Location: Doylestown
Top Things to do in Doylestown
- 1. Kids Castle
- 2. Fonthill
- 3. James A. Michener Art Museum
- 4. Mercer Museum
- 5. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
- 6. Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine
- 7. Pearl S. Buck House
- 8. Doylestown Brewing Company - Hops Bar & Grill
- 9. Bucks County Civil War Round Table Library & Museum
- 10. Doylestown Farmers' Market
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What to do and see in Doylestown, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Doylestown is a borough and the county seat of Bucks County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is located 27 miles (43 km) north of Philadelphia and 80 miles (130 km) southwest of New York City. As of the 2010 census, the borough population was 8,380.
Restaurants in Doylestown
1. Kids Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By Dorothy S - Los Angeles, California
Incredible - and free- humongous play structure for kids and big kids at heart alike. Massive four story structure with two giant slides, climbing galore, a place to picnic and tons to see/explore. Little kids have a nearby area, but be prepared to chase them as they chase the older ones. Don't come when too hot (no shade) but a great place to visit w kids in Bucks County.
2. Fonthill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Once the home of Henry Mercer (1856-1930,) this concrete castle boasts 44 rooms with interior walls, floors and ceilings adorned with a dazzling array of the artists original handcrafted tiles.
Reviewed By cranberries0928 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
We've taken this tour four times now, and each time has been a treat -- one of our all-time favorite attractions. If you can, get the tour with Marcy, who is wonderfully knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Mercer built this fabulously eccentric and ingenious seven-story home out of poured concrete so he could display his collection of tiles, going back to ancient times and produced in his own factory. He was a brilliant designer and a collector of all kinds of odds and ends and it is fascinating to see how he brought it all together in his magnificent home, a true one of a kind.
3. James A. Michener Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
The James A. Michener Art Museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits American art, with a focus on art of the Bucks County region. The Museum presents changing exhibitions that explore a variety of artistic expressions, and offers a diverse program of educational activities that seeks to develop a lifelong involvement in the arts as well as nurture a wide range of audiences. The Museum is also committed to educating the community about nationally and internationally known Bucks County artists of all creative disciplines. Accredited by The American Alliance of Museums, the Michener Art Museum also hosts special events for visitors of all ages, including classes, lectures, conversations, and performances.
Reviewed By Neil S - Doylestown, Pennsylvania
The Michener Museum is an impressive legacy created by the renowned local author's generosity - an impressive permanent collection is augmented with regular traveling exhibitions that are always worthy of the venue (some like "From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly — Beyond the Icon," cannot be seen anywhere else in the region). The museum's permanent collection focuses on Bucks County artists including Thomas Hicks, Jonathan Trego, and Edward Redfield. There is a wonderful sculpture garden, cafe, and do not miss the Nakashima reading room - a serene space highlighting the work of another, world class, local craftsman.
4. Mercer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 419 reviews
Managed by the Bucks County Historical Society, this museum pays tribute to Henry Chapman Mercer, noted archaeologist, antiquarian, artist and writer.
Reviewed By jeffreyshapiro - Belgrade, Montana
We went to try he Mercer Museum not really knowing the c OK mpkete history of Henry Mercer.
He was a man with a deep passion for early American treasures.
From the simplest basket to a whaling boat, to a complete collection of wrought iron stove backs.
The building itself is made simply out of concrete, which means it is very chilly in the winter months and would reflect the summer weather the same way.
The building is 7 floors of wall to wall exhibits. Not much unused space in the building.
This collection began as a sole collection by Henry himself. After years of going to auctions and open markets the word got out and people began to donate collected items to Henry for this Museum.
We spent a good 90 minutes and could have spent more time if we'd had it.
There are a few different museums in the area so you can visit more than one if you like museums.
5. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained as a "working history" museum by Pennsylvania's County of Bucks, Department of Parks and Recreation.
Reviewed By Mcguyver - Delaware
This is a really interesting glimpse into truly handmade artifacts. The factory and shop are absolutely original. That means not particularly appropriate for small kids. So many opportunities for touching stuff or bumping or damaging vintage fixtures. Uneven floors, rough wood everywhere, generally dusty and sort of spooky. And how interesting are tiles for kids anyway? The staff is very diplomatic but clearly worry when kids are rapping on windows,etc. The artisan at work has advanced degrees and gives terrific info . It’s remarkable to think they use original designs and have huge demand for their product.
6. Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey
This beautiful shrine and the whole amazing Pauline complex especially comes to life during the entire Labor day weekend and the subsequent second weekend of September. Each year at that time the shrine hosts Annual Polish Festival. This is the time to come here. Fantastic food, amazing baked goods, good beer,concerts, music and dancing, lots of fun for kids, amusement park, plenty of other attractions including arts,crafts and Polish souvenirs. I like the Styka Art Competition and exhibit. There is also a permanent museum ans gift store.
The shrine is primarily a religious center. The church is gorgeous. The enormous stained glass windows depict Polish and American history. There are a few chapels, the Way of Rosary and outdoor stations of Cross. The cemetery is also beautiful featuring many unique monuments. In the very back of cemetery is a unique wooden chapel of Our lady of Czestochowa. It has fantastic atmosphere like a Buddhist temple ( I do not mean this comparison in any wrong way) condoning prayer and reflection.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa should be on your list if visiting the area.
7. Pearl S. Buck House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Just a short drive from Philadelphia, The Pearl S. Buck House promotes the legacy of author and humanitarian, Pearl S. Buck.As you walk through her pre-1825 Pennsylvania stone farmhouse, you will learn her life history, which began in childhood as a daughter of missionary parents in China and ended as a Pulitzer and Nobel-prize winning author. One of just a few national historic landmarks that uphold a woman's legacy, the intact collection includes the typewriter she used to write The Good Earth. Serene paths lead to her gravesite. Exhibit gallery displays her numerous awards including the Nobel prize. International gift shop on location. Pair a tour with a book discussion. Annual festival of trees, writing workshops and cultural events scheduled year round.
Reviewed By Jerry D - Baltimore, Maryland
Home and burial place of the first American woman to be awarded both a Pulitzler and a Noble Prize for literature. An estate sized property surrounded by beautiful and well kept gardens. The house contains her library, writing desk and manual typewriters. The charming and...MoreJerry - Thank you for taking the time to write a review and to share details of your visit. We're delighted to read that you enjoyed it!
8. Doylestown Brewing Company - Hops Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Joe Modestine, President and owner of Doylestown Brewing Company, comes from a strong lineage of restauranteurs. Their story starts in 1948 when his Grandfather opened up the family’s first beer distributer in Norristown, PA. Fast forward to 1976 when his Father opened the doors to the Saloon Restaurant in Jeffersonville PA; soon becoming a staple in the community. Today, Joe keeps his family tradition alive with Doylestown Brewing Company; expanding into the Hops Bar & Grill, The Still, Doyle's Down the Alley, and soon-to-be brewery and tasting room by the Doylestown Airport. Head Brewer, Justin Low, is a certified brew master who was the head brewer at Dock St Brewing in Philly, and the force behind the delicious beers you taste today. Joe has taken the last 70 years of his family’s hard work and beer knowledge and applied this into brewing craft beer that Pennsylvania can be proud of, using only the finest ingredients and brewing traditions. Thank you for your support. Cheers, The Modestine's
Reviewed By johnnydogmatic - Doylestown
It is wonderful that Doylestown has its own brewing company! My Friends and I visited the former home of Bobby Simone's, now taken over by the brewery. The English Ale, the Belgian and the IPA are strongly recommended.
The salads are OK, but avoid the nachos which have the most revolting plastic cheese.
9. Bucks County Civil War Round Table Library & Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By tankr - New Hope, Pennsylvania
Visited this place over a year ago with friends who are civil war history buffs. Quite small but packed with artifacts and information. The young teenage docent who led us through the collection was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended. Plan on an hour or so.
10. Doylestown Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By daanddo - Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Finding this small farmers market was unexpected and a pleasure. We love farmers markets and on this rainy Saturday morning we were treated to live music, we bought a flat full of organic seedlings for our garden, met some lovely people and sampled some local baked goods. There were also farmers and vendors with organic meats, eggs, vegetables, handmade soaps, crafts and more. I hope the local folks support this small market, a local farmers market is not only a great place to buy healthy food, it is a a way of creating community and sharing on level many of us have lost.
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