C Pennsylvania activities and attractions near Doylestown, New Hope, and Valley Forge in Bucks and Montgomery Counties (PA)

The Area

Attractions & Entertainment | Historic Sites | Museums | Outdoor Activities | Shopping

Attractions & Entertainment

Chaddsford Winery

610-388-6221

Wine in PA? You bet! Sip and savor premium wines at Chaddsford Winery, Pennsylvania's largest and most recognized winery. The winery offers tours of the winemaking and barrel aging cellars, tastings of Chaddsford's nationally acclaimed varietal wines, and picnicking on the scenic grounds. Check their website's calendar of events for special happenings, including outdoor concerts and festivals, dinners and wine education classes.

Montgomery Theater

215-723-9984

Housed in a former firehouse, the intimate 122-seat Montgomery Theater offers new and classic plays in a unique setting. The company describes its mission as a uniquely intimate, non-profit theatrical enterprise dedicated to bringing new life to old tales and giving age and wisdom to new ones.

Sesame Place

215-752-7070

Located in Bucks County, Sesame Place is part amusement park and part interactive play experience for families with children ages 2-13. Enjoy over three dozen play activities featuring water attractions, live stage shows, musical parades and Sesame Street character greetings.

Historic Sites

Valley Forge National Historical Park

The picturesque, rolling hillsides of 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park are where General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force during the winter encampment of 1777-78. The Welcome Center features exhibits, artifacts, a gift shop, light refreshments and an 18-minute film. Located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road, Valley Forge, PA. It is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and the Visitor Center and other park buildings are open 9 am – 5 pm daily. 610-783-1077.

William Brinton 1704 House

The William Brinton 1704 House is a restored historic Quaker home which is owned, maintained, and operated as a museum by the Brinton Association of America. The home is situated on part of a 450-acre land grant from William Penn and resembles medieval English architectural style. It is furnished authentically and boasts many interesting features, such as leaded casement windows, an indoor bake oven, and a colonial herb garden. Located just off of U.S. Route 202, south of West Chester. Tours are available to the public daily, May through October. 610-399-0913.

Peter Wentz Farmstead

The Wentz farm served as headquarters for George Washington during the fall of 1777. While there, Washington planned his attempt to keep the British forces from occupying Philadelphia that resulted in the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. The site has been restored and the house furnished to reflect its appearance at the time of the American Revolution. Located east of intersection of Routes 73 and 363 in Worcester. Tues-Sat 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday 1 – 4 pm. 610-584-5104.

Museums (all located in nearby Doylestown)

Fonthill

Towers, terraces and tiles are the themes at the exotically decorated home of Pennsylvania's Renaissance man, Henry Mercer. Fonthill is Mercer's unusual castle built entirely of hand-mixed concrete. Built in 1910, the castle has 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, 32 stairwells and more than 200 windows of varying shapes and sizes. Prints, objects, furniture and art from around the world mix with an incredible array of Mercer's original decorative tiles. This odd and striking dream home is a must see. Mon-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 12 – 5 pm. 215-348-9461

Moravian Tile Works

Now into its second century, this working tile factory, history museum, and National Historic Landmark still hand-makes decorative tiles and mosaics inspired by the designs of Henry Mercer. The concrete building itself includes hundreds of ceramics designs and reflects a Spanish mission architectural style. Located on Fonthill grounds. Self-guided tours. Gift shop. Daily 10 am – 4:45 pm. 215-345-6722.

Mercer Museum

Six stories tall and chock full of 18th and 19th Century treasures, this distinctive museum houses Henry Mercer's vast collection of early American objects and implements. Experience fascinating displays of furnishings, folk art, farm tools, and more — all profiling everyday life in earlier times. Victorian-era transportation displays include a whaling boat, horse-drawn carriage, and an antique fire engine. Hands-on activities and a museum shop enhance your visit. Mon-Sat 10 am – 5 pm, Tues 10 am – 9 pm, Sun 12 – 5 pm. 215-345-0210.

James Michener Museum

Located across the street from the colossal Mercer Museum is this wonderful small art museum. Dedicated to promoting works by Pennsylvania artists — particularly sculptors and impressionists, the museum features quite an impressive collection. This museum and a sister museum in New Hope preserves the arts and cultural heritage of Bucks County with both permanent and changing exhibitions. Tues-Fri 10 am – 4:30 pm, Sat & Sun 10 am – 5 pm. 215-340-9800.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking and Biking Trails

The Montgomery County Department of Parks and Heritage Services offers a premier trail system that winds through the scenic countryside surrounding the Joseph Ambler Inn. Currently, there are 34 miles of trails connecting greenways, waterways, and heritage corridors. Click here for a trail map.

Longwood Gardens

A magnificent flora and fauna showplace, Longwood Gardens is one of the world's premier horticultural centers. Enjoy over 11,000 types of plants, more fountains than any other garden in the US, educational and visitor programming, and over 400 performances a year. Daily programs (included in the regular Gardens admission) such as self-guided audio tours, behind-the-scenes guided tours, and other daily and special programs provide learning opportunities for all Garden visitors. Longwood Gardens is located on US Route 1, about 3 miles northeast of Kennett Square. Hours vary by season. 610-388-1000.

Horseback Riding

The Red Buffalo Ranch provides guided trail rides through Evansburg State Park. With the aid of their experienced guides and versatile horses, you are guaranteed to have a great time. Options include a one hour, two hour, or four hour trail ride. Call for hours and availability. 610-489-9707.

Golfing

Hit the links at Macoby Run Golf Course. This public, 18-hole championship golf course is located in Green Lane, northwestern Montgomery County, just 20 minutes from the inn. Set in beautiful, serene countryside, no houses encroach on your game. Many unique challenges confront the you through your 18-hole trek: 138' of elevation change on the front 9; and then a longer, more bunkered back 9. Great playing! 215-541-0161.

 

Shopping

Peddler's Village

This charming outdoor shopping village features 75 unique specialty shops, six restaurants and a family entertainment center — all set on 42 acres of landscaped gardens. The village holds a variety of events, classes and concerts throughout the year. Located at Routes 202 & 263 in Lahaska. 215-794-4000.

Penn's Purchase Factory Outlets

Located in a country village setting — next door to Peddlers Village, Penn's Purchase features 40 of the most recognized names in outlet shopping. Stores include Brooks Brothers, Danskin, Nine West, Jones New York, Izod, Easy Spirit, and much more. 215-794-0300.

King of Prussia Mall

King of Prussia Mall is the nation's largest retail shopping complex. Boasting seven world-class department stores and more than 400 stores, boutiques and restaurants, King of Prussia has more pure retail shopping space than any other attraction in America and it features stores that cannot be found elsewhere in the region. Upscale retailers include Tourneau, Thomas Pink, Molton Brown, Cole Haan, and Williams-Sonoma Home. Mon – Sat 10 am to 9:30pm. Sunday 11 am to 7 pm. 610-265-5727

Antiques Row

Along route 202 from Joseph Ambler Inn northeast to New Hope are a multitude of shops known as "Antiques Row." Dozens of stores dot this country highway, which is a great destination for antique aficionados. Rare finds abound — from high-end furniture to uncommon collectibles.

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