They are the places and events that comprise the essence of the Bucks County experience. In some cases, they’re not that much of a secret. Tourists flock to them by the busload. But, for the most part, we’re talking about the types of things that can only really be fleshed out over time, by those who call the region home or who visit here often enough to consider it as such. 

A handful are so intricately woven into the daily fabric that they’ve — amazingly — begun to be glossed over. Which is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create a compilation of what we love most about living, working and playing in Bucks County. It is by no means meant to be all-encompassing. But it is intended to be rather exclusive. We are, after all, a finicky bunch.

Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest’s incredible donation of 59 Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings in 1999 put the Michener Museum on the national radar. While its rise in prominence has been dramatic, the Michener remains as rooted in the locally produced arts as the moment it was conceived by its namesake. 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown, 215-340-9800; Union Square, New Hope, 215-862-7633; michenerartmuseum.org

Launched as a study collection, the Princeton University Art Museum today houses one of the most extensive and renowned offerings in the international art world — more than 68,000 pieces that span ancient to contemporary art highlighted by rare Chinese and Mayan holdings. The Pablo Picasso painting “Tete d’homme et nu assis” (1964), a gift by a Princeton alumnus, is the museum’s most recent addition. McCormick Hall, Princeton University, Princeton; 609-258-3788; artmuseum.princeton.edu

True, there is no shortage of local picturesque places through which to stroll and feel inspired. So, why travel down an out-of-the-way industrial avenue simply to find a place to walk? Because Grounds for Sculpture is an imaginary wonderland come to life. Whether covered in a foot of snow or blanketed in blossoms, surreal sculptures accentuate and even define otherwise majestic landscapes. 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton, NJ; 609-586-0616; groundsforsculpture.org

The Bucks County fundraising arm of the Academy of Vocal Arts, a nearly 75-year-old Philadelphia institution that provides tuition-free opera training, has helped make opera more accessible to the masses, staging performances (most recently Verdi’s La Traviata in May at Central Bucks South High School) and benefit galas throughout the year featuring students from the academy, whose next stop, in many cases, is the Met. 215-862-2526; avaopera.org

We’ve come to expect a lot from our $15 movie tickets. Strangely, that does not include a unique experience. The County Theater in Doylestown and the Newtown Theatre may not be outfitted with the latest amenities, but you will remember seeing a movie at either one, and for different reasons. Newtown harks back to a day when the balcony offered the best seats in the house. While County caters to that corner of the market that will likely never make it to the megaplex — unless it hits Juno status. And then you can say you saw it six months ago at County. 20 E. State St., Doylestown, 215-345-6789, countytheater.org; 120 N. State St., Newtown, 215-968-3859, newtowntheater.com

Kids run between picnic blankets as the early summer sun sets overhead. Friends sit back in lawn chairs and listen to rousing renditions of patriotic concertos. And then all shift their eyes skyward for an electric display. When nestled in Tinicum Park among 5,000 of your neighbors for the Symphonia’s Fourth of July extravaganza, it’s easy to believe in the intimacy of small towns again. July 5, Tinicum Park, Erwinna; 609-397-7300; riversidesymphonia.org

Summer and outdoor music festivals go hand in hand. But only the Black Potatoe Music Festival, held each year in Clinton, NJ, offers sounds that have not already been emblazoned on your brain by overzealous radio play. National, regional and local acts from jazz, rock, blues and folk share the stage and adhere to the single standing rule: No major labels. July 8-13, Stanhope House, Stanhope, NJ; 908-735-6429; blackpotato.com

Edgy theater in the suburbs? Well, technically it’s Trenton. But the rest is accurate. The Passage Theatre, a professional company, is producing plays that are every bit as provocative as you’ll find in Philadelphia or New York and it’s doing so right in our backyard, at the 120-seat Mill Hill Playhouse. The stage is open to emerging and established playwrights, though the constant is the theater’s progressive nature. 205 E. Front St., Trenton; 609-392-0766; passagethreatre.org 

 

Suddenly, the sushi scene in Bucks has grown very competitive. Ooka in Doylestown, Oishi in Newtown and Concerto Fusion in Morrisville lead the impressive lot. But it’s the mainstay, Ota-ya, that continues to set the standard. With three local restaurants and another in Manhattan, the low-frills BYO simply serves the freshest sushi — well, simply. The dishes — particularly the spicy tuna sashimi — are expected to — and do — absorb all of the attention. 10 Cambridge Lane, Newtown; 620 Easton Road, Warrington; 21 Ferry St., Lambertville; ota-ya.com

