Heading to the shore is the default summer trip, but this year the thought of crowded boardwalks, beach traffic, and shielding a bucket of French fries from dive-bombing seagulls had me less than enthusiastic. Instead, on what happened to be the hottest day of summer, I headed to Peddlers Village in the rolling countryside of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. One of the state’s most unique destinations, Peddler’s Village is a colonial 18th-century style village with over 65+ open-air shops, a 70 room inn, and even a restored working 1922 antique carousel. With 9 restaurants, a taproom, a wine tasting room, and gourmet treats of all kinds, Peddler’s Village is a playground for foodies.
With Pennsylvania country charm nestled in every corner, Peddlers Village is like a real life Mayberry that attracts visitors from all over year-round. One of my favorite things about Peddler’s Village is that in between treasure seeking in postcard perfect country shops, you can also enjoy the outdoors as you stroll through winding brick pathways with lush blooming gardens. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the summer weather while getting some shopping in.
Peddler’s Village History. How it Began With a Farmers Market and a California Dream.
After a few trips to California in the late 1950s and early ’60s, Earl Jamison, a lifelong Bucks County resident who ran a farmers market, found himself in awe of the romantic storybook-style architecture he discovered in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Disneyland. So much so, he was inspired to create something similar back home. With an ability to turn his dreams into reality like Disney himself, Jamison got to work. Securing a $6000 loan from his uncle, Earl purchased an old 6-acre chicken farm in the small town of Lahaska, PA. Seamlessly blending the farm’s original historic buildings into the design of his charming colonial shopping village, Earl opened Peddler’s Village with only 1 restaurant (the Cock n’ Bull) and 14 shops. With much success and growth over the years, Peddler’s Village now spans over 42 acres and is considered one of the region’s favorite destinations for shopping and events year-round.
Don’t Miss The Shops at Peddler’s Village!
Shopping in Peddler’s Village is all about walking into a small charming boutique or shop to see what unique treasures and treats you might find inside.
Ninety-five percent of the shops in Peddler’s Village are locally owned small businesses that carry unique and exclusive products. You’ll find everything from home goods and clothing, to art, collectibles, jewelry, books, toys, and a delicious variety of gourmet specialty foods. Here are a few of our favorite shops in the village!
Experience a Little Christmas In Summertime at Pine Wreath & Candle
Pine Wreath & Candle LTD.
Shop #70, Lahaska, PA 18931
pinewreathandcandle.com
Located across from the gazebo in an early colonial style saltbox and flanked by a working water wheel, Pine and Wreath ltd. is one of most iconic shops at Peddler’s Village, inside and out. Here you can stop in to get a dose of Christmas in summertime while shopping their massive collection of Christmas ornaments and country-style home décor, as well as a huge selection of candles of all shapes and sizes. A great place to grab a souvenir, this shop had me happy and in the holiday spirit even in 95-degree weather.
Become a Kid in a Candy Store Again at Skip’s Candy Corner
Skip’s Candy Corner
27 Street Road, Lahaska, PA 18931
skipscandycorner.com
Skip’s Candy Corner has been going strong in Peddler’s Village for over 35 sweet years. And it’s not hard to understand why. Along with Skip’s contagious Willy Wonka-like passion for sweets, here you’ll find gourmet chocolates and an incredible selection of candy in all its colorful and whimsical forms.
You’ll find chocolate treats like truffles, gourmet pretzels, caramels, turtles, nonpareils, sea salt bark, peppermint patties, cherry cordials, s’mores, and buckeyes that Skip makes with his own curated blend of imported chocolate. My mom, who’s a tough critic, took one bite of Skip’s almond buttercrunch and declared it as the best she’s ever had. I walked into Skip’s shop “not a fudge person” and left there obsessed with every fudge Skip offered us to try. Aside from chocolates, jelly beans, gummies, and fun candy gifts with themes like Pac-Man and I Love Lucy, Skip’s Candy Corner also carries a great selection of hard-to-find vintage candies as well as a line of gourmet nut-free confections manufactured at a special facility. This shop is special all year round, but don’t miss Skip’s special seasonal treats like his watermelon fudge that celebrates summer.
