Road Trip to Bucks County: Planning a Bucks County Escape? Road tripping to the quaint village of Upper Black Eddy in historic Bucks County, PA offers the perfect getaway from the city this Summer (and year round). When you are in need of a getaway from Philadelphia – Bucks County is the easy choice. If you are destined for the bucolic serenity of this beautiful countryside, why not make an adventure of your journey?
River Road, Bucks County, PA. Photo compliments of visitbuckscounty.com
Escape the urban sprawl for a leisurely drive from Philadelphia stopping along the way to discover picturesque river towns, historic sites, world class dining, outdoor activities, local art and unique experiences, finally winding your way to this little slice of heaven, Bridgeton House on the Delaware, perched on the Banks of the beautiful Delaware River in the quaint village of Upper Black Eddy, PA.
Next up, a few days of Rest and Relaxation or day trips – whatever suits your fancy. Bring your swimsuit & jump on in. The water is very refreshing and you don’t need to pack a beach towel – we supply them for you. You’ll love this Road Trip to Bucks County.
Swim or fish off of our private dock. The water is very refreshing in Summer.
Here are a few of our recommended road tripping options from Philadelphia to Bridgeton House on the Delaware:
Historic Drive:
– Andalusia: Make your first stop approximately 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia. From 95 take the Academy Road exit and make your way to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum. Plan to spend an hour or 2 touring this grand mansion along the river. And depending on the time of your visit, you may wish to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens.
– Grundy Mansion: A short 15 minute drive will land you at one of Bristol borough’s most exquisite homes. Enjoy an hour of Victorian Splendor on the Delaware as you tour the home and gardens of the Grundy family.
– The Old Barracks in Trenton: Continue your journey about 18 minutes up route 13 to your next historic site. We turn our attention from the grandeur of prominent family homes to a building holding history to mulltiple wars over the centuries including the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War
– Washington Crossing State Park: A 15 minute drive along the Delaware River on Route 29 will take to one of the most famous spots in American History. Here you can explore more than 500 acres of American History including the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and turned the tide of the Revolutionary War!
– Howell Living History Farm: Just a short 15 minutes drive will find you learning about farming and rural history, 1900’s style. Roll up your sleeves and join the interpreters (who are dressed in period costume) as they take on the daily tasks of this working farm. Depending on the season, you can see and help farmers as they plant and harvest crops, care for animals, build fences, and raise barns – or do the cooking and chores that keep the farm running smoothly.
If you have had your fill for the day, you may wish to make your next stop Bridgeton House on the Delaware – about a 36 minute drive up the River to the quaint village of Upper Black Eddy, PA.
Dreaming of a Summer Getaway? Visit Bridgeton House on the Delaware
For those seeking more history, we highly recommend a quick detour through Doylestown, PA to visit:
– Mercer Museum: Just about 30 minutes from the Howell Living History Farm will find you in the charming borough of Doylestown, PA, the County Seat of Historic Bucks County. First stop is the Mercer Musuem where you can explore this wonderful and interesting castle built to house Henry Mercer’s extensive collection of objects representing everyday life in the pre-industrial age. Visit after visit, you’re sure to find something new.
– Fonthill Castle: Just 1 mile from the Mercer Museum, an easy walk on a beautiful day or a very short drive if the weather doesn’t cooperate takes you to this amazing and whimsical castle, the home of Henry Mercer. Fonthill Castle’s interior features Mercer’s renowned, handcrafted ceramic tiles designed at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement.
– Bridgeton House on the Delaware: Whether you take the side trip to Doylestown, or save that for day 2 of your visit, you are just about 30 minutes or so from your final destination and relaxing in luxury at this award winning boutique hotel perched on the banks of the beautiful Delaware River. We recommend staying in your first evening, kicking up your tired feet and enjoying the river views from your private river porch/balcony. For dinner you may want to add a charcuterie board or one of Chef Karen’s hearty picnic baskets which will be waiting in your suite upon arrival. Complimentary sweets can be found in the Butler’s Pantry.
River Views from Deluxe Room #4 at Bridgeton House on the Delaware
The best part of road tripping from Philly to Upper Black Eddy is that anything you can’t squeeze into your day 1 drive can easily be visited on days 2, 3 or 4! Each drive is designed to have you driving 30 minutes or less between destinations with a maximum daily driving time of approximately 2 hours. For those guests visiting from areas outside of Philadelphia, these drives make great day trips from the Inn. Icing on the Cake? When you stay 4 nights (Monday – Thursday) this Summer in a riverside room, you save 20% Off of your stay.