H Mart may be a chain — and one of the fastest growing of its kind on the east coast at that — but it’s managed to maintain a firm grip on its Asian roots, which instantly separates it from the other local grocery stores, like Giant and Genaurdi’s. You’ll find all of the ordinary, everyday necessities here, including the freshest produce, seafood and meat sections around, at discount-level prices. But what makes a visit to H Mart truly worthwhile are the typically less accessible foods, including edamame, fish eggs and seaweed wraps. 1138 Bristol-Oxford Valley Rd., Levittown; 215-949-1003; hmart.com

The walk down a welcoming alley in the heart of Lambertville may end only 50 yards from the street, but it will land you at a juncture that feels like much more of an escape. On one side of the tranquil courtyard, the revered Hamilton’s Grill Room. On the other, The Boat House, a wonderfully intimate two-story bar with outdoor seating. Together, they represent an incredibly convenient and effective pairing for a night out. Hamilton’s, 8 Coryell St., Lambertville, 609-397-4343, hamiltonsgrillroom.com; The Boat House, 8 Coryell St., 609-397-2244

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of fruits, vegetables, seafood and salads, Centre Fruit Gourmet must be on your radar, if not your weekly list of errands. For those, however, who find it difficult to carve out a half-hour to make dinner let alone shop for groceries, Centre Fruit should be an almost nightly pit stop. It’s ready-made, take-home dinners come in single and family (serves four) portions and are too well-priced — under $20 — to not pass off as your own. 364 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville; 215-295-1101; centrefruit.com

We’re sure you’re very familiar with the overwhelming gratitude your dog displays when you feed him/her scraps under the table. And that’s just scraps. Consider the reaction if you were to feed him/her a treat made specifically for him/her. Absolute devotion will follow. So, get over to Pawtisserie where over 20 dog-specific treats are baked on the premises. There’s also a natural food section, complete with supplements to help ensure your best friend will remain so for a long time to come. 53 Palmer Square West, Princeton; 609-921-7387; pawtisserie.com

History aside — and both trails are steeped in it — the Delaware Canal State Park in Pennsylvania and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in New Jersey offer the best perspective on the region. The two parks form a series of looping trails connected by five bridges over a 30-mile stretch, making them ideal for taking in some breathtaking scenery — and getting a little exercise. Dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/delawarecanal

Mexican, Middle Eastern, European, sushi. Inside an unassuming building in the middle of the Village at Newtown shopping center lies an international smorgasbord. But the stars at the center of this hive of delicious culinary activity are the Amish. The prime rib, filet, turkey — it’s all simply better quality than you’ll find at your local grocery store. And then, of course, there are the fresh-baked pies. Oh, and the creamiest cheesecake. And the barbecue. Do yourself a favor and come with an empty stomach. 2150 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown; newtownfarmersmarket.com

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the cozy confines of Meil’s is the display counter immediately before you filled with all sorts of succulent baked goods, including muffins that appear to be twice the size they normally are. That is the essence of this little eatery — homemade comfort food. By homemade we mean made from scratch. And, by comfort food we mean exceedingly generous portions of dishes that seem familiar enough, like meatloaf and chicken pot pie, but are much better than you remember. Bridge and Main streets, Stockton; 609-397-8033; meilsrestaurant.com

Most may prefer lighter fare during the spring and summer, but not us. The moment we throw open the windows at the office to catch a fresh breeze we’re bombarded with sinful scents from Hollander, wafting down from up the street. In the morning, it’s the fresh-baked doughnuts and bagels. Then, around midday, its barbeque. With over a mile between our respective locations, it may seem a bit illogical to think that our noses are so finely tuned. But we know better. 415 S. York Rd., New Hope; 215-862-9809; jhollandergourmet.com

At this canal-side boutique spa, the treatments start on the surface but eventually delve much deeper. Whether through a hot stone massage or acupressure, the aim is to treat the tension and then trace the source of the stress. In other words, free the body and the mind will follow. A particular favorite among loyal clients is the “Miracle Wave Facial” (one of nearly 10 facials available), which directs a low microcurrent to pressure points. 23 W. Ferry St., New Hope; 215-862-7008; labellavitastudio.com

