Museums are predictable, galleries are intimidating and let’s be honest, the covered bridges of Bucks County are not as interesting to those who’ve crossed them a million times in their life. Peddler’s Village keeps up with every season by changing its decorations and incorporating new and different events every year along with its annual traditions.
During off months when no major holidays are celebrated, you can enjoy the shops and restaurants of Peddler’s Village. You can join the line out the door to indulge in Cluster’s Handcrafted Popcorn or take a step back in time to your childhood by visiting jaZams Toy Store. Sit down and enjoy a hot drink and sweet treat while you people-watch at Mama Hawk’s Kitchen and Coffee. You’re sure to see many furry faces as dogs are welcomed at Peddler’s Village. On hot days, Nina’s Waffles and Ice Cream will cool your body down and light up your tastebuds with nostalgia from summer’s past. If you want a cool knick-knack to remember your time at the Village you can head into Tempus Cards and Gifts. They have souvenirs and novelties for all ages. After supporting one small business, you can walk next door to the Mole Hole for trinkets to gift to anyone. They have you covered from birth to death.
Peddler’s Village is decked out in every season. During April and May they have a Cupcake Decorating Competition and Display. Whether you’re a professional baker and decorator or you’re just looking for a fun activity you can participate by entering a decorated cupcake or simply voting for the cupcake you think looks the best. The Lucky Cupcake Company is also located within the Village if the contest makes you crave one or a dozen cupcakes.
Don’t miss out on the first weekend in May when the Village hosts its annual strawberry festival. This tradition was started in 1978 and includes strawberry-themed food and beverages. As you’re walking through the Village and admiring the activities set up for the kids or trying food from different trucks you’ll hear the sweet chords of live music. If strawberries aren’t your fruit then there’s always the first week of August when the Peach Festival takes place.
In autumn, from September through October, you can admire the scarecrows that were built and designed by members of the public. Every scarecrow is unique and created to look like a well-known character. The first weekend of November is set aside for the Apple Festival, but the most known and most looked forward to is the Holiday Kickoff Weekend starting November 15. Grand Illumination occurs on the first day of the Kickoff Weekend when Mr. and Mrs. Claus light up the tree at Peddler’s Village along with all one million lights that twinkle along every tree and every bush.
Both my mother and my father worked at the Cock N’ Bull Restaurant in Peddler’s Village. My father worked banquet but when they underwent renovations he joined the maintenance crew. Beginning in August they started the tedious process of untangling the lights, checking each bulb, and finding the most efficient way to put the lights on. “It wasn’t just me. I worked with about 20 other guys.” My mother on the other hand was the banquet and restaurant manager at the Cock N’ Bull. She would help organize the weddings and make sure my father set up enough chairs for the wedding and put out enough tables inside for the parties the Cock N’ Bull hosted.
Peddler’s Village was founded in 1962 by Earl Jamison. Originally a chicken farm in a small town of 15 houses, a few stores, and a hotel, Jamison built Peddler’s Village from the ground up. Although he passed away in 2003, Peddler’s village is still bustling and as lively as ever. Taking a stroll over the brick pathways, passing by the gentle stream, visiting the small shops, and seeing people from near and far will give you a sense of belonging and cheer. There’s something for everyone, young and old, big and small. Peddler’s Village refers to itself as “a spectacular year-round destination.” Perhaps you’ll be inclined to visit said spectacle and spend a day experiencing both the past and the present.
