WHAT A BLAST. We came here for my birthday kind of ironically because online we saw reels saying it…read morewas the "weirdest museum ever," and thought it would be kind of funny/maybe even creepy. Little did we know it was actually FASCINATING; it was so fun to admire every last piece in the museum. The tram guide was great, the pre-recorded audio is helpful and interesting, and the collection is so varied and extensive that you can't help but love it. The pipe organs - fabulous. The walkable "toy box" collection was great after the tram. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone - it was soooo fun.

What a fun thing to do! We didn't know what to expect and want to say we all really enjoyed the…read moreexperience! Admission was reasonable and enjoyed the self-guided part while waiting for the next tram departure time. There was everything you could imagine - except one thing! A TELEX MACHINE (which I used to operate). When I asked the staff if they had one none of them even knew what I was talking about (early 20's)! We took the tram tour and really enjoyed it. The tram moved at a nice pace so you could really take in everything. So much to see - everywhere. It was a really fun way to spend a few hours on a rainy day! But I urge you to visit rain or shine!

First of course some history:…read more Hope Lodge was completed in 1748 by Samuel Morris who was a wealthy Quaker businessman. As a young man Sammy worked with his father at a mill complex in Ambler. Later he bought and sold commercial property in Philadelphia along with owning ships, a quarry, kilns, a tannery and Mather Mill which is only a block away from the mansion. As if that wasn't enough, Morris also had side hustles as being the justice of the peace for Whitemarsh, Philadelphia county commissioner and an assessor for Philadelphia county. While Morris supposedly had never been to England, he adopted the most current architectural style of the day in both England and America, Georgian, named for King George I who was reigning at the time. The style was popular in Great Britain for its balance and symmetry. Fun rumor #1 is that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered some advice on the mansion's design in exchange for some quarried lime and farm goods. Now here's where the historic part comes in. In 1777 the Whitemarsh Encampment, a six-week period of the American Revolution when the Continental Army camped in the surrounding fields after the Battle of Germantown and before encamping at Valley Forge occurs. During that time the house was used as the HQ of George Washington's Surgeon General, John Cochran. Fun rumor #2 is that while Washington never slept at the mansion or on the property, supposedly GW rode his horse through the first floor hallway of Hope Lodge during a visit. There is no evidence to support this claim, even though the hallway is wide enough, but no doubt that Washington would have visited Dr. Cochran frequently during the encampment. Eventually everything gets sold to English banker Henry Hope. Hope, to give you a sense of his importance, has enough juice at the time that Adam Smith in the 4th Edition of his still read today economics masterwork The Wealth of Nations, dedicated the book to Hope. Also if the Hope family name sounds familiar it's because among other things the Hope Diamond was named after them due to their ownership of the diamond. Never intending to live in Whitemarsh, Hope purchased the property as a wedding gift for his ward, James Watmough. It was the Watmoughs who named the site Hope Lodge, in honor of their benefactor. Prior to that and during Samuel Morris's lifetime the property is known as Whitemarsh Farms and Whitemarsh Estate. The property is then sold to a family who for almost the next century uses it primarily for farming. Lack of funds prevented upgrades to more modern things gas lighting and indoor plumbing in the late 19th century which meant the mansion's 18th century integrity is retained. From the Internet: "In 1921 the property is sold to Keasbey and Mattison, a development company whose plan was to demolish the structure and extend a nearby limestone quarry. To save it from destruction, William and Alice Degn bought the property in 1922. Early historic preservationists, they carefully restored the house and added their collection of 18th and early 19th century furnishings. They did not install a central heating system in the main house because of its destructive piping; rather they added a wing onto the existing summer kitchen for a winter residence. Both of the Degns loved flowers, and they created a beautiful rose garden on the south side of the house. After Mr. Degn's death in 1940, and Mrs. Degn's death in 1953, ownership of the house was transferred to the Hope Lodge Foundation, and in 1957, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Today, Hope Lodge is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with the Friends of Hope Lodge, a non-profit support group formed to assist with operations at the site." So what you have today is a house that does not have the historical gravitas of a place where a Founding Father lived, worked or slept but due to the love it has received particularly from the Degn's the actual bones of the house are in amazing condition with the feature being the incomparable woodwork. If you go: Hope Lodge is not unlike a lot of other PHMC sites in that you really have to want to see it. Tours are only done one day a month, usually the 3rd Sunday, at 1pm and 2:30pm. Some months offer special events like a symphony concert, beer tasting, movie night under the stars and the biggie which is the annual re-enactment of the 1777 Whitemarsh Encampment which takes place in November. Tour admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, $4.00 for youth age 6-17, children under 5 are free and Friends of Historic Hope Lodge members are free. Cash or check only. Active military personnel and their families are also free. Parking is via two smallish lots one on the side of the property near the gardens and the other in the rear of the property. The property is on South Bethlehem Pike which is very easy to get to from both the PA Turnpike and Route 309.