Taste Artisanal Honey at Sticky Situations
Sticky Situations
63 Peddler’s Village. Lahaska, PA 18931
stickysituationshoney.com
Did you know that honey is one of the few foods that never spoils? Or that two tablespoons of honey could fuel a bee’s flight around the world? There’s no doubt that bees are incredible, but after a recent visit to Peddler’s Village and a chat with shop owner Stephen, I now have an even greater appreciation for these pollinators and the wonder that is honey. Stephen, a food chemist who’s an expert in a technique called withholding, knows just what it takes to encourage plants to produce super-concentrated flower nectar that is super irresistible to thirsty bees and also determines the final flavor of their honey. So with 12 bee colonies buzzing on farms all across the country, Sticky Situations offers artisanal raw honey in an incredible selection of flavors I’ve never seen anywhere else. The honey here is 100% raw, which means it’s not heated or processed, and this is important in preserving the honey’s beneficial nutrients and flavors.
We had a great time tasting all the honey here while discovering where each was from and suggestions of what each could be paired with. We had to take home the dark chocolate, habanero, ginger, and anise honey, but their blueberry, raspberry, and green apple honey had me dreaming up ways I could infuse them into my next baking project. You’re going to want to stock up for yourself (and we don’t blame you), but stop in if you need a unique gift for the foodie in your life.
Kick Up Your Cooking Game with Gourmet Infused Oils and Vinegars at Extra Virgin.
Extra Virgin
64 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
extravirginoilstore.com
To continue the gourmet tasting experience, we headed next door to Stephen’s sister store Extra Virgin. Inspired by a passion for the fresh high-quality foods he enjoyed growing up on the Amalfi Coast, owner Stephen opened Extra Virgin with the purpose of offering premium artisan olive oils and infused bottles of vinegar. This creative shop offers an in-store experience similar to a wine tasting. It’s all about the flavors here and as you browse the shop, you’re encouraged to give everything a taste. When you find your favorites, you can then have your oil and vinegar selections blended at their bar so you can discover which combinations speak to your palette oil. Pretty cool right?
One delicious flavor combination we tried that Stephen referred to as “Sicily in a jar,” was a mix of their Meyer lemon-infused olive oil and their Blood Orange Vinegar. Absolutely perfect for summer! Besides olive, Extra Virgin also has a variety of other flavor-infused oils like their green tea avocado oil, guacamole avocado oil, toasted walnut grapeseed oil, and sriracha grapeseed oil. There’s also imported Italian pasta in a variety of shapes and colors that will knock your socks off.
Inferno
161 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
infernopeddlersvillage.com
Our philosophy is, the spicier the better, so when we discovered a hot sauce tasting room just a few steps from our room, we were determined to find new ways to set our mouths on fire. The newest kid on the block here in the village, Inferno carries over 75 gourmet hot sauces, all of which you can try before you buy. Many of the hot sauces are Inferno’s own unique recipes, but they also carry a large selection of sauce brands from around the globe. One of the first things you’ll notice in the shop is the huge mural of a Scoville meter hanging over the shelves toward the back. Not only a pretty picture, it also serves as the guide for Inferno’s own taste test challenge. Can you see where this is going?
Discover Jerky of All Kinds at the Bucks County House of Jerky
Bucks County House of Jerky
69 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
buckscountyjerky.com
With more people on the search for healthy, high-protein snacks, jerky seems to be more popular than ever. If you love the stuff as much as we do, you’ll be excited to find out that Peddlers Village has its very own shop dedicated to all things jerky. Perfect for gifts or stocking your pantry, Bucks County House of Jerky carries one of the biggest varieties of jerky we’ve ever seen. That means in addition to a variety of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, they also offer jerky from a huge selection of protein sources.
You’ll find beef, bison, turkey, elk, and even plant-based varieties too. One bite of their mushroom jerky and we were shocked at “meaty” and yummy it was. If eating plants isn’t your idea of being an adventurous eater, then you can stroll over to their exotic jerky section which includes alligator, python, and more. A great place to stop if you’re putting together a gift, you’ll also find a variety of snacks, nuts, and yummy treats.
Take Your Pantry to the Next Level with Spices from Around The World at Savory Spice
Savory Spice
32 Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA 18938
https://www.savoryspiceshop.com/
If you’re on a quest to perfect your chili recipe, make the ultimate BBQ sauce, steak rub, or just looking to experiment with some new flavors, then you won’t want to miss Savory Spice. Tucked on a corner, this shop carries a huge selection of sweet and savory herbs, spices, and their own spice blends from every corner of the world. Think flavors like New Mexican chile powder, Madras curry powder, Chinese five-spice, as well as exotic flavors like Dutch Blue Poppy, black sesame Moroccan saffron, and Grains of Paradise. If you love to bake, Savory Spice also has a variety of vanilla beans, vanilla bean pastes, cocoa powders, extracts, and flavored sugars from around the world that can help you put that extra special touch on your baked goods.
