Bucks County Weddings

Today we are updating one of our most popular features of all time on Frenchtowner.com, Our Best Bucks County Wedding Venues piece from a few years ago. With this update of the page on ShopDineLodge.com, we invite you to join in the search for our new Best of Bucks County feature. At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a poll where you can vote to name the Best Bucks County Wedding Venue for 2011. If you want to nominate a venue that’s not listed here, just add that name under the Other category and we will add it to the nominees listed here.

Thanks for your participation and enjoy!

#10 Washington Crossing Inn

The Washington Crossing Inn was chosen for the number ten spot in our survey because of the history of the location and the beautiful park like setting it enjoys. There were lots of contenders for this final spot in our survey but WCI was chosen because it has the ability to host larger weddings and grand celebration events. The inn is surrounded by huge old trees and expansive lawns that are perfect for tented events. Indoors there are large ballrooms that can accommodate up to 200 people. It is charming venue. Contact: The Washington Crossing Inn @ (215) 493-3634. Visit them online here.

#9. Pennsbury Manor, Morrisville

Pennsbury Manor was chosen for the number nine spot in our survey because of the grandness of the estate and its history. Of all of the facilities in our survey this one has the best pedigree; being the home of William Penn, founder of the state of Pennsylvania. The manor is however the hardest site to book for weddings, as they only book a few events per year. If it were a little easier, it would most likely be higher in our top ten survey. The manor hosts weddings outdoors on the grounds of the estate. Contact: Pennsbury Manor @ 215-946-0400. Visit them online: here.

#8 Pearl S. Buck Estate, Perkasie

The Pearl S. Buck House was chosen for the number eight spot in our survey because of the beauty of the historic 1834 farmhouse, the gardens, the grounds and the beautiful flagstone terrace. The estate located in the Northern Bucks County community of Perkasie was the home of the famous writer and humanitarian, Pearl S. Buck. This impressive 68 acre facility can accommodate weddings and large celebrations of up to 250 guests in a variety of settings and locations on the property. Contact: Open Aire Affairs @ 215-860-1859. Visit them online: here.

#7 Aldie Mansion, Doylestown

Aldie Mansion was chosen for the number seven spot in our survey because of its unique character and its history. This gorgeous Mercer Mansion built in the style of an English Tudor manor has been the site of grand events since it was built in 1927. The mansion has a gigantic ballroom that is perfect for grand wedding celebrations and the entire facility is exceptionally photogenic with its terraces, fountains and wide garden paths. Aldie is located on a 10 acre estate in Doylestown. Contact: Aldie Mansion @ 215-348-9231. Visit them online: here.

#6 Barley Sheaf Farm, Holicong

Barley Sheaf was chosen for the number six spot in our survey because of the size and beauty of the farm. This is a true Bucks County Estate with over one hundred acres of pastures and woodlands. Barley Sheaf is located in beautiful Buckingham Pennsylvania, down a long tree lined lane. The farm features an impressive main manor house built in 1740, a rustic stone bank barn, a large pool, expansive gardens and lawns for tented wedding parties, a conference center, a spa and more. Contact: Barley Sheaf Farm Estate and Spa @ 215-794-5104. Visit them online: here.

#5 Honey Hollow Visitors Center, Solebury Township

Honey Hollow was chosen for the number five spot in our survey because of its marvelous stone barn and the nature preserve that surrounds it. The barn is the home of the Bucks County Audubon Society and makes for the perfect setting for a country wedding. The interior of the barn is a dramatic space with post and beam construction and an amazing amount of light. Contact: Bucks County Audubon Society @ 215-297-5880. Visit them online: here.

#4 Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope

Holly Hedge Estate was chosen for the number four spot in our survey because of the beauty of the setting that it provides. Holly Hedge is located on a twenty acre estate in a historic fieldstone manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and a landscape brick courtyard. The estate can handle the catering and the lodging for your once-in-a-lifetime event. Contact: Holly Hedge Estate @ 215-862-3136 Visit them online: here.

#3 The Mercer Museum, Doylestown

The Mercer was chosen for the number three spot in our survey because it is one of the most impressive buildings in Bucks County. This historic six story structure, which houses an important collection of Americana, makes for a fantastic backdrop for a wedding and the Elkins Gallery that is used for weddings and elaborate celebrations is a marvelous ballroom. Contact: The Mercer Museum @ 215-345-0210 Visit them online: here.

