Welcome to New Hope, Pennsylvania—the queerest small town in the state and ranked the #1 small town in the U.S. for arts and culture by Travel + Leisure. Just over an hour from Philadelphia and nestled along the Delaware River, New Hope has been a safe haven for queer travelers, artists, and creatives since the 1940s. It was also recently named one of the top leaf-peeping destinations in the U.S. by Forbes, and it continues to thrive year-round as a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, solo trip, or fun group getaway, New Hope has a little something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can either take it easy and relax all weekend or pack your itinerary with fun things to do, see and eat. Shop New Hope’s vibrant Main Street, filled with queer-owned shops, vintage and thrift stores, art galleries, live music venues, and farm-to-table restaurants.
In this LGBTQIA+ travel guide, in partnership with Visit PA, you’ll find everything you need to plan your gaycation to New Hope and surrounding Bucks County, including where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and a roundup of LGBTQIA+-owned and -friendly businesses to support. Safe travels!!
Why is New Hope So Queer..?!!
New Hope has always been a magnet to artists and creatives thanks to its mix of natural beauty and artistic energy. In the 1940s, it became a retreat for Broadway-bound actors and musicians looking for a break from city life. The Bucks County Playhouse, which opened in 1939, brought waves of performers and storytellers to town. That artsy, open-minded energy made New Hope a place where queer folks could find connection and community. By the 1950s, it was already seen as a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ people and travelers.
In 2002, New Hope became the first borough in Pennsylvania to pass a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQIA+ folks in housing, employment, and public accommodations. And today, organizations like New Hope Celebrates help preserve and amplify the town’s queer legacy.
As a trans couple, Oliver and I felt super safe in New Hope. We saw other queer couples, held hands in public, and met LGBTQIA+ locals who shared how much they genuinely love living there. One trans business owner we chatted with told us she recently moved back because New Hope is one of the few places where she feels free to be herself. From our short visit, it was clear that this is a town where queer people aren’t just accepted—they’re an integral part of the heart and soul of the community. Pride flags line Main Street, and you’ll find openly queer-owned businesses, events, and a strong “come as you are” vibe. New Hope Celebrates hosts an annual PrideFest every May featuring a riverfront parade, drag shows, art installations as well as community programming year-round.
That said, this was our personal experience as a white trans couple. Please stay informed about local and state laws and always travel with awareness and care.
Best Time to Visit
May: PrideFest
If you’re planning a spring visit, May is one of the most vibrant (and gayest) to visit New Hope thanks to PrideFest. The town comes alive with a riverfront parade, drag shows, pop-up markets, and live performances. Hotels and restaurants book up fast, so book in advance and plan ahead. Check out this list of LGBTQIA+ events in PA.
Fall
Fall is arguably the most magical season in New Hope. Recently named one of the top leaf-peeping destinations in the U.S. by Priceline, the town comes alive with vibrant foliage, seasonal shop displays, and a cozy, slightly witchy vibe. It’s a great time for scenic train rides, crisp autumn hikes, and browsing local shops filled with fall and Halloween decor.
Winter
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic getaway, consider visiting in the winter. Many of the inns and shops go all out with seasonal decor, and local restaurants offer comfort meals. Enjoy fireplace lounges, boutique holiday shopping, festive decorations, and iconic holiday lights along the Delaware River.
Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit New Hope. As the weather starts to warm up, the town comes alive with flowering trees, colorful blooms, and outdoor patios reopening for the season. With lighter crowds, you’ll have more space to explore local farmers markets, browse shops, and enjoy the charm of town at a slower, more relaxed pace. Many restaurants and small businesses also roll out their seasonal menus and extended hours.
How to Get There
From Chicago or most major cities, fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Rent a car—New Hope is about a 1.5-hour scenic drive from the airport.
If you’re coming from New York City, it’s around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. From Washington, DC, it’s just over 3 hours, and from Baltimore, about 2.5 hours. The town is also accessible by train and bus, though I recommend having a car for more flexibility to explore.
Where to Stay
Logan Inn
Stay at the Logan Inn, the longest continuously operating inn in the U.S. Dating back to 1727, it’s historic, elegant, and conveniently located on Main Street. It’s walkable to nearly everything and has a delicious on-site restaurant, bar and cozy whiskey lounge. I recommend booking a room with a river view if you can. Parking is available on-site (valet for $15/night).
