Welcome to New Hope
A Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia
Bucks County can take pride in national name recognition and much of its prominence can be attributed to the legendary community of New Hope.
In the early part of the 20th century, the remarkable number of nationally recognized artists, actors, authors and playwrights who called New Hope home gave this quiet, colonial-era river community a reputation as a nationally recognized arts colony.
Inspired by the beautiful rural setting and the easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, the creative community gave rise to its own school of art and fostered a town that
welcomed the gay community. The Bucks County Playhouse showcased Broadway-bound shows and Hollywood-bound actors and actresses. Today, that vibrant arts community still thrives. The Playhouse is still featuring current and future stars, the entire community turns out for the annual Gay Pride Parade and galleries are full of locally-created artwork in all mediums.
New Hope Arts is dedicated to furthering the heritage of New Hope as a center for art and artists. New Hope Arts supports artists by fostering opportunities and providing space to create, collaborate and present their work. NHA offers residents and visitors of the region access to a broad array of contemporary visual, performing and literary arts.
New Hope Today
When strolling the streets, look carefully to find the Revolutionary-era architecture from the original bustling settlement that boasted of grist and lumber mills, taverns and shops. The New Hope Historical Society is located at the elegant eighteenth century Georgian-style Parry Mansion at 45 South Main Street in the heart of New Hope’s historic district. New Hope is a colorful and vibrant community that adapts to the new while embracing its storied history.
New Hope has been listed on so many Top 10 lists for visitors looking for some place special that we have lost count. As a destination for artists, musicians, writers and anyone seeking a respite from their daily lives, New Hope provides a rewarding sanctuary. Wander the streets to find artistic treasures, delectable meals and refreshing drinks in the shops, restaurants and bars along Main Street and tucked into side streets and alleys. As evening sets in, music pours into the streets, the curtain goes up on stage and energy surges through the town. Regardless of the time of day or the season of the year, people-watching is everyone’s favorite recreational pastime in New Hope.
The Borough was selected as a Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia initiative is committed to the growth, revitalization, support and promotion of the region’s many unique communities as great places to live, work and play.
Basic Information
None of this magic happens without support. Check out some of the many organizations who make New Hope so special.
Because you deserve the most up-dated businesses listings, we suggest that you check the websites of our partners for the most up-to-date listings for New Hope businesses.
New Hope Borough launched a new mobile payment system, Parkmobile, for all on-street parking at meters and for the Borough’s New Street parking lot. Private lots are also available throughout the borough.
New Hope For Visitors view all
Bucks County Playhouse
- Address & Phone
- 70 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2121
Bucks County Playhouse
- Address & Phone
- 70 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2121
- Website
- bcptheater.org
The Bucks County Playhouse is a world class theater in the heart of New Hope.
The history of the theater is so colorful and filled with well-known actors and actresses who have performed on its stage. The Theater’s website has a fascinating history of the theater and the colorful performers who have graced it.
Today, the Bucks County Playhouse serves as a focal point to the revitalization that is underway in New Hope. The Playhouse itself is expanding and growing their operations to include the outdoor cafe area, surrounding buildings and so much more. With each season, they seem to expand the experience for theater-goers. Although the Bucks County Playhouse started as a summer stock theater, they now offer performances year-round. From touring performers to local high school film-makers, the Playhouse always has something happening. Take a moment to explore their website to learn about upcoming shows, educational opportunities, and how to support this wonderful theater in New Hope.
Box Office
Buy tickets online, or for individual tickets, subscriptions, or group sales call (215) 862-2121
Bucks County Playhouse Box Office Hours:
Mondays: Box Office Open by Phone from 12 – 5:00 pm Call (215) 862-2121*
*Or stop by the New Hope Visitor’s Center for in person sales.
Tuesday – Saturday: 12 pm to 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm (Performance days ONLY)**
**tickets available at New Hope Visitors Center.
Free Library of New Hope and Solebury
The Free Library of New Hope and Solebury is located on 93 W. Ferry Street at the intersection of Bridge Street.
Hours of operation at are Monday-Wednesday: 10 am-7 pm; Thursday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm; closed Sunday.
Visitors are welcome to check out the newly renovated and expanded Free Library of New Hope and Solebury. Learn about local history and see artwork by local artists. Stay up-to-date on their Facebook page.
Take a moment to check out the mural on the staircase to the lower level children’s library. 
Remember libraries offer free wi-fi and a place to recharge electronics for trail users who need a quiet break.
