"New Hope, Pennsylvania ~ bordering New Jersey" Top 5 Page for this destination New Hope by Pawtuxet

New Hope Travel Guide: 124 reviews and 161 photos

All Aboard !! to steam through New Hope

New Hope is pretty much the story of transportation over the years. It was first known for its ferry operation across the Delaware to Lambertville. Both towns were important stops along the way from NYC to Philadelphia. Business sprang up along the route, and Lambertville Station was a major stage coach stop. The Delaware Bridge Co. built a covered bridge in 1814, and the bridge was eventually built of steel in 1904...and stands today for foot and auto traffic. A canal system developed to carry coal through the corridor. The canals were hand dug by Irish immigrants...about 60 miles of them. Goods could be shipped along the waterway by barge. Eventually the Belvidere Delaware Railroad began laying track, and passenger service began in 1851. Trolleys developed in the early 1900's, but eventually with the popularity of the automobile, the trolleys faded away to the roads filled with cars as we have today.
The old steam engine still begins its journey at New Hope, carrying tourists on a sightseeing tour of the county.
The barge has been remembered in the Olivia Morgan, carrying tourists along the canal by mule power.
About the only transportation not represented here is the airplane. Otherwise...enjoy the relics of each of the older transportation systems all within a few blocks of very attractive and walkable byways.

Walk back to Jersey

the steel bridge

A broad sidewalk takes the traveller across the Delaware to the New Jersey side of the river, sharing the bridge with auto traffic. It's quite scenic here. You can watch the boat and jet ski traffic below as you walk along.

Tranquil environment around the edges

Delaware canal and mules

This pic is worth enlarging....for its peacefulness...and a view of the mules pulling along the canal. Railroad buildings to the left...as the tracks are only a few feet away.
It's so serene here...especially compared to the crowds in the business district close by.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful landscape and quaint architecture
Cons:Crowds and expensive prices
In a nutshell:Try to visit slightly off season...try a train,boat, lunch

Last visit to New Hope: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 24, 2008
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Reviews (26)

Gardens and garden salads Favorites (8)

Many lovely spots to stop for lunch or plan for dinner. I'm not sure the food could equal the garden color here... more travel advice

Interiors of old train station - New Hope

Interiors of old train station Off The Beaten Path (3)

the old wood stove still sits in the middle of the floor to keep the station warm You can find brochures on local... more travel advice

See it from the train Transportation (1)

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad steams through the hills and valleys of Bucks County starting from the old train station on... more travel advice

Coming Through!!... Favorites (8)

Every once in a while you hear the clanging and know that the railroad crossing is about to close to car traffic. It's a... more travel advice

Comments (17)

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amandajayne81 Oct 23, 2010 at 11:45 PM

Looks like a really lovely town. I enjoyed your photos. Thank you.
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hunterV Apr 14, 2009 at 5:02 AM

Hi, Janet! What a nice place to pay a visit! Thanks for your sory...
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AlbuqRay Jun 24, 2008 at 7:45 PM

It's amazing how much transportation history that New Hope has. It's only 1.5 hours from Pen Argyl. I may actually make it down there some time. Thanks, for the info.
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nicolaitan Apr 3, 2008 at 5:48 PM

great page - we lived near Trenton in 1970-1 and drove up old 32 to New Hope at least once a month. Canal is the same, don't remember the train, the tacky stores never change. Starbucks? thanks for the memories. N.
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Lhenne1 Mar 26, 2008 at 5:58 PM

Great New Hope page. I grew up nearby. Your pictures are a nice walk down memory lane. ~Laura
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tiabunna May 2, 2006 at 7:22 PM

These quirky little places are really great, your page brings it out well. Pity about the poor souvenirs though, seems a common worldwide problem.
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ForestqueenNYC Aug 15, 2005 at 6:34 PM

Another wonderful American town, that and Lambertiville across the river. Spent a lot of time in both places when my children were little boys.
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tpal Aug 9, 2005 at 7:38 AM

Hi janet, I'm sitting on my front porch right now and i do love it. We are going to New Hope in a couple of weeks for Carol's aunt's 90th. I thought I was in for a suburban bedroom town...now I'm excited. Hope we have time to explore...Thx...Tom
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kazander Jun 20, 2005 at 6:49 AM

I love this little town. Cest la Vie is a great place to stop in for a bite. We hope to return soon :)
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irisbe Jun 10, 2005 at 4:27 AM

Very charmig city Janet! ah funny story about the mules `-) guess they are really not easy to handle!