Doylestown

1. Kids Castle

The concept of Kids Castle play center was inspired by Henry Mercer's castles in the town. It is a community project funded by individuals and facilitated by volunteers. It was established in 1997 and through constant use needed to be refurbished in 2013. The center is divided into four 'kingdoms' and caters for children of all abilities, specifically those with special visual, auditory, cognitive and mobility needs. It is constantly evolving, with new activities being added. Commemorative bricks and children's artwork, inspired by Mercer's tiles, are sold to raise funds.

425 Wells Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901, Phone: 215-348-9915

2. Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, PA

Fonthill Castle was the eclectic and eccentric home of Henry Chapman Mercer. It is an autobiographical representation of his life as an archaeologist, historian and leader of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The design was drawn from his readings, his travels and his own fertile imagination. The castle was constructed using poured concrete and comprises 44 rooms, 32 staircases and 18 fireplaces. There are more than 200 windows of varying shapes and sizes that bring light into the multiplicity of interior spaces. Tiles that he made and collected around the globe are used extensively. There are are 7000 prints on the walls and 6000 of his books in the library.

525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, Phone: 215-348-9461

3. Mercer Museum, Doylestown, PA

The six-story Mercer Museum is one of three concrete buildings erected by Henry Chapman Mercer. He foresaw the advent of the industrial revolution with its plethora of machine-made goods and set about collecting outmoded hand-made artifacts from daily life from the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the 40000 items on display, 30000 were collected by Mercer himself. He designed the building and devised a cataloging system for his collection. The towering central atrium houses large objects such as a whaling boat and a stage coach. There are a total of 55 exhibit areas and alcoves. The museum has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, Phone: 215-345-0210, Facebook

4. Michener Art Museum

James A. Michener, a popular novelist, Pulitzer Prize winner and Doylestown resident, was a major driver of the establishment of this museum. He initially donated $500000 and a portion of his art collection. Ultimately, his contribution would total $8.5 million. The private Michener Art Museum was established in 1988 in a former prison building that had been built a century earlier. The premier attraction is a collection of Pennsylvania Impressionism, a movement from the early 20th century. A replica of Michener's office is a permanent exhibit. The museum also has a sculpture garden, reading room, shop and café.

138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, Phone: 215-340-9800, Facebook

5. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

The pottery works were built and used by Henry Chapman Mercer who was the director of the enterprise from 1898 to 1930. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is now a living, working museum. Tiles are produced using molds made from Mercer's original designs. The clay is locally sourced and is much the same consistency as that used by Mercer. During his tenure, no potters' marks were used. After his death, a mark was introduced to distinguish the reproductions of his tiles that are made at the works. Self-guided, audio tours run every half hour and visitors can purchase memorabilia on site. Workshops and apprenticeship programs develop the skills needed to keep the industry alive. Facebook

6. Bucks County Civil War Library and Museum

Learn about one of the most crucial wars in American history at the Bucks County Civil War Library and Museum . Situated amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown businesses in the historic Bucks County, the museum offers a unique look into the county's life 140 years ago along with its important contributions to the war. Look through the museum’s collection of rare and priceless Civil War artifacts such as art, sculptures, photographs, maps, and flags, or learn from over 1,500 books, databases, and periodicals in the library and research room. Through their many exhibits, visitors will learn all about the legacy of the local 104th “Ringgold” Regiment who served in the war for three years and hopefully leave with a greater appreciation for the local community as well as the country as a whole.

32 North Broad Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901, Phone: 215-822-1562

7. Central Park

The Central Park in Doylestown is 125 acres of green space on the outskirts of the city. It was purchased from the Delaware Valley College in 1995 and 30 acres are leased back to the college for urban farming. It is the home of Kids Castle and the Environmental Education Center. There are basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts and trails for walking and cycling within the park. The amphitheater is the venue for music concerts and movies in summer. A sensory trail has been laid out for people with special needs and a large portion has been left as uncultivated meadowland.

8. Peace Valley Lavender Farm

What once started as a vision of a field of lavender is now a tranquil reality at Peace Valley Lavender Farm. Owned by a husband and wife, the farm first started with vegetables and herbs until the wife imagined a beautiful field of lavender and they decided to try it out. Years later, and with a lot of hard work and a major garden overhaul in 2019, Peace Valley Lavender Farm boasts of a beautiful, sun-soaked hillside filled with 3,000 lavender plants of different species and varieties. Take a visit to their farm and find almost every kind of lavender product you can think of from growing plants to dried bunches to essential oils and more. Whether for yourself or as a gift for others, you can be sure to leave the farm with a heightened sense of tranquility.

802 New Galena Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901, Phone: 215-249-8462, Facebook

9. Honey Restaurant

Honey Restaurant serves aggressively seasoned, unique dishes. The meat, fish and vegetarian menu items are served on small plates so that diners can taste more than one dish or order a variety for the table. The menus are constantly evolving as the popularity of dishes changes. The slow cooked meals are designed for slow dining. The bar offers a range of specialty cocktails, Pennslyvania craft beers, liquid desserts and non-alcoholic beverages.

42 Shewell Ave., Doylestown, PA 18901, Phone: 215-489-4200