Every single one of them came to say a nice thank you before they left. Sometimes you worry if we’re raising the next gen right…the answer is, we are.

Now if only they had also taken pizza to go instead of leaving us with 6 whole pies 😒

Anyway, here’s some good news around our suburb.

Kids will still argue the call

Youth leagues are spending the fall giving local fields the high-end treatment. Laser-leveled dirt, actual drainage and grass thick enough to survive a stampede of eight year olds.

The fields will look like pro venues, though the players will still use 100% of their energy to debate calls that were five inches off the plate.

Not another townhouse invasion

Pennsylvania dropped some cash to buy the development rights for two farms in Plumstead (20 acres) and Bedminster (18 acres).

That’s 38 acres officially saved from becoming a 400 unit vinyl siding jungle. Oh and the farmland stays land forever, no matter who owns the deed.

Playground for sore muscles

This fall Petroski Physio is moving into a massive 13,000 square foot recovery joint in Bensalem.

It’s packed with physical therapy setups, force-plate tech (whatever that is), cold plunges and saunas. Basically, a shiny new temple dedicated entirely to making your rec-league injuries hurt slightly less.

Enjoy the 70 something weather in August. I’ll be back Thursday with the weekend goods.

And let me know your end of summer traditions (our is Hersheypark, where we’re at today!).

May you remember you’re doing (or did) a good job parenting,

Cait, From Bucks

Anyway, please enjoy a slow Sunday in my honor. Mine will be anything but.

The giving Gene

Gene Epstein has a pretty good addiction: giving back.

He recently partnered with the opportunity council on an emergency eviction prevention program to help families stay housed when one unexpected crisis knocks everything sideways.

Emergency rent help, legal guidance and case management are all part of it.

And to help the effort? He’s been selling cars from his personal classic collection.

Imagine being able to say, “I’m going to flip a few vintage cars and help keep families in their homes”.

Diner, but like fancy

Sometimes I just like a little ride up 611. And it’s typically to score a cannoli French toast or cheesesteak omelet. It’s the Cooper sharp cheese for me.

I love a diner that modernizes the menu and gives us more than eggs and toast. And for that, I thank you Plumstead Diner.

And now for the weird history…

Under the Continental Tavern in Yardley, contractors reportedly found a hidden stone chamber and a vertical brick lined tunnel during renovations.

The room has been linked to two very different chapters of Bucks County history.

First, an alleged Underground Railroad waystation for people escaping slavery and heading north along the Delaware Canal.

Then, decades later, Prohibition apparently gave the forgotten hideaway a new job: bootlegger storage.

Excavations turned up roughly 7,000 empty liquor bottles, old license plates, a rusted revolver and even a bloodied 1890s corset tucked into the stonework.

Because apparently Bucks County history does not believe in being boring.

You enjoy your Sunday, I’ll be listening to 18 kids splash around a pool for 3 hours. But I’ll be back Tuesday for a dose of good news.

May silence grace your Sunday,

Cait, From Bucks

We had big plans of walking the whole day. But after 2 miles in the humidity…we caved and called a car. We weren’t trying to give literal meaning to the phrase shop til you drop.

20,000 steps later I made it home just in time to get the weekend goods to you.

Back to school, but make it fun

Before the eye watering reality of daily alarm clocks sets in, let’s squeeze every last drop out of August. Or at least make the supply list a little more fun.

Over in Warrington, The Shops at Valley Square are throwing a ‘back 2 school fun day’ this Saturday from 1–4.

Pony rides, bounce houses, music, food. Aka, maximum sensory overload to distract us from the impending doom excitement of the first day of school.

Beer in front of a castle

Drinking beer is scientifically proven to taste 10x better under the dramatic shadow of a castle. I don’t make the rules.

And Fonthill Castle is home to Beer Fest this Saturday. This means beer, beer and a little more beer. Plus emergency food trucks to keep you upright.

How many beers can you taste in 3 hours? I don’t know but we’re about to find out.

Little heroes, big fun

Capes are technically optional, but effort is always appreciated.

Kiddie Academy is hosting Hero Play Day this Saturday at 10am. We give a nod to the Langhorne fire, police and community helpers who keep everyday life from devolving into chaos.

