SEEN IN NEW HOPE

  I was long overdue for a visit back to my old stomping grounds of New Hope.  I swear, it really is like home. The Capitol Street Duo, the Lad and I caught up for the Pride festivities with many friends who floated in and out on Saturday, and we also caught up with Lumbersexual, who joined for a drink or 6. For you newer readers, New Hope is in Bucks County, a very colorful, eclectic and liberal river town. Quaint. Picturesque. Melting pot. It's right along the Delaware Canal where Washington crossed it in the Revolutionary War. Our distant relative Aaron Burr...yes that one.... also escaped there after his famous duel. Since then, there have been many colorful residents with homes there, Oscar Hammerstein II, Joan Rivers, Odette Myrtil, George Nakashima, James Michner, Dorothy Parker, Mike and Jan Berenstein, of the child books, and a slew of impressionist artist who came in when the town was a huge art and writers' colony. The late newscaster, Jessica Stavich also met her demise there when a bizarre accident happened with her car ending up in the canal, drowning her and a good friend. Of late, Bradley Cooper, Zayn Malik, Gigi Hadid and Tina Fey all have homes there, while in the past one never knew when the booze hound Elaine Strich would show up at the Raven with us gay boys...and boy did she liven up a place. I even had dinner one night at the Mansion Inn across from Hugh Jackman. I slipped him my number but alas, never heard back. I guess maybe my action of a blow job was too much? What made and still makes this town so unique is when the art colony arrived, later it blended with a large witchcraft colony who came to town... followed by a big LGBT community. It ends up like PBS, meets Queer as Folk, meets American Horror story.... what with all the American history, and it being one of the most haunted towns in the county. Though small, New Hope and its adjoining sister town of Lambertville, across the bridge in NJ, both towns' packs in a sophisticated collection of things to do. Art galleries, witch shops, to many eateries and bars to mentions, swanky B&B's, sex shops, and even the fun Bucks County Playhouse that has had some huge names perform there.... you can see why I miss this little spigot of land!!! here are some of the sights from New Hope. The signs always slay me.

Drag sister Estee Lauderdale in the parade.

More cock-a-tails at the Lambertville House

This reminded me of my glory hole days. Ahhh, the good ole days. I thank heavens I didn't need either of these offerings. For the Lad was with me.  

Unfortunately, at the dive bar Jon & Peters, I lost him to I think, was baseball on the tv, where he planted himself after the parade. We all watched a live band. I admit his backward cap got me hot. He never wears hats. I'm glad he enjoyed the game, because later that night I showed him what real talents a pitcher can deliver!!!

SEEN IN NEW HOPE

It was good being back in New Hope over the weekend. It never ceases to amaze me how popular this place is, especially for three seasons of the year. For a town over 300 years old, it certainly is colorful and vibrant. Since being put on the map the night George Washington lodged there over night before crossing the Delaware River, then destroyed the ferry so the British Army couldn't follow him, it has been full of colorful characters ever since. New Hope has a very colorful history and interesting history, and architecture for a small river town, and has a big reputation for it's very good, fine food and proper bars, live entertainment, famous antique shops and centers, eclectic boutiques, art galleries, adult shops and tattoo parlors, and its long history and haven for the LGBTQ, drag, artist circles and witchcraft communities. This visit the town grande dame Pumpkin informed me that Tina Fey and Leonardo Di Caparo were seen on the streets, and GiGi Hadid just bought a home there. I always enjoyed my 24 years living there and will most likely return there for another few chapters. Seen in New Hope this visit.

Love Saves the Day...Amy Winehouse inspo!

Brunch at the V-Spot. No meat, eggs...everything on the menu is made plant based and it was soooooo surprisingly good.

Cocks for all, in various sizes for all!

Delish app of Avocado Deviled eggs from Under the Moon.

Look at the gams on his gent!!!!

Even Sasquatch was seen in New Hope and apparently gay!

Some of the various homes right in New Hope. No cookie cutter. I have always loved the diversity in the styles.

I have long told friends, if I could have one house , anywhere, the above house would be it! I have long loved this bungalow sized home. And I wouldn't change a thing. It's so charming.

Our cock-a-tails one afternoon

Some pool time at the hotel

Tall glass of water our waiter was!

One of my favorite shops in Lambertville, Zinc. I love their selection of accessories, candle and home furnishings.

And I am thrilled and happy to introduce you all to my future ex husband.....

Just look at him reading, no doubt, one of my poetic text!!! 

Ohhhh lala!

STILL MARSHA'S

 

Anyone who knows me, then knows one of my guilty pleasures is eating out. Insert jokes here...no silly, that is nice, but I meant eating out as in restaurants! I love eating out! When I lived in New Hope, there was an old church that had been vacant at first. Shuttered from a lack of congregation I suspect. That was till a lively woman, named Marsha Brown, from N'awlins bought it in 2002 and opened it as a high end southern and creole restaurant and lounge. The old place dating to 1862 provided some of the most interesting and unique food and vibes for any dinning in the Philadelphia and tri-state region and maybe even well beyond. The place was injected with a makeover from her, with bold colors, fun artwork, done by locals, art deco and Victorian touches, and the famous Redemption mural by Valerie Belikin- the historic mural remains a focal point in the dining room that stands at 30 feet tall and is visible from every single table.  Live Jazz could be heard seven days a week. After the pandemic and on my first trip back since moving I was shocked to see Marsha had sold the place, which the locals did a great job of keeping it going with take out, but none the less, sold it, and passed the baton to selected new owners, all of whom she knew, of the famed property in New Hope, along with her recipe collection. Marsha reluctantly stepped away to go back to New Orleans to take care of ill family members. She is definitely missed from her nightly appearances, but Oldestone's has kept her, and her spirit going in the place and even has many areas dedicated to her and her legacy.  When I did my New Hope post the other day someone had commented on seeing some of the place... It's a fun place with beauty and conversation makers. I'm sure far right would have an issue with this place...but New Hope loves it.

I always loved these....

The Holy Shit was in the comfort room!

My dinner mate Amy on Friday evening.

A Smoked Old Fashioned...a wonderful night cap drink...before the lumbersexual joined.

It's nice to know the place, food and the cock-a-tails are still up to par and not disappointing. Its always been one of my go-to haunts to be seen regularly. I would go in and eat at just the bar many a time. The street also shares legend and pleasure right next door with another town favorite, the Mansion Inn, now also under new owners and being renovated.

It's nice to know that Oldestone's is keeping the menu and Marsha's traditions going. Like the ringing of the church bells and playing Christmas music to the passerby during the season, and between Thanksgiving and Christmas, will continue a beloved Marsha Brown tradition of giving away complimentary bells to each dinner guest as a special souvenir.