Other Options
New Hope has several charming locally-owned and LGBTQIA+-friendly bed and breakfasts. The Wishing Well or Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn are both walkable and highly recommended. Be sure to book early if you’re visiting during peak seasons.
Where to Eat
Quick Breakfast: Ferry Market is an indoor food hall across from The Logan Inn with both indoor and outdoor seating. Grab coffee at SkyRoast Coffee and a vegan breakfast sandwich at The Vegan Butcher.
Brunch or lunch: If you’re planning to catch a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, grab a meal at Playhouse Deck (the theater’s on-site restaurant) beforehand. It’s situated directly behind the historic theater and offers breathtaking views of the Delaware River as well as delicious cocktails and food. I recommend their buffalo chicken flatbread and spinach salad.
Dinner: Located inside the historic Logan Inn, Landmark Tavern is a cozy-yet-upscale spot perfect for unwinding after your first day in New Hope. The menu features seasonal American dishes, fresh seafood and an extensive cocktail and wine list. I highly recommend the filet mignon, salmon, raw oysters, and their gin-based specialty cocktail.
Dinner: Karla’s Restaurant & Bar has been a New Hope staple since 1978, Karla’s is famous for having the “best martinis in town,” and European-inspired comfort food. It’s a longtime favorite among LGBTQIA+ locals and visitors, with colorful decor and great brunch and dinner menus. Most of the staff is queer and they sponsor a lot of LGBTQIA+ events in the community. We split their Tony’s vodka rigatoni and pan seared scallops: 100/10.
Sweet Treats: Head to Moo Hope Ice Cream, a cow-themed ice cream shop, for small-batch homemade ice cream, including vegan options (vegan cookies and cream pictured below) or Nina’s Waffles is famous for a little something more fancy. If you’re a gelato fan, Gelato Shop New Hope offers fresh Italian gelato with an array of dairy-free options.
LGBTQIA+ Nightlife
Most bars in town are queer-friendly and mixed.
- The Cub Room: The town’s only official gay bar (lesbian-owned, note: it’s a 20+ minute walk outside of town)
- Havana: Queer-friendly live music venue with a patio ($10 cover charge on the weekends)
- John & Peter’s: Queer-friendly hole-in-the-wall dive bar and live music venue
Queer-Owned & Friendly Businesses in New Hope
New Hope is home to a vibrant array of queer-owned and queer-friendly businesses. Very few establishments explicitly state that they are queer-owned. I find this to be common in smaller towns and among older generations. To support LGBTQIA+-owned and -friendly businesses, I recommend looking out for New Hope Celebrate signs and Pride flags in store windows and asking locals for recommendations.
For a comprehensive directory of LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses in New Hope, check out New Hope Celebrates’ Out and About Directory and the PrideTownConnect directory. Here are some of my favorites:
- Love Saves the Day: A vintage staple in the community filled with vintage clothing, accessories, and 80s/90s collectibles
- Wax N Scent Studio (Black-owned): an affordable and fun DIY candle-making workshop
- Ditto Vintage: Curated vintage shop featuring Y2K, femme fashion, and upcycled pieces
- Night Bird Vintage: Vintage shop offering a wide variety of vintage clothing including retro sportswear and unique designer pieces for all gender expressions.
Here is a full list of LGBTQIA+-friendly shops in New Hope
Things to Do in New Hope
- Enjoy a scenic ride on a vintage train at New Hope Railroad
- Explore Parry Mansion Museum
- Visit the New Hope Arts Center
- Walk or bike along Delaware Canal State Park
- Go see Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
- Shop New Hope’s vibrant Mainstreet
- Take a candle-making class at Wax N Scent (Black-owned)
- Catch a show at Bucks County Playhouse
- Grab vegan ice cream at Moo Hope and take a stroll by the river
Day Trip: Peddler’s Village
Located about 10 minutes from New Hope, Peddler’s Village is a charming shopping village with cobblestone paths, gardens, and 60+ specialty shops. Here are a few quick recommendations:
- Sticky Situations: Taste local honey and maple syrups
- Lahaska Bookshop: Independent bookstore with nice queer book selection
- Ice Imports: Crystals, unique home goods, and gifts
- Free Will Brewing: Local beers and cozy patio
Day Trip: Doylestown
Just a 20-minute drive from New Hope, Doylestown is a charming, LGBTQIA+-friendly town rich in history, culture and community. Its walkable downtown is lined with independent shops, cozy cafes, and local restaurants.