Whether you’re in need of a last-minute blowout before tonight’s FACT gala or a well-timed cut and color, owner Glenn Ricci and crew specialize in highly customized looks that spur instant confidence. Regardless of the occasion, special attention is paid to pairing you with the proper stylist, which is, as we all know, the most important relationship in our lives. And, thanks to his extensive working relationship with Goldwell, a.k.a. receives colors before they’re put on the market. 6610 Lower York Rd., New Hope; 215-862-2277; akasalon.com

Here’s the dilemma: You love pizza but hate the guilt that comes with it. The solution: Jules Thin Crust. A lot of pizzerias will tout that they use the finest ingredients, but few put as much thought into it as Jules, which relies upon seasonal, locally-produced vegetables, such as eggplant, portabella mushrooms and artichoke hearts. And then there’s the organic hi gluten flour that’s used for that beautifully thin crust. What results is the likes of an all-natural, hormone-free pulled pork (with locally-made barbeque sauce), scallions, red onions and mozzarella pizza. 78 S. Main St., Doylestown, 215-345-8565, and 300 Sycamore St., Newtown, 215-579-0111; julesthincrust.com

It becomes apparent about a bite into the guacamole appetizer that love and tradition abound in the kitchen of this family-run Chalfont restaurant. It’s hard to put your finger on it. Is it the quality of the avocadoes? The recipe for the dip? Maybe even the freshness of the tortilla chips? It’s all of it. Every dish is made from scratch using perfectly ripened ingredients and time-honored Mexican recipes that have been passed through the Marin family, all of which contributes to a sense that you’re at a friend’s dinner party, not a restaurant. 17 Moyer Rd., Chalfont; 215-822-8858; lossarapes.com

We worry that Siren may get a bad rap among the causal music listeners thanks to the John Cusack classic High Fidelity, which portrayed independent music stores as bastions of great snobbery. In other words, if your tastes are mainstream, don’t bother. Siren, however, is different. We first landed there in search of an artist we heard on WXPN and couldn’t find anywhere else. Impressed with the inventory and the interaction with the staff, we’ve made a point to return often. Yes, they have vinyl for the hardcore. No, you won’t be looked down upon for going with the latest Neil Diamond. 22 S. Main St., 2d floor, Doylestown; 215-348-2323; sirenrecords.com

In the Age of Starbucks, it’s easy to believe that fine coffee can be mass-produced. The simple truth is, however, it can’t. The best beans come from the small-volume growers, many of whom are overlooked by the giants of the industry. In contrast, Rojo’s owner David J. Waldman considers it his duty to build sustainable relationships with these “boutique” growers and to encourage his customers to be every bit as particular about their coffee as he is. 243 N. Union St., Lambertville; 609-397-0040; rojosraostery.com

The succulent meat that emerges from this Sergeantsville butcher — the sausages, meatballs and pate, for starters — are the beautiful result of time-honored recipes, some handed down through the Maresca family, others from customers incorporated through the years, though each is subject to constant fine-tuning. The atmosphere here is old world, meaning many of the customers are known by name, their likes and dislikes registered long ago and their feedback is taken into account with every cut. 763 Route 523, Sergeantsville; 609-397-3543.

The humble storefront belies the enormity of the inventory contained within. One room, lined from floor to ceiling with shelves of wine, spills into the next and so on and so on about 20 times over. Navigation seems impossible. But then owner Dick Phillips or a member of his loyal staff emerges from a nearby doorway armed with a gentle smile and series of questions designed to pinpoint your taste (the answers to which may surprise even you).  Before long, you pick from one of several sensible suggestions that are made, making it the first bottle of wine you’ve ever purchased for reasons beyond the label. 17 Bridge St., Stockton; 609-397-0587; phillipsfinewines.com

Seemingly several minutes from everywhere but standing quite solidly in the middle of nowhere, the Pineville Tavern discreetly makes almost everyone’s list of favorite local restaurants. Why not more outspoken? Perhaps because everyone considers it their discovery. Behind the innocuous exterior and through the locals-friendly bar lies one of the most gratifying dining experiences in Bucks, from the homemade ravioli to the oh-so-tender baby back ribs that are made with the restaurant’s own barbeque sauce. Route 413, Pineville; 215-598-3890; pinevilletavern.com 

 

