Travel Spotlight on Doylestown and Its Top 11 Attractions

Despite its humble size, Doylestown has a strong cultural and historic presence, along with a fine selection of dining options. The city is home to a thriving arts community, and as such it attracts day-tripping visitors who come to see the unique artistic and cultural offerings. There are numerous historical museums, such as the Mercer Museum and the Michener Art Museum, as well as galleries displaying the unique work of local artists. In addition, visitors can pick up an abundance of fresh, local produce from its many farmers markets, and traipse through its farm-to-table food scene at HONEY and Hickory Kitchen.

Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Doylestown is an hour from Philadelphia, 1.5 hours from New York City and three hours from Washington, D.C.

Go back in time at the Mercer Museum

Explore programs, events, exhibits and tours for all ages at the Mercer Museum. Once the personal collection of Henry Mercer, a native son who had collected around 40,000 objects devoted to American life leading up to the Industrial Revolution, the museum stands now as an intimate telescope back to the mid-19th century. Visitors can tour through the 55 exhibit rooms devoted to different facets of America through the ages, and even trace their family history in their library. Visitors are also encouraged to check out the adjacent Fonthill Castle during their visit.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a cool historical site

Sitting on approximately 170 acres of land, The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a functioning church with a popular visitor’s center onsite. The shrine centers around a reproduction of the stunning Black Madonna icon of Czestochowa, Poland, as well as the real life eart of Poland’s third third prime minister. A shining community leader in the Polish-American community and hub and meeting place for the Polish Roman Catholics in the area, the National Shrine is also a popular visitor stop for its unique and traditional architecture, Religious articles center and Polish-American cemetery.

Local art thrives in the James A. Michener Art Museum

This independent, non-profit institution is a cultural hub dedicated to the art and cultural heritage of the local Bucks County region. It’s a place that aims to preserve, interpret and exhibit the works of local artists. The museum is actually named after one of Doylestown’s residents, James Michener, who was a Pulitzer Prize winner. Visitors to this art museum can wander its ever-evolving and pristine collections, many dedicated to the regional artists of the Pennsylvania Impressionist School, as well as stroll through the sculpture garden in the museum’s walled courtyard.

Honey is a restaurant with passionate owners

The concept of this restaurant is to have something to suit everybody, be that wine or beer drinkers, picky eaters or adventurous foodies. The passionate owners focus on respecting the ingredients they use, and as such treat every dish with care and creativity. Self described as "Inspired American Dining", Honey elevates classic staples to include Foie Gras Sliders, Black Velvet Oysters in a Guinness reduction, Champagne-Horseradish Mignonette and smoked Steelhead caviar. More casual eats come in the form of classic comfort Jambalaya and Risotto cakes. The menus change to reflect the seasonal ingredients that are available at the time.

Hickory Kitchen is where the locals dine

Photo via their official FB page.

This is where the locals come for a good meal. There’s nothing fancy here, only good old American home cooking, but elevated beyond restaurant cooking – specialties include the always hearty Texas BBQ quesadilla, smoked chicken club, and a variety of other goodies from their smoker. The price is usually right, and they’re considerate of vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners. Known as a family spot, kids find just as much to love here as the grown ups do. And to add to all that, the restaurant also plays catchy tunes to serenade your heartwarming meal.