Why You Should Visit New Hope, Pennsylvania’s Most Charming Town

Editor’s Note: If you’re traveling, please check local government restrictions and safety measures related to COVID-19, and consider your health and comfort levels before departure.

New Yorkers are fortunate because they have options when it comes to easy getaways – lots of them, in fact. The issue? They wind up frequenting the same spots, like the Hamptons and Hudson Valley, over and over again. 

So why not venture out of New York State to New Hope, Pennsylvania? A short two-hour drive from the city – it’s also just 25 miles from Philadelphia, and 150 from Washington, D.C. – this impossibly charming town in Bucks County has it all: splendid scenery, colorful history, locally-owned businesses, and as of a couple months ago, a sophisticated hotel that feels right at home along the Delaware River.

Below, three reasons why you should consider planning a road trip to New Hope.

River House at Odette’s

Opened in late September, River House at Odette’s is Bucks County’s first luxury boutique hotel. It occupies the land where Chez Odette, the lively and beloved cabaret by Odette Myrtil Logan, once sat (the building was thoughtfully moved before hotel construction) and is the second property by Refined Hospitality.

As for the look? It’s virbant, original, and wonderfully unexpected. “Keeping in mind with our the New Hope community and all the creative people that live here, the design is eclectic,” says general manager Theresa Fera. “There’s lots of accents nodding to our natural surroundings as well.” The 36 rooms and suites all offer soul-soothing views of the river and mountains, and are kitted out with quirky touches, like lush floral murals, graphic area rugs, and cheerfully-colored furnishings. And this summer, there will be even more room for guests to unwind in when The Residences (a two-floor structure with two super-spacious suites) are unveiled.

But what really makes River House at Odette’s such a welcome addition to Bucks County is its ability to attract locals and visitors with three options for drinking, dining, and socializing (safely, of course). Odette’s, the hotel’s signature all-day restaurant, features a globe-trotting menu of crowd-pleasers (think acai bowls, mezze plates, and grilled-to-order steaks), an no matter the time of year, maintains open, airy feel. “Because of our NanaWall and all the windows facing the water, people feel safer here,” explains Fera.

The members-only rooftop, ROOF – which hotel guests have access to – also boasts an indoor-outdoor vibe, thanks to plenty of patio seating, an outoor fireplace, and striking views. While the bartenders are able to stir and shake up anything you please, the house whiskey and bubbles-based libations (like the Our Leading Lady, Odette Myrtil) are tough to beat. And though it’s closed due to COVID-19, the Piano Lounge, with its soaring ceilings, stone fireplace, and of course, a grand piano, is poised to be the place to be for happy hours and nightcaps in 2021.

Nurture Spa

Encompassing a whopping 10,000 square feet, this award-winning oasis is truly in a class of its own. Opened by former corporate beauty executive and New Yorker Carolyn Holdsworth back in 2005 – “my goal was to build the spa I could never find, a non-pretentious one with the highest quality services, products, and therapists that lead with their hearts,” she says – Nurture Spa relocated a historic brick New Hope building in January 2018.

Today, Holdsworth continues to deliver on her promise of warm, generous hospitality. There’s ample space – each floor has its own lounge – so guests can safely spread out and kick back, and 14 treatment rooms to ensure you can book a treatment when it suits your schedule, even during peak times like the holidays. The treatments range from classic (hot stone massage) to cutting-edge (HydraFacials and dermaplaning), but Holdworth says the most popular services are the Customized Massage, Deluxe HydraFacial, and signature Nurture Pedicure. But no matter when or why you’re visiting, Holdworth aims to “deliver a luxurious, multi-sensory destination-spa experience with kindness, grace, and heart.”

The Salt House

Occupying a charming stone building from 1751, this buzzy gastropub by restaurateur Steve Lau – you might recognize him from 80s indie band The Ocean Blue – maintains a refreshingly hip, laid-back vibe. The menu skews rustic and comforting, as evidenced by the bacon-wrapped dates, moules frites, and best-selling signature burger. Piled high with a grass-fed beef patty, gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions, it’s packed with umami and nearly impossible to put down until it’s gone. A thoughtfully-curated cocktail, wine, and beer list is also on deck to help you wash it all down, and currently available for dining are private, heated outdoor tents and limited seats indoors.