It’s impossible not to feel the love at this landmark just outside of New Hope. Whether dining under the stars among the ivy-draped walls of the patio or nestled near a fireplace in the 18th century stone barn the inn occupies, the setting is entirely conducive to cozying up to a partner. The fare, which pairs perfectly with the surroundings, is French cuisine at its finest, and while we knock the French often, we should follow their lead when it comes to setting the mood for romance. 2590 River Road, Solebury; 215-862-9919; theinnatphillipsmill.com

Whether traveling on two wheels or four, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque stretch to drive along than River Road through Central and Upper Bucks County. Of course, locals may scold us for encouraging outsiders to drive slowly and, in some cases, loudly, through their serene communities. But, let’s face it, this really is not that much of a secret. Keep in mind that road closures abound and congestion is inevitable. So, this notion, for the moment, is better in theory than in practice.

If the martini is your favored cocktail, you’re in luck because three of the best places to imbibe exist within shouting distance of each other. All are worthy of our attention not only because the martinis are expertly mixed and plentiful, from traditional to more contemporary concoctions, but also because the ambiance of each is uniquely warm and inviting. Martine’s comes with a prime river view, Karla’s a distinctly European flair and Zoubi an intimate al fresco arrangement. Martine’s, 14 E. Ferry St., New Hope, 215-862-2966, martinesriverhouserestaurant.com; Karla’s, 5 W. Mechanic St., New Hope, 215-862-2612, karlasnewhope.com; Zoubi, 5-7 W. Mechanic St., New Hope, 215-862-5851, zoubinewhope.com

Step inside the confines of this natural wonderland a couple miles south of New Hope and you will instantly feel disconnected from the outside world — in a very good way. Trails wind throughout 134 acres of breathtaking woodlands and meadows blanketed with close to 1,000 species of native plant life. It’s convenient for a quick escape and deep exploration. Workshops and tours are held regularly to educate about the benefits of native plant growth. 1635 River Rd., Solebury; 215-862-2924; bhwp.org

Much has changed in Dublin in recent years, but the same can’t be said of the company that has been churning out its signature horseradish there for the last 70 years. Adhering to generations-old family recipes, Kelchner’s produces horseradish and tartar sauces as well as hot mustard, all with a careful attention to detail that ensures fresh, bold flavors that are uniquely its own. 161 S. Main St., Dublin; 1-800-424-1952; kelchnershorseradish.com

On the Web site for the Golden Nugget Antique Market is a statement that best summarizes the flea market-going experience: “People collect everything these days, and one person’s junk is another person’s reason to exist.” You never know what you’re going to encounter. Chances are, it’s going to be aisles and aisles of crap. But the odds are known to be a bit better at the Golden Nugget and Rice’s, which have nearly 150 years of history and close to 1,000 vendors between them. The Golden Nugget Antique Market, 1850 River Rd., Lambertville, 609-397-0811, gnmarket.com; Rice’s Market, 6326 Greenhill Rd., New Hope, 215-297-5993, ricesmarket.com

About 15 miles north of Lambertville, sits the riverside hamlet that’s every bit as sophisticated as its neighbor to the south and eclectic as New Hope, across the river. It also exhibits the same beautiful blend of historic and cutting-edge contemporary that’s found in Doylestown. What makes Frenchtown unique, though, is its location. While tourists flood the aforementioned towns on the weekends, locals head to out-of-the-way Frenchtown for lunch at Cocina del Sol, a little gallery hopping or even a ride along a more sparsely populated stretch of the towpath. Frenchtown.com 

When you live in a major metropolis, you expect to step out of your home and stumble into some of the finest clothiers working today. But, in Bucks? Call it an embarrassment of riches. Being the clothes hounds that we are, we’re highlighting our three favorites, each with their own areas of expertise: Sartoria for the country casual look, Stephen Seo for funky and modern and Ventresca for the classics. Sartoria, 4920 York Rd., Holicong, 215-794-7777, sartoriaclothier.com; Stephen Seo, 63 Palmer Square West, Princeton, NJ, 609-924-6701; www.stephenseo.com; Ventresca, 145 W. State St., Doylestown, 215-348-3139, ventresca.com

High fashion, much like high art, needs room to breathe. That is no longer an issue for this trend-setting boutique, which relocated across town in the spring to a freshly remodeled, 2,100 square foot, bi-level store. On the first floor, an expertly-edited collection of fashion-forward labels like See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Catherine Melandrino. On the second, a denim bar, where measurements will be taken and you will be fit with the perfect pair of jeans from an impossibly extensive collection. 53 W. State St., Doylestown; 215-348-8250; shopsixtyfive.com

