Weblog 2003

Bucks County, PA

Three thousand miles from home, I decided I'd better do a little wandering before starting on the return trek. To catch up with real time posting (as I'm now starting down the Atlantic Coast), I'll highlight three Bucks County, PA, adventures. A few more will be thrown in along the way, as recollections. Bucks County, located just north of the Philadelphia area, rests just west of the Delaware River. Two side trips, plus a little meandering on my way back from my Hudson Valley weekend, led me to these explorations, the first of which is New Hope, PA. This charming town, as well as Lambertville, NJ, just across a short bridge, is heaven for shopping, dining and art enthusiasts. Filled with galleries, cafes and antiques, it has all the makings of a perfect weekend getaway. Only because I had lodging in Philadelphia itself did I not seek out one of the many, beautifully restored inns in the area. But I walked along the tow path of the Delaware Canal, sipped on a vanilla latte from the local Starbucks (housed in a gorgeous brick building) and took a look at the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad's picture-perfect station. Much to do here, including a visit to nearby Lahaska and Peddler's Village, where I especially enjoyed antique-browsing at The Red Barn. Another Bucks County gem is the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, built between 1910 and 1920 by Henry Chapman Mercer. This impressive cement building, styled after the California missions, is worth a visit in itself. A short video presentation offers historical background, followed by self-guided tours through the living history museum, where artists demonstrate various steps of ceramic tilemaking. These tiles can be purchased in the gift shop. A small, green tile with a rabbit design was my choice :) Third, but not last, is one of my favorite Bucks County discoveries - and an unlikely one, at that. Deep in the rolling hills of Rushland, not far from Doylestown, is a unique bed and breakfast - located, of all places, on a pot-bellied pig farm. I stayed at Ross Mill Farm on a previous visit, but returned this time to shoot some additional pictures. A haven for pigs and people alike, the 1696 fieldstone cottage located on the property offers a great place for a weekend escape. Visiting the pot-bellied friends is an extra bonus. Guests are welcome to wander around the farm and visit with these kind, friendly animals. They make wonderful pets, though I've had to promise family members that I wouldn't bring one home ;) Ross Mill Farm is run by Susan and Richard Magidson, who put an admirable amount of energy and dedication into rescue work and placement of pigs into deserving homes. And so, I leave Philadelphia and begin the trip back to California, heading first along the Atlantic Coast - an area I'll be visiting for the first time - and then west, through Tennessee. At least this is the plan. I'm well-known for changing course unexpectedly. Stay tuned :) If You Go: New Hope, PA - Lambertville, NJ Information Moravian Pottery and Tile Works 130 Swamp Road Doylestown, PA 18901 (215) 345-6722 Admission: Adults - $3.50, Seniors - $3.00, Youth - $2.00 Open daily: 10:00-4:45 (And not one minute later. Trust me ;) Ross Mill Farm P.O. Box 498 Rushland, PA 18956 (215) 322-1539