The staff here is super knowledgeable and they always give me spot-on advice when I’m not sure what to choose. What’s also great is that the spices come in a variety of sizes, so you can experiment a bit before committing to larger sizes. Some of my personal favorite spices here are their tandoori seasoning, crushed Aleppo pepper, and Madagascar vanilla bean powder.
Where to Eat and Drink in Peddler’s Village
After strolling and shopping through Peddler’s Village you’re absolutely going to get hungry and thirsty. But that doesn’t mean you have to get in your car. Peddler’s Village has plenty of food and drink options, whether you’re looking for a sweet treat, a glass of wine, a casual bite, or a full dinner with apps, cocktails and dessert. Takeout meals are also available from all restaurants and eateries, with plenty of tables available around this scenic property. Here’s some of our favorite options!
Relax and Enjoy a Wine Flight or a Wine Slushy at Nissley Vineyard’s at Peddler’s Village
Nissley Vineyards at Peddler’s Village
45 Peddlers Village, New Hope, PA 18938
https://nissleywine.com/
Any day with wine is a good day. And one of the best spots in the village to unwind with glass is at the Nissley Vineyards Tasting Room. This satellite location to the winery located in Bainbridge, PA sells their award-winning, locally loved and produced wines by the glass, and offers wine tastings and full bottles to-go.
One of the many things we love about Nissley Vineyards is that they always seem to find a way to make drinking a glass of wine even more enjoyable. In the summer that means wine slushies! When the weather’s nice, we recommend you sit out front on their patio to enjoy the quaint village vibes, but their airy lounge is nice too if you prefer to stay cool inside.
Eat all the Cupcakes You Can Handle at The Lucky Cupcake Company
The Lucky Cupcake Company
29 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
https://theluckycupcakecompany.com/
Grab Some Coffee and the Best Cinnamon Buns Ever at Mama Hawk’s
Mama Hawk’s Kitchen and Coffee
58 Peddlers Village Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931
mamahawks.com
When my caffeine craving hits in the village, one of my favorite go-to’s is Mama Hawk’s. This adorable coffee house with modern farmhouse vibes and both indoor and outdoor seating serves up a variety of specialty coffees and delicious house made baked goods, bagels, cookies, muffins as well as paninis and pizzas. But there’s one thing you can’t miss here: the cinnamon buns. Fluffy, chewy, and perfectly glazed, these little pillows of heaven are baked fresh daily in a variety of special flavors. The coffee is great here, but whatever you do make sure to grab some buns to go. You can thank me later.
Try an Authentic Style Liege Waffle Topped With Gourmet Ice-Cream at Nina’s Waffles & Ice-Cream
Nina’s Waffles & Ice-Cream
18 Street Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
ninaswaffles.com
Walking around in the village on a hot summer day, we made a beeline for Nina’s Waffles & Ice-Cream when it was time for a treat. Along with small-batch ice cream in some seriously delicious flavors, Nina’s specializes in Liege waffles. Another Belgium born waffle made famous by the city it was named after, Liege waffles are made with a brioche-style yeast dough instead of a batter.
Before being pressed they’re sprinkled with a coarse sugar that creates a lovely caramelization on the outside of the waffle once heated. Delightfully dense and chewy, what sets these waffles apart is the slight crunch you get from the caramelization of the sugar along the waffle’s irregular edges. A freshly made Liege waffle at Nina’s is a treat all on its own but we topped ours with a scoop of their Madagascar vanilla ice cream with chunks of saltine cracker brittle, bits of toffee, and chocolate called Mad Crack. One bite and we fell in love. If you’re grabbing some ice cream to walk around with, waffle cones and cups are also available. Don’t miss out on the toppings like dulce de leche, whipped cream, and sprinkles!
Dine at Cock ‘n Bull, Peddler’s Village Flagship Restaurant
Cock ‘n Bull
Route 263 and, Street Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931
Peddlersvillage.com
The first restaurant in the village, and about to celebrate its 60th year in business (simply amazing), the Cock ‘n Bull has been a tradition for the locals here for generations. Recently they’ve revamped the menu with fresh, new and seasonal dishes inspired by southern and international cuisine while preserving favorite long-time Cock ‘n Bull classics like their Chicken Pot Pie and French Onion Soup. We ordered and loved the Buttermilk Fried Chicken appetizer served over cornbread and drizzled with bourbon honey syrup. It’s incredible.
