Some posts contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Doylestown, Pennsylvania is the apple pie, covered bridge type of idyllic that you read about in classic American literature. Only 25 miles from Philadelphia’s city center, this historic hub is full of great things to keep you busy. You can visit a lavender farm, learn about killing vampires, shop for classic records, and much more.
This Bucks County town has a rich cultural legacy, shaped in part by the visionary work of architect Henry Chapman Mercer. Visit for its enduring fascinating history, its small-town charm, or simply to retreat from the hubbub of the city. It’s a place we find ourselves returning to several times a year, and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do and see.
Get cultured at the Michener Art Museum
A Zen space created by a master woodworker, a sculpture of King Lear, and a massive woodland landscape scene are just a few of the creative things to find at the Michener Art Museum. This amazing space was a prison in the 1800s, and we’re always interested to see the architectural details that remain as we walk around the grounds.
Named for Doylestown-born and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer James A. Michener, the museum focuses on the art of the Bucks County region. Temporary exhibits range from works of Lenape people—the original settlers of the Delaware Valley—to the murals of prominent Pop Art painter Keith Haring to student showcases. We particularly enjoy the sculpture garden in the courtyard as well as the sculptures out front, which can be seen for free. Make sure to pause in the peaceful Nakashima Reading Room, a Japanese-style room with exquisite wooden furniture.
Relax at Peace Valley Lavender Farm
What exudes tranquility like rows of lavender swaying in the breeze? While Peace Valley Lavender Farm stays open year-round, the peak of the blooming season is typically the third and fourth weeks of June. During those weeks and a few before, we love to go and harvest our own lavender right from the field (the farm provides baskets and tools to cut).
If you can’t make it to Peace Valley or miss the harvest time, their website and store have a variety of fresh lavender-infused products.
Explore the objects of the Mercer Museum
Mercer Museum certainly has a “wow” factor. One of Henry Mercer’s masterpieces, the museum feels like the collection of a very organized hoarder, with an astonishing 50,000 items. (Mercer was also a curator of the Penn Museum for several years, so he knew what he was doing). There are items in cases, on walls, in corners, and many hanging from the ceiling. There is really a dizzying array of things to see as you explore on a self-guided tour.
The focus here is the tools of the trades that shaped pre-Industrial America and items of everyday living that Mercer himself collected. You’ll find weapons, implements used by blacksmiths, gristmills, stagecoaches, and physicians’ tools. Just about everything you could imagine is here.
Pro tip: If you’re going on a particularly hot or cold day, be aware that the historic part of the museum is not heated or air conditioned, so dress accordingly.
Visit Fonthill Castle
Fonthill Castle is another masterful creation of Henry Mercer’s. The poured concrete structure was once his home, so a visit here offers a closer look at Mercer’s personal life, featuring his collection of books and Victorian engravings. The architectural elements in Fonthill’s design were inspired by Mercer’s travels and his interest in archaeology. With 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and 200 windows, it was built to stand out. It still does over a century after it was built.
Among the arches and vaults, our favorite element of Fonthill is its detailed Arts and Crafts tiles. They include folklore scenes, historical figures, and other motifs, so you don’t know what to expect as you move from room to room. They’re everywhere, and seeing how Mercer integrated them with tiles from around the world is remarkable.
Book ahead to attend a one-hour guided tour through a portion of the historic home. Throughout the year, there are lots of special events at Fonthill such as the August Beer Fest and night tours with different themes. We love visiting at the holidays when the whole castle is filled with Christmas trees. As with Mercer Museum, not all of the home is climate controlled, so keep that in mind when visiting.
Appreciate the craft of the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works
The last of the Mercer Mile’s stops, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works is steps from Fonthill. Built with early Spanish mission and monastery architecture in mind, this National Historical Landmark produces handmade tiles and mosaics in the same style Mercer made in the early 1900s.
Guests can even watch artisans throughout the entire tile-making process on self-guided tours of the workshops six days a week. On Tuesdays, a special tour lets you make your own tile to take home.
Check out the surreal VAMPA Vampire and Paranormal Museum
Doylestown’s eeriest attraction is a fascinating place to visit. Before I toured VAMPA Vampire and Paranormal Museum, I had no idea that vampire hunting kits existed or that there are special chairs designed for exorcism. I hadn’t thought much about bewitched Ouija boards or creepy dolls that look like they might come to life in the night and murder you. In short, everything in the collection is intriguing. We definitely recommend visiting.