It’s a pretty solid way to burn off your kids’ energy. This way you can actually relax on Sunday. Maybe.

If you like us as much as we like you, we’re on TikTok now too.

Have a great start to your weekend, see you Sunday for a slow down!

May your TikTok ‘following’ count go up by one,

Cait, From Bucks

But I’m just here to deliver the fun news. I most definitely had nothing to do with the “can I pet that chicken?” vote.

Your chicken era is here

Middletown just made it easier to live the backyard farm dream. Township supervisors voted to allow hens in all residential zoning districts.

So if you’ve been thinking, “You know what my yard needs? Chickens”…congrats. Your moment has arrived. Fresh eggs? Yes, please. Rooster at 5am? Skip.

Schools are showing off

Six Bucks County high schools cracked Pennsylvania’s top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings.

All three Central Bucks high schools cracked the top 30. NewHope-Solebury was #4 (daaang). And both Council Rock high schools were on the list too.

Not too shabby, Bucks. We assumed the kids were smart. Now there’s a list to prove it.

Yardley gets a secondhand glow-up

Peonies Consignment Boutique is putting a less-thrift store spin on secondhand shopping. The Yardley shop specializes in curated designer and vintage women’s fashion, giving pre-loved clothes new homes.

Because apparently “I found it at the consignment shop” can now mean look at my fancy new outfit.

On my radar: Recovery, with a few more tools in the toolbox

Newtown’s Rosewood Recovery takes a broader approach to recovery, with things like music and art therapy, yoga, mindfulness and even therapy dogs in the mix.

Because sometimes recovery needs more than just sitting in a room and talking about it. Rosewood also connects clients with community resources and other support along the way.

A reminder that recovery doesn’t have to look like one thing.

Was anyone actually ready to see a story about school? Which feels a little weird, considering I’m pretty sure summer just started.

And we have a 6th and 9th grader this year - big changes coming to our family!

Have a great Tuesday, see you Thursday for the weekend goods.

May your summer have a few more adventures in it,

Cait, From Bucks

So I spent late last night watching that and writing this. If you’re a full grown adult that loves a little young adult drama, be like me and enjoy it. Just maybe don’t announce it to the whole county.

Okay, hope your coffee is nearby…this is a fun one!

The day Walt Disney came to town

Forget Mickey Mouse. Tullytown once had Walt Disney himself as the guest of honor.

In 1955, Disney hopped off a train in town to dedicate the new elementary school. A school named after him because, well, the kids voted for it. How cool is that?

He showed up wearing a train conductor’s cap and his animators decorated the school with custom artwork (it’s still there btw). Even the rooms got Disneyfied - Captain Hook for the principal’s office and Mermaid Lagoon for the girls’ room.

Oh, and there was a Mach 2+ fighter jet in the schoolyard where kids could eat lunch. Just another boring September school day, I suppose.

Nonprofit coffee powers the community

All I ever wanted was a place to get good coffee and feel like a hero (oh and tasty pastries because I’m a sucka for a sweet treat). Enter The Bridge in Levittown, a community mission wrapped in a coffee shop.

The founders wanted a spot where you could actually linger. And where a cup of coffee could do more for the neighborhood.

If it’s a random Tuesday, you might just find me working from the back corner. The Buster latte and monkey toast may or may not nearby.

Bucks teen is built different

A Bensalem teen proved a t-shirt can do a whole lot more than cover your back.

Nolan Slaweski turned his catchphrase “built different” into clothing celebrating what makes each of us unique. And he uses it to support people with special needs and give back to organizations doing the work.

The idea came straight from Nolan, who has Down syndrome and decided to turn his own differences into something positive.

Not a bad way to build something that matters.

On my radar: Good tech > bad weather

There are a lot of things you don't think about until they stop working. My house being perfectly climate controlled is definitely one of them. And lately I’ve been thinking about the folks who keep the AC and heat pumping. Around here, that's the crew at CLA Mechanical in Richboro. Not glamorous, perhaps. But pretty darn important when the weather gets weird.

Today I hope you get to chill or garden or go to the beach. Whatever you prefer, I hope it’s your kind of Sunday.

See you Tuesday for a round of good news!