I give this 5 stars but with the warning that this is for people who are fans of history and old…read morehouses. A pre-revolutionary manor house outside of Philadelphia and about 2 miles from the Fort Washington exit of Pennsylvania turnpike it was a private residence until the early part of the 20th century. Now the house is open at intermittent hours but if you have an interest it is well worth the visit. It was a 4 up 4 down house the outside is a typical Georgian mansion of the 18th century. In side the great door one side of the house has been kept, redone, in the style of the colonial era. what was a parlor like and so forth, the other side is in the neo-colonial style that was fashionable in 1920's. You can compare with what people thought the idealized image was like with the historic truth. The cellars of the house are in the colonial style with different rooms for root and veggies, dairy and smoked meats and a food prep area. The kitchen is, like all good colonial houses, another building behind the mansion and has the big fireplace you'd expect a mansion to have for it's food. The site is pretty and when open they give tours but keep an eye out for their special events such as the colonial re-enactment the fist weekend in November or their colonial Xmas.

I visited the Michener Art Museum a few weeks ago on a Saturday when my husband and I were in…read moreDoylestown. It was my first visit, and I really loved it. The Michener isn't huge, but it's a lovely museum. It's located inside a historic 19th century prison building, which sounds like it wouldn't be beautiful - but it is beautiful: stone walls, an arched entry, a courtyard. It's named for the novelist and Doylestown resident James A. Michener, who established the endowment for the museum and donated significant funds and some paintings from his private collection to the museum, which opened in 1988. As a regional art museum, it collects both historic and contemporary American works, with a focus on the art of the Delaware Valley. Its permanent collection includes nearly 4,000 artworks, including works by famous Pennsylvanian artists. I happen to love Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima and was thrilled to see their work in the museum! I wish we'd had more time so that I can could read for a bit in the Nakashima Reading Room - don't miss it. The museum also has a small outdoor sculpture garden, a small gift shop, and a little cafe if you need a coffee. And on top of all that, their staff are friendly and helpful AND they have great exhibits! We visited for an exhibit currently at the museum - "Anila Quayyum Agha: interwoven" (I had seen her work at a gallery in Houston about a decade ago and was thrilled to find another opportunity to see her work) - but really enjoyed their permanent collection as well. A small but charming and regional art museum with an impressive and unique permanent collection and great exhibits. Definitely check it out if you're in the area!

Yes. THAT James Michener, Pulitzer prize-winning author who spun tales of far-away places. He was…read moreborn in Doylestown. Built on the site of the inhumane Bucks County Jail, not only is the art museum diverse, the grounds are fascinating. Before entering, you'll see sculptures and an imposing stone wall -- the site of the last man hanged in Bucks County. Exhibits are on one beautifully-designed level. Most of the artists and/or subjects celebrate the creativity of the region: paintings, sculptures, works that could be called "installations." With the exception of the Mona Lisa (and a few other pieces) I'm not a fan of Renaissance or religious art. Works here span the 1800s to present -- a lot of contemporary -- which may be why I soaked in everything I saw. Doylestown isn't as well known as New Hope ... but, what a charming town with beautiful old homes and good shopping. After going through the museum -- it takes an hour or so -- you may want to walk to Main Street and enjoy a coffee or spot of lunch. We lucked out and inadvertently timed our visit on the same day as Doyletown's popular art show. A stellar afternoon!

I take my 2 y. o. granddaughter nearly every week. There are so many wonderful things to explore…read moreand learn from. They have a walking path through the woods with a natural playground and sandbox, a bird house building to watch and interactive displays, a mini zoo inside a house with small animals and activities including a treehouse. They also have weekly activities and seasonal events for elementary school kids. My granddaughter calls Briar Bush "The Animal House" and loves to put a donation in the collection box before we leave.

