If you’re looking for an easy one-day getaway from any of the great apartments for rent near Belle Meade, NJ, look no further than New Hope. A mere 20 minutes to the southwest, across the Delaware River, and just steps over the Pennsylvania border, New Hope is a tiny town of just 2,500 people. Though it may be small, it boasts a huge personality with plenty to keep you busy all day long.
Start off by transporting yourself back to the roaring ’20s aboard an antique train car, pulled by a steam-powered locomotive from 1925. The ride will take you on a scenic tour of the rolling hills and farmland surrounding the town, all while you learn about rail travel as it was during its golden age.
Afterward, celebrate the local community’s heritage through its art at New Hopes Art Center. The gallery provides a space for local artists to present their work on a variety of media, including canvas paintings, crafts, sculpture, and even more modern new-media installations.
When it’s time to break for lunch, get a taste of the south at Marsha Brown, where you’ll find a menu full of decadent Creole delectables. Refuel with a crispy catfish po’boy, a deep-fried fish filet nestled between a crunchy/chewy French baguette. Or for something a little more hearty, opt for a heaping portion of jambalaya, packed with crab, shrimp, andouille, and duck.
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a matinee at Bucks County Playhouse. Housed in a historic old gristmill dating back to 1790, the structure was saved from demolition back in 1939 by a group of artists. Since then, local thespians have been taking to the stage to entertain locals and visitors alike with their renditions of shows such as “42nd Street,” “Cinderella,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
And once the sun sets, if you’re down for a bit of a spooky adventure, embark on a ghost tour of New Hope. Your guide will lead you around town by lantern, telling bone-chilling tales of those who met their untimely demise and have been reluctant to move on to the great beyond.
With so much to offer, New Hope is a quaint town that is anything by sleepy. And when you’re a resident at any of the apartments for rent in Belle Meade, NJ, you’d be remiss not to take advantage of all there is to do and see there.