May your weekend feel like it’s never ending,

Cait, From Bucks

Anyway, since we’re still firmly planted on earth, we can safely turn our attention to the weekend.

I’ll be spending the morning and early afternoon rocking out (aka eating snacks outside). Then hitting up a little post rock rodeo in the evening. Yeehaw!

Punk rock goes flea market

Henry Mercer probably didn’t foresee punk bands ripping riffs on his historic grounds. But I like to think he’d respect the aesthetic.

The Punk Rock Flea Market takes over Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Doylestown this Saturday starting at 11am. Expect vintage vinyl, weird art and food. (just the art’s weird, not the food)

School of riot rock

If you want to relive your concert glory days, Hansell Park in Doylestown is your spot this Saturday. School of Rock’s musicians let loose at 2:30pm. It’s an outdoor show with sets inspired by Riot Fest.

Expect energy and kids who actually followed through with their guitar lessons. And if you look hard enough, you’ll find me walking around with ear plugs because I’m 40 going on 80.

Yellowstone meets Bucks

Trade the Phillies cap for a cowboy hat Saturday evening in Langhorne. Red Eye Rodeo is bringing bull riding and barrel racing action under the lights at NAC Village Farm.

Things kick off at 4. And it’s loud, fast and dusty. Basically the closest you’ll get to Montana without leaving the county.

On my Radar: For when your hair needs more than a hat

If you’re like me and cringe at crowded salons, Lumyn Hair Studio is like hot tea on a cool deck (or cool tea on a hot deck). It’s just nice.

Lauryn works one on one with you (she’s also one of our local gems keeping this thing humming along). So the setup is a little different from the usual “too loud to actually hear the gossip”. Plus Newtown vibes are always nice!

Whew boy. After a Saturday this busy, you’ll need Sunday to rest.

And I’ll be there with you for a lazy Sunday morning and some fun history. We do enjoy our history lessons, right??

May you find time for a nap during all this,

Cait, From Bucks

So if your tomatoes are an all you can eat buffet, put some cilantro nearby.

Anyway moving past my taste buds, I’ve got plenty of actual good news to share.

Tree-mendous update

Neshaminy park just got a leafy lift. The Conservation Corps planted 250 new trees a few days ago!

This gives wildlife more places to live and future park goers a little more shade. For the days I pretend I’m outdoorsy but also get unhinged about sweating.

Yes, I’m corny

Grilled corn has gotta be top 5 summer flavors. So finding a street corn flatbread that’s basically a county fair glow up had me hyped.

Harvest has enough fresh Newtown ingredients to make you briefly consider becoming a garden person. At this point in summer, though, I’m just saying wait until next year. And don’t forget your cilantro 😁

Local Spotlight: Tables that actually survive family dinners

Some furniture is meant to be assembled, moved twice and eventually donated to your neighbor. Other furniture is meant to stick around. Morrisville artisan and our friend Nick Martier makes (literally) one of a kind woodwork. Basically, the kind of stuff that makes your dining room look a lot less like everyone else’s.

Wheels for what matters

Getting to a doctor’s appointment or the grocery store just got easier.

Bucks County Transport is expanding its fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicles, helping more seniors and residents with disabilities get where they need to go. And they don’t need to rely on a neighbor who always tells the same story...

Not me talking your ear off to the point you’d rather drive with anyone else.

What’s your favorite local summer flavor? (If it’s an ice cream flavor, no judgment. In fact, you must tell me. Mine’s chocolate peanut butter).

I’m doing the noble work of eating my way across the county, but I can’t hit every spot alone. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to take one for the team. Sigh.

Have a great Tuesday and I’ll see you Thursday for the weekend roundup!

May your taste buds be blessed with the non-soap gene,

Cait, From Bucks

But going down that rabbit hole helped me find out I love Eastern Redbuds (and they grow great here!) and a fun fact about our local libraries.

Grow your own

Turns out your library isn’t just for books you’ll return two weeks late.

Some branches (including Doylestown, Perkasie and Levittown) now house community seed libraries. Gardeners drop off heirloom seeds harvested from their own backyards and neighbors can take them home at no cost. Wildflowers, vegetables and dozens of tomato varieties are available to pick up.

