Bucks County’s tourism and hospitality industries are gearing up for a new year that’s filled with lodging and attraction openings, new exhibits, family-friendly festivals and more, all of which were announced during Visit Bucks County’s recent “What’s Ahead in Bucks County” webinar.
On hand to share impressive statistics from last year was Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, who highlighted a demand for overnight rooms that hasn’t been seen since 2019. In 2023, hotel room revenue performed ahead of 2019 with Q4 surpassing it by 9.2 percent. With more visitors than ever coming to see what Bucks is all about, this positive trend is expected to continue into 2024, with hotel room revenue projected to increase by 2.6 percent.
For guests and locals alike, there’s much to look forward to in 2024, as outlined by Visit Bucks County president and COO Paul Bencivengo. Some upcoming happenings include:
- The Radcliffe: This new boutique hotel in Bristol Borough features nine rooms and is expected to open in the fall
- 123 Playground: Sesame Place is introducing this 3,000-square-foot play area in the spring at the former site of the Sunny Day Carousel, which is currently being renovated and will open in the center of Sesame Plaza, also in spring
- 1,000-Foot Dual Racing Ziplines: This is the newest addition to TreeTrails Adventures Trevose, which includes a new 15-element zip trail; TreeTrails is also hosting several spring events, including St. Patrick’s Day celebration (March 15-17), Easter Bunny Weekend (March 29-31), Mother’s and Father’s Days where they can climb for free with the family and get a water bottle to remember the day, Congratulations to Graduates, where climbing is $24 midweek with school ID, and Glow in the Park Fridays and Saturdays beginning in June
- Vampa: The only Bucks County museum of vampires and paranormal activity opened in Doylestown
- Art Night Out: Starting in the spring, the Michener Art Museum will be open late on the first Thursday of the month and offer workshops, performances and speakers designed to engage art enthusiasts at all levels
- Garden Symposium: This returns to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum on Friday, May 3, with a group of four internationally-renowned gardeners and horticulturists: Troy Scott Smith, Stefani Bittner, Lucy Hunter and Dan Hinkley; additionally, Andalusia Historic House recently became an official Partner Garden of the Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom, making it the only garden in the United States to earn this special distinction
- Thompson-Neely House Encampment Tour: Washington Crossing Historic Park is adding an evening encampment before the First Crossing Event; it includes twilight living history presentations by the 3rd NJ Grays Reenacting Unit
- Picnic in the Park: This series begins in May along the scenic Delaware River at the Grundy River Park for Friday evening fun
- Bristol Manor: This renovated 1879 Victorian estate opened in Bensalem, offering private dinners and tasting events with a private chef
- Iconic Events: This 3,500-square-foot space for 100 people opened in Bensalem
- Blue Sunday Bar & Grille: This Asian American fusion restaurant and event space opened in the former Michael’s in Bensalem
- Second Sin Brewing Company expansion: In early 2024, there will be a new taproom of this Bristol-based brewery in Newtown at 17 N. State St., where Board and Brush used to be located; there will be a more extensive all-PA cocktail menu and some wines, nitro coffee and 12-plus taps, as well as food trucks
- Aristaeus Craft Brewing Company expansion: The addition of five new tanks at this Langhorne brewery will double the brewing capacity to 40 barrels, allowing them to brew additional varieties of beer to expand their draft and to-go beer selections; there will also be a three-year anniversary event on June 22, featuring special beer releases, live music and other activities
- Daddy Tom’s Cocktail Lounge: Located at 304 Mill St. and created by Itri, this is a nightspot, cocktail lounge and speakeasy, offering traditional, unique and sustainable wines and carefully-selected beer
- Capital Grille: The 8,000-square-foot, 236-seat upscale steakhouse is coming to the Village at Newtown shopping center in the summer and will be the first in Bucks County
- Steam Coffee Company: This is opening in the summer along the Newtown Rail Trail, offering coffee, ice cream, acai bowls, smoothies, baked goods and grab-and-go items that are perfect for walking the trail
- Drift of Mill: This American-style restaurant and bar is coming to Mill Street in Bristol
- Greenstraw: Located in Newtown, it has new ownership and is rebranding as Newtown’s first plant-based vegan cafe, with short-term plans including adding specialty coffees to the menu, “veganizing” the current menu and introducing some hot items, such as wraps, small sandwiches and possibly a burger
- Altomonte’s: A third location, Alto Bakery and Cafe, is opening on W. Street Road in Warminster, offering an array of Italian baked goods, espresso drinks and desserts, and bringing the flavors of Italy and a convenient grad-and-go service to the region; Altomonte’s Italian Market and Deli has been family-owned and operated for 52 years and has locations on York Road in Warminster and Doylestown
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
