THE BIRD - IN - HAND…read more You can be forgiven if you don't recall Shadrach Walley, the man once thought be be the "Father of Newtown," who built the largest home on State Street in 1686. His name may be lost in the clouds of time, but his home still stands where he set its cornerstone. Sadly, it is on the market again at a price north of one million bucks, and although subject to historic preservation, it does bring a touch of anxiety remembering how it was almost sold to an oil company that wanted to put a gas station on that corner. Through the centuries it has been a tavern on several occasions (Red Lion Inn and The Old Frame House) at least between 1726 and 1858. Edward Hicks, the artist of "The Peaceable Kingdom" fame, painted the original sign out front in 1817 in honor of Benjamin Franklin's famous truism, "A bird in hand is worth two in the bush," published in Poor Richard's Almanack. It was in this structure that the only verified skirmish of the Revolutionary War took place in Newtown shortly after Washington crossed the Delaware River to defeat the Hessians in the First Battle of Trenton on Christmas Day. In fact, more people were killed in this fight (5) than in the more famous conflict with Col. Raal. Too, it was very near this site that the county treasury was robbed by the infamous Doan Brothers, who were loyal to the crown, and supported the Red Coats by stealing horses and supplies from the locals and selling them to the Brits. Try to visit this beautiful old home before it changes hands to see it in all its vintage decor and glory. While there, take in the rest of State and Court Streets, to see what the Pennsylvania Colony was like before, during and after our struggle for independence.

William Penn with license from the King of England purchased the land that became known as Bucks…read moreCounty and Newtown in 1682 from the indigenous Lenape people. A self styled urban planner for his day, Penn laid out his "New Town," around the primary water source that was ultimately named Newtown Creek. His concept of a circular village surrounding the water, with every landholder possessing a piece of the creek bank, expanding from their to create pasture for farm animals and beyond that, room for the modest homes that Quakers demanded, was a good one, but failed to consider the coming industrialization of mills and small cottage industries that required unlimited energy to produce their wares. So, it became rational to sell off the water access along the creek to build the races and waterwheels that powered early manufacturing and milling. By the end of the 18th Century, all but one parcel had been sold off and the grazing of sheep, horses and cattle moved farther afield. That remaining land was neglected until nearly the present day, and became a dumping ground for unwanted waste. Concerned citizens finally organized a non-profit, the Newtown Creek Coalition, to try to save, maintain, enhance and preserve Billy Penn's dream. They succeeded in securing grants to fund reparations to the Newtown Creek banks, repair the granite marker installed in the 1930s, and sponsor seasonal creek cleanups under the sponsorship of local businesses who saw value in restoring community history, which was rich in American lore. (Yes. George Washington headquartered here after the first Battle of Trenton, but before the Battle of Princeton and the second Battle of Trenton.) All that remains is .16 acre at the bottom of Greene Street at the creek. There is a stone marker embedded in the patch of grass on the small flat plain in the meandering Creek bed that separates Newtown Township from Borough. It is picturesque and deserving of your time on your walking tour of this near-ancient community. William Penn may have misunderstood what the future held, but he sure selected a beautiful bucolic spot to be wrong.

My brother-in-law brought us to see the Garden of Reflection Memorial. It is simply beautiful! I…read morelove the dual fountains representing the Twin Towers. My wife worked there before we moved to San Diego, so we have a special connection to the buildings and the horror of 9-11. Seeing the steel from the building was very moving. The peaceful setting here is very nice for walking, contemplating, sitting ... remembering. Lest we forget.

Very nice memorial. Tranquil area to relax and reflect on what really matters…read more Really like the fountains depicting the twin towers

I can't believe I have lived in this area for so many years and never went to the Newtown Theater…read more It's a pretty cool space with some unique events tucked away on State Street. They do have a bar area and a popcorn stand. I went for their 90 minute cat video event. During the preshow I learned that this is the oldest theater is America! How crazy is that! They have some fantastic shows coming up including many tribute bands as well as movie showings. I'm really hoping to get tickets see Joan Osborne singing the songs of Bob Dylan. If you haven't been here I'd definitely check out their website or Facebook page to see what they have going on that might be of interest,

We came all the way from New Jersey, and visiting Newtown Theatre was truly a pleasure from start…read moreto finish. Not only did we get to enjoy a night out in this charming town, but we also had the chance to be part of a place filled with history and character. Walking into the theatre felt like stepping back in time in the best way--warm, classic, and full of heart. The ambience was absolutely perfect. The cozy, intimate setting made the entire experience feel personal and inviting. From the moment we walked in, the energy was welcoming. The fresh-popped popcorn added that nostalgic movie-night touch, and the bartenders and staff members were incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely happy to be there. Their hospitality made the night even better. We came to see The Ultimate Doors, and what a show! The sound, the vibe, and the atmosphere all came together to create a memorable night. It's rare to find a venue that feels both historic and alive, but Newtown Theatre gets it right. We would absolutely love to visit again. If you're thinking about catching a show here--do it. It's an experience you won't forget!