We also tried the Pan-Grill Branzino, which was fresh, buttery, and prepared perfectly. Their classic Short Rib Burgundy, which is marinated and served in a sourdough bread bowl, was also hearty and satisfying. For next time, we have our eye on one of their newest and most popular dishes – the Voodoo Pasta, made with scallops, sweet bell peppers, and andouille sausage in a blistered tomato-garlic sauce over linguini. Don’t leave without trying one of their house-made desserts. We ordered the Deep Dish Apple Pie served with creamy vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel. It was the perfect sweet ending to a delicious dinner. With the Cock ‘n Bull’s colonial Pennsylvania country charm and the wonderful service we received from our server Jean, who has incredibly been there for over 35 years, there’s no doubt will be making a return.
Head to the Buttonwood Grill for Award Winning Burgers
Buttonwood Grill
Route 202 and Street Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931
https://buttonwoodgrill.com/
When the craving for a burger hits, be sure to head to Buttonwood Grill, where the motto here is “Great Food…Good Friends…Fun Times.” Serving a menu of their own signature award-winning Buttonwood burgers, along with delicious stone-fired thin-crust pizzas, creative salads, and a variety of delicious appetizers, there are some great eats to be had here. A spacious casual restaurant with friendly and attentive service, Buttonwood Grill serves lunch, and dinner, along with craft beer, wine, and original cocktails. They also offer a yummy breakfast with some really great coffee. Later in the day when the weather’s nice, Happy Hour is the perfect time to relax on their outdoor deck.
Earl’s New American is the Place for Prime Steaks and Seafood at Peddler’s Village
EARL’S New American
2400 Street Rd. New Hope, PA 18938
https://earlsnewamerican.com/
For casual dining in a refined, rustic-modern setting, Earl’s New American offers a menu inspired by farm-to-table ingredients and infusions of both local and international flavors. They have everything from raw bar options and steaks, to a lovely variety of appetizers, salads, fresh seafood, and pasta dishes. Some of our favorite dishes include the lobster dumplings appetizer, the chopped salad, and the she-crab soup. On a recent visit, we found the Steak Frites – a perfectly cooked steak paired with house-made crispy hot house-cut fries, and saffron aioli totally hit the spot.
Their dim sum donuts served up in a Chinese takeout container alongside raspberry, chocolate, and vanilla dipping sauces are a fun way to finish your meal with something sweet. Earl’s New American is open for lunch and dinner and has a lovely patio for outdoor dining. Find it right across the street from the Golden Plough’s main building.
Enjoy Brunch All Day Long at FRESCAFE
FRESCAFE
Shop #7 Peddler’s Village Lahaska PA 18931
https://www.frescafepa.com/
With modern rustic vibes in a cozy space as well as lots of outdoor seating, FresCafe is the spot to go if you’re looking for fresh and creative casual comfort food. Located directly across the courtyard from Earl’s New American, FresCafe serves both breakfast and lunch all day. You’ll find a variety of creative brunch-inspired fare and healthy menu items including salads, warm sandwiches, gourmet grilled cheeses, juices, and coffee drinks. Don’t miss the Cuban Sandwich here!
What is the Best Time to Visit Peddlers Village in the Summer?
There’s always something being celebrated at Peddler’s Village, and the summer is no exception. Visit in July for their Bluegrass and Blueberries festival where they offer special blueberry-themed food and drinks specials at the shops and restaurants throughout the village. On the weekends there’s live entertainment and casual bites are served outdoors at their Water Wheel Food Tent.
If you can’t make it in July, August is Peach Month, where you’ll find peach-flavored food and drink specials throughout the village as well as many shops offering sidewalk sales.
Check their full calendar of scheduled events here.
Tips For Getting Around Peddlers Village
On my first trip to Peddlers Village, I went map-free and got a handle on the layout pretty quickly. But if you like to “know before you go” head over to their Hospitality Center in the lobby of the Cock ’n Bull Restaurant for recommendations, physical maps, and local info.
Go Monday to Thursday to Beat Weekend Crowds – Most big events take place on the weekends, which means lots of people. Visiting midweek had us feeling like we had the place to ourselves. Certain shops do close by 5 pm during the week, so be sure to give yourself enough time to explore.
