Hop on board the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad in New Hope, Pennsylvania, to ride the rails through picturesque Bucks County. The historic tracks were also used to film the 1914 movie series, Perils of Pauline, where Pauline was often tied to the tracks before being rescued in the nick of time. Throughout the year, the scenic railroad offers themed rides such as the Easter Bunny Express and the North Pole Express. The railroad is a top tourist attraction in New Hope, drawing train enthusiasts and travelers from all over the United States.
How to get to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
The historic town of New Hope, Pennsylvania is located on the other side of the Delaware River from Lambertville, New Jersey. For visitors traveling to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, car is the best mode of transportation since the town is not located along any public transportation lines. However, if you are visiting the town of Lambertville, all you need to do is walk across the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge. The bridge has a walking path for people and bikes that is extremely popular with visitors strolling back and forth between the two towns. The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is a short two block walk from the Pennsylvania side of the bridge. Visitors arriving by car can park at the lot directly adjacent to the railroad station. A flat rate is charged for the day. New Hope also has a municipal lot within a two block walking distance of the railroad where you pay to park by the hour. Metered street parking is also available though can be difficult to find.
Best and worst time to go to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Many of the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad's themed trains are very popular. The North Pole Express that runs from Thanksgiving through just after New Year's usually attracts a lot of riders, especially on the weekend. The Easter Bunny Express that runs in the early spring is another large draw though not as much as the Santa one. In June, July, August, September, and October, trains run hourly on a daily basis. Weekday trains are definitely less crowded even in the summer. However, it is not generally a problem to find a seat on one of the authentic train cars regardless of the time of day.
Admission to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Visitors should check the website for the times and days of specialty trains. However, trains generally run hourly beginning at 11 a.m. with the last train leaving the station at 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in person at the New Hope & Ivyland Train Station or on the railroad's website. Tickets ordered on the website are subject to a service fee and are picked up at the train station on the scheduled day. They are not mailed to your home address. Riders should bring the credit card used to purchase the tickets online along with the printed receipt in order to receive their tickets. The train offers first class and coach seating. Seating is also available in the dining car if coach seating is filled. Children under the age of two are free with kids ages two through eleven being offered discounted ticket prices. Trains run rain or shine and that includes during the winter. Tickets are non-refundable even during snowstorms. The train also does not wait for late-comers, so be sure to arrive at least a half hour before your train is scheduled to depart. You don't want to miss it.
Must see/do at the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Children of all ages love the hourly rides through scenic Bucks County. However, take advantage of the themed trains like the North Pole Express. They are a real favorite with families. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with each youngster on board and kids receive a goodie bag. Cookies are complimentary too. Musical elves travel from car to car with guitar in hand to engage passengers in holiday carols. On the Easter Bunny Express, the bunny hops on board to the delight of little ones. The railroad also runs dinner and mystery trains that are fun options for a date night or a romantic evening. If you really have a train lover in your midst, the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad offers cab rides for an extra fee. These must be arranged in advance with the railroad.
Other places to visit near the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
After you are finished riding the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, leave time to walk around New Hope. The town is a historic charmer with quaint shops and great restaurants. Definitely walk across the bridge that spans the Delaware River into Lambertville, New Jersey, another attractive destination, especially if you love antiques. Once here, walk or bike along a portion of the Delaware/Raritan Canal Path. The 71-mile trail begins in Lambertville and runs all the way down to Trenton. If you love history and stories of things that go bump in the night, take the Ghost Tours of New Hope. The ghost tour runs every Saturday night beginning at 8 p.m. from June through Halloween. Tours are conducted on Fridays and Saturdays during the popular Halloween season. They are a lot of fun and a little creepy since New Hope is considered one of the most haunted towns in America.
Insider tip to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
If you plan on riding the North Pole Express before Christmas, purchase tickets online despite the added service charge. These trains are really popular and often sell out especially on weekends. Remember that tickets are non-refundable and the train runs even during bad weather including snowstorms.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.