Wednesday, August 5, 2026

SEEN IN NEW HOPE

I have always loved my get-a-ways to New Hope and mourn missing it a couple times a week after living there for 25 years, with it being a very liberal area. We had a getaway last weekend to New Hope and Doylestown. New Hope is so popular because it combines a extremely bohemian vibrant arts and LGBT culture with scenic Delaware River views, historic colonial charm, a colorful, racy and historical history, storied residents past and present. and a prime location, roughly perfectly positioned between Philly and New York. It has always been famous for an art and writer's colony and still draws creatives. Its inclusivity is very important in New Hope...has a long-standing reputation as a safe, welcoming and progressive haven for the LGBT, drag, and other minorities. The sheer natural beauty of the area was first seen and appreciated by the Lenni-Lenape people so many thousands of years ago. It's also what attracted the great Pennsylvania Impressionist school of artist like Daniel Garber and Edwin Redfield, writers from the Algonquin round table, Dorothy Parker and Oscar Hammerstein were longtime residents, furniture maker George Nakashhima created and has his studio in New Hope, now run by his daughter, and has hosted a long list of singer and actors at the Bucks County Playhouse...some notables, Geoge C Scott, Bea Arthur, Helen Hayes, Betty Buckly, Elaine Stritch, Robert Redford, Hugh Jackman and too many others to mention and still continues great talent. And then there is our distant relation on my mother's side, Aaron Burr, who was the sitting Vice President at the time, fled the scene and hid out in New Hope after he stabbed Hamiliton in a duel who later died.  Then there is the natural beauty...looks like a European countryside, and all the witches, and hauntings...yes, New Hope is one of the most haunted towns too. Some scenes this weekend...

Dinner at Zoubi's...always a favorite and what a courtyard to dine in.
My dinner that night, a crabcake with corn on top and two sauces on the side with coleslaw. And yes, edible flowers. I hated to eat it it was so pretty.
Our hotel, and my breakfast one morning at a vegan restaurant.

Fonthill Castle in Doylestown. 

Never tire of seeing this place. I used to live about 8 minutes from it.

An entrance to Fonthill Castle from the Woods.

The home of Bradley Cooper...minutes form my old place. To think we could have been neighbors!
And then there was our pool boy, and bartender Dan. 
He moved here from Russia 15 years ago. Me OH MY! So there was that.

20 comments:

  1. I love the trip to New Hope. Such a vibrant town and great architectures and that outdoor dining area! I'd could in there all day with cocktails and little bites coming my way!

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    1. The chef there takes great pride in his work. I'm hard pressed to find a place in New Hope that the food is not excellent....or cock-a-tails.

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  2. This is fabulous.
    I love when you tell us about these little jewels. I can’t believe Fonthill Castle! The food and Dan both look delicious.

    XOXO

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    1. They were!!!!

      I have done numerous post on Fonthill. A great history and a marvel itself with how it was constructed at the time and that is still stands. Henry Mercer was quite an interesting person and most likely batted for our team...and quite handsome.

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  3. Very Nice. That crabcake looks divine.

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    1. It might have been one of the best I've had...outside a ocean locale. And all meat...no filler.

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  4. Anonymous8/05/2026

    Your photographs are always so enlightening as to the Culture and Diversity of your region.

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  5. Thats my comment, i forgot to push the google button on here. Sorry

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    1. I supected that was you. I also have the feeling youd love this area. One of my favorite restaurants is in a church and run by a native New Orelanian for years. She recently sold out to return south to tend to poorly family. She is missed.

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  6. Such a wonderfully diverse place! Many, many years ago, I got a tour through the Playhouse....good to know it is still operating.

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    1. I would love to hang out in New Hope if you ever get this way. I often for some reason think of you whenever I see the playhouse.

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  7. Looks like you had an idyllic getaway!

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  8. `Much better to be in New Hope than in Russia under Putrid's control.

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    1. See....it can always be worst. Dan was telling us many like here ...many cant stand there idiot in charge.

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  9. Looks like a really nice place, with "hot" scenery!

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    1. Oh the men....hunky...handsome... hippies...they are all there...and very friendly. I put in Fonthill Castle pictures for you.

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  10. I'm having a hard time reading the words, but the scenery is gorgeous!

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  11. New Hope is indeed steeped in History, has magnificent Historic Architecture, is so Scenic and has cute Russian Pool Boys. What's not to Love? BTW: Why did you move, looks like Bradley's Pad is gorgeous and I'm sure yours so close by was too? The Bohemian Spirit of coarse would appeal to yours truly and the Food Porn is spectacular. Edible Flowers are such Fun. And everything grows so lush and Green there, it's like Magic Garden time.

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  12. New Hope is one of my favorite places on earth. Thanks for all of the photos!

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  13. Imagine George C Scott, Bea Arthur, Helen Hayes, Betty Buckley, Elaine Stritch, Robert Redford, and Hugh Jackman - on one stage?!!

    New Hope does look like a lovely place...

    Jx

    PS Hi Dan!

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!