Enjoy Plenty of Outdoor Dining – Whether you’re concerned about Covid or just love being outside in summer, 5 restaurants in the village offer full-service outdoor dining restaurants. All the restaurants offer takeout that can be enjoyed at one of the many outdoor tables. Picnic blankets are welcome in designated grassy areas.
Parking is Free: The village is surrounded by many parking lots which are all free for visitors. Guests at the Golden Plough Inn are assigned personal parking spots close to their rooms, located throughout the village.
Make it a Getaway – Day trips here are great, but staying overnight is our favorite way to roll. There’s no need to rush out to beat the traffic and we can relax between meals. The Golden Plough Inn rooms are lovely and quiet, plus in the mornings, the gardens here are such a lovely place to enjoy your coffee. It’s really great for romantic getaways, families, or shopping trips with friends.
Bring a Cooler Bag – There are so many great things to try here, but honestly, there’s only so much a person can eat in a day. Instead of missing out, we like to pack a cooler bag to keep our gourmet treats or leftovers cool on the ride home. In the meantime, if you’re staying overnight, the Golden Plough rooms also have mini-fridges to keep your food and drinks cold until you’re ready to leave.
Don’t Miss the Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale (August 6-8 ) – If you love a good sale (and really who doesn’t?), don’t miss the annual summer sidewalk sale where the shops line up their best summer bargains and specials.
More Ways to Save $ – Before visiting, be sure to download the Peddler’s Village mobile app (available on iTunes and Google Play) for help finding your way around, but also to access special store coupons! Check out their special summer packages for discounted overnight stays at the Golden Plough Inn. Active duty military, veterans, and seniors get 10% off at the Golden Plough Inn, Buttonwood Grill, Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant, Earl’s New American, Hart’s Tavern, and Giggleberry Fair, Mondays through Thursdays.
Do the Peddlers Village Scavenger Hunt, Win a Prize! : In the app, if you can find the scavenger hunt inside that will take you all over the village. Answer the questions correctly, you’ll be led to a prize! Hint: it’s edible so you may want to complete it before you sit down for a big meal.
Bring your Pooch – The grounds of the village are dog friendly and you’re welcome to eat with your pooch outside on the patio at Earl’s. While The Golden Plough Inn does not currently accommodate pets, there are hotels & AirBNB’s in the area that do. Don’t forget to visit pet-friendly boutiques The Total Animal and Tails of the Village.
Where to Stay at Peddler’s Village
Golden Plough Inn
5883 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Goldenploughinn.com
If you’re planning on an overnight stay, the best part besides more time to spend here is that you never have to leave the comfort of this charming little village. The onsite Golden Plough Inn has over 70 rooms throughout the village as well as in their main Inn building, which was originally a tavern dating back to the 1850s.
While the decor and furnishings here are inspired by fine country inns, modern necessities like flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi are also included. With a variety of room categories and sizes to choose from, the Golden Plough easily accommodates you whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or for a little romance. We’ve always found the rooms spacious, and many have whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces which can be a welcome dose of relaxation after a long day of shopping and eating.
Is There Parking and Admission Fees at Peddler’s Village?
Peddler’s Village has no admission fee. There’s also plenty of free parking throughout the village. Every guest at the Golden Plough Inn gets an assigned personal parking space located conveniently to their room. As a guest, you’re still free to drive and park anywhere you like as long as it’s not reserved.
Where is Peddler’s Village Located?
Peddler’s Village is located in the village of Lahaska in Bucks County, Pennsylvania at the intersection of Route 202 and Route 263. Lahaska was first settled in 1701.
Address: 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, PA 18938
How to Get To Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village is only 10 minutes west of New Hope and 15 minutes east of Doylestown. Close to many major cities, it’s:
- 60 minutes to Philadelphia
- 90 minutes to New York City
- 90 minutes to Lancaster, PA
- 3 hours to Washington D.C.
Driving tip: Peddler’s Village will most likely show up in your GPS as being located in New Hope. Enter 2400 Street Road New Hope, PA 18938 and you’ll be sure to get there.
Peddler’s Village is open year round and equally wonderful around the holidays. See more below!
➡ Scarecrows, Ghosts, and Fall Fun at Peddler’s Village
➡ Springtime And The Strawberry Festival At Peddler’s Village
➡ For a Safe & Socially Distant Holiday Getaway Visit Peddler’s Village
➡ Peddler’s Village In Bucks County, PA Is A Holiday Winter Wonderland
Source by onbetterliving.com