New Hope Cyclery
New Hope Cyclery is your neighborhood bike shop in New Hope. Located at 404 York Rd., New Hope Cyclery is the only bike shop in a Landmark Town along the Delaware Canal that rents bicycles and trailers for towing the little ones. If you are visiting the area and want to explore the local towpath and other trails on two wheels, contact the store and see how they can help you.
The New Hope Cyclery is a full-service bike shop with sales, repair and service. Check out their website for interesting articles about biking, product listings and a calendar of upcoming bike rides and events. They also have a Facebook page.
Thu: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow
- Address & Phone
- 2877 Creamery Road • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-297-5880
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow
- Address & Phone
- 2877 Creamery Road • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-297-5880
- Website
- www.bcas.org
Bucks County Audubon Society’s mission is: “To educate the people of the greater Bucks County region about our natural world with an emphasis on energy and resource conservation, including protection of birds and other wildlife and their habitats.”
The Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS) is a non-profit organization founded as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1969. BCAS manages Honey Hollow Watershed as a model of cooperative conservation efforts by farmers. Honey Hollow Watershed is the first small upland watershed in agricultural use and multiple private ownership to demonstrate that cooperative local action, supported by Federal technical assistance, is a practical method of achieving national goals in soil, water and wildlife conservation, and flood prevention. As such, it has served as a prototype for thousands of similar small watersheds throughout the nation.” – National Historic Landmark Statement of Significance (on August 4, 1969).
Donations to BCAS go to work immediately in our region. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to conserving wildlife, promoting awareness of environmental problems, educating the community about the interdependence of humans and their world, and furthering the wise use of land, air, and water. Our trails are open every day for your responsible enjoyment.
Learn more about Bucks County Audubon Society and the Honey Hollow Watershed at their website.
Friends of the Delaware Canal
- Address & Phone
- 145 S. Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 2158622021
Friends of the Delaware Canal
- Address & Phone
- 145 S. Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 2158622021
- Website
- www.fodc.org
The Friends of the Delaware Canal
The Friends of the Delaware Canal is an independent, non-profit organization working to restore, preserve, and improve the Delaware Canal and its surroundings. Our primary goals are to ensure the Canal is fully-watered from Easton to Bristol and the towpath trail is usable over its entire length.
Explore the website to learn about the many opportunities to participate in our efforts. Learn about the Canal, participate in events along the towpath and in the canal, and join a group of dedicated volunteers to care for this treasured national historic landmark that flows through our towns.
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
Delaware Canal State Park and National Historic Landmark
- Address & Phone
- 11 Lodi Hill Rd • Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972 • (610) 982-5560
- Website
- www.dcnr.state.pa.us
A walk along the 60-mile long towpath of Delaware Canal State Park is a stroll into American history. Paralleling the Delaware River between Easton and Bristol, this diverse park contains an historic canal and towpath, a 90-acre pond, many miles of river shoreline, and 11 river islands including the Morgan Hill group (3), Loors, Whippoorwill, Old Sow, Raubs, Lynn/Frog/Rock group, and Hendricks. From riverside to farm fields to historic towns, visitors to Delaware Canal State Park enjoy the ever-changing scenery along its corridor.
The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century.
PNC Arts Alive Outdoor Sculpture Project
- Address & Phone
- 2 Stockton Ave #A • New Hope, PA 18907 • (215) 862-9606
PNC Arts Alive Outdoor Sculpture Project
- Address & Phone
- 2 Stockton Ave #A • New Hope, PA 18907 • (215) 862-9606
- Website
- www.sculptureproject.org
The PNC Arts Alive Outdoor Sculpture Project Is A Free And Accessible Public Art Display Creating An Artistic Gateway Into The Borough Of New Hope, PA.
Presently, the Sculpture Project consists of 12 sculptures. Begun by New Hope Arts, Inc. in 2003, the organization continues its sculpture mission with the support and partnership of The PNC Foundation. Under the The PNC Arts Alive umbrella, the program has expanded to include four new pieces through summer and fall of 2015.
Print the map of the sculptures for your own tour of the PNC Arts Alive Outdoor Sculpture Project!
Parry Mansion Museum & New Hope Historical Society
- Address & Phone
- 45 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.5652
Parry Mansion Museum & New Hope Historical Society
- Address & Phone
- 45 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.5652
- Website
- www.newhopehs.org
New Hope has a fascinating history that dates back to the time of the Lenni-Lenape Indians before the town was first established in 1700. The New Hope Historical Society has been committed since 1958 to “inspire people to explore New Hope’s past, understand its present, and envision a better future.”
The New Hope Historical Society fulfills their mission through annual events, a speaker series, a Juried Art Show, a garden Tour and the regularly scheduled tours of their home at the Parry Mansion. Check out their calendar of events for an opportunity to learn more about local history and support the ongoing efforts so to preserve it.
