by Elizabeth Rooney

summer guide 2015

family fun

out on the town

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Summer 2015 has arrived! Things are heating up around Bucks County, from a fun day out with the family to a hot date night out on the town. Bucks County has plenty of fun events to offer this season, so be sure to keep your calendar cleared!

family fun Family Fun presented by Newtown Athletic Club

Newtown Athletic Club Pool
120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA 18940

NAC-poolside

The NAC’s world class outdoor resort style pool includes a zero entry pool, adult pool, 25 ft. slides, splash pad, the lazy river and Escape – NAC’s new bar and restaurant. The pool is closed to members but the community is welcome to dine.

Newtown Strawberry Festival
Historic Presbyterian Church 25 N Chancellor Street, Newtown
Come kick off the Summer with children’s games, face painting, balloon art, special children’s raffle items and a sale of gently used toys and children’s books. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ’s during the entire event. The event starts is on June 6th from 11-3 the rain date will be Sunday June 7th.

Farm to Food Truck Festival
Thursday, June 18th from 4:00pm to 8:30pm
Snipes Farm and Education Center 890 W. Bridge Street Morrisville, PA 19067

With Summer right around the corner, Snipes Farm and Education Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is pleased to host its Farm to Food Truck FEASTival on Thursday, June 18th from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. Featuring five food trucks from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the event promises a night full of delicious eats and family fun. Live outdoor musical entertainment will be provided by Jerry Fiess and Matt Romagna, a local folk pop duo, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Additional entertainment will include hayrides around the farm, a bonfire, airbrushing by Crystyles Airbrush Tattoos, and much more. Beverages will be available in a Beer & Wine Garden. Participating food trucks include Local 215, The Fresh Truck Bistro, The Feed Truck, The Flying Deutschman and Tim’s Barbecue Truck. The full list of trucks including their menus is available at www.snipesfarm.org/feast. Tickets for this annual summer solstice celebration can be purchased online at www.SnipesFarm.org for $5, and will be sold at the door for $10. Children 7 and under get in free. All proceeds from the Farm to Food Truck FEASTival will go towards Snipes Farm’s Send-A-Kid-To-Camp Campaign. The campaign raises funds to send homeless and other low-income children to summer camp.

Brunch Train
On select Sundays at 10:30 am. Enjoy a leisurely ride along our historic rails, in their fully restored antique dining car from the 1920's while enjoying freshly prepared breakfast entrees and beverages. The train is available for boarding at 10:30 am, with the first course. Brunch continues with your departure from the New Hope station at 11:00 am, followed by a 45 minute scenic train ride through the beautiful Bucks County countryside.11167957_922657481089898_1388453978211214902_n

New Hope/Lambertville Fireworks
New Hope/Lambertville Bridge
Fireworks return to the beautiful Delaware River for special occasions this summer. In addition, most retail businesses on both sides of the river will stay open late. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.

Summer Concert Series
Falls Township Community Park, Phase I Pavilion, 9125 Miller Creek Rd, Levittown
All Summer Concerts are held at the Falls Township Community Park, Phase I Pavilion, 9125 Miller Creek Road in Levittown from 6:00pm – 8:00PM. Bring your own chair

First Fridays in New Hope & Lambertville
New Hope & Lambertville

A NEW ongoing series of First Friday art events that combines galleries and artist's studios on both sides of the Delaware River.

Brown Bag It with the Arts
Doylestown
It’s that time of year- when lunch hour in Doylestown turns into a fun, cultural experience…for FREE! Yep- Brown Bag-it with the Arts is back. The 35th annual summer series, presented by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, kicked off just after Memorial Day and will continue entertaining patrons every Wednesday at noon on the lawn of the Bucks County Courthouse through Labor Day. This year’s festivities are presented for FREE by PECO and National Penn. Grab the kids; call up a group of friends; or stroll on over with a couple co-workers. Don’t forget to pack a tasty lunch and bring a blanket. Lunch hour never felt so good!

05/20/15
Jeff Lohan & Bill Aronson, Variety Music – Favorites & Originals
05/27/15
CB East Jazz Band, High School Jazz Band
06/03/15
CB South Jazz Band, High School Jazz Band
06/10/15
Elvis Pretzel, Elvis Tribute Artist (with a twist)
06/17/15
Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, Irish Step Dancing
06/24/15
Toby Mochel: Acoustic Memories, Acoustic Renderings of Pop, Folk, Rock and Original Tunes
07/01/15
Lou Pompilio with special guest Art D'Angelo, Very cool jazz/cool recipes
07/08/15
Music Nation Academy, Variety of Musical Styles
07/15/15
Eco-Man, Environmentally Friendly Show for Children
07/22/15
The Conservatory, Variety of Music Styles by Students
07/29/15
RGM Project, Contemporary Blues/Jazz/Funk Ensemble
08/05/15
Edward George, Interactive Musical Storytelling
08/12/15 Fiorenza-Dowlin, Folk Duo
08/19/15
Hazelrigg Brothers, Contemporary classical, and jazz
08/26/15
Bucks County Country Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus, an original American Style of Music and Kaleidoscope, an alternative/classic rock band
09/02/15
Bill Aust, Accordionist Extraordinaire and Action Karate, a Martial Arts Demonstration

