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Recently featured by the New York Times as a “rival to the Hamptons,” Bucks County is still a humble and sleepy pastoral haven that I am lucky enough to call home. Much of it has changed and developed over the last thirty years, but I’ve lived here my entire life and never plan to leave. There is so much charm and natural beauty even as it gains in popularity and fame. Springtime in Bucks County is a magical time, when fields and trees awaken in bursts of color and vibrant green. It’s a contagious sense of renewal, and this guide reflects some of my favorite businesses, eateries, activities and farms that capture the magic of Spring.

This guide is for you as a native, a traveller, or if you have guests headed our way and you want to show them some approachable yet elevated locales. This list is my personally inspired, tried-and-true treasure trove of local shopping, sightseeing, eats, and activities that you’ll appreciate if you enjoy fine taste and historic charm. I am honored to present my springtime Seasonal Guide to Bucks County.

Shop Local & See

Local Shopping

home + home (djw) | newtown | luxurious home goods and gifts from grooming, charcuterie, candles and more.
peddler’s village | lahaska | sprawling village of boutiques, shops and restaurants with renowned seasonal events.
doylestown book shop | doylestown and lahaska | locally owned bookshop with a classic hometown, heritage feel that frequently hosts highly-regarded author visits.
adorn me | newtown | a must-visit for thoughtful gift shopping, elevated house wares and jewelry.
sweet p boutique | newtown | curated trending clothing styles in an modern boutique with elevated labels.
newtown hardware house | newtown | historic general store on state street continuously operated since 1869. come for the hardware supplies, stay for the baked cookies and curated gifts.
newtown book and record exchange | newtown | a treasure trove of books and music, it’s the perfect place to sip a coffee and shop

Free Activities with Kids

noah’s playground | a soft-top playground with newer structures for older kids and young toddlers
tyler park walk | with its many trails, a trip to tyler park is always a good outdoor plan. my favorite part to start is the dam
churchville nature center | Churchville | a classic bucks county stop for its miles of trails, scenic reservoir views, exhibits and live animals
northampton township library | richboro | a must-do for story time

Farm & Garden

solly bros. | richboro | small mom & pop farm with the world’s best pies and apple cider doughnuts, with thoughtful selections of fresh produce and flowers
tanner bros | richboro | come for the ice cream, stay for the freshest produce and milk.
hollow house farms | furlong | unlike any farm in the area for their elegant and tastefully curated farm to table dinners and farm club. sustainable farm-sourced eggs, fresh sourdough, baked goods, aquaponic lettuce and honey.
none such farm | buckingham | quintessential farm shop and produce with a delightful selection of fresh flowers from local growers
flower girl farms | wrightstown | stunning dahlia farm and flower stand with fresh blooms and CSA owned by a local farmer and mom of four
gasper garden center | richboro | destination garden center for gardens big and small, you’ll leave brimming with inspiration for your dream garden
farm & garden station | richboro | charming greenhouse and nursery with seasonal picks, as well as shrubs and trees
geerling’s | buckingham | a garden authority in the area for over 55 years, overflowing with seasonal plants, houseplants, garden supplies and outdoor furniture
wrightstown farmer’s market | wrightstown & newtown | a true farmer’s market collective featuring local products from growers of sustainable, organic goods grown the way nature intended (Saturdays)

Vintage & Thrift

artefact antiques | furlong | architectural salvage elements, home decor, vintage furniture housed in a stunning historic barn surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden
good stuff thrift | 4 locations | with a core mission of helping kids in need, this store offers high quality thrift goods including clothing, furniture, house wares and toys
stone house antiques | doylestown | primitives, fine antiques and an impressive gallery of artwork housed in a 1800s farmhouse
penny buck junction | warminster | voted as a top thrift store for its decluttered, organized shop front offering a great jewelry and housewares selection
primitive seasons | quakertown | wide range of American made country and primitive décor
dressed to the 9s consignment | newtown | pre-owned luxury bags, jewelry, clothes
the barn | buckingham | a private flea market in a 3-story historic barn; join their email list to ensure you don’t miss the days the barn sale is happening.