Free Public Tours of the Parry Mansion
Click here to read about the tours
Tour Season May 7th – Nov 20th, 2016
Sat. & Sundays 1 – 5 pm
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
- Address & Phone
- 32 West Bridge Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2332
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
- Address & Phone
- 32 West Bridge Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.2332
- Website
- www.newhoperailroad.com
Travel back in time aboard a train.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad in New Hope offers a variety of options for excursions. From hourly rides to leisurely Evening Star Dinner Trains, they offer something for the entire family. Kids will love the Wildflower Express and Firefly Express. The Song & Story Hour Express and the Family Dinner Trains are also popular for families.
Adults may prefer the Grapevine Express. Join them for a Romantic Wine and Cheese Excursion at 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, May 28 thru October 30. Ride the rails in first class comfort in their beautifully restored, air conditioned Parlor Car for a 50 minute tour while enjoying fine cheeses, toasted crackers and exclusive vintages from various regions. Each month a different region will be featured.
Bucks County Children’s Museum
- Address & Phone
- 500 Union Square Drive • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.693.1290
Bucks County Children’s Museum
- Address & Phone
- 500 Union Square Drive • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.693.1290
- Website
- buckskids.org
The Bucks County Children’s Museum’s mission says it all: The Bucks County Children’s Museum’s mission is to be a fun, interactive and educational environment for children, parents and schools with exhibits that reflect Bucks County’s unique history and culture.
What ages of children will enjoy the museum?
Their exhibits are designed for young children from 12 months (walking) up to 7 years of age who enjoy pretend play! The museum also has an Exploration for All Program which helps children with disabilities prepare for and experience the museum in a way that works for them.
Check out the calendar of events for a variety of fun activities!
(With several exhibits about the Delaware Canal, Landmark Towns is very partial to this museum. Check out the animated lock that kids can interact with opening and closing the locks in the photo. )
Everything you need to know to plan a delightful time is at the Bucks County Museum’s website.
Open Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM;
Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM;
Closed Monday (Except for some school holidays—see Calendar for details.)
New Hope Locktender’s House
- Address & Phone
- 145 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-862-2021
New Hope Locktender’s House
- Address & Phone
- 145 South Main Street • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215-862-2021
- Website
- www.fodc.org
For 100 years, beginning in 1832, sure-footed mules towed boats loaded with coal and other cargo along the Delaware Canal. Today, you can learn about Life at the Lock by visiting the restored Locktender’s House and Lock 11, located at the Canal Boat Landing in Delaware Canal State Park, New Hope.
The Locktender’s House at Lock 11 serves as the first interpretive center within Delaware Canal State Park and as headquarters for the Friends of the Delaware Canal. The restored early 19th century house illustrates Life at the Lock and Canal history through exhibits, artifacts and restoration details.
Boats can’t go uphill or down, so Canal engineers installed 23 locks on the 60-mile-long Delaware Canal to raise and lower boats onto stretches of level water. At the recently restored Lock 11, you can learn how the locks work and appreciate the waterway’s role as one of the nation’s great towpath canals.
HOURS:
Year Round: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 1 through October 31: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Hope Arts
- Address & Phone
- 2 Stockton Ave, 2nd floor • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.9606
New Hope Arts
- Address & Phone
- 2 Stockton Ave, 2nd floor • New Hope, PA 18938 • 215.862.9606
- Website
- www.newhopearts.org
New Hope Arts is dedicated to furthering the heritage of New Hope as a center for art and artists. New Hope Arts supports artists by fostering opportunities and providing space to create, collaborate and present their work. NHA offers residents and visitors of the region access to a broad array of contemporary visual, performing and literary arts.
New Hope Arts, Inc. is an incorporated non-profit arts center that serves the important purpose of showcasing the work of contemporary artists in the Lambertville/New Hope area and Delaware Valley region. We seek to engage and enrich our local community through a broad array of programming that furthers the heritage of New Hope as a vital regional arts center. New Hope Arts presents four major group exhibitions annually across a broad array of media – sculpture, wood, painting, fine artisan crafts, and new media installations. In many cases, the work of local presenting artists would otherwise not be seen in a professional, public setting. New Hope Arts encourages emerging artists and seeks to introduce new audiences to their work.
New Hope Arts was established as a small community based arts organization by Robin Larsen in 2002. Robin developed innovative programs including an annual sculpture show, outdoor sculpture installations and a Wood show. She envisioned building an important regional arts center that would be integral to reclaiming New Hope/Lambertville as a top national arts destination.
