevine Express combines a scenic train ride with a guided wine tasting experience. During the excursion, guests enjoy samples from a local winery while traveling through the beautiful Bucks County countryside aboard a vintage railcar.

The experience is reserved for passengers 21 and older and offers a fun way to combine local flavors with the charm of a historic railroad. Comfortable seating, picturesque views, and onboard hosts make this one of the railroad's most popular specialty excursions.

Stay at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn

After spending the day riding the rails through beautiful Bucks County, return to the comfort of Olivia's Bridge Street Inn. Ideally located in the heart of town, our bed and breakfast in New Hope, PA places you within walking distance of charming boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and the historic New Hope Railroad, making it easy to experience everything this vibrant river town has to offer.

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Olivia's Bridge Street Inn offers welcoming accommodations in one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque destinations.

Book your stay today and discover why New Hope continues to charm visitors year after year.

Rail Bikes

Duration: ~90 minutes

Rail Bikes offer a completely different way to experience the historic railroad. These pedal-powered vehicles travel along a scenic section of track, allowing riders to enjoy the countryside at a leisurely pace while getting a little exercise along the way.

Most rides last about 90 minutes and are suitable for older children and adults who can comfortably pedal, though electric-assist options help make the experience accessible for many visitors. Along the route, participants enjoy peaceful woodlands, open farmland, and unique views that aren't visible from nearby roads.

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Washington Crossing the Delaware

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:10:34 GMT

On Christmas night in 1776, the future of the American Revolution hung in the balance. Facing long odds, General George Washington devised a bold plan to cross the icy Delaware River and surprise Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.

The heroic effort that turned the tide of the war is commemorated at Washington Crossing Park in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of this historic event. We invite you to come celebrate this monumental occasion with us at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn.

The Revolutionary War was hard fought. Beginning in April of 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord, by December of 1776, the American cause was in serious trouble. The Continental Army had endured a series of defeats, morale was low, and many soldiers' enlistments were about to expire. Washington devised a daring plan: cross the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night and launch a surprise attack on Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.

Despite freezing temperatures, dangerous river conditions, and challenging weather, approximately 2,400 soldiers successfully crossed the Delaware and marched toward Trenton. Their victory on December 26 revitalized the Patriot cause and renewed hope for independence. Historians often point to the crossing and the victories that followed as a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Today, visitors can stand along the very riverbank where these events unfolded and experience the story where it happened.

The History

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Washington Crossing Historic Park has more than 500 Acres of beautiful nature and American history to explore.

Some notable features include:

The Historic Village
Gallery Exhibits
Bowman’s Hill Tower
Thompson-Neely House
Thompson-Neely Mill
Soldier’s Graves
Gardens
The Visitor’s Center

Visitors arriving in 2026 will discover a park that is both preserving its past and investing in its future. Restoration projects include improvements to historic buildings, gardens, and landscapes that played important roles during the Revolutionary era. Enhancements to the Thompson-Neely House and Mill, the reopening of the Taylorsville General Store, and restoration work at McConkey’s Ferry Inn are exciting updates to the park experience!

In addition to the many historic buildings, the park also encourages visitors to explore the exhibits in its Visitor Center. The gallery hosts several regular and rotating exhibits that immerse guests in the stories of those who lived through the Revolutionary War.

Some current exhibits on display this year include:

A Glorious Enterprise: Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware
Soldier Health in Revolutionary Pennsylvania: 1776-1778
A Hessian musket, a pistol, and other military objects on loan from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission
A child-friendly, interactive area where kids can explore reproduction tents and gear
A full-size reproduction of Leutze’s famous painting, Crossing of the Delaware
And much, much more!

Park Exhibits

A Beloved Holiday Tradition

While the park is open year-round, the annual December Crossing Reenactment has become one of the park’s most popular and cherished events. During the celebration, hundreds of reenactors dressed in authentic Continental Army uniforms gather in the Historic Village. Visitors can watch military drills, hear period music performed by fifes and drums, and learn about daily life during the Revolutionary era.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Anniversary

As previously mentioned, 2026 is an extra special year. The park is not only celebrating the anniversary of Washington’s Crossing, but the nation’s 250th birthday. The commemorative activities extend far beyond December.

Washington Crossing Historic Park is planning community-wide celebrations all throughout the year. Some highlights include a special Independence Day event in addition to the Crossing Reenactment in December. These large-scale events feature living history demonstrations, Revolutionary War encampments, readings of the Declaration of Independence, music, vendors, and fireworks over the Delaware River.

Plan Your Visit at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn

For history enthusiasts, families, students, and patriotic travelers, 2026 offers a rare opportunity to witness history at Washington Crossing Historic Park. After exploring the highlights of the American Revolution, we invite them all to stay with us at Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn.

Located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, our historic bed and breakfast offers romantic, canal-side lodging just minutes away from the park. Guests can enjoy private bed and bathrooms, made-to-order breakfasts, and beautiful accommodations in the heart of Bucks County.

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing with us. Book your stay!