Plan your road trip to Bucks County today and we will see you on the river!
Scenic Drive:
– Bristol Waterfront Park and Boat Docks – About 22 miles North on 95 will find you at Bristol Borough’s Boat Docks and waterfront monuments. Take in the area’s rich history and admire the boats at dock while strolling along the Delaware River. Depending on your date of visit, you may find a nice festival going on as well so be sure to check their calendar of events.
– Bowman’s Hill Tower – As you make your way toward’s New Hope, PA – about a 30 minute drive from Bristol, we recommend taking the time to climb 125 feet to the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower for this bird’s eye view of the Delaware River and the surrounding countryside.
– New Hope, PA – Spend an hour or all afternoon perusing this vibrant river town. An easy stop on your way from Philadelphia to Upper Black Eddy, PA. There are many wonderful views of the river and scenic countryside in and around New Hope, PA. Enjoy a wonderful riverside lunch at Stella or the River House at Odettes.
– Frenchtown, NJ – Wind your way up the river from New Hope, either on River Road, or for a quicker trip, drive across the bridge into Lambertville, NJ (another scenic town!) and take Route 29 North. This quintessential small NJ town is a must stop for strolling streets that reminisce the English Countryside or for resting on the riverbank with a coffee or snack from Early Bird Cafe. Be sure to check out the ArtYard while you are there.
Early Bird Cafe in Frenchtown, NJ
If your ready to relax, head 3 miles north on River Road to Bridgeton House on the Delaware. Guests arriving by 4 pm are invited to enjoy a restorative afternoon tea.
For those who want to truly fill your day with scenic stops – continue on with the Upper Bucks County Covered Bridge Tour before winding your way back to Bridgeton House. If you’ve missed tea, we will leave snacks in the Butler’s Pantry for you to enjoy upon your arrival.
– Covered Bridges of Bucks County: Bucks County is blessed with 12 standing covered bridges – all beautiful. To visit the 3 closet to the inn, stop by Frankenfield, Erwinna & Uhlerstown. Drive safe and we we’ll see you back at the inn!
Outdoor Adventure Drive:
– Tree Trails Adventures: From Philadelphia, head towards Trevose, Pa (about a 40 minute drive) for your first adventure stop at TreeTrails Adventures. Climb and zip through the woods on wooden bridges and zip lines spanning 10 – 50 feet above the forest floor.
– Ralph Stover Park: After catching your breath, return to your car to head towards to Ralph Stover Park in Pipersville Pa (about a 40 minute drive) to do some hiking and take in the sights at High Rocks Vista – featuring an outstanding view of a horseshoe bend in Tohickon Creek Gorge and the surrounding forest. For the true adventurer, book rock climbing or rappelling with Valley to Summit Adventures.
– Lake Nockamixon: Our next stop has you on the water at Lake Nockamixon. About a 20 minute drive will take you to Lake Nockamixon in Quakertown, PA where you can hike or rent a boat to explore the lake. For the best adventure, book a chartered fishing trip with Awgul Fishing Guide Service.
–Ringing Rocks Park: As you wind your way from Lake Nockamixon toward your final desitnation of Bridgeton House on the Delaware – why not end your day making the rocks ring at Ringing Rocks Park (about 15-20 minute drive from the Lake). A short walk form the parking lot, you will find this unique destination where you can make your own music on rocks! An eight-acre geologic wonder, the Ringing Rocks boulder field consists of primordial igneous diabase boulders that resonate when struck by a hammer. Bucks County’s largest waterfall is also here.
– Sunset on the Bridge at Bridgeton House on the Delaware: Just a quick 2 mile drive down Bridgeton Hill Road and you can check-in to a luxury suite for the ultimate in relaxation. Try to make it back before sunset and walk out on our beautiful bridge for the best sunset views.
After a restful nights sleep and a hearty complimentary hot breakfast – we have more adventure ideas for day 2 and 3 of your stay.
– Delaware River Pedal and Paddle provides kayaking and biking tours that start right here at our back door. A perfect way to experience picturesque Upper Bucks County.
– Big Bear Gear Tubing: Wile away a hot afternoon day tubing the Delaware with Big Bear Gear, located just a few miles from the inn in Frenchtown, NJ – one of our favorite riverside towns.
More Road Tripping Itineraries Coming Soon!
Love of the Arts Drive:
– The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
– Grounds Fro Sculpture, Trenton NJ
– American Treasures Tour
– ArtYard
Shopping & Dining Drive:
– Frenchtown, NJ
– Peddler’s Village
Gardens Drive:
– Andulusia
– Grundy Mansion & Gardens
