Philadelphia, PA (June 1, 2023): With summer coming up right around the corner, the great outdoors awaits and beckons with natural breezes, vistas, beaches, and trails galore to explore. From the seaside nook of Galloway, New Jersey, to the picturesque towns of Phoenixville and New Hope, Pennsylvania, and idyllic Tamworth, New Hampshire, we’ve selected some of the best locales to eat, drink and sleep along some of the East Coasts’ more iconic summer destinations for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a bite, a beverage, and a breather while on the move.
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NEW HOPE, PA
This adorable little town offers a perfect blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and a thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore the Parry Mansion Museum to learn about the town’s founding families or take a stroll along the Delaware Canal towpath for stunning river views. The town’s vibrant arts scene has been rooted in the LGBTQ+ community for decades, dating back to the opening of the Bucks County Playhouse in 1939 when New Hope was “discovered” and became a popular hangout for performers, musicians, actors and artists, and more. Today, New Hope is an eclectic town full of diverse artists, art galleries, antique shops, vintage clothing storers, a robust theater scene and is an overall celebrated destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially during New Hope’s annual PrideFest. Satisfy culinary cravings with a range of farm-to-table and classic American cuisine options and indulge in a unique shopping experience at Peddler’s Village. Visitors can end their day with a sunset river cruise or a drink at one of the cozy bars and pubs. New Hope is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable getaway.
- Located just a few minute bike ride and 12 minute walk from the towpath entrance in Lambertville, NJ at the end of the iconic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, Ghost Light Inn, a luxury 12-room boutique hotel located in the heart of New Hope, Pennsylvania, offers hikers, bikers, horseback riders and the like a nightly respite with elegant Riverview rooms perfect for a scenic overnight stay. Ramblers traveling with dogs are also welcome as the hotel is pet-friendly! For more information about Ghost Light Inn and to inquire about availability, click here.
50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 · 267.740.7131 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
- For those looking for a bite or beverage while exploring the Delaware Canal Towpath, Ghost Light Inn’s in-house modern American restaurant Stella of New Hope offers visitors sprawling views of the Delaware River only a quick trek from the towpath. Open Tuesday-Sunday for indoor, outdoor and riverside dining, as well as carry-out. Helmed by Executive Chef Michael O’Halloran, who emerged victorious on Beat Bobby Flay in 2022, the restaurant prides itself on sourcing all of its ingredients from local farms and purveyors.
50 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938 · 267.740.7131 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
- Just a short walking distance from Ghost Light Inn, guests can check into sister property Carriage House of New Hope, a historic three-room, hybrid B&B style and home rental incorporating the luxury and sophistication of modern amenities with the natural beauty of the Delaware River. Each suite is uniquely designed with the utmost attention to detail, blending classic elegance with modern comforts. Guests can relax on their private patios and balconies with unforgettable views, or check in with the concierge for restaurant reservations, wine tastings, boat tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and much more.
8 East Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA 18938 · 267.740.7131 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
TAMWORTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
In close proximity to Boston, New York, and Montreal, Tamworth is a little New England town in the heart of the White Mountains, offering a peaceful and relaxing getaway for travelers. The area boasts a stunning natural landscape, with nearby White Mountain National Forest providing ample opportunities for hiking and scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway. Encompassing hikes for adventurers of all levels, Tamworth provides easy access to scenic paths and vantage points such as the Great Hill Fire Tower, the Mount Katherine Trail, the Flat Mountain Pond Trail, Mount Chocorua, and many more routes to be explored. With its stunning natural beauty, Tamworth also offers ample opportunities for fishing and swimming in the nearby White Lake State Park.
- New England tourists would be remiss without a visit to Tamworth Distilling, the remote New Hampshire craft distillery that focuses on using locally foraged ingredients to create a collection of uniquely flavored, scratch-made spirits. Neighbor to Swift River, Tamworth Distilling lies at the foot of the White Mountains, surrounded by lush New England foliage in the small town of Tamworth, New Hampshire. Guests can enjoy hikes along the extensive trails of the White Mountains, book a room at the historic and charming Pickering House, and visit the Tamworth Lyceum, Tamworth Distilling’s satellite location named for the American Enlightenment period and known best for offering elevated tastings, events and cocktail workshops, as well as a robust bottle shop featuring a bevy of professional-grade bar supplies. For more information about booking a tour or tasting, visit Tamworth Distilling online here.
15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth NH 03886 · 603.323.7196 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
GALLOWAY, NEW JERSEY
A 15 minute drive from Atlantic City, Galloway is a seaside town located just a short drive from the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore. Known for its scenic countryside and rich history, Galloway offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and small-town charm. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Galloway, with the nearby Pine Barrens providing miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. History buffs will appreciate Galloway’s rich heritage, which includes landmarks like the historic Absecon Lighthouse and the Smithville Mansion, a beautifully restored 18th-century home that now serves as a museum. The town is also home to the Stockton University Campus Center Art Gallery, which showcases the work of local and regional artists.
- A treasure trove of history and elegance, Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, the luxurious seaside resort located in Galloway, NJ, is just a stone’s throw away from Atlantic City and the Pine Barrens. Juxtaposing its historic charm, this 670-acre retreat boasts modern services and amenities for travelers, including indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and more. Guests can soak in the sights by visiting the Pine Barrens, pop over to nearby Atlantic City for some boardwalk fun, or take a trip to historic Smithville for some antiquing. Visitors can enjoy Seaview Hotel’s lush grounds along Reeds Bay, walk the miles of trails leading from the Pines Golf Course, head to one of the nearby beaches for an oceanside stroll, or play a few games of pickleball on Seaview’s new courts. Located on 670 acres of woodland, Seaview is home to two of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the North East, The Bay Course and The Pines Course. The Bay Course features dramatic seaside views, deep pot bunkers, and small undulating greens, and hosts the ShopRite LPGA Classic every June. Opened in 1929, the Pines Course was designed by prominent golf course architects William Flynn and Howard Toomey, and winds its way through New Jersey woodlands. For more information about Seaview Hotel and Golf Resort and to inquire about availability, click here.
401 S New York Rd., Galloway, NJ · 609.652.1800 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
PHOENIXVILLE, PA
Nestled in the heart of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Phoenixville is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its quaint downtown area, scenic countryside, and proximity to major metropolitan areas, Phoenixville is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and enriching getaway.
One of the town’s biggest draws is its rich history. Phoenixville was a hub of industry during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of the town’s historic buildings and landmarks still stand today. Visitors can explore the Phoenix Iron Works, a former steel mill that has been transformed into a thriving arts and culture center, or take a stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail, which winds through the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Located in the heart of Phoenixville and 11 minutes from the Schuykill River trail, Bluebird Distilling, award-winning grain-to-glass distillery best known for its signature Four Grain Bourbon makes for an ideal spot for bourbon-lovers to sit, sip and savor while taking a break from pedaling/walking the Schuykill River trail. In addition to an extensive cocktail lineup, Bluebird Distilling houses a stacked bottle shop that features their full catalogue of award-winning spirits.
100 Bridge St, Phoenixville PA · 610.933.7827 · Website · Instagram · Facebook
– Lex Nemchenko