#2 Pen Ryn Mansion, Bensalem

Pen Ryn Mansion was chosen for the number two spot in our survey because of the grandeur of its beauty and its unique location on the Delaware River in Southern Bucks County. The main mansion dating back to 1744, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the centerpiece of this impressive hundred acre estate. The actual name of the facility is The Pen Ryn Mansion and Belle Voir Manor. Pen Ryn features a magnificent riverside setting for wedding ceremonies, a gigantic ballroom for large weddings and a two thousand foot tree-lined drive into the estate. Contact: Pen Ryn Mansion and Belle Voir Manor @ 215-633-0600. Visit them online: here.

#1 Fonthill Museum, Doylestown

Fonthill was chosen for the number one spot in our survey because there is no other place in the region that matches its grandeur, beauty and romance. It is unlike any place that I’ve ever seen. It is one of the American Castles that PBS featured in its series. This exotic house and the gorgeous expansive grounds that surround it are simply incredible. Fonthill rents out the Terrace Pavilion and tents on the grounds for fabulous weddings and memorable celebrations. Contact: The Fonthill Estate @ 215-348-9461 Visit them online: here.

Our dining guide to New Hope Pennsylvania covers every fast food joint and every fine dining restaurant. At the bottom of the listings, you can help us name the Best New Hope Restaurant of 2011 in our new Best of New Hope Poll!

New Hope Pennsylvania Restaurants

Blue Tortilla Restaurant
Authentic Mexican cuisine with outdoor alfresco dining, BYOB, lunch, dinner, 7 days
18 North Main Street, 215-862-5859, http://www.thebluetortillarestaurant.com/

La Bonne Auberge
A Bucks County Institution since 1972, La Bonne Auberge is now closed. It was located in a charming 250-year old farmhouse surrounded by gardens, serving classic French cuisine. http://www.bonneauberge.com/welcome.htm

Cafe Europa
Pizza and Italian classics, burgers and more, casual, lunch, dinner, eat-in, take-out, beer and wine, 7 days a week
Logan Square, 215-862-9600 About 1.5 miles west on Old York Road (Bridge Street),  no website.

Centre Bridge Inn
Historic Bucks County Inn serving dinner Wednesday-Sunday, intercontinental seasonal cuisine, hotel, bar, cocktails, wine, romantic alfresco dining along the Delaware River, private parties, weddings, special occasions and corporate events
2998 River Road, 215-862-9139 About 3 miles north of New Hope on River Road, http://www.centrebridgeinn.com/

C’est La Vie
French bakery and cafe open for breakfast and lunch offering homemade breads, croissants, desserts, pastries, quiche, outdoor dining, Tuesday-Sunday
20 South Main Street, 215-862-1956, no website.

Dilly’s Corner
Classic All American Hot Dog Stand, a local institution, hot dogs, hamburgers, Dilly Dogs, Ice Cream, open Tuesday-Sunday
Route 263 and River Road (Route 32), New Hope, PA, 215-862-5333 about 3 miles north of New Hope on River Road, http://www.hollyeats.com/Dillys.htm

Duck Soup Cafe
Breakfast, lunch, laid back funky atmosphere with local art all over the place, funky local hangout for creative breakfasts and sandwiches
Logan Square, 215-862-5890 about 1.5 miles west on Old York Road (Bridge Street) no website.

El Taco Loco
California style Mexican food, casual setting, tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and more, open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner
6 Stockton Avenue, 215-862-0908, http://www.el-taco-loco.com/

Fran’s Pub
Pub food, beer, cocktails, casual, open late on New Hope’s party row
116 South Main Street, 215-862-5539, http://www.franspub.com/

Havana Restaurant & Bar
Eclectic creative casual dining for lunch and dinner, 7 days, outdoor alfresco dining, bar, wine, cocktails, live music, private parties, catering, (alternate spelling: Havanas, Havana’s)
105 South Main Street, 215-862-9897, http://www.havananewhope.com/

Hong Kong Sunny
Chinese food, 7 days, eat-in, take-out
334 West Bridge Street, 215-862-9111 1 mile from downtown on Old York Road (Bridge Street) no website

Hotel Du Village
Fine French Dining in the country, romantic, intimate dinners Wednesday-Sunday, cocktails, wine, private parties, weddings, hotel
2535 River Road, 215-862-9911 1.5 miles north of New Hope on River Road, http://www.hotelduvillage.com/restaurant.html

Inn at Phillips Mill
Charming, romantic, intimate fine dining in an old country inn with stone walls, Call for hours of operation
2590 River Road, 215-862-9919 1.5 miles north of New Hope on River Road, http://www.theinnatphillipsmill.com/dining.html

John and Peter’s
Funky New Hope institution in business for 33 years. The star here is the live music, the atmosphere and the conversation, open 7 days for lunch and dinner, serving wings, burgers, Mexican classics and sandwiches, beer and cocktails
96 South Main Street, 215-862-5981, http://www.johnandpeters.com/menu.html