Last Saturday, we decided to do one final holiday outing with our little - a light show. She been…read moreloving the decorations and Christmas lights she saw in our neighborhood or when driving around, so I thought this would a great family outing to close our the holiday season. If heard of Shady Brooks light show and has never been myself - neither had my boyfriend - so it was the first time for all of us. We paid in advance online and there was luckily a discount so we only paid $25 per car instead of the original listed price of $45 per vehicle. It's was about a 40 minute drive for us coming from the city and we luckily didn't have any traffic on our way there or back. When turning into their site, they had signs to direct you to the lanes/area to drive through the light show. Once we got to that area, we drove up to the booth so they can scan our ticket, handed us a newspaper/booklet to go with it, and we were on our way! The light displays, concepts and sections (e.g. "12 Days of Christmas" with 12 displays of drummers drumming) were very well done. Our little one loveeeeedd it - except for the Grinch of course because, he's the Grinch lol. It wasn't a short drive through but not too long either. Once we finished the light show, we did park and got out to take a quick look at what else was going on and get a lay of the land. Would definitely recommend checking this out for the holidays and we would come back to check out the playground for her, wagon rides, etc.

Five stars for their incredible holiday lights display! This is probably the most impressive…read moreholiday light display that I've ever seen. Prepare for around 30 minutes to drive through, but that will of course depend on how crowded it is. I don't love being outside in the cold, so absolutely loved that this was a drive through experience. Put some Christmas tunes on in the car and take in all of the magic! The enchanted forest and lit up trees was probably my favorite part. We only visited for the lights, but I've heard great things about all of the activities on the farm and would love to go back in the fall.

This pocket park in the Borough of Newtown is an activity center for the entire 2,800 population of…read morethis burg. Once ignored and overgrown after the departure of the Newtown Rail Line across Lincoln Avenue, it has been reborn with playground for kids, grassy field for movies at night, and the renovation of the fountain in 2018, in honor of Thomas Linton. The central attraction is the fountain with a cornerstone dated 1917. It was originally designed for drinking water for "man and beast," with a long low trough for horses, that people were welcome to share. The acceptance of the automobile ended the intended functionality of the polished engraved marble, but the true death knell was the closing of the railroad from Philadelphia to its terminus across Lincoln, where there was a small station. Today, most of the track is either overgrown or torn up, although periodically concerned public spirited citizens try to restart the rail service, until they realize that SEPTA has no interest in spending the money and the project would be so expensive as to make private contributions inadequate. A shame because a modern facility with efficient transportation would be successful for business commuters, tourists and train lovers. It would also make this part of the Borough return to a level of economic vitality it has not seen in the 60 years since. Nonetheless, the park is lovely and used by locals year round, but especially in warm weather when the fountain flows and movies attract scores of people with lawn chairs and blankets to hang out together at night. Newtownians would rather keep this community treasure a secret, and that is their choice, but I for one would rather recreate the historic locale that gave this corner of town its original purpose.

The Washington Crossing Bridge is a charming and historical structure which spans the Delaware…read moreRiver between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While certainly outdated by modern standards, it is a pretty cool reminder of days gone by in Bucks County. As a driver who crossed the bridge many times, I have to say it is truly a harrowing experience to cross, especially with a full size SUV. The lanes are literally so close that I had to retract my side mirrors as I was worried about clipping cars coming the other way. The bridge is located near the site where George Washington famously crossed the river during the Revolutionary War and Washington Crossing Historic Park which commemorates the event. The park is pretty nice to walk around and you can get some great photos of the bridge, river and scenery from there.

I'm not sure how a bridge actually earns the coveted fifth star. Off the top of my head I would say…read morethat the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Chesapeake bay bridge are certainly worthy of that ranking. But I am a fan of this humble bridge. It is possibly the bridge I frequent the most, or at least see the most. It bridges the gap between 2 very good parks. The NJ Washington's crossing and the Pa Washington's crossing. Both of which have their own unique qualities. As Gerald correctly pointed out, the width is scarily narrow. Some of my passengers have cringed at my choice of using it, and are thrilled when I opt for its southern or northern neighbor. It is ample enough for my small car, but when Bubba's pickup truck or Mr nature lover's Hummer approach from the other side you just have to hope for the best. There is a pedestrian walkway too, and I enjoy using that when time allows.

Great guy, really cool art. Beautiful flowers and some cute succulents!! Would recommend for roses!read more

Always gorgeous items here for the home…read more I'm a big fan. Very unique and creative displays

Really cool place to browse and support local business. Kids loved all of the cool stones and other…read moreunique items.

Randi is wonderful and so is her shop. She is knowledgeable and has wonderful classes. It is…read moredefinitely worth the drive for me. I'm so glad I found this little shop. Her readings are also 'spot on'.