The unfortunate fate of Bucks County Playhouse

The following is a message from Ralph Miller of the Bucks County Playhouse.

It is with profound sadness that I must announce the end of my tenure as the owner/producer of the Bucks County Playhouse at the close of “A Christmas Carol” the final show of the 2010 season. These past 35 years have allowed me to know personally many faithful customers as well as the 4 generations of children who have “cut their theatrical teeth” on my stage. Unfortunately, the pressures of this recession and our mortgage lender have taken the drive from me that is needed to keep the playhouse operating. Allow me to explain; (more…)

A Night with Rocky Horror

The talented cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at BC Playhouse

Driving through New Hope at 12am last Saturday night, you would probably think things look pretty ordinary. There’s a crowd enjoying drinks on the patio at Havana’s and a few groups outside of the Sandbar, but otherwise the bustling streets are beginning to thin out.  Tucked away along the river, though, the Bucks County Playhouse is preparing for it’s midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the actors’ third show of the  day, and inside, is a scene that is anything but ordinary! (more…)

Lumbering through Lumberville

The Black Bass Hotel: it boasts a piece of Bucks County history and a gorgeous Delaware River vantage point.  On a sunny Saturday afternoon, we ventured way up the Delaware for a relaxing lunch.  Lately, it had seemed that everyone was talking about the Black Bass Hotel, and I wanted to see what all of the buzz was about.

Funny thing is, for everything that I had been hearing, I guess I did not realize that the Black Bass was anything but new.  In fact, the Black Bass was built in the 1740s, under the name The Lumberville Hotel.  The original owner was a Tory, someone who was loyal to the British Crown.  He was so loyal that his advertisements often boasted that “George Washington did not sleep here.” (more…)

Altomonte’s: The Italian-American Story

Maria Theresa Nappi, Altomonte's Deli

Day 4 of our Italian tour around Bucks County brings us to a local business that many know and love:  Altomonte’s Deli.  With locations in Doylestown and Warminster, Altomonte’s brings you delicious Italian delicacies that you can’t find elsewhere. We recently caught us with Maria Nappi, whose parents opened the store 40 years ago when they came from Southern Italy.

In Maria’s words:

Altomonte’s was started by my parents, Mike & Frances, in the early 70′s in Philadelphia. My parents had recently come to this country, bringing with them their skills. My dad is a butcher by trade, as his dad was before him.  My mom was (and is!) an excellent cook.  My parents named the store Altomonte’s, after the town of Altomonte in Calabria (Province of Cosenza, in Southern Italy), where my grandfather once owned his butcher shop. (more…)

This is what day dreams are made of! Travel to Italy through the eyes of Cives Urbe

Chiara Underwood, Bucks County's own Italian expert

Continuing with our week-long spotlight on Italian culture, we have the pleasure to introduce you to Chiara (pronounced ‘kee-ahr-ah’) Underwood.  Chiara owns Cives Urbe, a travel consulting company that specializes in custom trips to Italy.  And guess what?  Chiara lives right here in Bucks County.  We caught up with Chiara recently, and here is what she had to say about her new venture, life in Bucks County, and the Italy she knows and loves. Click here for more information. (more…)

Italian Cooking 101

In honor of Columbus Day, Bucks Happening will share a variety of articles inspired by Italian culture within Bucks County throughout this week.  We’ve got lots of yummy treats in store, but first up, we spoke with Denis Chiappa, co-owner and cooking instructor from Carlow Cookery in Doylestown, PA. He teaches a variety of cooking classes including “Great Italian Cooking (Hands  on)” and “Making Pasta  and Gnocchi at Home.” Check out Denis’s advice for the aspiring Italian chef and try out one of his favorite recipes. Mangia! (more…)

A BH EXCLUSIVE!! Interview with Food Inc.’s Rob Kenner

Jon Stewart, CNN, and BH!

For loyal readers of Bucks Happening, you will know that we have often highlighted the local food movement that has swept not only Bucks County, but the nation and really the entire world; Farm to Table events, farmers’ markets and food co-ops abound.  We have often mentioned the Academy Award nominated film Food Inc., which, by the way, sold more DVDs on Amazon last year than any the movie.

But we had no idea that Food Inc. producer and director Rob Kenner had ties to Bucks County!!  And when we learned that we would have the distinct honor of interviewing him at his Alma Mater here in Bucks County, we were beyond thrilled!! (more…)

Bucks Happening this Week

We are CHOCK FULL this week ladies and gentlemen! Check out our calendar & fall guide for a full listing, but here’s the highlights:

Thursday October 7th

Celebrate the Arts in Bucks: The Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County, in conjunction with the Freight House,  is inviting the creative and performing arts community to join us for this special event. Insight into the “State of the Arts” in Bucks County, the economic importance of the arts on our local economy, and keynote speaker Tom Kaiden, President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.  In addition to this brief presentation, complimentary hors d’ouevres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Although admission is free, advance registration is required here. (more…)

A little French romance on the Delaware

Our wedding...Photo Credit: All that Glitters Photography

It’s been three years since my husband (then fiance) left New York City to become Bucks County residents.  Two months after we became official Bucks County homeowners, we got married.  We recently celebrated our third wedding anniversary.

We created a fun little tradition shortly after we got hitched:  my husband and I take turns planning our anniversary date.  It’s fun because ever other year I get to kick back and be surprised, and then I get to be the surprise-er (if that’s a word), which is really fun too.  This year happened to be my husband’s year.  For previous anniversaries, we had taken off for the weekend for little trips.  But this year marks our first “Bucks County celebrated” anniversary.

Well, my hubby did a great job.  We started with a pre-dinner cocktail at the Boat House.  We sat outside and enjoyed the scenery for a drink before heading on to dinner. I will give you a couple hints:  It’s a BYOB, it has been around since the 1700s (in its current reincarnation since the 70s), and is “très romantique.”  Did you guess?

(more…)

What's happening this week?

Fall is off to a roaring start- from a canoe parade to a bluegrass festival to a historic book launch. Besides the list we complied below don’t forget to check out our Fall Guide for events and fun all season long. Since we can’t write about every event happening this week, check out our calendar for all the happenings in Bucks County. 

Though it is difficult to believe that almost a decade has passed, this week also sadly marks the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  Whether you’ll be attending one of the remembrance events or privately marking the anniversary, we wish everyone a safe and peaceful weekend. (more…)