Easy Escapes: Charming Day Trips Within an Hour of Auberge
New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, Lambertville, NJ
Here at Auberge, we are lucky to be surrounded by an exceptional mix of charming small towns, world‑class art, and peaceful natural beauty. If you’re looking for inspiration for a weekend adventure, consider us your local guide. As long-time residents and lovers of this area, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know it deeply, and we’re here to share some of our favorite discoveries with you. Whether you’re craving a leisurely stroll through historic streets, a dose of culture, or a moment of quiet reflection, these destinations all make for memorable day trips—each less than an hour away, yet wonderfully transportive.
New Hope and Lambertville
These twin river towns on either side of the Delaware River are steeped with historic small town charm and surrounded by natural beauty, earning them a spot at the top of many “best-of” lists, and for good reason! The area has long attracted artists and artisans, a legacy that still defines its environment today. Lambertville is well known for its antique shops and art galleries, and New Hope offers a lively mix of upscale dining and bars, as well as the Bucks County Playhouse. On a sunny day, we highly recommend taking in the sparkling water and surrounding hills from the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, and on either side of the river, you can find historic canals that are perfect for leisurely strolls.
Doylestown and The Michener Museum
Not far from Lambertville and New Hope lies another Bucks County gem: Doylestown, which is home to one of our favorite art museums in the area. The Michener Museum houses primarily American art, stretching from Colonial times through present day, with a large collection of Pennsylvania Impressionist paintings. We love the local beauty showcased by their New Hope School landscape paintings. Be sure to take a moment in the Nakashima reading room designed by the pioneering woodworker George Nakashima.
Fairmount Park and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
The Shofuso house and garden is located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, but walking through its serene and airy rooms, you would swear you were in another world. This Edo-style house was gifted to the American People by Japan after World War II, and is modeled after a traditional Japanese guest house from the 1600s. It is surrounded by a beautifully crafted garden with Shinto elements and a large koi pond. Guests can tour the house and gardens and learn about Japanese art and architecture, and even attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for a truly immersive experience.
Chestnut Hill and the James Turrell Skyspace
Chestnut Hill is another lovely, historic small town, which actually happens to be a neighborhood in Philadelphia. Nestled in the city’s Northeast corner, it’s known for its charming cobblestone streets, gardens and greenery, and boutique shops and restaurants. A day in Chestnut Hill is not complete without a visit to the James Turrell Skyspace at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, an installation by a renowned contemporary light artist within a Quaker house of worship. The Skyspace consists of a quiet room with colored lights framing an opening in the ceiling. Beneath the play of the changing interior lights interacting with the shifting colors of the sky, visitors are invited to experience transcendent wonder and reflection.
From riverside towns to contemplative gardens and inspiring art, these nearby destinations make it easy to turn a single day into a memorable adventure. Wherever you choose to wander, you’ll return to Auberge refreshed, inspired, and ready to relax.
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