It’s great for pollinators and ideal for anyone who believes produce tastes better when you didn’t have to trade a twenty dollar bill for it at a grocery store. Just beware, wildlife will love your veggies even more than you do.

Brunch with 280 years of history

Some trendy brunch spots try hard to look rustic with fake exposed brick. The Washington House just relies on the fact that it’s been standing since 1742.

This landmark (it’s also a hotel!) serves a prix fixe Sunday brunch. Sweet bread basket will catch your eye and taste buds.

Don’t be surprised if the architecture makes you feel inexplicably guilty for not knowing more about colonial history. But a little guilt never ruined perfect eggs.

Born from a petty feud

Back in 1876, the residents of Attleborough (now Langhorne) and nearby Hulmeville got into a standoff over what to name their brand new train station. Turns out people have always been chirpers, it’s nothing new.

Anyway, railroad president Franklin A. Comly got tired of the disagreement and picked a passive aggressive solution. He mashed “Pennsylvania” and “Delaware” together and named it Penndel Station.

That spite born name eventually became the entire borough. So when you’re passing through Penndel, just remember the town exists because two 19th century neighborhoods refused to share a wooden sign.

You have to respect that level of commitment to pettiness.

Save room for dessert

Panna in Yardley is the exact kind of spot that can completely derail a simple coffee run. And make you thankful it did.

They churn out gelato and sorbetto onsite with rotating seasonal flavors (cherry goat cheese and cookie monster were our favorites). Don’t forget the fresh baked goods and espresso drinks.

If you’re feeling ‘pinky out’, try the affogato (hot espresso poured directly over a scoop of gelato). Either way, you’ll never not be happy in here.

Is it wrong to double dip and get potato pancakes in Sellersville then scoot back to Yardley for gelato? At this point, I’m just fighting for my life in the gym to keep my snack weight down.

Too many delicious choices in Bucks. Sigh, a blessing and a curse.

Enjoy your Sunday, get yourself a treat today!

May your flower bed find some Eastern Redbuds in it,

Cait, From Bucks

I have big dreams but a weak lower back. So send a prayer along with your suggestion.

While I’m contemplating garden layouts, please enjoy the weekend highlights.

Redcoats & revelry

Newtown wanted to keep the birthday party going. So history gets the blockbuster treatment this Saturday. We’re talking Revolutionary War encampments, fife-and-drum beats, battle reenactments and actual cannon fire (the kind you feel in your chest).

Plus, there’s a community cookout, vintage fire engine demos and military drills designed to tire out the kids.

Chrome sweet chrome

The New Hope Automobile Show (69 years!) rolls into town this weekend. It brings everything from gleaming antiques to exotic dream cars that’ll make you question your reasonable family SUV.

This year marks a century of Mercedes Benz and Ducati, so expect enough polished beauty to dream of a second garage.

Plane awesome

Tucked away in Erwinna, Van Sant Airfield is easily the coolest retro afternoon in the county. Grab a lawn chair and watch vintage biplanes rumble overhead while motorless gliders float silently past like it’s 1935.

And (this is awesome) they even offer open cockpit rides to test how adventurous you are.

I had no idea you could take open air rides in Bucks. But when you get curious, you learn a lot. Our area is still surprising me each week.

Have a great weekend, see you Sunday morning for a history lesson that’s actually fun.

May your Toyota identify as a Ducati,

Cait, From Bucks

And to our faithful, we love you more than we love Dairy Delite. So, a lot.

But enough mushy stuff, let’s get to the good news!

AC-tually helpful

Summer electric bills have a way of hurting more than a barefoot sprint across scorching asphalt.

The good news is eligible households are automatically getting a $100 utility credit on their next bill. This will help soften the financial damage of keeping your living room a little less like a sauna.

No applications. No red tape. Just a little relief while your AC fights for its life.

Namaste awhile

Looking for an excuse to stretch something other than your remaining sanity? True Yoga has unlocked its doors this past weekend.

You’re good, whether you’re an expert in downward dog or your current flexibility peaks at reaching for the TV remote (just me?). They're bringing yoga and wellness classes to Newtown.

Helmet hair season

You can almost smell it: sweat, turf and the faint scent of autumn. Still beats Canadian wildfire smoke.

