Queer Travel Guide for New Hope, Pennsylvania

Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River in Bucks County sits the idyllic river town of New Hope, Pennsylvania. Though small in size with only 1.27 square miles, New Hope is large in heart and soul.

Originally settled by the indigenous Leni-Lenape, New Hope has a long and rich history. The beauty of the area attracted the Pennsylvania Impressionist school of artists in the early 1900s, followed by Broadway summer stock theater. Decades later, New Hope is still a thriving arts community and home to creatives of all genres.

In 2003, New Hope Celebrates was founded, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community. They are the sponsors of the annual PrideFest in May. The Pride Parade has grown to over 15,000 in attendance and hosts a week of events and celebrations. 

Whether you come for Pride or any other time of the year, New Hope will cast its magical spell with its year-round beauty.

Where to Stay
Lodging can be found in new boutique hotels and historic bed and breakfasts. The newly renovated Logan Inn is within the heart of New Hope’s restaurants and shops. The inn boasts indoor and outdoor dining, accommodations for events, and musical entertainment.

On the banks of the Delaware River sits the Ghost Light Inn and their award-winning restaurant Stella.  The hotel and restaurant command beautiful views of the Delaware River with a gas-lit promenade for evening strolls.

For bed and breakfast accommodations in an 1870 Victorian home, go to the Wedgewood Inn. The inn is on two acres with beautiful gardens and gazebos. In the winter, request a fireplace room to warm up in. The hosts are a wealth of knowledge about all area attractions.

The Fox and Hound was voted one of the most romantic inns in Bucks County, PA. A gourmet bed and breakfast, they have a breakfast-to-go box if you are pressed for time. For more privacy, you can rent the king-size room annex next door to the property which does not include breakfast.

Where to Eat
Dining in New Hope offers something for everyone, from different ethnic cuisines, fabulous seating along the river, historic pubs, and elegant dining to a great homemade ice cream cone!

Honorable mentions include The Salt House in a stone building dating back to the 1700s. With a gastropub menu, be sure to try the grilled artichokes and braised short ribs. The upstairs room is enchanting with comfortable couches and a table for two.

For a great breakfast in town go to Karlas on Mechanic Street, one of the most charming streets in town. A long-time staple of New Hope, they feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a brick tavern complete with an outdoor patio in the warmer months.

Martine’s River House is set on the river in a yellow building reminiscent of the French countryside. They are famous for their signature cocktails and deviled eggs. The menu is seasonal and if your plans include Thanksgiving dinner, you don’t need to look any further.

The Ferry Street Market is the winner of the Best Gourmet Market in Bucks County. There are food vendors to please every palate whether you want a cappuccino or an empanada. There is seating indoors and an outdoor courtyard. If you are here on business, it is a wonderful place to bring your laptop and be inspired.

Things to Do
Evenings in New Hope provide a wide choice of entertainment. The Bucks County Playhouse has been entertaining patrons since it opened in 1939. The stage has been graced by great actors from Robert Redford to Grace Kelly and Angela Lansbury. The theater has been newly renovated and has a bar and restaurant for pre-theater dining.

Havana in New Hope offers dining with a Cuban flair and a schedule of tribute bands from the Stones to Van Morrison. They host a monthly tea dance sponsored by New Hope Celebrates and a drag show on Monday nights.

For shoppers, New Hope offers an eclectic choice. Make your gift list as you will surely find it here, from hand-crafted leather goods, jewelry, spices, and hand-blown glass. For retro lovers stop in Love Saves the Day and save enough time to look through all their treasures. 

Besides dining, sipping cocktails, and shopping, New Hope offers its captivating beauty. A walk along the Delaware canal takes you back to a quieter time and sitting along the Delaware River watching the ducks and occasional swan float by calms the soul. Every season brings its glory to the sleepy river town which as legend has it – it’s hard to leave. 

For more town travel inspiration, check out our list of small LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the U.S., which also includes New Hope.