There is a permanent Progress Pride flag crosswalk located at Printer’s Alley and East State Street. Approved unanimously by the borough council in 2023, funded entirely through community donations!
Here are top queer-friendly things to do and best places to eat in Doylestown:
The Doylestown Bookshop
The Doylestown Bookshop offers a wide selection of new and nearly new books across various genres, from classic literature to current bestsellers.
Siren Records
Siren Records boasts an extensive collection of new, used, and collectible vinyl LPs, CDs, and DVDs.
Main Street Sports & Social
A fun, modern venue offering indoor bowling, golf simulators, putt putt and cocktails. Main Street Sports & Social perfect for groups or a rainy day hang.
James A. Michener Art Museum
Housed within the old stone walls of a 19th-century prison, the James A. Michener Art Museum showcases more than 2,700 works of art, including Pennsylvania Impressionism as well as rotating exhibitions featuring both regional and national artists. Find current exhibitions and more information here.
Mercer Museum
The Mercer Museum showcases over 40,000 early American artifacts collected by archaeologist Henry Chapman Mercer. The museum, built in 1916, is a six-story concrete castle that offers a unique glimpse into pre-industrial American life.
Side Bar
Located inside the Main Street Marketplace, Side Bar is a neighborhood bar and restaurant with elevated pub food, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Genevieve’s Kitchen
Genevieve’s Kitchen (BYOB) offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with menu items crafted from locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great spot for date night! I recommend their seared lamb chops, soups and salads, and crabcake entree.
Mandee’s Treats
Mandee’s Treats is known for its delicious cookie bars and soft serve ice cream.
VAMPA: Vampire Art Museum and Paranormal Activity
VAMPA is a unique museum dedicated to vampire art and paranormal artifacts. The museum offers an immersive (and very unique!!) experience for those interested in spooky and paranormal travel.
3-Day LGBTQ+ Weekend Itinerary to New Hope, PA
Day 1:
- Arrive + check-in at Logan Inn
- Explore Main Street
- Dinner at Landmark Tavern (inside Logan Inn)
- Ice cream at Moo Hope or a sweet treat at Nina’s Waffles
Day 2:
- Grab coffee at Ferry Market
- Enjoy a morning walk by the river + bridge
- Day trip to Peddler’s Village (10 min drive from New Hope)
- Head to Doylestown (10 min drive from Peddler’s Village)
- Lunch at Side Bar
- Shop main street
- Explore museums (Mercer Museum, James A. Michener Art Museum, or Vampire Museum)
- Dinner at Genevieve’s
- Drinks at The Cub Room or Havana
Day 3:
- New Hope scenic train ride
- Brunch at Playhouse Deck
- Catch a show at Playhouse Theater
- Candle-making at Wax N Scent
- Last-minute shopping
- Lunch/dinner at Karla’s
- Depart
LGBTQIA+ Resources
New Hope Celebrates is the hub of queer culture and events in town, hosting major events like PrideFest and running year-round programming that uplifts and connects the local community. Their online History Archive is also worth checking out; it’s full of stories, milestones, and photos that highlight the rich, often overlooked queer history of Bucks County. For the latest updates on events, businesses, and queer happenings in the area, follow @visitbuckspa, @visitnewhope, and @thecubroomnewhope on Instagram.
Overall, we absolutely loved our trip to New Hope. It’s one of those places that leaves a lasting impression and makes you want to come back year after year. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a solo trip, or a queer-friendly getaway with friends, New Hope has something for everyone. If you’ve already been, I’d love to hear your favorite spots and recommendations, drop them in the comments! And if you’re planning your first visit, feel free to leave questions below or reach out on Instagram @explorewithchase. I’m always happy to help! -Chase
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