Date Night (or Day)

walk around new hope | start off with a walk along main street for window shopping, followed by a light bite at ferry market, ending at triumph brewery for a pint or nektar for a wine flight
la stalla | newtown | rustic and cozy interiors of this 1920s barn perfectly complement classic italian fare with mouthwatering specials and generous portion sizes
rocco’s at the brick | newtown | set in the heart of newtown with an inviting atmosphere from the intimate vantage point of their wraparound dining room
newtown theater | newtown | from wine walks to concerts to stand-up, this historic 19th century theater is a treasure in bucks and shows up to 50 films annually
crossing vineyards winery | newtown | upscale winery with bistro, tasting rooms, and more (my favorite wine is the Viognier)

Where to Eat

Breakfast

the fancy fig | wrightstown | whether it’s a coffee date or fully catered event you need, the fancy fig offers a personalized touch with the most delicious take on classic dishes.
caleb’s american kitchen | lahaska | caleb’s is a byo restaurant serving new american fare with a fantastic menu and upscale ambience; we love their weekend brunch.
Jake’s eatery | richboro and newtown | a family favorite for breakfast and beyond; we love the casual fare, great service, and generous portions that are always a hit for everyone. pro tip: split a short stack.
mamie colette | newtown | offering french croissants and more for takeaway, this authentic viennoiserie bakes with only the finest ingredients using generations-old family recipes.
golden eagle diner | warminster | sometimes nothing beats diner food, and there is just something about this place that makes it my favorite diner, period.

Lunch

lovebird | newtown and doylestown | a family favorite for fried chicken, homemade dipping sauces and gluten-free offerings.
nourish | doylestown | ultimate favorite lunch spot of mine for it’s quick, easy takeaway meals where health and quality ingredients are always prioritized. my recommendation is the black bean sweet potato quesadilla or nourish bowl.
terrain cafe | doylestown | the newest of the terrain family of cafes, the floral ambience and seasonally-inspired menu will be sure to leave you inspired and nourished.
los sarapes | chalfont | true mexican cuisine with an extensive tequila bar (and possibly the best chips, salsa and margaritas in town)
jules pizza | multiple locations | crispy thin crust pizza known for its conscious kitchen, which prioritizes dietary needs and fresh organics
hachi | chalfont | our favorite hibachi in the bucks county area, the culinary craftsmanship at hachi is unparalleled. from the sushi to the fried rice, everything is top notch.
59 almshouse | richboro | fantastic ambience for a date or group, you’ll enjoy the firepit and the seasonal menu items.
trolley barn public market | quakertown | neighborhood market and food hall in the heart of Quakertown

Snacks & Specialty

o wow cow creamery | 5 locations | we visit the wrightstown location most often, but this creamery was voted #3 in the nation for ice cream and #1 on the east coast. enough said!

empanada mama | doylestown | street-food perfection — sweet and savory hand-pies are served at this walk-up window
panna gelateria & bakery | yardley | a local gem featuring daily flavors of homemade gelato and made-from-scratch pastries
salt box pretzels | charming bistro-esque pretzel bakery offering gourmet soft pretzel creations complete with ice cream and bar
nina’s waffles | the perfect after-dinner dessert spot for the sweetest, hint-of-sugar waffles with delectable ice cream pairings
newtown ice house | the custard is to die for, but the water ice beats anything you’ve ever had in the greater philadelphia area
the tubby olive | offers an impressive selection of the finest olive oils and balsamic vinegars that are perfect for gifting, or for yourself
la stalla market | artisan italian market and grocery stop that offers fresh selections from their restaurant menu, plus sweets, cheeses, fresh pastas and more
the zebra striped whale | a sweet shop specializing in cold stone ice cream creations
calico bread | furlong | fresh baked sourdough loafs that are crusty, delicious works of art made (and wrapped) with love
forget me not food | furlong | from petifores to beet brownies to granola, this sweet confectioner offers clean-ingredient baked goods that are made with love
tijuana tacos | perkasie and quakertown | freshly-made classic Mexican standards
the board housewife | doylestown | putting the “art” in charcuterie with handcrafted grazing boards expertly arranged for beauty and thoughtful pairings

