'''Doylestown''' is a town in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Get in

  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • Doylestown Regional Airport
  • 3879 Old Easton Rd.
  • SEPTA (R5 Regional Rail from Center City, Philadelphia and Route 55 Bus to/from Olney Transportation Center)
  • (From Philadelphia) PA Turnpike to PA Route 611
  • (From New York) NJ Turnpike to HWY 202
  • Greyhound Bus Lines at 100 S. Clinton St.
  • Get around

  • Doylestown Rushbus - $1 rides to a variety of stops in Doylestown
  • Doylestown is a very walkable town, with sidewalks and crosswalks for pedestrians
  • Doylestown Community Bike and Hike System Routes
  • See

    Doylestown has a rich history, boasting cultural attractions from colonial times, to the early 1900s, to the present. Doylestown is a must-see for the history buff, the artist, and the student in all of us.

  • '''Mercer Museum''', 84 South Pine Street, 215-345-0210 (fax 215 230 0823)[http://www.mercermuseum.org/]. . Built in 1916 by the archaeologist, anthropologist, artist and scholar, Henry Chapman Mercer. The six-story concrete castle houses a personal collection of over 30,000 items that Mercer believed should be preserved before the Industrial Revolution took over. The huge central atrium of the castle houses a whale boat, Conestoga wagon and stage coach, amongst other large pieces. Working your way through the narrow hallways of the museum, you can find ancient gadgets, woodworking instruments, early examples of electricity and even a "Vampire Killing Kit." In one of the hidden stairwells, there are footprints from Mercer's dog Rollo, who must have escaped before the wet concrete could fully dry. This is truly an eccentric place to visit. There are nooks, cranies, niches and rooms with all kinds of tools and implements used in the early history of the colonization. It's a great place to go on a hot day, the concrete keeps the building quite cool. There is a gift shop with postcards, Mercer tiles, crafts, books and other souvenirs. The Mercer Museum was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and recently achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums in 2005. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Tu 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM
  • '''Fonthill Museum''', East Court Street & Route 313, 215-348-9461, [http://www.mercermuseum.org/]. Built between 1908 and 1912 as the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, as well as a gallery for his tiles and prints. Like the Mercer Museum, Fonthill is also a concrete castle and represents a mixture of Medieval, Gothic and Byzantine architectural styles. After Mercer's death in 1930, the housekeeper Laura Swain continued to give tours of the historic house and museum until she passed away in 1975. Today, Fonthill Museum attracts over 30,000 visitors a year and is a popular place for wedding photos and receptions. Every summer, Fonthill hosts the "Old Fashioned Fourth of July" where locals can participate in old-time games and celebration. Fonthill was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1985 and recently achieved accreditation by the American Association of Museums in 2005. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.
  • '''Moravian Pottery & Tile Works''', 130 Swamp Road, 215-345-6722, [http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/tileworks/index.aspx]. Henry Chapman Mercer was very involved in the American Arts & Crafts Movement and is famous for producing ceramic tiles engraved with scenes of Bucks County nature and seasons. Today, tiles are still produced at the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works and can be purchased by visitors. Mercer's tiles can be seen throughout Doylestown, in the homes of locals, inlaid in the sidewalks and in the Mercer and Fonthill Museums. The Tile Works courtyard hosts a variety of seasonal activites including Pumpkinfest each Halloween, where local artists compete for the best carved pumpkin. Tickets are$3.50 adults, $3.00 seniors, $2.00 youth (ages 7-17). Open daily 10AM-4:45PM.
  • '''James A. Michener Art Museum''', 138 S. Pine St., 215-340-9800, [http://www.michenermuseum.org/]. The stone building was originally constructed in 1884 as the Bucks County prison, but reopened its doors in 1988 as the James A. Michener Art Museum. The museum was named for James Michener, Doylestown's own Pulitzer-prize winning writer and patron of the arts. Today, the gallery houses an astounding collection of work from many Pennsylvania Impressionist artists. Attached to the museum is the Patricia D. Pfundt outdoor Sculpture Garden. Permanent exhibits include the Lenfest Exhibition of Pennsylvania Impressionism, The Garber Mural, James A. Michener: A Living Legacy, the Nakashima Reading Room, the Visual Heritage of Bucks County and an interactive exhibit on Bucks County writers and composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein. Tu-Fr 10AM-4:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM.
  • '''Bucks County Civil War Roundtable Library & Museum''', 32 N. Broad St., 215-348-8293, [http://www.buckscivilwar.com/]. The Civil War Museum has on display a multitude of items related to Doylestown's 104th Pa. Volunteer Infantry Regiment and the Civil War in general. Bullets, weapons, uniforms, flags, art and Lincoln Medals and Tokens dating from 1870 are just a few of the pieces primarily donated from area history buffs and collecters. The library has hundreds of books on the Civil War, a great many of which were donated by the late Fred Holzworth. The Roundtable hosts a variety of programs including speakers, concerts and trips to other area historical sites. Sa 10:30AM-2PM.
  • Do

    Doylestown is alive with events and attractions for visitors of all ages - young couples, families with kids and groups interested in the arts.

