Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Allendale, NJ and Doylestown, PA
Allendale, NJ and Doylestown, PA are two charming towns that offer great sightseeing stops. With beautiful landscapes, galleries, museum and historical sites, it's impossible to be bored. In between these two towns lies Bernards, NJ which boasts several restaurants and cozy accommodations, making it a halfway point to rest and recharge on your trip.
Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Allendale, NJ and Doylestown, PA:
1. Grounds for Sculpture
The Grounds for Sculpture, located in Hamilton, NJ, is a 42-acres sculpture park, museum, and arboretum. With over 300 sculptures adorning the park's pathways, visitors will be awed by the works of both emerging and well-known artists. The Grounds for Sculpture is the perfect place for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike to spend a day marveling at beautiful art pieces.
Fun fact: The park's founder, Seward Johnson, used to create lifelike figures but moved to sculpting historic figures like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt in the hope of inspiring visitors through sculptures representing American cultural icons.
2. Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park, named after General George Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware River to win an important victory at the Battle of Trenton in 1776, is a 500-acre park located in Washington Crossing, PA. The park features over 3 miles of hiking trails and several historic buildings, including an 18th-century farmhouse. Each year, the park holds a reenactment that brings the Revolutionary War to life.
Fun fact: In 1776, the Delaware River was covered in ice, and small boats were used to ferry Washington's troops from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
3. New Hope, PA
Nestled along the Delaware River, New Hope, PA, offers visitors a picturesque riverfront setting. With unique shops, galleries, and restaurants, it's a perfect stop for those seeking a quaint ambiance. Take a stroll along the river, visit one of the local galleries, or explore the history of the town at the New Hope Historical Society.
Fun fact: New Hope was one of the epicenters of the American impressionist art movement.
4. Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park is an essential piece of history for Americans. The park comprises over 3500 acres of forests, hills, and trails. During the harsh winter of 1777-1778, General Washington and his soldiers were stationed at Valley Forge. Today, the park serves as a location for visitors to learn about American history and the struggles endured to gain independence.
Fun fact: Martha Washington, General Washington's wife, spent significant time at Valley Forge, knitting clothes and making connections with fellow Patriot supporters.
5. Ringing Rocks Park
Located in upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ringing Rocks Park is a geological wonderland. Visitors can walk or climb to the top of the rock field and experience the musical notes ringing underfoot. Bring a hammer to "play" the rocks for a unique musical experience.
Fun fact: The sound of Ringing Rocks is so famous that even Benjamin Franklin came to investigate the phenomenon during his lifetime.
This trip takes roughly three hours, covering 145 miles. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, the nature, and the history of the places they encounter. With so much to see and do, this road trip itinerary is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.