3 Best Sights in New Hope, Bucks County

The 134-acre preserve near the Thompson-Neely section of Washington Crossing Historic Park showcases hundreds of species of wildflowers as well as trees, shrubs, and ferns native to Pennsylvania. Stop at the visitor center and get a trail map, and then take the guided one-hour wildflower walk (included in admission and available in season at 2 pm, but call to check) or explore any of the short, well-marked trails (4½ miles in all) on your own. Wildflower blooms are seasonal, with mid-April through July a good period to visit, but fall brings colorful foliage; the website has bloom information.

The passenger train, pulled by an authentic steam locomotive or vintage diesel, makes a 9-mile, 45-minute scenic round-trip between New Hope and Lahaska. The route crosses a trestle used in the rescue scenes in silent films like The Perils of Pauline. The New Hope depot is an 1891 Victorian gem. Special events, which require reservations, include dinner trips on Saturday evenings and holiday excursions in December.

Built in 1784, and home of the New Hope Historical Society, this stone house is fascinating because the furnishings reflect decorative changes from 1775 (Colonial) to 1900 (Victorian)—including candles, whitewashed walls, oil lamps, and wallpaper. Wealthy Quaker lumber- and flour-mill owner and businessman Benjamin Parry, often called the "father of New Hope," built the house, which was occupied by five generations of his family. Guided tours, including a brief film, give you a good sense of New Hope history.