Two towns in Bucks County have been named among the top five most charming and walkable downtowns in Pennsylvania, writes Makayla Maxwell for the Islands.
Doylestown’s downtown, which brims with creativity, features stunning historic architecture alongside an eclectic mix of museums, cafes, eateries, and shops, all within walking distance. Among the highlights is the Mercer Mile, which is home to historic sites honoring Henry Chapman Mercer. These include Fonthill Castle, a 44-room home built in 1912, the Mercer Museum, with over 40,000 artifacts, and the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, where visitors can craft their own unique tiles using Mercer’s original methods.
South Main Street features numerous locally owned businesses, including Doylestown Bookshop, a haven for book lovers. Just next door, Main Street Marketplace, there is a hub of upscale shopping and dining.
New Hope’s downtown, defined by tree-lined streets and historic buildings, buzzes with creativity and community. Visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind clothing and gifts at The Catwalk of New Hope. They can enjoy fresh handmade pastries at Vanilla Cafe, and experience performances at the legendary Bucks County Playhouse. The Playhouse has hosted theater icons such as Liza Minnelli and Audra McDonald.
Read more about the most charming and walkable downtowns in the Islands.













































