Van Girl Writes Suggests these sights to see:

Grounds for Sculpture

Located in Trenton, NJ GFS is a place to enjoy the crossroads of native landscapes with sculpture.

https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/

Peddler's Village

Located in Lahaska, Pa. Peddler's Village is a family's vision realized. After a visit to Disney World in the seventies, the owners were inspired to create a similar space for families in Bucks County. I think they succeeded! My favorite spots are the olive oil shoppe for a lovely balsamic. I follow my visit up with a lovely treat from the coffee shop. My new delight is visiting the Irish store where they are now including items from Scotland. I would provide the links, but I leave it you to meander! The indie bookstore next to Giggleberry Fair has plenty of parking.

Princeton Art Museum

New works of art have been added to this gem of a museum. Due to reopen the new building 31 October 2025. Prior to the expansion I enjoyed a routine visit where I partook of 16th century art through to modern art. I have been visiting this museum since the age of six! https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/press/press-releases/princeton-university-art-museum-announces-opening-date-and-inaugural

Organnon's Natural Market

Organnon's is nice place to stop and fuel up on healthy natural snack for your road trip. There is a nice tree farm in the back where I enjoy a peaceful walk and restrooms are available. https://shop.organnons.com/s/1000-1028/

Michener Museum

The Michener is not only an event space but a wonderful place to visit and see works from local Bucks County artists. While in Doylestown take a moment and enjoy the shoppes and see whether or not you can find a labyrinth.

Ferry Market

New to New Hope, sort of. Refurbished and wealth of choices for everyone. I hear the coffee is really good! https://www.theferrymarket.com/

Sights to See

Good Stuff Thrift

Many locations in Bucks this thrift shop has a unique feel in each location. All proceeds support various charities, mostly orphanages. My favorite is the location in Buckingham it is just past Peddler's Village.

Bucks County Antiques & Design Center

I have found the best pieces here! They have been diligent about carrying antiques in good condition and priced fair. They usually have refreshments which encourage one to mosey and savor the inventory. http://www.newhopeantiquescenter.com/

Commonplace Reader

I love the owner's story. This business is her third act. She inspires me as I pen my own. Enjoy your finds. https://commonplace-reader.com/

Erini

What I know about this spot is that the owners are nice and they accomodate GF. The music events seem to pack a good crowd. https://erinirestaurant.com/

Gino's Nursery

If you would like to learn about native plants or bring home a propagation of a fig tree from Italy Gino's is for you! https://ginosnursery.com/

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Sciascia Confections

Located in the Ferry Market at 32 S. Main in New Hope one can meet the need for a simply divine truffle or chocolate bar. They offer gift boxes of chocolate for that special someone. be sure to try their gelato too! https://www.sciasciaconfections.com/

Sky Roast Coffee

Belinda, will serve you one of the better drip coffees I have had in awhile. Other guests I conversed with on the street said they enjoyed the herb tea and scones. Variety is the spice of life. https://skyroast.coffee/

Nomad Distilling Co.

Try a tasting for only $8. Place your order and they will hold it for you while you ride the rails! Albert is a great one to have a convo with and learn more about all that Nomad has to offer. https://www.nomaddistilling.co/

little Radish

Michele and her staff at little Radish will provide you with a GF treats and meals. https://littleradishkitchen.com/

Farley's Bookshop

A New Hope original. Enjoy the perks of a great indie bookseller. They offer books on trains, local poetry groups and an awesome staff to assist you in finding your next best read. https://www.farleysbookshop.com/

NEKTAR

A great spot for tapas, whine and whiskey. Great for date night or for meals prior to enjoying the rest that New hope has to offer. https://nektarnewhope.com/

Historic Fallsington Day 2024

Vintage Photo Rescue

Preserving family history one photo at a time. I was delighted to meet Laura Hess, a fellow vintage photo connoisseur. She is versed in digital preservation of family photos. Unless of course you are like me and just collect vintage photos and wish to preserve them!

Check out her work at:

www.vintagephotorescue.com

email: info@vintagephotorescue.com

I love the lint roller at work!

This business is a virtual business with a beautiful website and physical presence at fairs and events.

LilliPies Bakery

I entered Lillipies on a balmy spring day. I was a bit wet and the corridor to the entrance of their store can create a bit of a wind tunnel. It worked well to dry me off! I was greeted by the warm and friendly smile of Jen, whom I came to learn is the owner and originator of Lillipies. She explained to me that her business is the result of bringing little pies to her son's school one day. They came to be called L'il Pies. Now it is Lillipies. Jen's face lit up with love as she told me this story. We connected as moms do when we can reminisce of those school days moments.

My eye was drawn to the little lemon meringue pies in the display case. I ordered two. One to eat and one to photograph.

Recently released from all medical dietary restrictions, I ordered five loaves of bread. One was the cinnamon swirl. Jen shared that it is her favorite. When I inquired she explained:

"My grandmother used to make the best french toast." Her face lit up even more. I mentioned I was unable to make a really good french toast. "Here" she tore a piece of paper grabbed a marker and wrote down her grandmother's recipe.