We’ve been led astray by watching too many episodes of “Antiques Roadshow.” The place to discover treasure is not our over-stuffed attics or basements but at a well-respected auction house, which, coincidentally enough, lies right in our backyard. Lambertville-based painter Robert Beck confided that he enjoys visiting Rago simply as a matter of appreciation. “It’s a fantastic place to visit during previews, even if you don’t plan on bidding,” he says. “It’s a chance to see some of the most beautiful craftwork of the 20th century.” 333 N. Main St., Lambertville; 609-397-9374; ragoarts.com

A popular breakfast spot for locals, we adore the humble Bridge Street café because of one particular item on the menu: the chocolate milkshake. It’s part pure indulgence and part trip down memory lane. So rich and thick, the lethal concoction is served in an old school aluminum container that actually continues to serve its purpose quite well, keeping the excess cold and ensuring that there will be more than one glassful per sitting to satiate our cocoa craving. 47 Bridge St., Lambertville; 609-397-3053

Shoe repair is a lost art. Which is funny when you consider that we’re spending more and have less of an idea on how to take care of our fine footwear than ever before. Have just one pair of Ferragamos brought back from the dead, though, and you’ll hail Artcraft, too, for the magicians they are. Last winter, they sewed new buttons on a near and dear 12-year-old leather jacket when everyone else said they didn’t have needles thick enough to pierce the thick material. It became obvious then that the talent is not shoe repair but resurrection. 4 McCready Alley, Lambertville; 609-397-4844

This New Hope landmark stands quite unabashedly against the tide of trends. Coffee is not served here. There is no WiFi, nor are there any overstuffed chairs to lounge around in. What you will find at Farley’s, a proud independent store that’s been in operation since the ‘30s, are books of every shape and variety. A labyrinth of rooms houses shelves layered floor to ceiling. Almost every available surface, including much of the floor, is stacked with books, seemingly with no rhyme or reason to their order. But there is, and the well-read staff will confidently guide you through it. 44 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-2452; farleysbookshop.com 

 

With both Philadelphia and New York within easy driving distance, it’s possible to take in a different major sporting event every day of the week. But one of the most unique offerings lies within our own borders. The Tinicum Park Polo Club, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this season, plays each Saturday, at 2 p.m., from mid-May until October at Tinicum Park in Erwinna. The games are usually only part of the lure. Car and dog shows and even tailgate competitions complement the action on the field. Tinicum Park, 936 River Rd., Erwinna; 908-996-3321; tinicumpolo.org

Hotel du Village, a 20-room inn and restaurant just north of New Hope, is often described as “old world,” less because of its cuisine (country French) than its ambiance, which is classic but comfortable. Every detail contributes to an authentic experience — real fireplaces ablaze with actual logs, candlelit tables with an abundance of space on and between them, unobtrusive music and a practiced, understated staff. 2535 River Rd., New Hope; 215-862-9911; hotelduvillage.com

For us, there’s one surefire bet on Valentine’s and Mother’s days: Bucks County Roses, which touts itself as the state’s only rose grower — about the only touting done and needed by this 75-year-old-plus establishment. The roses sold here are consistently fresh and full of life. Show up on either of the aforementioned holidays (extended hours are maintained for both) and buy a dozen long-stem tea roses for under $40 or a dozen sweetheart roses for around $25. Men, it does not get any easier than this. 1235 Buck Rd., Holland; 215-968-6200; buckscountyroses.com

One hundred acres — all permanently preserved by owners Jack Staub and Renny Reynolds through the Heritage Conservancy — comprised of 20 separate formal gardens filled with over 200,000 plants and trees. Hortulus Farm is quite simply breathtaking. Best about it, though, is that it’s open to the public, as is a former milk barn on the property that dates back to 1820 and was founded as a museum by Staub and Reynolds in 2005 to showcase their extensive collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist art and a horticulture library that reaches back to the 19th century and includes over 900 books. 60 Thompson Mill Rd., Wrightstown; 215-598-0550; hortulusfarm.com

