Homefront: Shopping Newtown

After William Penn completed his plans for Philadelphia more than 300 years ago, he marched into a wooded area north of the city

After William Penn completed his plans for Philadelphia more than 300 years ago, he marched into a wooded area north of the city and declared it the site of his “new town.” Today, State Street, the main thoroughfare of Newtown, in the unendingly picturesque Bucks County, is as current as ever, brimming with boutiques offering the latest home fashions and restaurants serving up fresh dishes. Chances are you’ll find something new to love.

Owners of The Nest (14 S. State St., 215-860-5501; pictured on front page) Lisa Schonewolf and Lynn Natale stock their storefront with everything from cushy sofas and stylish ottomans to frames by Roma Moulding, architectural tin mirrors and panels, lamps, vases and Paddywax candles.

At Newtown Clock Shoppe (121 S. State St., 215-968-3331), floor, wall and cuckoo clocks by Howard Miller, Seth Thomas and Chelsea chime out the hours. Roughly half the timepieces on display are antiques, and owner Andy Pugh, and his wife specialize in repairs and restorations.

Peek inside Marion Mabin and Heather Krotzer’s purple-shuttered cottage, Lavender Rose (317 S. State St., 215-497-9057), at colorful dishes, stemware and vases by Michael Weems, or drool over handmade fused-glass platters, bowls and trays by Peggy Karr Glass.

Stop by Newtown Design Group (9 N. State St., 215-968-4828) to make an appointment to finally redo your sitting room, or just page through wallcovering and fabric books for ideas. Susan Lanshe, and her decorators also sell gorgeous silk flower arrangements.

Swing around the back of Bill and Marty Ginty’s historic home and discover Newtown Antiques (149 N. State St., 215-968-6475), their haven for vintage treasures. Bill restores lamps, dishes, milk bottles, marble sinks, four-poster beds and even Volkswagen convertibles.

At the end of the day, make a sweet stop at The Zebra-Striped Whale Ice Cream and Coffee shop (12 S. State St., 215-860-4122), where owners Shari Donahue and her husband, Tom, sell hot and cold treats, plus prepackaged sweets, cake mixes and mugs. The shop regularly hosts local artists and musicians, and most of the furniture inside is handmade by Maxime Donahue, the owners’ daughter.