Movies in the Park
Linton Park, South Lincoln & Penn, Newtown
Live music will be performed before each movie. Music starts around 8 p.m. and the movies begin at dark. Follow their Facebook page “Newtown Movies in the Park” for more information. Here’s the 2015 schedule:

June 24th – Teen Beach Movie
July 8th – Back to the Future Part II
July 15th – Gremlins
July 22nd – Big Hero 6
July 29th – Superman II
August 5th – Toy Story

2015 Fine Art & Contemporary Crafts Show
Peddler’s Village , Lahaska
June 6th and 7th (10:00am – 6:00pm)
This juried outdoor exhibition features a variety of original artwork including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, and contemporary crafts. Cash prizes awarded in three categories; “Fine Art”, Contemporary Crafts”, and “Photography”. Live entertainment and children’s activities. FREE admission and parking!

Children's Summer Reading at Bowman Hills Wildlife Preserve
1635 River Road, New Hope
June: 18, 25
July: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August: 6, 13, 20
Reading programs run from 10-11:15 a.m and include a story, an outdoor walk, and a take-home craft. This program is appropriate for ages 3 through 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Walks are weather dependent.

Looking for a last-minute camp? Check out the Bucks Happening Summer Camp Guide.

out on the town

Tyler Tasting Party
Tyler Mansion, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown
June 5th (6:00pm – 10:00pm)
Join Bucks County Community College for their annual Tyler Tasting Party, a premier food and wine tasting event. This event raises funds for students enrolled in the College’s Historic Preservation Program, and to restore and maintain Tyler Hall, the French-Norman style mansion on the National Register of Historic Places and cornerstone of the Newtown campus. The growth of this event over the years, which annually attracts more than 500 people, remains a source of pride to the Foundation.

Escape After Dark at the Newtown Athletic Club
120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA 18940
Friday Nights at Escape, enjoy live entertainment overlooking the NAC's gorgeous resort-style pool. Check the June line-up below:

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TD Bank Amphitheater
2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem
Whether you like Frank Sinatra or the Rolling Stones, the TD Bank Amphitheater is hosting a summer concert series that will have you dancing all night long. General Admission $6, Seniors $3, and kids under 12 are FREE! Click here for the concert lineup!

blueberry wine sangria

Shady Brook Farm Wine Concert Series
Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Who doesn’t love wine, food, and a concert? Shady Brook Farms is hosting the annual Rose Bank Wine Concert series running until the end of August. Enjoy great local bands, wine tasting by Rose Bank Winery, and relax on the beautifully landscaped E.P. Henry patio. crackers, cheeses, chips and dips from our Farm Market, and sandwiches from our full service Deli, or grab a burger or dog hot off the grill. Wine will be sold by the glass or by the bottle.

The Grapevine Express
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope
Join them for a Romantic Wine and Cheese Excursion at 5:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays May 26th thru October 28th. Ride the rails in first class comfort in our beautifully restored, air conditioned Parlor Car for a 50 minute tour. Enjoying fine cheeses, toasted crackers and exclusive vintages from various regions.

Murder Mystery Dinner Trains
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad and Act 1 Productions bring you another season of mystery on the rails. An edge-of-your-seat, whodunit evening of suspense and comedy! The wild 40’s cast of Act 1 Productions is at it again with a new act for 2012 called “Muriel’s Murder”. Another comedic murder mystery, sure to make you laugh and be on the edge of your seats with a whodunit murder mystery. Food, fun, great staff, rolling ride through the country and the antics of Act 1 Productions all combine to give you and your family a great night out.

Summer 15’ Wine & Music Series
Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Rd, Washington Crossing
Starting on Friday, June 12th, join Crossings Vineyards and Winery for their summer Wine & Music Series! They will be featuring 7 all-time favorite performances along with a brand new one! These events start at 7:00pm and is rain or shine. You should also bring a lawn chair for your comfort. Seating is available for the buffet and there will also be wine and cheese available for purchase.


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Summer Beauty Presented by Healthy Solutions by Dr. Luciano

11230659_849332008481767_77853279520593494_nHealthy Solutions by Dr. Luciano– Look and feel your best this Summer with Dr. Luciano's weight loss programBoard Certified in Obesity Medicine, he recognizes your need for effective supervision and guidance during the process of weight loss and maintain the permanency of your results. Dr. Luciano's weight loss program is tailored to each individual patient's goal. For stubborn fat reduction, he offers Coolsculpting that treats the abdomen, love handles, and thighs. Schedule your consultation today!