  • '''First Friday''', [http://firstfridaydoylestown.com/]. The first Friday of every month 6:30PM-9PM._@First Friday Doylestown features a night of live artists, bands and performers outside of Doylestown's local businesses. Shops and restaurants are open late to service the crowds of people walking around. Warm summer nights are the best!
  • '''County Theater''', 20 E. State St., 215-345-6789, [http://www.countytheater.org/]. The historic County Theater has been located in the center of Doylestown since 1938. Showing mostly independent and old-time films, the non-profit theater has a wide membership in the Bucks County area. During the summer, the County features "Hollywood Summer Nights" and plays such classics as The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, It's a Wonderful Life and North by Northwest.
  • '''Kids Castle''', 425 Wells Rd., Central Park, [http://doylestownpa.org/P&R/DoylestownParks.htm]. This stunning 35-foot-tall wooden play castle was built as a community effort for the children and families of Doylestown. It features swings, slides, climbing and hiding places and bridges. Central Park has tennis courts, volleyball nets, pavillions for pickniking and a 1.5 run/walk trail. Open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.
  • '''Fanny Chapman Pool and Park''' 10 McKinstry Dr., 215-348-7618, [http://www.doylestownborough.net/FannyChapman/fanny-chapman-pool.htm]. Fanny Chapman Swimming Pool was opened to the public in 1927 upon the suggestion of William Mercer, Henry Mercer's younger brother. Today Fanny Chapman has four pools, including a children's wading pool, a diving pool and a pool for community swim teams to use. The surrounding park area is home to volleyball courts, a playground and a lake where locals can fish in season.
  • '''Town and Country Players''' 4158 York Rd., 215-348-7566, [http://townandcountryplayers.org/]. Town and Country Players is one of the most historic theaters in Bucks County. The 240-year-old barn which houses the unique theater-in-the round was rented and remodeled in 1957. A small group of actors began putting on simple productions at T&C, and the popularity quickly grew in the community. Today, T&C hosts a season of six productions, not including the family musical, children's play and one-act festival. With the help of a talented membership, T&C looks less like a farmhouse these days, and more like a professional theater.
  • Buy

    The center of Doylestown offers a "small town" feel with gift and antique shops, privately-owned boutiques and friendly customer service.

  • '''Farmer's Market''' Open Saturdays from 7AM-noon, Apr-Nov. [http://doylestownfarmersmarket.com/]. Vendors gather on S. Hamilton St. every Saturday morning to sell their fresh fruits, cheeses, pastries, flowers, crafts and more. The Farmer's Market has gathered quite a following and on any given summer Saturday morning, many regulars come to eat breakfast and chat with friends outside.
  • '''Center shopping district''' - Features many of these unique shops and more.'''
  • '''Doylestown Bookstore''', 16 S. Main St., 215-230-7610, [http://www.doylestownbookshop.com].
  • '''Sew Smart''', 30 W. Oakland Ave., 215-345-7990, [http://www.sewsmartfab.com/].
  • '''Herb's Hobbies and Crafts''', 200 W. State St., 215-345-7123, [http://www.herbshobbiesandcrafts.com/].
  • '''Shop Sixty Five''', 53 W. State St., 215-348-8250.
  • '''Bucks County Dry Goods''' 8 E. State St., 215-489-6168.
  • '''Gap''' 17 S. Main St., 215-230-9440.
  • '''Head Over Heels''' 17 W. State St., 215-340-7755.
  • '''A Special Gift''' 30 E. State St., 215-340-0434.
  • '''Paper Unicorn''' 2 S. Main St., 215-345-8655.
  • '''Rutherford's Camera Shop''', 23 W. State St., 215-348-4221.
  • Eat

    Doylestown is home to dozens of eclectic restaurants that range from burger joint to fine dining.

