(Bucks County, PA) A centennial castle celebration, brand new events, property expansions, grand reopenings and a fashionable museum exhibit are among the many exciting and NEW happenings in Bucks County, Pennsylvania this year. Located less than two hours away from New York City and three hours from Washington, DC, Philadelphia's Northern Countryside is the perfect weekend getaway destination for families, couples and friends, alike.
Add Bucks County, PA to your must-visit list for 2016! Here's what's new in Bucks County for the year ahead.
• The Mercer Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. A centennial celebration is set for the Mercer Museum in Doylestown as the historic site celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2016. On July 16, the Mercer presents a Cultural District Free Day-admission to the Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, Moravian Pottery & Tile Works and the James A Michener Art Museum will be free. This year, the Mercer Museum also welcomes two major special exhibits-American Adventure (January 30-June 12) and Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag (July 2-November 6).
• Bristol Borough continues revitalization with new businesses and Mill Street Wharf Project. Bristol Borough's transformation continues as several new businesses open in town, including a café, Calm Water Coffee Roasters, and a Mexican restaurant, Mill Street Cantina. In addition, construction began in the fall on a multi-million-dollar project to build a 28,000 square foot riverfront property, expected to house luxury townhouses and a restaurant/bar, overlooking the scenic Delaware River. The project is expected to be completed this spring.
• Parx Casino begins first property-wide expansion since opening. For the first time since opening in 2009, Parx Casino has begun a multi-phase expansion project, expected to increase the casino's blueprint to 176,592 square feet of gaming. Phase one of the expansion includes 700 of the hottest new slot machines and innovative live-action table games, the swanky new Xlounge with a high-end menu, cocktails, wine flights and craft beer offerings, gift shop and new restrooms.
• Bucks County Children's Museum expands exhibits. The beloved Bucks County Children's Museum in New Hope will install a new 14-foot interactive Waterways water table exhibit to help children explore the water cycle and canal history. The exhibit is slated to open in spring 2016 and will be enjoyed by the museum's 35,000 annual visitors. The four-year-old museum also entered into a 10-year lease agreement, securing its place in New Hope through 2026.
• Hotel du Village celebrates a grand reopening. Returning to Bucks County under the new ownership of Landmark Hospitality, Hotel du Village is poised to become one of Bucks County's top venues for meetings, weddings and special events. This historic French country estate has been completely renovated and features two ballrooms, each complete with private entrances, separate cocktail rooms and ceremony spaces. With 10-foot ceilings, The Colt Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 guests while The Historic Ballroom can seat up to 140 guests. The hotel offers 22 rooms, a built-in swimming pool, tennis courts and fire pits throughout the grounds.
• Earl's New American opens and Peddler's Village welcomes new events and shops. Earl's New American reopens in spring 2016 with a new name and refreshed look and concept. Earl's will offer guests a polished, casual dining experience within Peddler's Village. Known for its roster of wonderful weekend festivals, Peddler's ntroduces three new major events for 2016. I <3 PV, featuring Valentine's Day inspired culinary events and live entertainment takes place February 12-14, Maine in March Lobster FEAST, offering visitors a superior seafood dining experience, runs March 11-13 and the Red, White & Blue BBQ bash, a celebration in advance of the Fourth of July, takes place on July 2. Peddler's Village also welcomed several new shops in recent months, including David J. Witchell Salon & Spa, Let's Steep and Colts Sportscards.
• Fashion exhibit hits the runway at the James A. Michener Art Museum. Move over, NYC! Philadelphia fashion takes center stage during the Michener Art Museum's "Philadelphia in Style" exhibit, running from March 13 through June 26. The exhibit features approximately 30 dressed forms and accessories spanning a century of high fashion. Coming off the successful Grace Kelly exhibit in 2013, visitors are thirsty for more couture. The Michener delivers with stunning pieces from the remarkable Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection at Drexel University. In 2016, the Michener will host 12 special exhibitions, including Philadelphia in Style.
• Oldest continuously-run inn in Bucks County renovates. Logan Inn in New Hope, under the new ownership of Landmark Hospitality, is currently undergoing a complete renovation, both to the inn, as well as the restaurant. The inn's restaurant features more casual fare, describing itself as "an old-style tavern feel" with a farm-to-table menu concept. As part of the renovations, the inside bar and outdoor patio were completely redone and there are plans for expansion that will include 22 new hotel rooms, private glass-enclosed dining, revamped year-round outdoor dining, and new catering hall. Logan Inn is the oldest continually-run inn in Bucks County and the only in-town hostelry in the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact: Jessica Lawlor
Communications Manager, Visit Bucks County
215-639-0300 ext. 227
JessicaL@visitbuckscounty.com
About Visit Bucks County
Visit Bucks County (VBC) is the official tourism promotion agency for Bucks County. The tourism office, with more than 450 tourism/hospitality partners throughout Bucks County, promotes all there is to see and do to potential visitors and residents. In addition to consumer travel, Visit Bucks County targets sports tournaments, motorcoach groups, meetings, special events and weddings. For more information on VBC activities call 1-800-836-BUCKS, visit VisitBucksCounty.com or stop by the Bucks County Visitor Center located at 3207 Street Road in Bensalem (adjacent to the entrance to PARX Casino). The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 1 and Interstate 95.