Peddler's Village Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety tips, and more with this comprehensive guide to Peddler's Village in Pennsylvania.


Introduction to Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village is a charming upscale shopping, dining, and lodging destination located in the heart of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This picturesque village was established in 1962 to provide a unique shopping experience while preserving the area’s colonial heritage. Today, Peddler’s Village is home to more than 70 specialty shops, restaurants, and lodging options.

List of Places to Visit in Peddler’s Village

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mercer Museum: This museum, located just outside of Peddler’s Village, hosts a collection of more than 50,000 pre-industrial tools and artifacts. It offers a fascinating glimpse into early American craftsmanship.
  • Fonthill Castle: This castle was the former home of renowned archaeologist and tile maker, Henry Chapman Mercer. Visitors can explore 44 rooms filled with Mercer’s collections of tiles, prints, and other decorative arts.
  • Washington Crossing Historic Park: This park commemorates the crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington and his troops during the American Revolution. Visitors can tour the historic buildings and learn about the events that took place here in 1776.

Natural Attractions of Peddler’s Village: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve: This nature preserve is home to more than 700 species of plants, including some rare and endangered species. It offers hiking trails, educational programs, and events throughout the year.
  • Delaware Canal State Park: This park offers 60 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can also take a leisurely boat trip down the canal or enjoy a picnic by the river.
  • Golden Pheasant Golf Club: This 18-hole golf course offers stunning views of the rolling hills of Bucks County. It also has a restaurant and bar for visitors to enjoy after a round of golf.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Peddler’s Village

  • Peddler’s Village Trail: This 1.5-mile trail is a loop around the village, offering scenic views of the shops and restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
  • Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Trails: The preserve has more than 2.5 miles of trails of varying difficulty, including a wheelchair-accessible trail.
  • Delaware Canal State Park Trail: This 60-mile towpath is popular among hikers and bikers for its scenic views of the Delaware River.

Best Things to Do in Peddler’s Village: Activities and Tours

  • Ghost Tours: Peddler’s Village is said to be haunted by several ghosts, and visitors can take a spooky ghost tour to learn about the village’s haunted history.
  • Wine Tasting: The village is home to several wineries and tasting rooms, where visitors can sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process.
  • Holiday Festivals: Peddler’s Village hosts several holiday-themed festivals throughout the year, including a Christmas Festival with more than one million twinkling lights.

Week-Long Itinerary for Peddler’s Village

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Peddler’s Village shops and restaurants
Day 2 Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle
Day 3 Delaware Canal State Park hiking or biking
Day 4 Wine tasting tour
Day 5 Golden Pheasant Golf Club
Day 6 Ghost tour
Day 7 Washington Crossing Historic Park

Food and Drink Scene of Peddler’s Village

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab cakes: Made with fresh, local crab, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
  • Pot pie: A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish made with tender chunks of chicken in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky crust.
  • Apple dumplings: A sweet and savory dessert featuring Pennsylvania-grown apples wrapped in a flaky pastry and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Local Beverages

  • Pennsylvania Wine: Peddler’s Village has several wineries and tasting rooms, offering a range of wine varietals.
  • Yardley Brewing Company: This brewery offers a range of handcrafted beers made from local ingredients.
  • Apple cider: Made from locally-grown apples, this sweet and tart beverage is perfect for a crisp fall day.

Where to Stay in Peddler’s Village: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Golden Plough Inn: This luxurious inn offers 71 guest rooms, a spa, and two on-site restaurants.
  • Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm: This elegant B&B offers a peaceful retreat with lush gardens, a pool, and rooms with fireplaces.
  • Lambertville House: This historic hotel is located just across the Delaware River in New Jersey and features 26 rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a bar.

What to Buy in Peddler’s Village: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Pottery: Peddler’s Village is home to several pottery studios, offering a range of handmade ceramics.
  • Locally-made Jam: Made with fresh, local fruits and no preservatives, this jam makes a great gift or souvenir.
  • Handcrafted Jewelry: Peddler’s Village has several artisan jewelry shops offering unique and beautiful pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village is proud of its Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, and visitors can learn about the area’s traditions through local museums, heritage festivals, and craft demonstrations. The area is known for its handmade crafts, including pottery, quilts, and furniture.

Best Time to Visit Peddler’s Village

The best time to visit Peddler’s Village is during the fall, when the leaves are changing and the air is crisp. The village hosts several fall-themed events, including a scarecrow festival and apple festival. The holiday season also brings plenty of cheer to the village, with one million lights illuminating the streets during the Christmas Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Peddler’s Village

Do:

  • Do take a leisurely stroll through the village’s charming streets and alleys.
  • Do sample some of the local cuisine, including dishes like crab cakes and pot pie.
  • Do attend one of the many festivals held throughout the year, including the Christmas Festival and the Scarecrow Festival.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, as Peddler’s Village is best explored on foot.
  • Don’t haggle with vendors at the shops, as prices are set and firm.
  • Don’t litter or damage the historic buildings and landmarks.

Safety and Health

Safety in Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village is generally a safe and peaceful place to visit, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Visitors should take precautions like locking their car doors and securing their valuables.

Health in Peddler’s Village

There are several medical facilities within a short drive of Peddler’s Village, including hospitals and urgent care centers. Visitors may also want to pack insect repellent to protect against ticks and other pests while hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Peddler’s Village: Transportation Options and Logistics

Peddler’s Village is located just over an hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. Visitors can reach the village by car or by bus. The closest airports are Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Airports Near Peddler’s Village

  • Philadelphia International Airport: Approximately 45 miles from Peddler’s Village.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport: Approximately 80 miles from Peddler’s Village.

Bus Stations Near Peddler’s Village

  • Lahaska Junction: This bus stop is located just outside Peddler’s Village and is served by SEPTA’s Route 55 bus.
  • Doylestown Bus Station: This bus station is approximately 15 minutes from Peddler’s Village and is served by several bus lines.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Peddler’s Village by train, with the closest train station located in Doylestown, just a few miles away from the village.

How to Get Around in Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village is best explored on foot, with plenty of charming streets and alleys to stroll through. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take a carriage ride for a more leisurely tour around the village.

Where to Go Next from Peddler’s Village: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • New Hope: A quaint riverside town just a few miles from Peddler’s Village, known for its antique shops and scenic views.
  • Lambertville: A charming New Jersey town that’s just a short walk across the bridge from New Hope, offering art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops.
  • Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love is just an hour’s drive from Peddler’s Village and offers a range of historic sites, museums, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Peddler’s Village is a charming and unique destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and range of dining and lodging options, it’s no wonder why visitors continue to flock to this one-of-a-kind village. So come and explore Peddler’s Village for yourself and discover all that this charming destination has to offer.