Scenic New Hope Hosts Art Festival

More than 160 artists will line Union Square in historic New Hope, Bucks County this weekend, where they will sell their work at the New Hope Outdoor Arts & Crafts Festival. Primary goals of the festival are to promote arts and crafts traditions, and to uphold the legacy of fine art in New Hope, which has long been renowned as an artists' colony.

"Keeping the tradition of arts and crafts alive in New Hope is important to me. My husband, Fred Eisen, is a leather craftsman in New Hope who also feels the same," said Sharon Flanagan, festival chairperson. "Although I love technology, I also revere working with your hands."

Local and nationally recognized artists and craftspeople are expected to flock to the festival, which will include a juried exhibition organized bythe Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.

The variety of fine art that will be exhibited will be amazing, organizers say.

Oils, pastels, watercolors, drawings, etchings, mixed media, black and white photography, and color photography will represent the world of two dimensional art, while sculpture, wood crafts, rustic furniture and pottery will represent three-dimensional art at the festival.

There will also be a variety of artisans displaying wearable art, including leather apparel, handspun clothing and jewelry made with hand-blown glass beads, semi-precious metals and stones.

Local vendors including Fresh Fruitcup, Papa's Kettle Korn, Tommy T’s Funnel Cake and the Goody Bag will offer a taste of New Hope fare.

“Community spirit and an appreciation for the care that we all take to support this festival is what sets it apart,” Flanagan said. “Not to mention the exceptional quality of the exhibitors.”

Expect live music to fill the streets of the quaint riverside town and children’s activity booths to entertain the little ones.

Festival times are Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Weather permitting, the big weekend will start off with a bang on Friday, with fireworks over the Delaware River at 9:30pm. The festival is a rain or shine event and admission is free.

Visitors have a tendency to fall in love with New Hope, not only for its art-filled galleries but also for its dining, lodging and unique riverside scenery. Situated on the lush banks of the Delaware, directly across from Lambertville, N.J., New Hope has all the makings of a romantic weekend getaway, so why not consider extending your stay?

In addition to its abundance of shops, restaurants and galleries, New Hope is also home to several performance venues, as well as sites of historic and cultural interest. For example, visitors can ride the New Hope & Ivyland railroad or enjoy a walk along the restored canal that's part of the Delware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

A sojourn to New Hope can easily be converted from a day trip to a weekend escape with a reservation at a local B&B. And the Aaron Burr House Bed and Breakfast is a good choice, offering a brilliant blend of contemporary luxury and historic charm near the center of town.

Named after the third vice president of the United States, the inn was Burr's refuge after his infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804.

Each room at the Aaron Burr House has a private jacuzzi bath, free Wi-Fi and television, and some rooms include a fireplace. The complimentary breakfast made with the freshest ingredients can be served in the privacy of your room or in the inn's dining room. Rates range from $125 to $250 per night.

The Aaron Burr House is located at 80 West Bridge Street in New Hope. For reservations, call 1-215-862-2343.