This summer in NYC is already looking pretty loaded.
The FIFA World Cup is rolling into town, the city’s incredible concert series are set to return, and summer festivals are going bigger than ever.
But you still have to budget in some time to get a weekend escape in, and we have a suggestion.
Just a quick trip from Manhattan, one nearby Pennsylvanian region is finally getting the mainstream recognition it deserves and we think it’s about to blow up for summer 2026.
Travel + Leisure recently crowned Bucks County, Pennsylvania as one of the most underrated places on the East Coast, and its incredible location totally makes sense why.
Tucked perfectly between Philadelphia and NYC, it delivers the ultimate getaway complete with historic castles, vibrant river towns, and old-world charm.
If you’re plotting a summer weekend, Bucks County should be at the top of your list.
The cultural pulse of New Hope and Peddler’s Village
Wandering through Bucks County feels like stepping onto a storybook movie set — especially in New Hope, the vibrant river town that anchors the region.
Lined along the Delaware River, New Hope mixes historic shopfronts, art galleries, and cozy waterfront restaurants into one walkable, postcard‑worthy stretch.
You can easily spend a whole weekend here just drifting between galleries, boutique shops, and casual spots with river views.
Just a short drive away, Peddler’s Village offers a totally different but equally enchanting vibe.
Known as one of the nation’s best shopping centers, this charming village is packed with winding brick pathways, lush gardens, and endless seasonal events.
During the summer, it comes alive with peach festivals and outdoor BBQ bashes that make it a must visit for anyone looking to slow down and soak up the sunshine.
Castles, history, and breathtaking nature
Yes, you read that right, there are actual castles in Bucks County.
Fonthill Castle, a sprawling concrete masterpiece built by Henry Chapman Mercer, looks like a mix of fortress, museum, and art project rolled into one.
The eccentric architecture, mismatched turrets, and hand‑crafted details give it a very “this doesn’t feel like Pennsylvania” vibe.
Right next door, the Mercer Museum doubles down on the weird‑and‑wonderful, with a sprawling collection of early‑American tools and objects laid out like a cabinet‑of‑curiosities love letter to the past.
If you want something a little more low‑key, the county’s natural side is just as compelling.
At Ringing Rocks Park, you can literally bring a hammer and strike the boulders to hear them chime like bells — it’s one of those places that feels like folklore until you try it.
For a calmer escape, Nockamixon State Park and the Delaware Canal State Park offer kayaking, biking, and long stretches of waterfront where you can just sit and soak up the summer light.
Summer activities you definitely can’t miss
The warmer months completely change the energy of Bucks County.
It’s not just a “pretty town” summer; it’s the kind of place that fills up with events that make you want to stay over.
Shady Brook Farm hosts epic “Summer unWINEd” concerts where you can sip local craft beer, listen to live music, and pick your own seasonal crops straight from the fields. It’s the kind of wholesome, low‑pressure summer vibe that feels distinctly different from a packed‑to‑the‑gills city festival.
If you’re bringing the family, Sesame Place is a built‑in way to turn the weekend into a mini‑vacation.
For a more low‑key adult night, grab a bite and a cocktail at local standouts like Honey, Nektar, or The Salt House before catching a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, a historic theater that’s been putting on performances for decades.
Getting there from NYC
Bucks County is about 90 minutes to 2 hours from Manhattan, depending on where you’re heading and how bad the traffic is.
The easiest route is usually a drive through or near the Bucks County line from the Hudson Valley or Northern Jersey, which lets you swap skyscrapers for rolling hills and historic farmland in one smooth ride.
If you’re looking for a weekend that feels close enough to book last‑minute but different enough to feel like a real reset, Bucks County ticks a lot of boxes.
With river towns, castles, weird‑nature parks, and small‑town events, it’s exactly the kind of East Coast escape that deserves a bigger summer moment.
