New Hope, PA (Bucks County) celebrates LGBTQ pride in May with a pride parade of local vendors & supporters
New Hope, PA
Travel blogs, photos, stories, and features from New Hope, Pennsylvania—part of the greater Philadelphia region along the Delaware River
New Hope, PA Travel Guide
Your guide to the best things to do and see in the quaint Pennsylvania town of New Hope along the Delaware River
New Hope, PA is a town in eastern Pennsylvania (Bucks County), along the Delaware River and easily accessed by road from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. The town was a favorite weekend getaway for many years, especially for the creative Broadway performers and producers.
With a large arts complex, an LGBTQ-friendly community (including several gay hotels in New Hope), the town is a cute weekend break. Start here with my basic New Hope travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest New Hope travel blogs.
When to Visit
Because of its location along the Delaware River, the town is especially picturesque during the warmer months when the nearby nature trails can be fully enjoyed. A wildflower sanctuary and historic towers (and even a New Hope historic railroad) are especially scenic. New Hope is a convenient location for reaching a number of historic sites in eastern Pennsylvania.
Check the New Hope Arts website for a useful calendar of events for the region’s many performing arts venues and art exhibitions. The Bucks County Playhouse hosts events all summer and through the autumn and winter. Check their website for a calendar of events.
Don’t miss New Hope Celebrates—one of the largest LGBTQ pride festivals in the region. Taking place in mid-May, it’s an early kickstart to Pride Month festivals in Pennsylvania.
Top Things To Do in New Hope
Visit the Bucks County Playhouse — Open since 1939, the Playhouse is located in a converted 1790 gristmill. Situated nearly equidistance between Philadelphia and NYC, the playhouse quickly became one of the country’s most famous regional theaters, hosting performers such as Liza Minnelli, Alan Alda, Robert Redford, Grace Kelly, and many others.
The Playhouse has a small visitor center open daily, but still puts on world-class entertainment during its opening season.
Shop & dine along Main Street — Like so many of America’s small towns, New Hope Main Street is home to many locally-owned small businesses. But this isn’t just any ordinary small town; the restaurants here are run by world-class chefs.
Shop vintage at Love Saves the Day (which sells jewelry, hats, accessories and other vintage bric-a-brac), visit the C’est La Vie French Bakery & Cafe, and eat at The Salt House gastropub (with great views).
New Hope Tours
Most of the activities and things to do in and around New Hope (Bucks County) are easily accessible by car. It’s possible to also book boats and other water activities (including river tubing) along the Delaware River. Check TripAdvisor or other online tour operators for the best options.
LGBTQ – Gay New Hope Travel Guide
Thanks to a vibrant history, New Hope is the heart of LGBTQ life and gay-friendliness in the eastern Pennsylvania region of Bucks County. New Hope celebrates the LGBTQ community each year in May with the annual Pride Week and Parade taking place in downtown New Hope (with a Pride Park set up for local vendors).
New Hope Celebrates features a weekend of block parties, live music, drag shows, LGBTQ shopping, and the region’s largest LGBTQ parade.
Home to a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses, here are a few favorites:
• The Raven Resort — A longtime favorite, the Raven has long been an advocate for the local LGBTQ community. An outdoor pool and cabana are summertime favorites, though on a recent visit (summer 2019), it seemed to be outdated and in disrepair—though the hotel bar was still a popular gay bar hangout. Across the street from The Raven, the New Hope Lodge offers private cabins and another pool.
• FetishWear by Le Chatequ Exotique — This fetish sex shop along South Main Street sells romantic clothing, gear, and other accessories.
And, of course, the Bucks County Playhouse performs LGBTQ theater favorites, including Mamma Mia! and others.
More gay travel resources here.
New Hope Hotels
Straddling the Delaware River, both New Hope (in PA) and Lambertville (in NJ) have a number of hotel options. The more famous LGBTQ-friendly hotel options such as the Clarion are in New Hope.
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