The Summer is a great time to enjoy activities that seem impossible in the Winter. Help yourself and your family live a healthy lifestyle while exploring the outdoors and wildlife of Bucks County!

Get Fit

Outdoor Yoga at Sunset
June 28, 2015, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Event Location: Preserved Property (Call for directions), Buckingham Township, PA 18912. Phone:215-345-7020 ext. 107
Admission: $5 for Heritage Conservancy members; $15 for nonmembers.
Stretch out those kinks and let go of that stress! Heritage Conservancy member and volunteer Leslie Carson will lead us to serenity in the soft light of sunset on a peaceful preserved property!

Summer Solstice Celebration 5K & Fun Runs
Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 4:00 PM
Warminster Park, 300 Veterans Way, Warminster, PA 18974
A Family-friendly event benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County with Food Trucks, a 1 Mile Fun Run, a 5k, High Heel Dash, and Glow Walk! $30.00 Per Runner – Fast & Flat, includes t-shirt for the first 500 registered runners. $10.00 Per Person – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (all ages). $10.00 Per Person – High Heel Dash (50 yards)

Cornerstone Club's Tribe Team Training
Do you feel more motivated when people around you are motivated? Well, you’re not alone! That’s the simple but extremely effective idea behind Tribe™ Team Training, which is coming to Bucks County’s Cornerstone Clubs in summer 2015. Tribe training is essentially high-intensity interval team training in which six to ten individuals working together to get fit over a 6-week period. BH TV’s Lauren Rooney recently visited The Cornerstone Clubs in Doylestown to learn more about the new fitness craze.

Lions 5K Run

Get fit by joining the 9th Annual 5K Run for Sight, sponsored by the Southampton-Warminster Area Lions Club. The 5k will be held Saturday July 4th 2015 @ 8:00 AM at Klinger Middle School 1415 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA

Honey Hollow

Honey Hollow has several hiking trails (open daily from 9am-5pm), as well as an educational center, hosting various classes & field trips. 2877 Creamery Rd, New Hope.

Five Mile Woods Preserve

Enjoy the outdoors at the Five Mile Woods located in Yardley. These trails will really get your blood pumping! 1305 Big Oak Rd, Yardley.

Nockamixon State Park

Serenity

Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, or fishing, Nockamixon is the park for you! Come out with the family or take a long run and enjoy some alone time. The park even had modern cabins which would be perfect for a long weekend getaway. Nockamixon State Park is along PA 563, five miles east of Quakertown and nine miles west of Doylestown. The main entrances are along PA 563 and can be reached via PA 309 and PA 313, or from the north from PA 611 and PA 412.

For Summer 2015, think bright colors, fun prints, and SUNSCREEN! Overexposure to the sun causes sunburn, premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer. Melanoma is known for being one of the deadliest cancers, so why you and your family are out enjoying the Summer weather, please do not forget to protect yourself and the ones you love with sunscreen. PS. Reapplying is essential!

Look your Best

Urban Allure Salon & Spa– A blow dry for a big night out? Or a mani/pedi before your big summer vacation? Urban Allure Salon & Spa has you covered, even offering select poolside services for a special summertime touch.

Pilates Bodies by Patty Witt– Gain confidence and have fun with a variety of classes from Yardley's Pilates Bodies by Patty Witt including RealRyder Cycling, Belly Barre Up, T&A, and re*FORM*ation.

Summer Skin Care Tips:

1. Cleanse Daily morning and night. For summer, use a gentle foaming cleanser that will thoroughly remove impurities.

2. Exfoliate. Use a scrub or product that gradually dissolves excess dead skin cells to allow better absorption of products.

3. Apply a hydrating and nutrient rich masque to replenish the skin. Leave on for 5-15 minutes. By doing so you are putting vital nutrients and hydration back into the skin.

4. Moisturize every day, morning and night. Change your moisturizer for the season. For summer a lightweight moisturizer or hydrating serum would be perfect.

5. Sunscreen is an important factor in protecting skin from pigmentation, sun damage and skin cancer. Use sunscreen every day, not only for summer but all year long. Prevention is the key when dealing with summer skin.

summer at home

Summer At Home Presented by DJW Home

Did you know that Newtown's favorite salon, spa, & boutique, David J. Witchell, recently expanded their State Street location to include a new home decor store? At DJW Home, David J. Witchell continues to enhance local lifestyle through a commitment to artistry in luxurious and comfortable surroundings. You'll find home accents, gifts, tabletops, and more. Shop the DJW home collection here.

