New Hope & Lambertville
Four miles north of Washington Crossing on River Road (Pa. 32), which is punctuated by hilly, lovely farmland (as opposed to U.S. 202's factory outlets), you'll come upon New Hope, a former Colonial town turned artists' colony. Although it's now something of a tourist mecca -- the weekend crowds are fierce and parking is cramped -- once you're here you'll enjoy the specialty shops, restaurants, and galleries. Lambertville, across the Delaware in New Jersey, feels more sophisticated, with its fine antiques stores and restaurants.
Doylestown
Authentic small-town charm shines throughout the picturesque community of Doylestown, the county seat. Inviting downtown streets are lined with specialty shops and loads of restaurants. There's even a vintage art-house cinema, the County Theater, 20 E. State St. (tel. 215/345-6789; countytheater.org). It's a marvelous town to just walk around, but three interesting collections invite you indoors. All were endowed by Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930), an eccentric and avid collector, archaeologist, and master of pottery techniques. The James A. Michener Art Museum, housed in a splendidly renovated historic county jail at 138 S. Pine St., is another worthwhile stop (tel. 215/340-9800; www.michenerartmuseum.org). Motorists should exit the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Willow Grove Interchange (Exit 27) and follow Route 611 north to the Doylestown exit. Drive through scenic Doylestown and turn right onto Route 313 (Swamp Rd.).