See a movie at the County Theater
The County Theater is not your typical movie theater. Yes, the 1938 Art Deco-style theater plays the current hit movies, but its offerings go much deeper for film connoisseurs. This arthouse theater is best known for showing independent films, but it also hosts lectures and special interest discussions. If you love diving deep on directors’ cuts, watching cult classics, and discussing them with similarly-obsessed film lovers, the County Theater is unquestionably the place to go. Keep an eye on their events calendar for special presentations.
Browse Siren Records
We’ve been known to spend hours combing through the boxes at Siren Records in search of international releases and special bootlegs. One of the best independent music shops in Bucks County, Siren carries an incredibly wide variety of music. They also buy and trade in certain genres, so check the website to see what they’re currently looking for. Pop-up concerts and special events contribute to making this a community space adored by music lovers.
Play around at Kids Castle Central Park
One of the best things to do in Doylestown with kids, playing at Kids Castle is fun for the young and young-at-heart. The incredible complex includes the main castle and lots of surrounding play areas. Kids can climb throughout the structure, race on 38-foot-long slides, swing, and play on rope bridges. Even better: it’s all free.
There is a separate section for toddlers, which our nephew is obsessed with, and two play areas for children of different abilities. It all makes sure that this fun space is accessible to as many people as possible. If you’re planning to spend awhile, pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the pavilions or in the picnic grove. There are water fountains and temporary restrooms.
Shop at Doylestown Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday from April 18 through November 21, this market is one of many reasons to visit Doylestown. The open-air farmer’s market features dozens of local vendors, live music, and tastings from 8am to 1pm. We absolutely love the sourdough from Apple Ridge Farm and the maple syrup from Tybuk Farm. Throughout the season, the market also puts on cooking workshops and demos from notable local chefs.
Enjoy seasonal fun at Hellerick’s Family Farm
For family-friendly activities, Hellerick’s Family Farm is the place from spring through fall. The Aerial Adventure Park features nine zip lines, 21 bridges, and a free fall jump for ages 7 and up. The farm’s 40+ fun activities include hayrides, a corn maze, and slides. You can even take a goat yoga class.
It’s especially fun to visit the farm in the fall when the grounds are filled with pumpkins and gourds. Pick up some fresh pies and breads on your way out.
Sample the brews at Geronimo Brewing at Lilly’s Gourmet
Geronimo Brewing has an ever-changing menu, experimenting with ingredients from around the world and different styles of beer. The Pathfinder Chocolate Porter on nitro is a regular offering and one of Lance’s very favorite local beers. Grab some food at Lilly’s and a beer from Geronimo for a perfect evening.
See the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa
Poland’s most important religious icon is honored at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. A faithful copy of the original Black Madonna of Czestochowa (the original is still in Poland), the icon was blessed by Pope John XXIII and later visited and signed by Pope John Paul II.
The shrine’s altar and stained-glass windows are impressive even for those (like us) who aren’t Catholic. The grounds attract the religious faithful and the curious to see the chapels, the Stations of the Cross, and more. The annual Polish Festival each Labor Day weekend attracts over 25,000 visitors to enjoy Polish food and music plus carnival rides, games, and family fun, all thanks to the presence of the unique icon.
See the Doan Outlaw graves
A band of five brothers, the Doans were notorious outlaws and Revolutionary War Loyalists who reportedly robbed the Newtown Treasury. The loot was never found, but the Doan Legend was born.
Locals say the money may be hidden in one of several caves in the area that the gang used as a hideout. If urban legends are your thing, peek into the cemetery behind the Plumstead Friends Meeting house. We had to look around a little bit to find the graves but found them by peering over the left side of the back wall. An historical marker out front lets you know you’re in the right place.
Explore Henry Schmieder Arboretum
The Henry Schmieder Arboretum of Delaware Valley University is a horticultural jewel just west of town. These 40 acres provide a living collection of plants and serve as a “green resource” for the surrounding community. We love seeing the Iris and Peony Garden and the Rose Garden and walking around the lake. It’s also a great place to visit during cherry blossom season. Self-guided tours are free.
Shop and eat at Terrain Garden Cafe
Plant lovers, decorators, and gourmands unite at Terrain’s newest location at Delaware Valley University. The huge nature-inspired store, nursery, and café is a top destination in town with everything you could want to create your own serene space at home.
The outdoor nursery is packed with plants which spill over indoors with succulents and planters worthy of a magazine cover. The store has even more beautiful things, including candles and lots of decorations and specialty items.
The greenhouse café has a menu that changes seasonally, but the bread baked in a flower pot is always a homerun. We love visiting for the weekday happy hour at the bar.
Laura your article was so interesting! Thank you so much for all your research and fun facts!