For those who think that this little New Hope operation is nothing more than a store full of condiments, you have vastly underestimated the owners’ passion for all foods hot and spicy. Both left successful — and financially stable — careers so that they could spend their days sifting through hot sauces, barbeque sauces, chili mixes, salsas and the like, shaping the most wide-ranging collection of its kind that we’re aware of. Here, the sauces are treated like fine wine. It’s about finding the right mix of flavors, not simply being hot for the sake of being hot. 19A W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-862-1334; suziehotsauce.com

Pick a cause and you’re likely to land on a nonprofit organization or an institution in the Greater Bucks region that supports it. The arts (Phillips’ Mill Community Association and Artsbridge, for starters) and preservation (Bucks County Audubon Society and the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance) are big, of course. Near and dear to the heart, there’s FACT Bucks County (AIDS), the Bucks chapter of the Fox Chase Cancer Center and Fisherman’s Mark (social service). We’re scratching the surface here, but you get the idea — the giving spirit runs rampant through our swath of countryside.

Where exceptional food is served, fine spirits can usually be found nearby. Greater Bucks is no exception. Anchoring both sides of the Delaware River are a pair of award-winning microbreweries, Triumph in New Hope and River Horse in Lambertville. Both offer a full spectrum of styles, from light, sweet ales to dark, full-bodied stouts, but what makes them noteworthy for our purposes here is that both are as fresh as beer-drinking gets in Bucks. You’ve heard the expression “Fresh from the tap.” Well, these are virtually fresh from the tanks they were created in. Triumph, 400 Union Square Drive, New Hope, 215-862-8300, triumphbrewing.com; River Horse, 80 Lambert Lane, Lambertville, 609-397-7776, riverhorse.com

Locals say they love this place because it’s a bit off the beaten path. The truth is, though, that even if it was besieged by tourists, the Café at Rosemont would still be one of our favorite dining spots. The atmosphere is rustic and familiar, but the menu is international and exotic. Brunch offers treats like the Russian Peasant omelet and breakfast bangers, while dinner ventures even further abroad. Each Wednesday, the café offers what it calls an “Eat Global, Drive Local” menu, a $22, three-course dinner that highlights a foreign region, such as East Africa or the French Alps. 88 Kingwood-Stockton Rd., Rosemont, NJ; 609-397-4097; caferosemont.com

The spinach pie at this Doylestown restaurant is this pillow of crisped phylo dough with the creamiest filling on earth. The whole place is secretly but seriously good food — in a shopping center — kind of like the best diner food you could imagine with the addition of authentic Greek food. The Greek owners and all of their family work there and love you to death, too. 73 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown; 215-230-0112

This New Hope gallery specializes in the highly coveted Pennsylvania Impressionists as well as the stream of lesser-known but no-less-groundbreaking artists who followed. But we love Gratz because it knows how to throw a party. Its opening receptions are far from what you know such affairs to be. They are lively events where the spirits flow freely and the art inspires conversation among strangers, not quiet contemplation, all of which is an extension of the gallery’s outgoing owners, Harriet and Paul Gratz. 30 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 215-862-4300; gratzgallery.com

The Yankees’ double A minor league team, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this season, is professional baseball at its most accessible. The intimate Waterfront Park is a 15-minute drive from New Hope. And then there are the surprisingly-low costs. An all-you-can-eat package, for example, gets you a ticket and all the food and drink you can handle for $15. It’s even more of a bargain when you consider the talent. Within the last couple of seasons, Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens and Joba Chamberlain have all played in Trenton. 609-394-3300 (tickets); trentonthunder.com

Some may argue that New Hope has gone mainstream in recent years, but the riverside town still manages to lure an eccentric crop, which means some of the best people watching in Bucks. On weekend afternoons in the summer, we like to have an early lunch on the porch at Havana and then spend a couple of hours lingering over drinks and gazing at the passersby. Centrally located along South Main Street, you’re perched right at the heart of the action and a couple of feet above street level, making for an ideal view. 105 S. Main St., New Hope; 215-862-9897; havananewhope.com

When we were young, parks were an afterthought — monkey bars, swings, a few oversized tractor tires and lots of asphalt. Not particularly safe and not particularly fun. The kids castle is a giant departure from those days. The mammoth wooden structure at Doylestown’s Central Park is, quite literally, a castle. Standing eight stories tall, it’s an intricate arrangement of swings, slides and lots of opportunities for climbing and hiding. It’s okay to resent your kids just a little for having such a place to play. It’s not okay, however, to get stuck in the castle. 425 Wells Rd., Doylestown; 215-348-9915; doylestownpa.org

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