Football season is moving from “we have time” to “it’s getting real”. Crews at Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Truman and Bensalem are wrapping up summer conditioning before heat acclimatization (brother, what??) camps kick off August 10th.

Lazy afternoons are done. Two a days and helmet hair are starting. And Friday night lights aren’t far behind.

If you’ve got a kid in your life that’ll be doing a fall sport, hit reply. We’d love to hear which sport and how they’re getting ready 💪

Enjoy your Tuesday, we’ll see you Thursday for the weekend goods.

May your PECO bill be five dollars,

Cait, From Bucks

Or just look ahead to which great lunch spot you can check out this week. I’ve got you.

If you need it, we’re here

Life’s expensive. Groceries don’t care.

Every month we set aside a little support for our neighbors who could use some breathing room. If that’s you (or someone you know), simply reply to this email.

No hoops to jump through, just a little help ❤️

Roast expectations

If your lunch has been feeling uninspired, Carve 52 in Doylestown might fix that. It’s the kind of place you'll text your friends about before you even finish eating.

Your drive home will turn into “can I finish my leftovers at the next red light” and “is it too soon to come back tomorrow” (probably and no).

Now you see him...

Starting in the late 1800s, Hulmeville’s Johnson Hall was the place to catch a show. Its 350 seat auditorium even hosted none other than Harry Houdini during his touring days. For reference, he was famous like 1980s Michael Jackson or 1990s Brad Pitt.

The building still stands today. Only now, instead of making people disappear, it’s making really good coffee. Which, depending on the morning, is the more impressive trick.

Worth keeping an eye on

Two new spots are headed our way, and I’m already impatient.

• 7 Brew Coffee is expected to open in Langhorne sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. Drive-thru only, core 7 coffees and enough custom drinks to make ordering slightly stressful.

• Free Spirit Social House is aiming for Doylestown in late 2026. Over 100 zero proof craft cocktails, espresso and comfort food. All the fun, none of the “where’s the Tylenol…”

Nothing’s set in stone just yet, but I’ll keep you posted so you can be first in line instead of hearing about it three months after everyone else.

I'm not trying to rush time...but I'd also like it to be opening day at 7 Brew already. In the meantime, guess I’ll take a turkey special from Carve 52. Twist my arm.

Enjoy your Sunday, I’ll see you Tuesday for some good news.

May you Houdini your way out of chores today,

Cait, From Bucks

So I hope you take this as the universe calling you to enjoy your summer before it’s over.

Peach, please

If peaches had a fan club, this would be the annual meeting.

Peddler’s Village is going full ‘Georgia on the Delaware’ all weekend with peach ice cream, peach pies, peach cocktails. Peach everything.

Plus live music, sand sculptures and gardens worth lingering in. It’s worth the sticky fingers.

A-maize-ing weekend

Sweet corn doesn’t usually get its own full weekend festival, but Charlann Farms makes a pretty compelling case for why it should.

Expect corn eating contests, cornhole (naturally), a giant corn pit, jump pad, pony rides, petting zoo, line dancing and enough buttery corn to test your floss budget.

Summer doesn’t get much cornier (nor do my jokes) and that’s exactly the point.

Coffee before crime

History hits different (better) with caffeine.

Friday morning you can grab coffee and donuts before an early guided tour of the Mercer Museum’s The Doan Gang: Outlaws of the Revolution exhibit. You’ll hear tales of Revolutionary era spies, robberies and buried treasure.

A little 18th century rebellion with some modern day donuts.

I know my game plan: coffee & donuts Friday, corn on Saturday and peaches on Sunday. I’m not saying you should follow my lead, but I’m not saying you shouldn’t.

Either way, I’ll see you Sunday for some wild history and a new spot opening!

May your weekend be as sweet as summer corn & peaches,

Cait, From Bucks

And while I’m talking about good living, crab cakes at the shore are so much better than home. Is that just the vacation effect? Really can’t tell. But I can tell you some good news!

Bye bye, blights

10 years ago, Bristol Township launched a crusade against local eyesores. Fast forward to today, and they’ve slashed their list of vacant/neglected properties by nearly 90%. Dropping from 204 rotting structures in 2015 to just 21 now.