When it comes to summer entertaining, it’s all about making the most out of your outdoor space. Whether you’re hosting pool parties for the neighborhood or grilling up a delicious dinner for friends after work, any space can be tranformed into your own outdoor paradise with the right accessories.

The summertime provides ideal conditions to host outdoor get-togethers, but it also comes with some unique variables to consider when planning. Try using these tips to make sure your outdoor space is prepared:

1717a024f60b5c7f14a30f52cb577bb0Ambiance – One of the most important aspects to a successful outdoor gathering is the ambiance. There are a variety of things to consider here including color scheme, decoration theme and seating arrangements. Say you are hosting a barbecue on your patio. Make sure to have ample seating around a few different tables as well as seating away from the tables. This allows folks some options to lounge before, during and after the meal. You want to leave space to allow people to feel comfortable, yet close enough to allow them to easily speak to one another. In terms of color and theme, you should use the natural beauty of your surrounding yard to guide you. Aquiesse Candles, which are carried at DJW Home, come in a variety of colors and scents. Complement your yard, don’t clash with it!

Food and Drink Service – Summer is a time to savor the fresh ingredients of Bucks County. When guests arrive, it is best to be prepared with drink and appetizer options. During the main course, conversation can often slow down (at least if the food is good enough). So giving ample time for guests to mingle is best. eclectic-serving-traysSome great summer drink/appetizer combos include cheese, fruit and wine or fresh vegetables with a light dip. Summer is when food, especially fruits and veggies, are at their freshest, so take advantage! Start your day with a visit to one of Bucks County’s ample Farmer’s Markets.  Display your favorite artisan cheese and crackers atop an ornate cheeseboard, such as the Gourd & Vine Cheeseboard & Knife set at DJW Home.  The Michael Aram Gourd & Vine Collection is a celebration of that symbolism, but moreover, is a portrayal of the quirky, unexpected, almost peculiar shapes for which these fruits are known. Made by using a 17th century process called “repousée”, a French term meaning “to push back”, the pieces in this collection are created with the most advanced and complex handwork techniques available.

69844157d66b9a1476f5fc0ba66e3fc6.image.300x300Don’t Forget the Other Guests – Depending on who you have invited, your guests could request to bring some additional folks along with them. Children and pets can present different challenges for the host. But you’re going to be prepared for anything! The most important thing for hosting kids of guests is to make sure they are entertained so that their parents can get some much needed relaxation. Making sure that a variety of toys are available is a must. DJW Home’s Fire Truck or Military Police Pedal Cars are safe, fun, and allow kids to move around your yard while their parents relax from a close distance. Plus, these “vintage” style toys are decorative enough to display. Other folks may ask to bring along their dogs. Have water dishes available for the pooch to drink and a toy or two to keep them occupied. DJW Home’s Stick Toys for Dogs would be perfect here!

Gas vs. Charcoal?! Charcoal grills gives off more carbon monoxide than gas grills. Charcoal contributes to pollution and higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. Although you may prefer the smoky taste, gas is green way to go!

HOT Tip: Preheat your grill for 15-20 minutes before cooking. For a high temp your grill should be anywhere from 400-450, medium high temp 350-400, medium temp 300-350, and a low temp should be 250-300. A properly heated grill will help lock in those flavors and prevent sticking!

Fruit bowls are fun, easy, and a perfect snack for a hot Summer day! Watermelon, blueberries, grapes, and cantaloupe are huge staples for a great fruit bowl. If you are feeling creative, try carving your watermelon into a shark mouth! This is a great way to keep the kids entertained all while eating healthy food!

Kabob Party! If you don’t feel like going overboard with the BBQ foods, try having a kabob party! Pick up your favorite meat and or seafood, cut up some colorful veggies, grab a glass of sangria and chat away with your friends while you’re putting your favorites on the skewer! This idea is great for a girls night or guys poker night and the bonus is that it’s super easy cleanup!

Summer Games are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Cornhole, ladderball, cards, and slip and slide are just some of the fun. Outdoor activities will keep your children entertained and you can even join in on the fun as well. A great idea for the kids is taking a tarp, cutting out different shapes in various places, and painting a point value next to it. After you’re finished, hang the tarp up over a clothesline and grab a ball and see who can get to 20 first! This website has loads of DIY games for the outdoors, so grab your markers and creative thinking caps and enjoy what Summer has to offer! 50 DIY Outdoor Games!

Isaac Newton's Peach Salad

Isaac Newton's Peach Salad

Eat Local Produce. Whether you're eating in or out, incorporate locally grown fruits and veggies into your summer diet, many of them grown just hundreds of feet away, & make a show-stopping fruit salad or veggie dish. Whethery you're making delicious desserts with fresh strawberries or indulging in a summer salad in Newtown.

Do you know of more events happening this summer in Bucks County? Contact us at info@buckshappening.com with more information.

 

–This guide includes headline sponsors–

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