Steam engine in the snow in New Hope, PA

Steam engine of New Hope and Ivyland Railroad making its way in snow (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

...it doesn't have to be a snowman

Woman skater with hockey stick on New Hope, PA section of Delaware Canal (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Is the New Hope visitor’s center closing for good?

New Hope Visitor's Center (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

A funny thing is happening at New Hope’s visitor’s center Wednesday: the doors are closing at 3 p.m., but nobody knows when they’ll be reopened.

Said a volunteer, “We’re not sure what’s going to be happening.”

Seems that the folks at Visit Bucks County, a marketing agency in Bensalem that currently runs the place, have gotten tired of using New Hope’s only information center and free public bathroom as a conduit for sending tourists elsewhere in Bucks. “The New Hope location will be closing effective January 1,” pronounces their website.

And the Borough, who owns the property and is willing to rent it for a song to any responsible group willing to staff it, appears unable to locate one.

The indefinitely AWOL New Hope Chamber of Commerce has considered doing something, although the remaining few appear more focused on a rumored merger with Lambertville’s chamber, according to sources close to the group. The New Hope Business Alliance likewise has announced no plans to keep the visitor’s center afloat, although rumors of potential rescuers abound.

So for now, it appears that operation of the facility will take a hiatus, and January is certainly not the worst time of year for that to happen.

More problematic longer-term is the large number of potential and actual visitors who phone or walk into the visitor’s center every day looking for a place to wash up or a recommendation on a store, restaurant or accommodation. That unfulfilled need, along with a rudderless business community and more competitive tourism market, will only add to the existing stress on New Hope’s commercial sector.

Building bridges between our communities...

Chanukah celbebration starts Dec. 16 in New Hope, PA!

Shops of North Main Street raise money, find homes for Bucks County pets

New Hope shops raise money for Bucks County SPCA

Proceeds from the Nov. 8 adopt-a-pet day sponsored by the Shops of North Main Street in New Hope were presented to representatives from the Bucks County SPCA Friday morning.

The Bucks County SPCA brought both dogs and cats to the adoption event, and organizers say that all of the animals found homes. BCSPCA Executive Director Anne Irwin and Director of Education and Outreach Nikki Thompson were on hand to accept the donation.

Businesses who raised funds for the four-legged friends included Dunkin’ Donuts, New Hope Shoes, Ginnie Burke Collections, Cockamamie’s, Ferry Hill Treasures & Gifts, Topeo, Top Notch Accessories, Village Toy Shop, and La Bella Vita.

(L to R) Herb Millman (Cockamamie’s) and new family member Parker, Ginnie Burke (Ginnie Burke Collections), Robert Seneca (Topeo), Nikki Thompson of BCSPCA (top), Leslie Gauthier of Village Toy Shoppe (bottom), Anne Irwin (BCSPCA), Candace Paryzer (La Bella Vita) and Joe Young (Dunkin’ Donuts) helping Bucks County animals find homes

West Mechanic Street Sunset in New Hope, PA

New Hope PA sunset (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Another fall foliage photo on Solebury Mountain

Fall foliage on Solebury Mountain in Solebury, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

Rendering of proposed Playhouse Inn in New Hope PA next to Bucks County Playhouse

Rendering of proposed Bucks County Playhouse Inn in New Hope

Color along the New Hope PA towpath...

New Hope towpath and Delaware Canal (Photo: Charlie Sahner)