Neighborhood Spotlight: Ottsville, PA

What to do, where to dine and shop, and what you don’t want to miss

Ottsville is an unincorporated community in Bucks County, located in Tinicum Township. It is one of the oldest villages in the northern region of Bucks County. Settlers first established a church in the area in 1738. The former name of Ottsville was Red Hill and the Red Hill Church and School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, in 1814, a post office was established and the name was changed to Ottsville (after postmaster Michael Ott). The change was primarily because there was already a Red Hill post office in Montgomery County

The Vibe

The overall vibe of Ottsville is a rural, family-friendly community that offers ample opportunities for shopping, dining, and exploring. There are also lots of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with scenic areas available to picnic, hike, and camp.

Where to Eat and Drink

When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, check out one of these local restaurants in Ottsville.

Brig O’Doon Coffee House — This local coffee shop strives to provide a comfortable place for people to gather, enjoy each other’s company, and sip on incredible coffee. It opened in 2007 in the old Ottsville general store. Stop in for a bite to eat, catch up with a friend, or relax solo as you savor a cup of joe.

Tohickon Restaurant and Tavern — Whether you want to grab something to eat or just kick back with some friends and a few beers, Tohickon is the place to be. It offers 30 drafts on tap and also provides a huge assortment of take-out beers. They have new dinner and lunch specials every day and offer drink specials Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Ottsville Inn — The Ottsville Inn has been a stand-out establishment in the area since 1873. It offers continental dining with an assortment of dishes and desserts in a quaint atmosphere. The bar serves beer on tap, and you can enjoy a meal or drinks in the charming interior. Or take in the fresh air as you dine on the porch. 

Where to Shop

Whether you’re looking for something special for a friend or browsing for yourself, there are several shopping opportunities in Ottsville.

Tinicum Guitar Barn — The Guitar Barn showcases a wide selection of used and vintage guitars, including acoustic, electric, and bass. They also carry amps, mandolins, ukuleles, and other items for experienced and aspiring musicians. The owners are knowledgeable friendly and ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Carter Handcrafted Furniture — Mark Carter founded this local furniture store in 1974 in an old bank barn. They now have over 12,000 square feet of showroom space, featuring solid wood furnishings from their onsite workshop. They build each piece with the customer in mind, so you can always find handcrafted, unique pieces.

Penn Vermont Fruit Farm — Pay a visit to this local farm to find home-grown vegetables and fruits. The farm has a pick-your-own model and a stand where you can purchase a variety of goodies. They also host events, like a pumpkin patch and hayride in the fall.

Three Things You Shouldn’t Miss

Save some time in your schedule to visit some of the stand-out attractions in Ottsville, Pennsylvania.

Steven Snyder Sculpture — Steven Snyder is a local resident of Bucks County who has been creating impressive stone sculptures since 1981. He is self-taught and much of his work is inspired by early Pennsylvanian stone architecture. You can visit the stoneworks to see his creations and meet the artist.

Beaver Valley Campgrounds — If you’re in the camping mood, then take the whole family to Beaver Valley for a relaxing, fun-filled weekend (or longer). The campgrounds are serene and well-maintained, and feature a variety of activities, including basketball, swimming, and shuffleboard. It’s also near many area attractions like the Crayola Factory, Peddlers Village, and Sesame Place.

Pie Bird Farm — This 58-acre farm dates back to the 1860s and is run by husband and wife Jennifer Brodsky and Eric Theesfeld. Their focus is to develop a community gathering place that hosts workshops, events, and various opportunities for family-friendly experiences. They make their pies from scratch and use organic ingredients and local fruits.

If you’re preparing to visit Ottsville in Tinicum Township in Bucks County, these places are great places to start your adventures. Enjoy your visit!