Coffee

amsterdam coffee bar | new hope and pipersville | eclectic cafe with an impressive gallery of bonsai trees
calm waters coffee | newtown, pa and bristol, pa | quintessential Main Street coffeeshop
sky roast coffee | doylestown and new hope, pa | simply a great cup of coffee!
pretty bird | yardley | fun, youthful and welcoming coffeehouse in the heart of historic yardley that transforms into a burger joint by night
brig o’ doon | ottsville | one of the friendliest coffee houses with a generous menu and seasonal beverages nestled in a spacious renovated general store (be sure to try the spring breeze latte).
be well cafe | 2 locations | family-friendly bakery & cafe with a healthy, seasonally-inspired menu and happy vibes all around.
covered bridge coffee roasters | feasterville | cozy coffeeshop offering a variety of seasonal and classic coffees in whole bean, or freshly ground to your brewing preferences.

Drinks

yardley inn | yardley | the restaurant serves award-winning classic new american fare, but the bar offers some of the best historic and comfortable vibes in bucks.
pineville tavern | cozy historic bar with locally-brewed craft beers and cocktails featuring locally-distilled premium spirits
harvest | newtown | impressive array of seasonal cocktails and brews
magerk’s | newtown | if you’re looking for a sports pub, this is it!
crossing vineyards winery | newtown | hailed as the best of bucks for several years, this jewel is tucked away in bucolic newtown offering wine tasting and tasty pairings
warwick brewing | warwick | craft brewery on 22 acres of picturesque hilltop with weekend events, food trucks, and dozens of beers on tap
judd & jackson’s | tucked away behind the spring mill golf course, this open-to-the-public restaurant is a sleeper favorite with excellent food and a calm atmosphere.

Dinner

la stalla | newtown | a personal favorite for its rustic restored barn interior, this is the perfect family-style restaurant or intimate date night spot
amelia | new hope | charming trattoria with a homestyle feel and service that makes you feel like family (not to mention culinary masterpieces)
piccolo trattoria | multiple locations | a destination for pizza, pasta and classic Italian dishes
villagio | lahaska | simply good Italian fare in this cozy, family-owned byob
yardley inn | yardley | elevated modern American fare along with a spacious dining room overlooking the Delaware riverfront
acqua e farina | cozy, inviting osteria famous for their brick oven Neapolitan pizzas, authentic recipes and generations-old legacy. the real deal!
vince’s pizza | wrightstown | pizza, salads, and a beer wall are the highlight of this family-friendly spot
field and fire by chef vj davis | unique farm-to-table events, pop up dinners and private dining by renowned chef vj. her curated menus and field-inspired cooking over open fires are perfect for intimate gatherings and celebrations.

Just a little further

holland ridge farms | jackson, nj | this tulip farm is the largest on the east coast with hundreds of rows of picture-perfect buds.
maman | princeton, nj | perfect for brunch, coffee or lunch after a walk around Princeton’s hallowed campus.
zanya salon and spa | lambertville, nj | a sumptuous and luxurious spa experience complete with boutique and salon.
black shed | stockton, nj | a horticultural connoisseur’s dream destination: fine garden center, lounge, bar, cafe and shop.

What To Wear

Not surprisingly, the advice I’d give to anyone asking “what to wear” in Bucks during the spring: layers. The mornings in early Spring can be quite frigid and windy. An insulated jacket, rain boots, and lots of sweaters are my go to. By May, it’s usually warm enough to wear sandals and dresses, but it’s smart to have a few layering staples. By the time the sun is out and the temperatures are up, it’s fun to sprinkle in color and lighter fabrics. Scarves are a perfect springtime accessory and the perfect opportunity for added color or print. I love stripes, blues, greens, lilac, gingham, soft plaids and cotton knitwear this time of year.