Bucks County’s tourism industry celebrated a record-breaking year in 2019. A total of 8.29 million visitors traveled to the area, resulting in a $1.1 billion economic impact and securing 29,000 hospitality jobs. But that success came crashing down in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With restaurants, breweries and all main attractions temporarily closed, occupancy dropped 26 percent.
However, things are looking brighter in 2021. After months of quarantine, and with a COVID-19 vaccine available, people are desperately craving a vacation.
And Bucks County is preparing accordingly.
On the morning of Jan. 26, Visit Bucks County hosted its annual (yet first-ever virtual) “What’s New” event to highlight business openings, reimagined festivals and creative initiatives on the horizon. Present was Visit Bucks County president and COO Paul Bencivengo, who is excited for the “safe rebound of tourism.”
“We want to inspire consumers to research their next destination – Bucks County – and know that when they are ready to travel, that we are ready for them,” he said.
Bencivengo outlined a slew of exciting yet safe happenings in 2021 for tourists and locals alike.
Bucks County Ale trail is expanding to include Aristaeus Craft Brewing Co. – an open-concept nano-brewery in Langhorne. Aristaeus will feature indoor and outdoor seating, with taps that serve a variety of true-to-style beers and hand-crafted nitro cold brew coffees as well as specialty cocktails.
In Bensalem, Pen Ryn Estate plans to open a third venue space. The indoor/outdoor tented River’s Edge can accommodate 300 guests. It will be fully heated and air conditioned and provide all the amenities of a building. Situated a mere 100 feet from the Delaware River, it will have a stunning backdrop, ceremony site, bridal suite, full commercial kitchen, grand cocktail hour and surround-sound audio system. As for Celebrations Wedding Venue, also in Bensalem, the menu will be expanded to include vegan options in an effort to keep up with guests’ dietary demands.
The Grundy Museum in Bristol Borough is preparing for the reveal of a new exhibit case and restoration. A grand opening is set for the weekend of Feb. 12-13. Meanwhile, the traveling African American Museum of Bucks County will soon be housed permanently at Boone Farm in Langhorne. This property is in the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the Great Migration in the early 20th century, during which millions of African Americans moved from southern to northern states for economic opportunity.
Additionally, festivals will finally return to Peddler’s Village in New Hope. The outdoor shopping center hopes to introduce new, socially distant events. Village-goers can look forward to the outdoor murder mystery walking tour “Murder by Gaslight 2: The Murder of Emmeline,” Feb. 13-May 30; PEEPS in the Village, March 31-April 11; Strawberry Festival, May 15-16; Summer Block Party Month in June; Fourth of July Barbecue; Bluegrass and Blueberries Month in July; Peach Festival and Sidewalk Sale, Aug. 7-8; Scarecrows in the Village, Sept. 6-Oct. 30; OctoberFeast, Oct. 16-17; Apple Festival, Nov. 6-7; Grand Illumination, Nov. 19; Gingerbread Competition and Display, Nov. 19-Jan. 8; Christmas Festival, Dec. 4-5; and Village Food Truck Evenings on select dates, June through October.
“We remain optimistic for our destination,” concluded Bencivengo.
Frank Lyons, chairman of Visit Bucks County’s board of directors, shared his sentiment.
“There will be many stories to tell as hospitality expands and rebounds across our county,” said Lyons. “These are extremely challenging times for many industries, but the collaboration and partnership from countless individuals and organizations for hospitality has been immeasurable throughout this pandemic.”
During the virtual presentation, Linda Salley was welcomed to the VBC board of directors. Salley is a founding member, current president and executive director of the African American Museum of Bucks County. She frequently speaks at schools and within the community to educate people about African American history in the United States and Bucks County.
Additionally, VBC’s next cycle for the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program will open on Sept. 7. Moving forward, it will continue on an annual basis with one cycle per year, rather than the previous two. More information can be found at visitbuckscounty.com/about-us/grant-program/.
Go to VisitBucksCounty.com/WhatsAhead for additional information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