That means fewer boarded up windows, higher property values and significantly fewer houses that look like the setting of a low-budget horror movie.

Cannonballs and college

At their July 21 board meeting, Bucks for Kids dished out over $5k to send local foster youth to summer camp, the pool, the Y and dojo floor.

Plus, they handed two incoming college freshmen scholarships to kickstart their next chapter.

Big round of applause for this local crew.

Brine time

New Hope just got sour, in the best way possible. Giovanni’s DILLicious Pickles is now ready to dish out dills in New Hope.

They have fifty+ flavors, a tasting bar and even pickle pizza for if you feel a little adventurous.

Whether you’re just pickle curious or the person who ruins group meals by stealing everyone’s extra spears, you’ll have a good time. It's also one of those businesses that's become known for giving back locally.

For science, I feel obligated to try to the pickle pizza this week. At the very least everyone I know will applaud my adventurous spirit. Or, per the usual, just give me the side eye.

Have a great day, I’ll see you Thursday for the weekend goods.

May your pickle have the perfect crunch,

Cait, From Bucks

After typing that, I realized I sound like Joe from You. So now that we’re both uncomfy, let’s move on before I offer to build you a glass cage.

We have the receipts

Everyone knows Robert Fulton (or maybe you don’t, I really didn’t). But before his Clermont steam boat ever made a splash, Warminster’s own John Fitch was already steaming ahead.

In 1787, Fitch successfully piloted the first steam powered boat in the U.S. down the Delaware River using (you guessed it) steam powered oars. Sorry, Bob. We have the receipts.

He later operated the first commercial steamboat service in 1790, carrying passengers regularly between Philadelphia and Trenton. Not too shabby.

Want to see the original flex? A working six foot model of Fitch’s boat is on display at the John Fitch Steamboat Museum in Warminster.

Quiet upgrades, big impact

Not every great update makes a lot of noise.

When Bucks expanded its Human Services Hub, the new space added a completely volunteer led food pantry courtesy of Doylestown Area FISH.

On top of that, the nonprofit has provided nearly $20k in grocery assistance to help local families keep food on the table during tough stretches.

This is the kind of community story we love.

High class, zero snobbery

If your last brunch involved rubbery scrambled eggs and/or disappointment, Charcoal BYOB in Yardley would like a word.

Might they suggest brioche French toast or some inventive seasonal hash? Oh the floor to ceiling river views are pretty nice too.

Plus, it’s BYOB, so your DIY mimosa limit is entirely up to you.

Sip your mimosa, brag about our steamboat supremacy and take pride in a community that looks out for its own.

Have a great Sunday, I’ll see you Tuesday for a round of good news.

May your mimosa be more creative than this line,

Cait, From Bucks

I have no idea. But I know a Giant loves to see me coming. Where every trip is at least hundred bucks 🙃

But while I ponder my planning issues, you can read the weekend goods.

Chrome & curb appeal

On Sunday from 10 to 3, State Street in Newtown is trading regular traffic for 150+ classic parked cars and pre-war Fords. Come to think of it, Newtown traffic always feels like parked cars…

Anyway, you can grab food truck bites, admire the tailfins and poke your head under open hoods.

Just murmur “they don’t build ’em like they used to”, and everyone will assume you’re an expert.

Your MySpace era in song

Friday night is for the emo kids. Broken Goblet in Bensalem is having a pop punk tribute night starting at 7.

Expect craft beer, intense sing-alongs and every anthem that set your MySpace profile mood (ranking our friends was wild). Eyeliner and dramatic hair flips are optional (but probably recommended).

Picnic like it’s 1776

Also on Friday, Bristol is finally hosting their rescheduled America 250 celebration down along the river from 6 to 8.

They’ll have old school lawn games, live music, food trucks and ice cream. Basically all the old fashioned charm minus The Oregon Trail level risks (nothing worse for nine year old you than the green screen popping up - ‘you have died of dysentery, game over’).

Whether you’re into popped hoods, pop punk or picnics, you’re covered. And the weather is finally going to be beautiful for more than 12 hours in a row.

So whatever you do, have fun! I’ll see you Sunday for the slow down.

