WASHINGTONS CROSSING

 I took an afternoon, a cold one mind you, one day, to head up the river to Washington's Crossing here in Bucks County. It's a cute little village and blink three times and your through the whole town. But the main attraction as you guessed, is what the title implies. I have been before to the main park area and visitors center, but have not walked around other parts of the park and area. Every December it's pretty big business on Christmas Day normally, for there is a huge re-enactment of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. A tradition for many to come see every year.  This is the location where Washington crossed the river on the night of December 25-26 in 1776 in the American Revolutionary War. This daring maneuver led to the victory in the Battle of Trenton, and altered the course of the war, against the Hessians. 

The whole of Washington's Crossing encapsulates the crossing on the PA side. It covers about 500 acres, and includes the actual embarkation site for the mail crossing, the 18th century inn, sits on the foundation of the original inn that was present at the time of crossing, a memorial marker that indicates the site of the crossing, the Bowman's Hill Tower, the Thompson-Neely House, the Hibb House, and a grist mill, that all served the army with shelter and also used to bury the dead.

The Thompson Neely House

The Thompson-Neely House was built in 1757 and served as Washington's regimental army hospital during the winter of 1776-77. Future President James Monroe who was wounded during the first battle recuperated here. It was originally built and owned by Robert Thompson, along with his son in law William Neely... and then passed on to Robert's grandson.

The Hibbs House- came later....built circa 1828  and was leased as a tenant house for a craftsmen. The house served as home to a shoemaker, then a cooper, a wheelright and finally a carpenter, Abdon Hibbs.

McConkey's Ferry Inn, the oldest of the structures at Washington's Crossing.

The old grist mill.

In this picture one can see the huge tower in the background. The views on top of it are astounding. I'm not sure why the tower was built ...which was in 1929, but the site on Bowman's Hill was the highest point in the area, giving Washington's army a birds eye view of any ambushes. In addition to all that history, the park is also well known for it's trail system and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting, while many others winter in the park. But to my delight, were the many sheep at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead, and I must say, some of the most photogenic sheep I have ever met.

Can you believe these two?

It was a great day to walk about. And since Travel Penguin seems to be a fan of Washington and sheep, I dedicate this post to him.

BOWMAN'S HILL

Bucks County boasts many scenic spots, but there’s only one place to get an above-the-trees, bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside and Delaware River. Rising 183 feet in the air atop Bowman’s Hill and offering a 14-mile view on a clear day, Bowman’s Hill Tower is a favorite stop, and before the weather turned rainy yesterday, I decided to go finally to see it. I've been before, but never ventured to the top. I said to the top, not a top!!!

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Tower is that it existed during General George Washington’s day. In reality, it was built of local field stone in 1929-31 to commemorate what was probably the lookout point for Washington’s troops to watch for enemy activity on the Delaware River. Bowman's Hill is part of the Washington Crossing Park, which I did post on here and here.

Construction of the Tower took nearly two years to complete. More than 2,400 tons of materials were used, including perches of native stone from the hill and nearby stone fences, cut stone from local quarries, 517 tons of sand and 225 tons of cement. Workers excavated 15-feet deep so that the 24–foot-squared base would rest on a bedrock foundation.  Soon after the tower’s construction, workers planted 28,300 seedlings in the area to reforest the hill like people thought it would have been in Washington’s time. Some of those seedlings have become today’s towering trees on Bowman’s Hill. Due to the Tower’s height, lightning strikes were an ongoing problem. To improve safety and eliminate damage to the Tower, the National Lightning Protection Company of St. Louis, installed a protection system on the building. 

 There is an elevator that takes visitors three-quarters of the way to the top, bypassing the complete spiral staircase, although it's not currently working, so yours truly climbed the whole thing.... the last 23 steps become a extremely narrow spiral staircase to reach the outside observation deck. 

The more narrow staircase......

But it was all worth it.....I felt just like Rapunzel.

Looking toward Philly.....

Looking toward Yardley....

Looking toward New Hope and Lambertville

This shot would be looking directly East toward Nj, where Washington crossed the Delaware. There is a flag in the middle of the picture slightly off to the left.

Has Trump read the last part?!?!?

After leaving the tower, might I add, very steep drive down the road with no rails.... with the rainy mist and chill, I decide to visit the Bowman's Tavern for some fuel and pints.

Even ran into the lovely town grande dame of the transgender community and rights, Elizabeth, in one of her eye-popping day looks. She is always dressed to the t and is a true lady....had some lovely conversation.

Is it any wonder I love this area so much?

💋

NECTAR OF THE GODS

Washington Crossing and Bucks County might not be known as wine country, but that's set to change if the owners of Crossing Vineyards have anything to say about it.

Since opening Crossing Vineyards and Winery in 2000, they have built up a reputation for superior vintages that blend technology and expertise with a careful attention to craftsmanship and an eye to the unique local terroir. Ah, yes, there cannot be a more perfect time of year to go winery hopping, and here our fair hamlet we are lucky enough to have our very own slice of Napa cradled in the outskirts of New York City and Philadelphia, with four vineyards.....yes, I see a tour coming.

Here in Bucks County, which is not the first place you think of for wine producing country, but none the less, a good friend and I  visited a lovely vineyard in Washington's Crossing, a small town up  river from New Hope and not far from the lazy Delaware River, the spot where Washington crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War.It was a perfect 70 degrees, sun shining amidst a cloudless sky, which seemed to heighten every one of my senses in the most fantastic way. The Crossing Vineyards and Winery, a two-hundred year old estate, is a charming plot of land with swirling vineyards, floating butterflies and a whimsical little garden that looks out to acres of stunning property. The winery has been written up by The New York Times and was awarded the gold medal at the 2010 International Eastern Wine Competition. And after tasting their fare, I can see why.

Opened in 2000, the winery has become one of the best of its kind in the area. The success of the  fruitfully, robust grapes can be partially attributed to the use of laser planting technology which creates perfectly straight rows for optimal vine growth.

 

Yesterday when we visited we opted for the “standard” tasting.  Tastings are held in a large, dimly-lit cellar on a long U-shaped table where guests gather around. We tasted a total of 12 wines, five whites, four reds, and 3 dessert wines.  I will not claim to be a connoisseur, but I have tasted some excellent wines in my day, and overall I was extremely pleased with the selections I sampled.

The staff was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. The wine attendants at each station gave facts and the flavors of each wine. For $15 that included our tasting, and then one full glass of your choice at the end.  But you know your dear Mistress bought a bottle, as did my friend, and we enjoyed it with a huge selection of meats and cheeses. What a lovely afternoon. Of course I came home with a bottle too. How could I pass up on the Wildberry?

On the way home I even stopped in Washington's Crossing to snap a few gratuitous pictures.

The bridge above was of course not there then, but this is the spot. Below , on the stone "landing" is the spot where Washington and his troops pushed off to cross the river. One almost gets chills knowing all this history took place. Or was it the wine???

And this last shot is strictly for Bob. It reminds me of his Architecture Wednesday post. This home is on River Road heading back into New Hope. Boy, I can only imagine their views!!!!!

What a great way to celebrate Earth Weekend.

Tootles