I wish I could rate this more than 5 stars! A nature center/museum and I don't have to do the…read moredrive downtown/pay for parking...and admission is free for Abington residents/friends of Briar Bush? Amazing. (Admission otherwise is only $3 for adults and $2 for kids 2-17). There's animals/insects inside such as owls, huge cockroaches, giant turtle, snakes. And a cute reading corner full of nature books. There's also a discovery den AKA play area indoors for $1. There's animals/insects outdoors such as turkey vultures, turtles, a butterfly house and a bird observatory (cute on the inside with toys for the kiddos - be sure to read the story about the couple who opened the center). And a natural playscape outdoors. There's also a bunch of fairy houses throughout the property that girl scouts donated. And lots of trails through the forest. They also have Magic Mornings for ages 2-4 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - but register ahead as they only have a certain amount of spots each day (it's seasonal - they have in fall and spring but not summer - see website). It's an hour class for $10 and includes a snack, craft, nature walk etc. They usually pull out an animal each class. It's great to get some time in nature with other kids. In summer, they have a full week of Magic Mornings in their Itty Bitty Briar Camp. Ms. Heidi teaches it and she is just great. They have a different theme every day such as sun, water, clouds etc and there's an activity each day (visit pond and catch tadpoles, water play, craft pertaining to theme). They have preschool pioneers for ages 4-5 and summer camp for older kids for a week in late June. *Just beware in June that parking is limited due to school field trips and you may not fit in either of the lots; you may have to park out front of the house to the left (which is fine - she just doesn't want buses idling there) They also have field trips to gardens and to the shore, classes for seniors, family nature nights, hot smores nights... Only negative (besides parking, which they can't really control), is the "snacks" for kids at Magic Mornings aren't the healthiest. One was cinnamon sugar graham crackers with whipped cream- regular would have been fine. 2 days were cheddar gold fish. Another day was blue jello with whipped cream. And some red licorice - the kind that whips. Fruit Loops were used for colors. So, if you don't like your child eating sugar, let them know you have a dietary restriction or bring your own snack (snack time is ~10 min and probably not needed but the kids always love snack time!). Some options that would be healthier and just as easy would be pretzel sticks, fruit, crackers, popcorn, veggies, string cheese...but I guess those all cost more besides pretzels/crackers/popcorn.

Great art house theater Combined the best new movies with…read morerespect for restored classics Courteous and knowledgeable staff. I've always been a donor to this type facility I'm now 80 and this is the best

Great experience on Main Street in Ambler…read more Ambler Theater is a very relaxed experience with a hand full of staff that makes you feel welcome. The movie theater is very old however it brings with it wonderful charm. My girlfriend and I have been coming here for just about a year now and are thinking of becoming members (this is a non-profit movie theater that exists by the support of its members). This spot reminds me of the Ritz movie theaters in center city without the hustle bustle. Definitely check it out for a date night or a reason to check out the quiant town of Ambler. As always people SYOY!!

I saw the museum while taking a walk while waiting for vehicle service at the Ford dealer nearby…read more Decided to stop in and check it out. Admission for veterans was $8. The volunteer staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Great little aviation museum to visit if you are in the area. Both the indoor and outdoor areas had plenty of aviation history to view and explore. They have a small gift area as you exit with T-shirts, models, etc. There is a dedicated parking lot, but if walking from nearby businesses, crossing the road to get here is challenging.

This is an interesting museum, even if you're not enthralled with aviation. Located on a naval air…read morestation-joint reserve base, the land was originally owned by aviation pioneer Harold Pitcairn. (If you never heard of Pitcairn, you soon will.) The facility has 21 aircraft exhibited both inside and out. With an all-volunteer staff of civilians and former military, the docents are eager to share their knowledge. There are displays from WW1, onward which piqued my interest. Also a photo of who they think was the actual model for Rosie the Riveter. (Apparently, several women claimed to be.) The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is reasonable. And if you have to pee .... well, there's a porta potty outside.

Amazing property, it is a hidden gem. Went with my family for the tour and everyone enjoyed it!read more

Purchasing tickets online and the sign in at the welcome center was easy. our guide was Kieran and…read morehe did an excellent job of telling the story of the Henry Mercer and the castle. The one hour tour was fascinating and entertaining. The castle was so unique with the amazing ceilings of tiles and artifacts from all over the world and a myriad of rooms and doors that one could easily get lost in. I'm so glad we made the time to come here. We want to return to walk the trails on the property as we ran out of time.

Love this place so much I'm a member. The oldest fernery in the US is small but charming. The trees…read moreare impressive. I love the dawn redwoods, which remind me of my time in Northern California. There are interesting sculptures to see. The formal gardens are lovely, with lots of gorgeous roses. I've not yet taken the railroad. Beyond the carefully curated gardens and arboretum are the wetlands along the Wissahickon. You can spend a lovely day in nature exploring the trails.

Very stroller accessible! Also heard they have a fall attraction too, so will be backread more

A great venue, amazing talented magicians, caring staff, and great value!!…read more A real gem, which should be Shared with the world ! Lots of available parking no fee and a few delicious restaurants within walking distance, especially byob, MOMA! We will return and bring friends and family!

What fantastic magic in an intimate setting. Every seat in the house is super comfortable and had…read morea good view. it's a must go. We went once and are regulars!