  • '''Cafe Alessio''' 24 N. Main St., 215-340-1101. Seafood and Italian with outdoor dining, reasonably priced.
  • '''Madame Butterfly''' 34 W. State St., 215-345-4488. Exquisite and authentic Japanese.
  • '''Villa Capri''' 51 West Court St., 215-348-9656. Best pizza in town.
  • '''Domani Star''' 57 W. State St., 215-230-9100. Steak, seafood and Italian in a cozy, small-town bistro
  • '''The Freight House''' 194 W. Ashland St., 215-340-1003. Dining within the historical freight house at the Doylestown train station. More expensive, but worth the extra penny.
  • '''Jules Thin Crust Pizza''' 78 S. Main St., 215-34-JULES. Thin crust pizza with any topping your heart desires. Great for families with kids.
  • '''Honey''' 42 Shewell Ave., 215-489-4200. American style dining with small-portioned meals. Easy to share with friends and family.
  • '''Cafe America''' 1 W. Court St., 215-348-7838. Festive Mexican cuisine.
  • Drink

  • '''Mesquito Grille''', 128 West State Street, (215) 230-7427. Literally hundreds of national, international and micro-brew bottle and draft beers are available at this bi-level establishment in the heart of downtown Doylestown. Both smoking and non-smoking bars are available as well as an extensive menu including ribs, steaks, salads, seafood and locally famous buffalo wings in a variety of flavours. Food is generally served until 9:30PM weekdays and 10PM on weekends but the bar is open until 2AM everyday except Tuesday when the restaurant is also closed. This is a great bar to visit if you want to soak in genuine local atmosphere, enjoy a sophisticated beer or discuss Philadelphia Sports Teams... just don't mention the Dallas Cowboys!
  • '''Chambers 19''', 19 North Main Street, (215) 348-1940. Chambers Bar & Bistro is located in downtown Doylestown, within walking distance to the local theatre, county courthouse and in the middle of a busy shopping district. Chambers offers a quaint restaurant and a charming non-smoking bar featuring favourite draft beers and a good selection of bottles. The bar and restaurant both have daily food and drink specials and live acoustic pop and jazz music through the week and on the weekend.
  • '''The Other Side''', 19 North Main Street, (215) 348-1940. Late night sister bar to Chambers. This is a good place to go when Chambers closes for the evening (usually between 10 and 11 PM). Many specialty beers on tap as well as the expected domestics and imports. The Other Side boasts an excellent liquor selection. Stop by for pub trivia on monday nights and live music almost every other night with full bands performing every weekend night. Be sure to look out for special events as there are often theme nights at The Other Side such as "Margarita Night", "Hula Night" and "Bikini Night".
  • '''Bobby Simone's''', 52 East State Street, 215.340.1414, [http://www.bobbysimones.com]. Step off of State Street, walk down a friendly alleyway just beyond the well known County Theatre and you'll find yourself at Bobby Simone's. This bar attracts a younger crowd and has a great outdoor drinking and mingling area. It's a good place to hang out on a warm afternoon and a very good place to start your evening. There are all of the expected domestic beers on tap and a decent bottle selection, but you'll more than likely stay for the fun and charming outdoor area.<br>
  • '''Muggs''', 211 S Main St., Muggs is the local "hippie-bar" known for it's eclectic patrons and beers on the cheap. Don't let the relaxed rustic atmosphere fool you-this is a great place to relax and mingle with the locals. You might find yourself with some inside information on local attractions and customs from an hour or two hanging out here. There is a good draft selection and a great bottle selection. This bar also features very reasonably priced take-away beer for late night partying.<br>
  • '''Stephanie's''', 29 S Main Street, (215) 489 1644, [http://www.stephaniesrestaurantinc.com]. This establishment consists of a ground level non-smoking sports bar and a cavernous basement lounge that features pub trivia on Monday nights, "Don't Forget the Lyrics" style karioke on Tuesday nights and live music Wednesday through Saturday. Stephanie's boasts over 50 draft beers and a good selection of bottles. The bar features daily specials and a happy hour from 5-7PM. Both the sports bar and the lower level are open 7 days a week until 2 AM and a full menu is served every day until "late night".<br>
  • '''Puck Live'''
  • '''Amber Inn'''
  • '''The Farmhouse'''
  • Sleep

  • '''Doylestown Inn''', 18 West State Street, 215-345-6610, [http://www.doylestowninn.com/].
  • The Doylestown Inn has eleven furnished guest rooms featuring jetted tubs, mini bars, fireplaces and more. This elegant lodging in the center of Doylestown is in close proximity to all of the best shops and restaurants in town.

    Get out

  • '''Peddler's Village''', [http://peddlersvillage.com/]. 10 min. from Doylestown in Lahaska. Peddler's Village has 70 specialty shops, six restaurants and the Golden Plough Inn for overnight guests. Perfect for a day of shopping, walking and dining in the country. There are also attractions for children at Giggleberry Fair such as a carousel, games and rides.
  • '''New Hope''', 20 min. from Doylestown. This riverside town boasts a tremendous amount of shops, art galleries, and theaters as well as a bustling night life and gay community.
  • '''Delaware River Country''', 20 min. from Doylestown in Point Pleasant, [http://www.rivercountry.net/august/index.html]. Canoe, raft, kayak and tube down the Delaware enjoying the beautiful scenery as you go by!