City Life: the noise, the lights, the constant hum of kinetic energy that powers skyscrapers and traffic jams. It can be exciting, roaming darkened corridors in search of the next great nightlife spot, or power-lunching on Rittenhouse Square. It can also cause serious burnout in our home and work lives, with an ever-extending reach into all of our relationships and activities.
There’s a cure for this. Just one hour from Center City Philadelphia sits Peddler’s Village: the epicenter of dining, shopping, indulgence, and relaxation in equal doses in a picturesque corner of Bucks County. The #3 weekend destination in the Greater Delaware Valley, Peddler’s Village is a quiet respite with enough restaurants, local retailers, and culture for the most discerning weekenders.
Not sure where to start? We’ve broken down the best places to spend a warm weather weekend in Peddler’s Village this spring and summer.
Friday
6:00 Unwind from the week and take the scenic route to the Village, immersing yourself in the foliage of Bucks County before checking in at The Golden Plough Inn, a Colonial style hotel with welcoming rooms and lounges overlooking the oak trees in the Village.
6:30 Celebrate your escape from reality with pre-dinner drinks at Hewn Spirits, a hand-crafted distillery based in Bucks County that uses barrel casks made of unique wood grains to enhance the flavor of Hewn Spirits’ selection of rum, whiskey, bourbon, and moonshine.
7:00 Indulge in beautiful buttercream confections at The Lucky Cupcake Company. You’re on vacation, you can have dessert first!
8:00 Admire the contemporary expressionist paintings at The Lachman Gallery, with brightly colored pieces that represent the artist’s natural curiosity of the world. Then, stop in Lace Silhouettes for a quick shop after the gallery to set the mood. Or, check out the shop’s selection of Wishes for Women wraps, a cozy way to curl up when you return to The Golden Plough Inn.
9:00 Visit the newly reopened Earl’s New American Restaurant, reminiscent of a classic brasserie with an American twist, highlights including lobster dumplings, house-made pappardelle with duck confit, and steak frites.
Saturday
9:00 Wake up with a Cold Brew at Saxbys, before cultivating your mind and body connection at Level Body Studio with a Level Ease class. Continue your meditation beyond the mat, with a walk through the Village’s pastoral views of the water wheel, windmill and pond.
11:00 Settling into the peace of Peddler’s, have breakfast a la carte crafted by the Best of Bucks County Chef at The Buttonwood Grille.
12:00 Hunt for unique finds at Jazams for the little ones in your life, Roots Home & Garden, Left Bank Home, and Eldreth Pottery. Peddler’s Village is a great place to find something no one else has, a conversation piece for your home to remind you of your getaway.
1:00 Sink into a well-deserved massage with David Witchell’s progressive spa menu including everything from bamboo massages to Shirodara “Third Eye” Oil treatments. Leave feeling transcendent.
2:30 Swing by Fromage Deux for lunch, with crepes, baguettes and grab and to-go sandwiches to take with you as you gear up for shopping, round deux.
3:30 Transform your style with a new look for the rest of your evening. Apricot Lane is great for trendy summer staples, then top it off at Hats Galore. For locally crafted home goods and accessories, don’t miss Artisans Gallery. Find something breezy with bold prints at Chico’s, also located on the Main Green.
5:30 You’ve relaxed, you’ve hit the mat, you’re massaged, you look fantastic in your new outfit. It’s time for wine! Chaddsford Winery has tastings of their portfolio of whites, reds, and sweet wines for $8.00. They also have wines by the glass, and a tasting of their Artisanal wine collection available on location.
7:00 Thank your friends for being a friend at the Cock n’ Bull Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, showing The Golden Girls Murder Mystery running through August 20. Reservations required in advance! If gossiping over cheesecake isn’t your thing, savor the hearty selections at Cock n’ Bull with an array of pot pies and house-made desserts.
Sunday
10:00 Start the morning with Cinnamon Raisin French Toast at Nancy’s Village Cafe, a classic breakfast nook cafe.
11:30 Make your own Terrarium at the Terrarium Bar at Greenology, a great addition to any space in your home. While you’re there, check out the shop’s range of organic and non-toxic skincare.
12:30 Explore the interesting array of home hardware at for your kitchen, bar, front door, and everything in between at Knobs ‘n Knockers. Buy a fleece at Village Outfitters, because you just never know when you’ll need one. If you need any upcoming host gifts, Cookery Ware Shop has everything imaginable in store.
2:30 Recap the weekend over a cup of Yerba Mate at Let’s Steep located inside Bekky’s Village Workshop, home to independent artists and creators ranging from fashion designers to craftsmen.
3:30 Pack something to nosh on for the road at Skip’s Candy Corner, or a surprise chocolate covered pretzel and pet-friendly treats for the happy faces waiting for you at home.
4:00 Leave, wistfully, but take comfort in the fact that there is so much more to do at Peddler’s Village; every season (fall and winter are just around the corner!) brings new events and things to do.
