Located just an hour north of Philadelphia, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the perfect spot for your next family getaway. Home to postcard-like natural surroundings and over 15 classic American small towns, Bucks County is waiting for you.
You’ll have little trouble finding fun activities when you travel to Bucks County. The outdoor spaces here are optimal for a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities. Bowman’s Hill Tower is a one-of-a-kind park that features lush surroundings and a 125’ observation tower. The tower provides an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. Peace Valley Park is a beautiful public area that surrounds the Peace Valley Reservoir, where you’ll find a nature center and numerous spots to explore.
The small towns of Bucks County embody the classic American small town and are prime getaway destinations. Doylestown is one such town that offers visitors unique attractions. The Castles of Mercer are at the top of the list for local activities. The Mercer Museum was built in the early 20th Century. It now serves as a museum that holds an extensive collection of historical artifacts accumulated by builder, Henry Mercer. Mercer also built Fonthill Castle during the same time period, on the other side of town. The castle served as his home until his death in 1930, and is now a museum that displays his extensive collection of art, prints and tiles.
Doylestown also loves to celebrate and you’ll see signs of this during large scale community events like the Thompson Bucks County Classic, which is held each September. The event has quickly worked its way to the top of the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour. Men and women cyclists from around the world will be racing in a highly competitive pro division. While local riders will race in divisions including amateur, childrens, and old fashioned highwheel. There's also a cyclosportif, a challenging ride for cycling enthusiasts. Held simultaneously with the Doylestown Art Festival, the combo event results in a major community celebration with over 30,000 people expected in attendance. You can watch the exciting races, then make your way to the festival for a variety of family friendly activities. For the best Bucks County experience, make your way to Doylestown for the Thompson Bucks County Classic! ResortsandLodges got the opportunity to interview Alicia Hughes, Marketing Manager for the Thompson Organization, to talk about this sports spectacular.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
AH: The Thompson Bucks County Classic (TBCC) is back for its fifth year, while the Doylestown Arts Festival (DAF) is celebrating its 25th year! When they joined forces, these highly-anticipated annual events became the “Biggest Weekend in Bucks County” and a staple of the community’s event calendar.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
AH: Over the course of the weekend, these two events draw over 30,000 visitors to the buzzing streets of downtown Doylestown. This year, the DAF boasts over 160 participating artisans, as well as 16 musical acts on five stages, and numerous local eateries. The TBCC features hundreds of professional, amateur, and recreational cyclists from around the region and from around the world, as well as volunteers who ensure each race goes smoothly.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
AH: The combination of both events ensures that the cycling world, local artists, and our community all mingle together. Both events are family-friendly, and there’s even a bike race in which local kids are invited to participate!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
AH: We are particularly excited about the TBCC this year because it is now a newly designated stop on the USA Cycling Pro Road Tour. This event brings together our local community and the cycling world, but the elevation to the national level is sure to take it to new heights. The combination of the events ensures that there is something for everyone.
RAL: What will attendees find for activities?
AH: There will be six races within the Classic this year: professional men’s and women’s, children’s, amateur men’s, the recreational Cyclosportif through historic Bucks County, and a new high-wheeler this year. All are guaranteed to be just as exhilarating for the spectators as they are for the riders! While the bike races take place on Sunday, September 11th, the Arts Festival runs all weekend. There are plenty of artist tents and food vendors to visit, as well as five stages of live music. There will also be activities geared towards kids such as face-painting, silk scarf painting, and pottery demos.
RAL: What dining options will patrons find?
AH: Two food courts associated with the Arts Festival featuring everything from burgers and ice cream to organic pizzas and crab cakes. Visitors can also sample the Italian, Spanish, Indian, and other tastes of Doylestown by stopping by restaurants downtown. The town is full of restaurants!
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
AH: Both the TBCC and the DAF are daytime events, but if you can’t get enough of the “Biggest Weekend in Bucks County” and are looking for overnight lodging, skip the cookie-cutter hotels! Historic Doylestown offers Hargrave House Bed & Breakfast (South Main St.), Highland Farm Bed & Breakfast (East Rd.), and Doylestown Inn (West State St.). The historic Black Bass Hotel is a short drive away and offers luxury guest suites along the Delaware River.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
AH: Yes. As two of the county’s largest and most popular events, the TBCC and the DAF encourage our local community to engage with the area’s best artists and cyclists while drawing thousands of visitors to explore everything our beautiful town has to offer.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
AH: Both the TBCC and the DAF are sponsored by organizations dedicated to spreading competitive cycling clubs/programs and supporting the expansion of the region’s arts and culture foundation. Discover Doylestown, a local non-profit organization, is dedicated to celebrating our community and creating lasting traditions.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
AH: The TBCC and the DAF are two of Doylestown’s most beloved events. It’s a great opportunity for local and international cyclists to show off their skills, while Bucks County’s artistic community also gets the same exposure. The bike races are always exhilarating to watch, and the whole community comes out to join the cheering crowds and to support the riders as they take on tight turns, sloping hills, and high speeds. New this year is a race for 18th century-style high-wheeler bicycles, so that alone is something you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking to purchase unique art pieces for your home, entertain the kids with outdoor activities, or get your post-Olympics athletic fix, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
For more information about the Thompson Bucks County Classic, please visit their website.