Karla’s Restaurant and Bar
Funky eclectic, European, atmosphere for lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch, live jazz on Fridays, 7 days, late nights
5 West Mechanic Street, 215-862-2612, http://www.karlasnewhope.com/

The Landing
Dining on the Delaware River in the heart of New Hope with incredible views of Lambertville, or by the fireplace, regional American menu, 7 days a week, lunch and dinner, wine and cocktails, weddings, dinners and luncheons for private parties
22 North Main Street, 215-862-5711, http://www.landingrestaurant.com/

Little China
Chinese food, 7 days, eat-in, take-out
11 West Bridge Street # B, 215-862-1677, no website

Logan Inn
Historic Inn in the center of New Hope offering lunch and dinner 7 days a week, alfresco dining on the patio, hotel accommodations, bar, wine, cocktails and beginning October 15, 2006, a grand Sunday Brunch Buffet.
10 West Ferry Street, 215-862-2300, http://www.loganinn.com/menus.php

Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant
Martine’s is a local’s favorite, and is now back open in a new location a few doors down from where they were before. Martine’s is an incredible place for a romantic dinner or a cocktail after work or after a long hard day of touring Bucks County and New Hope. Lunch and dinner and outdoor dining in season. Call for days and hours of operation. (alternate spellings: Martines, Martin’s, Martenes)
14 East Ferry Street, 215-862-2966, http://martinesriverhouserestaurant.com/

Marsha Brown Refined Creole Kitchen and Lounge
Creole restaurant in a grand old stone church in the center of town, offering a contemporary upscale menu featuring seafood, a raw bar, grilled steaks, roast chicken, and house specialties like blue cheese grits and Cajun cauliflower. Marsha serves dinner 7 nights a week beginning at 5:00 PM, and on the weekends at 2:00 PM. They offer wine, cocktails and a wide range of designer martinis. The restaurant hosts private and corporate parties and weddings. (alternate spellings: Marsha Brown’s, Marsha Browns) The most cutting edge website and marketing in the entire area.
15 South Main Street, 215-862-7044, http://www.marshabrownrestaurant.com/

McDonalds
You know the name, you know the menu, sometimes the kids just gotta have em
324 West Bridge Street, 215-862-7044 1.5 miles from downtown on Bridge Street, http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/home.html

Mother’s Wine Bar + Restaurant
25 years in business, Mother’s is a New Hope and Bucks County institution. Casual dining for lunch and dinner and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, cocktails, beer and wine, private parties
34 North Main Street, 215-862-5857, http://www.mothersnewhope.com/

The Raven
Gay resort with a restaurant serving lunch, dinner 7 days a week and brunch on Sunday, private parties and special events, live entertainment, bar, beer, wine, cocktails and martinis, a pool bar that serves hamburgers and lite fare in season
385 West Bridge Street, 215-862-2081 About 1 mile west on Bridge Street, http://www.theravennewhope.com/dining.html

SandBar Restaurant + Lounge
Lunch: Friday-Sunday, Dinner: 7 days (except winter), outdoor dining, small plates and tapas, contemporary fusion menu, bar with cocktails, wine, beer, live music, dancing (alternate spellings: formerly this was 90 Main or Ninety Main)
90 South Main Street, 215-862-3030, http://www.sandbarnewhope.com/

Tastebuds
Contemporary American cuisine with Mediterranean influences served in a minimal elegant atmosphere, dinner served Wednesday through Sunday. Tastebuds is a BYOB
49 West Ferry Street, 215-862-9722, http://www.tastebuds-newhope.com/

Triumph Brewing Company
Contemporary brewery restaurant featuring an eclectic American menu, with live entertainment, 7 days a week, lunch and dinner. Triumph serves their own beers, as well as wine, cocktails and martinis.
400 Union Square Drive, 215-862-2972, http://www.triumphbrewing.com

Wildflowers Garden Cafe
Charming, casual, laid back restaurant offering intimate and romantic outdoor patio dining, lunch and dinner, 7 days, cocktails, wine and beer
8 West Mechanic Street, 215-862-2241, http://www.wildflowersnewhope.com/

Zoubi Restaurant + Bar
Contemporary restaurant with a fusion menu blending French, Asian and Latin American influences. Zoubi features alfresco dining in their courtyards, hosts private and corporate parties and offers off-site catering. They are open 7 nights a week for dinner, offer a prix fixe dinner on Mondays and serve brunch on Sundays starting at 12 noon. Zoubi has a full service bar and offer wines, cocktails and beer. Zoubi is closed during the winter. (alternate spellings Zouba, Zoubi’s)
7 West Mechanic Street, 215-862-5851, http://www.zoubinewhope.com/