Each visit after the first, I found Lillipies to offer a warm personal greeting upon entering. The employees are well trained and knowledgeable about the items they serve. They are happy to be working there and take pride in their duties. I called ahead a couple times to see if they had a sourdough loaf in stock and the phone was always answered politeness.

I did not bring my dog but there is no signage prohibiting dogs. The Princeton Shopping Center in general seems to welcome them.

It is easy to maneuver as a cane user and I observed a wheelchair user or two navigate the store and both entrances without complication that I could see.

I recommend a visit to Lillipies for your next coffee break sampled of course with a Lillipie, toasted egg sandwich or that upcoming holiday desert need. I forgot to mention they make their own English muffins! The enthusiasm is contagious. There are few of us with the courage to have a vision, follow it through and continue to love our passion, Jen is one of those.

https://lillipies.com/lillipies-bakery-menu/

Van Girl Reviews

Each week I take a drive and see where my van takes me. Join me as I write a review of local businesses I visit!

Small businesses are the building block of our communities. It takes grit, character, dedication and a dream to open a business. When one chooses to keep a family business open they are continuing a legacy. Sometimes those even skip a generation.

Current advertising and marketing does not leave room for the heart of the business owner to be expressed.

When I shop at a store I want to know the back story. Why was the business opened? Whom does it keep up at night? What was the defining moment when the business owner decided to take the leap of faith and risk everything to follow their dream? These are just some of the topics I will explore.

Mahbubeh's Antiques

The first time I visited Mahbuhbeh’s Antiques I was in need of inspiration. I was unclear where I would land after honoring the pokey speed limit on the winding country road leading into town from Route 31. Once past the church at the traffic light, shops appear.

Parking is appropriate for a town this size. I parked across the street in front of the cemetery. The road is steep so I monitored my steps and contemplated using my cane.

There were other antique stores in town, but today my eye caught the window displays of Mahbubeh’s Antiques. I found myself shift my walking pace from a stride to a stroll. I enjoyed drinking in the image of a shoe mold on a stack of loved books. I began to breath. I was starting to relax. I pondered the story behind the collection of used paint brushes.

I entered the store and was greeted:

“Hello, what can I help you find today?”

The delicate woman behind the counter was busy organizing and pricing things.

“I am not sure just looking.”

After a few moments Mahbubeh engaged with me. There was something familiar about her. She shared the shop with me. She knows the era, value and appropriate price point of the items she chooses to sell. She is very discriminating in what she will carry.

I began to make this a monthly visit. The window displays always encourage my own creativity. Mahbubeh was kind enough to allow me to photograph some of her items. I asked what wisdom she would like to offer.

While she placed more antiques in front of me to photograph, she shared:

“I came to America from Iran to play piano. My piano playing helped to pay for my daughters’ ballet classes. When all my daughters were grown, my husband told me to do something. So I decided I would open a shop. I did. It was small. When it grew, I moved and then when it grew some more, I moved again. I moved my shop four times. It takes time to get to where we want to be. But each day little at a time we keep doing it and one day we are there. I sell my husband’s paintings too. I still live in the same home on the lake where he painted. Those are his brushes over there. They are good brushes still.”

I never told Mahbuhbeh, but when she mentioned she played piano for ballet school, I knew the reason she is familiar to me. I took lessons at the school where she played. Listening to her steady rhythm helped me in my own lessons.

I asked her if she still played piano.

“No, I sold it. I have a shop to run. No one in my family waned it.” As a rescuer of many pianos, I cringed a little. Yet, she inspires me to make the same kind of choices as I build anew.

Mahbubeh now shares ninety five years of wisdom to any who will take a moment to engage in a conversation with one of the most inspirational women I have ever known.

My time with her is precious. https://www.facebook.com/mahbubehsantiques/

Park Place Diner

Denver, Pennsyvlania, that is! Ever heard of it?

My quest for upright grande pianos got me there. I found a guy who rebuilds pianos for a fraction of the cost of the uppity ups near the big cities. He has a gift. I found a free piano on C's list years ago and needed to have it restored. I finally had a moment to drop it off before Christmas. Me and the pup enjoyed the ride listening to John Denver and a mix of Christmas tunes on the radio. On the way back, right before the exit to the highway I noticed a sign Park Place Diner.

"How good could that be?" I asked the pup. He tilted his head in a let's find out kind of way.

We grabbed a seat at the counter next to the dessert case. We partook of coffee, of course, a farmer's breakfast and a chocolate dessert. Wait staffs and guests were taking in the dog on my lap. I sought the manager's attention and began a chat.

"This place makes me think I am in New Jersey." I said.

"Makes sense, that's where we're from."

I asked if he knew some of the diner owners I grew up with. He did and said: "We used to be Ponzio's!"

Amazing.

I ordered souvenir mug and hit the road.

So if you are ever in Denver, Pa. stop in the Park Place Diner!

https://www.dineatparkplace.com/