 |
|
A Day Trip to
Doylestown, PA
(Small Town America at its Best)
|
| Doylestown is a wonderful place to visit, as well as to live. From a simple 18th century
crossroad inn, our town has evolved over the years into a lively, vibrant community
where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the friendly atmosphere, beautiful
architecture, many fine restaurants and cafes, and the feeling of "small town America"
that can still be found today. Doylestown has been honored by being selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's "dozen distinctive destinations". Doylestown was picked as one of only 12 towns in America for its dedication to historic preservation, its architectural and cultural assets, and its excellent management of growth and redevelopment. |
|
Many day visitors will first be drawn to our cultural institutions,
probably the most famous being the James A. Michener Art Museum. The building was once
the Bucks County Prison, but was beautifully refurbished in the late 1980's to a world-class
museum housing the finest collection of Pennsylvania Impressionism to be found anywhere.
The museum has over 12,000 square feet of viewing area, and over 2,500 items in its collection.
Permanent exhibits include the Nakshima Reading Room and the Lenfest Exhibition of Pennsylvania
Impressionists. Especially rewarding is the display featuring Bucks County's contributions
to the performing and visual arts.
Information can be found at www.michenerartmuseum.org.
The museum is located at 138 South Pine Street in Doylestown. Summer hours are 10 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday
through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.
MAP
|
Mercer Museum: This 1916 castle houses displays of the implements, folk art and furnishings
of early America. Suspended overhead are a Conestoga
wagon, whaling boats, carriages and antique fire engines. There are
50,000 tools representing more than 60 early American crafts and trades displayed.
Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm on Tuesday,
and noon to 5 pm on Sunday.
This towering
castle, a National Historic Landmark is across the street from the Michener
Art Museum, at 84 South Pine Street
(MAP).
The museum's website is www.mercermuseum.org
|
|
 |
Fonthill Museum:
Henry Mercer built Fonthill between 1908 and 1912. This totally concrete
castle has 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces and over 200 windows. Window panes, shelves,
furnishings - all are concrete! The interior walls, floors and ceilings are filled with
an incredible array of Mercer's original tiles. Website: www.fonthillmuseum.org.
The museum is located at East Court Street and Route 313.
(MAP).
Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, and noon to 5 pm on Sunday (last tour at 4).
|
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained
as a "working history" museum by Pennsylvania's County of Bucks, Department of Parks
and Recreation. Handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that
developed by the pottery's founder and builder, Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930).
Mercer was a major proponent of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America.
Hours are 10 am to 4:45 pm daily except holidays. Last tour begins at 4.
Website.
The Tile Works is located at 130 Swamp Road.
(MAP)
|
|
|
One of our favorite things to do in Doylestown is to stroll the downtown area,
especially on a Friday or Saturday evening when the area is at its liveliest. Many of
the shops are open on Friday evening, and the center of town is clustered about the
ice cream shop or Starbucks. A few musical groups can be found on steps in town; families
with strollers bask in the town's atmosphere. The downtown merchants often have special
activities and promotions to entice visitors.
downtowndoylestown.com
In the Summer, the Victorian lampposts are hung with beautiful flowering baskets
provided by the Doylestown Business & Community
Alliance. In the Winter, they carry our holiday decorations.
|
 |
Aldie Mansion:
This magnificent Victorian mansion was built in 1927 by William and Martha Chapman.
Their architect visited England to study Tudor manor houses.
In 1941 at a famous Christmas Party, the Von Trapp family sang in the great hall.
After Martha's death in 1960, the mansion was used as a seminary and drug rehabilitation
center. After that it was vacant, vandalized, and burned, and slated for demolition.
Thanks to the Heritage Conservancy this magnificent structure was saved and
completely rehabilitated. Today it houses the Conservancy's offices and is
rented for special events. Learn more at its website:
www.fonthillmuseum.org.
The mansion is located at 85 Old Dublin Pike.
(MAP).
It is open for special events and rentals.
|
Kids' Castle:
this impressive 8-story structure was the result of a volunteer community effort
to build a wonderland of swings, slides, a rocket ship, climbing and hiding places,
and a great place for kids to spend a summer afternoon. It is located within
Central Park at 425 Wells Road in Doylestown Township, just outside of town
(MAP). It is
open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. The park is open year-round
though the castle closes after the first freeze.
Central Park is a 108-acre facility that includes tennis courts, volleyball, soccer fields, and 1.5 miles of biking and hiking trails.
It is perfect for picnicking, with many tables and several covered pavilions.
|
|
|
|
|
