Neighborhood Spotlight: Doylestown

Doylestown, Pennsylvania serves as the County seat of Bucks County and has been recognized by USA Today as having the “best small-town cultural scene” in America. Doylestown mixes history, nightlife and an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and museums to deliver a fabulous place to live and visit. Its downtown area was dubbed one of America’s “Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Vibe

The overall vibe of Doylestown is a “small town that’s big on culture, rich in history and continues to come alive through its vibrant nightlife.” The wide variety of entertainment options, restaurants, and shops come together for a unique experience that meshes the old with the new. 

Where to Eat and Drink

You are sure to find something to satisfy your appetite, no matter what your taste, with the diverse selection that the Doylestown restaurant scene has to offer.  Whether you just want to grab some BBQ, a burger, or want to tickle your tastebuds with some ethnic options, you can find just what you are craving. Check out some of these options to get a taste of what Doylestown is serving:

Honey Restaurant —  Guests can feel like family when they come together to enjoy a meal, as all of the food is served “family-style,” inviting diners to try several dishes at once. There are options to please any palate, including a selection of vegetarian items. Stop in to Honey for a bite, where dining out is about more than just a meal — it’s an experience.

OOKA — This sushi bar and hibachi steakhouse opened its doors in 1997 and has grown over the years while maintaining its neighborhood vibe. In addition to enjoying fresh sushi, guests can engage in the Hibachi experience, or elect to dine in the relaxed fine dining area. Stop in for a meal, or to sip on some sake.

Quinoa Peruvian & Mexican Restaurant — This restaurant serves up cuisine that pays homage to the delicious foods of Peru and Mexico, delighting customers with fantastic dishes to delight all the senses. They strive for a family atmosphere, and an evolving menu, so that each visit brings a new experience.

IL Melograno Ristorante — If you’re craving Italian food, this is your place! The restaurant serves up mouth-watering meals, including pasta, fish and yummy desserts. The romantic atmosphere makes it a great place for a date, and you can even “BYOB”. In a hurry? Place your order online!

Where to Shop

After you grab a bite at one of the fantastic eateries, get in some shopping time at one of these special places:

Doylestown Farmers’ Market — Make a visit to this charming farmers’ market on Saturdays between mid-April and November to find a selection of local produce and fresh flowers. The open-air market includes over 30 rotating vendors and is the oldest continually operating farmers market in the county.

Peace Valley Lavender Farm —  If you love the scent of lavender, then make a visit to the Lavender Farm. The shop produces a variety of lavender products, including sprays, bath & body items, sachets, pillows and dried floral. They also offer essential oils, blossoms, and growing plants.

Doylestown Bookshop — This local bookstore strives to preserve the heritage of the independent bookstore. They showcase a thorough inventory of new and gently used books, and their knowledgeable staff is eager to help you choose the perfect literary treasure for any age. The shop also offers events, like storytimes and book launches throughout the year.

Olive Oil Etcetera — Touted by some as the “best shop in town,” this unique specialty shop offers a large selection of olive oils, gourmet foods and more. You can also take part in on-site tastings and find some delightful recipes.

The Market At Del Valley College — Whether you’re looking for locally made wines, gourmet cheese or you want to grab a meal, this is the place to find it all. The market also features fresh produce and a garden center, complete with friendly staff ready to answer all of your questions.

Five Things You Shouldn’t Miss

Make sure to save some time to check out the amazing attractions in Doylestown. If you’re pressed for time, here are the places you don’t want to miss! Start your explorations at one of these must-see stops: 

Fonthill Castle – This National Historic Landmark was built between 1908 and 1912 and is the former home of Henry Mercer. Guests can wind their way through the poured concrete estate, exploring more than 44 rooms. Pay special attention to the impressive array of handcrafted tiles — some of which tell stories through their art.  It truly is a unique place, and guided tours add to the experience with interesting facts and tidbits about the property.

Mercer Museum — When you explore Fonthill Castle, make sure to also visit the Mercer Museum. The museum showcases a collection of objects that grant a peek into the lives of people living in the pre-industrial age. There are so many things to discover, you’re sure to find something new with each visit.

Michener Art Museum — The museum features exhibits that honor the heritage of the Delaware Valley region, and tell its story through its art and culture. In addition to its displays, visitors can also partake in different events that are offered throughout the year.

Kids Castle at Central Park — Central Park is a delightful outdoor experience, with an incredible way to enjoy the great outdoors, while also hosting events, such as live music and movies in its amphitheater. One of the highlights of the park is the impressive Kids Castle playground, currently adding improvements and additions to make it accessible to all children.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa — This awe-inspiring shrine to the Blessed Mother has been a place of pilgrimage since 1955, sprawling over 170 acres. If you are seeking a place to gather your thoughts, or need a peaceful retreat, make a visit to the shrine while in Doylestown. There are also different events and celebrations throughout the year, as well as outdoor picnic areas, on-site catering and meeting rooms.

Stand-Out Feature

There’s no doubt that Doylestown offers a lot of things to do indoors, but some of the most amazing experiences can be found outside. Peace Valley Nature Center and Park

offers 14 miles of nature trails at the eastern end of Lake Galena. Throughout the woods and meadows, guests can stroll along well-groomed foot-paths, or for the more adventurous, there are more remote hiking trails.

There’s also a blacktop Bike Path that travels around the lake that guests can also hike. While exploring, you can discover over 250 species of birds, and a diverse collection of wildlife including deer, groundhogs, and other woodland creatures.  The meadows feature a vivid display of wildflowers that bloom throughout three seasons.

The nature center offers a selection of classes and programs throughout the year, as well as guided tours on Sundays in the spring and fall. Guests can also pick up some birdseed or nature-related books and gifts at The Sunflower Shop.

By now, you’re probably ready to start your visit to Doylestown. The different experiences that await you are sure to tempt you to come explore. This guide can get you started on your journey, and for more information, you can check out the city’s website. Happy travels, whether it’s just for a day or longer! Find your next home in Doylestown, start your search today: www.cbhre.com!