If you’re a Philadelphian seeking a day-long getaway with some small-town charm, I’ve got a great recommendation for you: Doylestown.
Located about 35 miles north of Center City, Doylestown is the seat of Bucks County. It’s got enough museums, shops, and eateries to fill a day’s agenda, but not so many that visiting is overwhelming. The borough is also walkable, cute, accessible from Philly by public transit, and kind of just gives off a Stars Hollow vibe, in my opinion. (Any “Gilmore Girls” fans out there?)
Have I got you intrigued? If so, here are some recommendations for how to spend a day there.
🏰 Pick a Museum (or Two)
For a town with a population of less than 10,000, Doylestown actually has quite a few museums.
At the Mercer Museum — a century-old, six-story concrete castle — you can take a self-guided tour of pre-industrial tools displayed in the building’s nooks and crannies, and suspended from the ceiling. Think hornsmithing (i.e. comb-making) tools, weathervanes, animal-powered treadmills, and even a whaleboat. It’s an intriguing (and quirky) space where you could certainly spend a few hours, but be advised that the hallways are narrow and most of the museum lacks A/C.
You might want to avoid the Mercer Museum if you’ve got a major fear of things falling on your head. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
If you want to enjoy a more climate-controlled space with a great art collection, the Michener Museum is right next door and features both permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions. Early last year, I saw a cool showcase there that focused on historic shoes.
A couple other options (which I haven’t had the chance to personally visit yet): Take a guided tour of Fonthill Castle, the personal residence of the archaeologist and ceramist Henry Chapman Mercer (yes, that’s the guy who started the Mercer Museum), or visit Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a historic factory that was also built by Mercer.
🥯 Track Down a Little Treat
I’ll direct you to Reddit or Visit Bucks County for sit-down restaurant recs, but I’ve got a few tips for you from my personal area of expertise: little treats.
Bagel Barrel recently served me the most blue blueberry bagel I’ve ever had in my life (taste and texture were both 💯). And I can never summon the willpower to hold myself back from grabbing something sweet from Evolution Candy.
Tiny candy shops rarely fail to disappoint. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
If it’s something savory you seek, check out the daily selection at Empanada Mama’s walkup window (and don’t sleep on the dipping sauces). If you want to take a break and catch a glimpse of the Phillies game, drop by Coach’s Steak and Hoagie House to snack on a pile of fries.
🛍️ Shop ’Til You Drop
I definitely don’t have space to describe all of Doylestown’s small businesses, from clothing boutiques to jewelry stores to a video game shop that has some old-school classics. Take a stroll down Main Street and State Street (and duck onto the side streets, too) to see what catches your eye.
Speaking from my own personal experience, I can never visit Doylestown without browsing the bargain-priced books at Central Books and seeing what’s new or recommended at The Doylestown Bookshop.
If you pass by Central Books, you may see some great bargains on the porch! (FYI: The sign on the bookstore’s porch actually says “Bucks County Bookshop,” not Central Books.) (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)
🚆 Getting There
From most areas of the city, you can drive to Doylestown in less than an hour and a half. You can also opt to ride SEPTA Regional Rail’s Lansdale/Doylestown Line all the way to the last stop, which takes about an hour and 20 minutes from Center City. Doylestown is pretty walkable, so you’re not likely to miss your car while you’re there — just be sure you check the train schedules ahead of time so you don’t miss your return trip!
