7 Charming Towns And Main Streets to Visit in Bucks County This Fall

New Hope

Along River Road, visitors will find the eclectic town of New Hope, known for its downtown shopping and dining and the quiet seclusion of its many bed and breakfasts. Visit the area for a host of LGBT-friendly events such as its annual Pride Week and parade that takes over the town. Its pleasant walkability also accommodates many shops and restaurants.

What to do: Rodgers and Hammerstein Film Festival, October 2-3. Film buffs, take note: this festival will be celebrating the Broadway stalwarts with screenings of The King and I on October 2nd at 7:30pm, Oklahoma on October 3rd at 3pm and The Sound of Music on October 3rd at 7:30pm. Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope.

Peddler's Village

Five miles west of New Hope is Lahaska, home of Peddler’s Village, a 40-acre outdoor shopping experience. Peddler’s Village replicates 18th-century colonial atmosphere and boasts more than 60 specialty shops and great dining options.

What to do: Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village. A seasonal standout for lovers of all things apple, the Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village offers all sorts of treats ranging from apple fritters to apple cider to apple butter. Psst: come hungry, there will be an apple-pie-eating contest for the competitive. November 7 through 8; Peddler's Village, Routes 202 and 263, Lahaska.

Newtown

One of the best downtown shopping areas in Bucks County, Newtown’s State Street has a variety of independent shops, boutiques, taverns and restaurants. Bibliophiles and music fans will love Newtown Book & Record Exchange, a unique retail outpost that’s been open for 27 years. Or, if you favor the theatre, check out a production by Newtown Arts Company.

What to do: Pumpkin Picking at Shady Brook Farm. Just minutes away from Newtown, Shady Brook Farm offers pick-your-own-pumpkins, a giant corn maze, wagon rides and a host of other activities. Psst: Shady Brook and Rose Bank Winery have the same owners, so be sure to scoop up a bottle while you’re at the market to enjoy later at home.

Washington-Crossing

Drive along River Road north from Interstate 95 to Washington Crossing. Here, General George Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776, to launch a surprise attack on the British troops in Trenton, turning the tide of the Revolution in America’s favor. Today, Washington Crossing Historic Park helps visitors understand the importance of that night and the days that followed.

Doylestown

Doyelstown is home to the Mercer Mile which is comprised of three concrete buildings erected by Henry Chapman Mercer: the Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle and Moravian Pottery & Tile Works. The downtown area has an array of independent shops including the Doylestown Bookshop and is home to the County Theatre, an art-deco theater dating to the 1930s that specializes in art, independent and foreign films. Or, if you’d prefer to chat with friends over a brew and pub fare, pay a visit to Doylestown Brewing Company. They have 10 beers on tap, local wine and an always changing, seasonal food menu.

Quakertown

Founded as a Quaker settlement in the 18th century, Quakertown is known as the “Heart of Upper Bucks County.” The town’s downtown area is full of activity and is home to the annual Arts Alive festival, which brings artists, craftspeople and musicians for a day of fun along Broad Street every May. The town is also home to Liberty Hall, a historic property that once housed the Liberty Bell as it was carried north to safety during the Revolutionary War.

What to do: Autumn Alive!, October 17. For 16 years, Autumn Alive! has been a seasonal favorite for every member of the family. And with music, games, prizes, crafts, beer tasting and a pet parade (you can bring along your pooch!), it’s no wonder it’s garnered such a fan base. 312 West Broad Street, Quakertown.

Bristol

Bristol was one of the earliest European settlements in Pennsylvania, and much of Bristol’s original 18th-century architecture has been preserved. Bristol’s waterfront has become a haven for the arts, home to Bristol Riverside Theatre, a 300-seat performance venue that hosts plays and live performances throughout the year. Make a night out of it by having a delicious dinner before or after at King George Inn. Bristol is also residence to Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library and a bevy of retail outposts selling everything from antiques to gifts.

What to do: 39th Annual Historic Bristol Day. For tons of fall fun all in one place, celebrate Bristol at this exciting street fair where guests can peruse arts and craft vendors, food vendors, entertainers and a car show, or bring along little ones for a variety of children's games. There will also be a sailing regatta on the Delaware River. October 17.