If you’re looking for a cool way to spend a hot summer night, why not consider dinner and a show in one of Bucks County’s great downtowns? The four historic boroughs of Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley are each home to great restaurants and three of the downtowns are fortunate to house fabulous theaters.

Founded in 1986, the Bristol Riverside Theatre, debuts its’ Summer Musicale, Broadway Baby, on August 7th, running through August 17th. This professional Equity theatre is located on historic Radcliffe Street in the heart of downtown Bristol Borough. With spectacular views of the river, the theatre is surrounded by outstanding restaurants and eating establishments. There’s even a great place right across the street with outstanding Italian gelato for after the show! Make sure to visit the website for show schedules and ticket information.

Not far down the road is the historic Borough of Morrisville. Located across the street from the Delaware River levy and within a few yards of the Trenton/Calhoun Street Bridge, The Actors’ NET Theatre of Bucks County was founded in 1996 as an actor-driven, not-for-profit regional theatre company. You won’t want to miss the triumphant return of their signature show, 1776, a free outdoor performance in Williamson Park on August 22nd and 23rd only. (Raindate August 24th) Make sure you stop by one of Morrisville’s great new restaurants prior to or after the show.

Located just a few minutes up Route 32 is the Historic Borough of Yardley. Famous for so many things, but don’t miss a chance to stop by its’ newly opened corner inn which is a great place for pre-show or after-show refreshments. Yardley’s quaint downtown is also home to great restaurants and a beautiful view of the Delaware Canal.

A national landmark, founded in 1939 and rich in theatrical history, the Bucks County Playhouse is located along the Delaware River in the historic Borough of New Hope. Upcoming shows include The Full Monty, August 6th through 31st on the Main Stage and Cinderella, August 1st through 9th, followed by Sleeping Beauty, August 15th & 16th on the Children’s Stage. You’re sure to find whatever you’re seeking in New Hope with its wide variety of dining establishments and eateries.

Don’t miss your opportunity for a great Summer’s evening in the Landmark Towns of Bucks County!

On Friday, the Jacobsburg Historical Society (JHS) hosted the D&L’s board meeting on their grounds in Historic Boulton, PA. JHS staff led tours of the John Joseph Henry House, the Nicholas Hawk gun shop, and the Pennsylvania Long Rifle Museum. They also graciously provided space on the ground floor of the museum for the D&L’s meeting.

In the 1750s, William Henry established himself as one of the premier Pennsylvania Long Rifle makers, and Boulton, which is just north of Nazareth and west of Belfast, became an “industrial plantation,” housing workers and turning out large numbers of firearms, including the famous Henry Rifle. While the JHS celebrates the small arms heritage of Boulton with gunsmithing programs, historical research, and a high-tech museum, the staff also incorporates other Henry family accomplishments into their exhibits: Ann Wood Henry was the first Pennsylvania woman to serve in public office, James Henry drafted the first legislation protecting Pennsylvania’s wetlands and waterways, and William Henry was involved in early steam innovations. For outdoor enthusiasts, the historic site lies within Henry’s Woods, a section of old growth forest that is part of the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center.

The D&L would like to thank the Jacobsburg Historical Society for their hospitality and encourage everyone to visit this historically-important and naturally-beautiful site.

If Sunday’s turnout was any indication, the Coal Miners’ Festival at No.9 Mine and Museum is well on its way to becoming a summer-time favorite. Although this was the first year of the festival, over 600 people came out for the eclectic mix of reenactments, vendors, music, and food. No. 9 Mine even broke its record of mine tours given in a day.

This was a huge success that demonstrated the widespread enthusiasm for events that celebrate the cultural and historical legacy of the coal region. It also highlighted the commitment and hard work of the No.9 Mine and its friends, who deserve congratulations for a great festival. We are already looking forward to the second annual!

The Times News wrote a nice article on the festival and took some great photos.