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The Inn at Bowman's Hill Blog

Fishing for Shad

What is a shad and why does it have its own festival in Lambertville, New Jersey, that's been going strong since 1981? Let us tell you! An American shad is the largest fish in the herring family, and every spring they migrate from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River to spawn. The festival, however, isn't just about fish. When it started four decades ago, Shad Fest was meant to showcase the local art scene.

Film Festival

If you're a movie enthusiast, you've probably heard of Utah's Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States. Here on the East Coast, the New Hope Film Festival is making a name for itself as "Sundance East," as a platform for innovative storytelling and emerging talent.

Flea Market

Just across the Delaware River from New Hope lies a gold mine for antiques, collectibles, art and more — the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market in Lambertville, New Jersey. This year-round market has been around since 1967 and offers a shopping adventure like no other. Quirky, cool, nostalgic and eclectic are all words that can be used to describe this treasure trove of hidden gems from bygone eras.

Bucks County Playhouse

New Hope is well known as a haven for visual and performing artists. The Pennsylvania Impressionist art movement was born here, and the Bucks County Playhouse has emerged as one of the leading summer theaters in the nation. Yet, amidst the picturesque landscapes and vibrant theatrical performances, musicians also play a significant role in shaping New Hope's artistic scene.

Theatre

Many visitors to New Hope are familiar with the historic Bucks County Playhouse. Opened in 1939, the playhouse has grown to become one of the premier summer theatres in the nation. But just across the Delaware River in neighboring New Jersey is a theater that offers equally captivating performances, with 15 mainstage shows year-round.

The Parry Mansion

Home to upscale shopping, dining and recreation along the Delaware River, Broadway-caliber theater, and a vibrant arts scene, New Hope captivates tourists with its enchanting blend of cultural experiences and picturesque surroundings. To appreciate all that New Hope is today, you need to dive deep into its fascinating past that dates back before the birth of our nation.

Furniture

Tucked away on 9 acres of serene woodlands near New Hope, just above the Delaware River, lies a haven for woodworking enthusiasts and lovers of exquisite craftsmanship — the Nakashima Woodworkers studio. This iconic furniture studio, founded by the legendary George Nakashima, has been a beacon of creativity and woodworking mastery since its inception in the mid-20th century.

New Hope Art Center

New Hope has long been a haven of the artistic community — painters, sculptors, actors, musicians and other visionaries — who, over the years, have left their talented mark and added to the town’s creative energy. New Hope Arts was founded with the vision of furthering the heritage of this vibrant arts community and providing space for contemporary artists to create, collaborate and present their work.

Holiday Shopping in New Hope, PA

Any time of year, Main Street in New Hope is an inviting place to wander the brick streets along the banks of the Delaware River and visit historic buildings that are now home to charming boutiques and cozy bistros. But at Christmastime, downtown New Hope is nothing short of magical! Main Street is adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations and a holiday spirit that's infectious. Skip the chaos of big-box stores and do your holiday shopping in the heart of New Hope this holiday season.

Pearl S. Buck House

On 68 acres of beautiful Bucks County countryside is a charming stone farmhouse turned museum that stands as a testament to the life and legacy of one of America's most influential authors and humanitarians, Pearl S. Buck. Renowned for her literary works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Good Earth," Buck spent a significant portion of her life at Green Hill Farm (as it was called) in Perkasie, about a 30-minute drive from the Inn at Bowman's Hill.