May your grocery runs be more efficient than mine,

Cait, From Bucks

But you know what’s right on time? Tuesday’s dose of good news.

Bucks gets a boost

Turns out money can buy happiness (let’s all say “duh” together).

Governor Shapiro just handed out another round of state grants and Bucks scooped up a pretty hefty slice of the pie.

What’s on the shopping list? A large entertainment complex coming to Bristol (think rooftop restaurant, patios, indoor food hall), redevelopment upgrades for Levittown and Dublin and fresh funding for the Falls fire company.

Expect construction cones now so you have somewhere cool to hang out later.

Mischief managed

Doylestown’s favorite Harry Potter shop just pulled off its ultimate magic trick: tripling in size. Wizarding Ways has apparated from its original spot over to East Oakland Avenue.

The shop now boasts three times the space for wands, robes, Butterbeer treats and whatever impulse buy your inner Gryffindor insists you need. Unless you’re a Slytherin. You’re not a Slytherin are you…?

Heading to the big leagues

Clear your calendar and start practicing your “I knew them before they were famous” speech.

The Penn Athletic Rebels 12U girls team just blew through the regional tourney and punched their ticket to the NFL Flag Football Championships in Indiana.

They’re heading out to represent us on the national stage. So if you hear extra loud cheering coming from the fields this week, you know why. Let’s go girls (say it in your Shania Twain voice, it feels so good)!

Guess I’ll be waving my new wand at the TV this week, wishing for the Penn girls to bring home the chip. Now if only that wizarding wand could do my 9-5 for me…

See you Thursday for the weekend goods!

May we all find a magic chore wand,

Cait, From Bucks

And now that we’re mostly out of the haze (thanks, rain), you can sit outside, prop your feet up and read this the way it’s intended. Slowly, with a smile and a good cup of coffee.

The weirdest housewarming party

Most people celebrate finishing a home renovation with a cheese board and a bottle of wine.

Henry Mercer celebrated by lighting his roof on fire.

When builders insisted his all concrete Fonthill Castle would crack or collapse, Mercer decided to settle the debate like a normal person. He built a giant bonfire on the roof then calmly went downstairs, set up a cot beneath the flames and went to sleep.

By morning, the fire was out, the castle was perfectly fine, and Mercer had made his point.

Over a century later, Fonthill is still standing. Proving nothing protects one’s home quite like pure spite.

Nothing hits like July tomatoes

If summer in Bucks had an official flavor, it’d probably be a ripe heirloom tomato.

Stella New Hope is serving juicy slices of locally grown heirlooms and creamy burrata on a deck overlooking the river. Never thought I’d get so worked up over microgreens.

It’s basically our county’s version of a postcard you can eat.

The heavyweight champs of Bucks

Turns out our best team doesn’t wear jerseys, it wears hairnets.

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger is going countywide after packing more than a hundred thousand meals with hundreds of volunteers at Oxford Valley mall. Now it’s reaching Upper Bucks too, helping stock local food pantries.

The goal is simple. Make sure more neighbors have food on the table. And that’s always something to cheer for.

If I ever have a point to make, I hope I'm not quite as dramatic as Mr. Mercer. Though I'm never opposed to a little flair.

I hope your Sunday is peaceful and I’ll see you Tuesday for a dose of positive news!

May your bonfire be considerably smaller than Fonthill’s,

Cait, From Bucks

But anyway, the white peach Red Bull tastes remarkably close to biting into a real, juicy peach on a hot day.

So you could sip on that while taking your pick of weekend plans. Let’s go!

Your lawn chair has plans

Some concerts expect you to stand shoulder to shoulder with strangers for three hours. The Bucks County Blues fest, however, encourages lawn chairs, picnic blankets and doing nothing productive all day.

Spend Saturday surrounded by live blues, good food and the kind of summer atmosphere that makes checking your phone feel like a terrible idea.

Bring a canopy if you’re ambitious. Or just bring yourself, because sometimes the best plan is just showing up.

Houston wasn’t first

Turns out Bucks County played a much bigger role in getting humanity to the moon than your high school history teacher let on.

Before the Moon, a one-day documentary screening, tells the story of how Apollo era astronauts trained for spaceflight right here in Warminster. Even cooler? It’s screening inside the actual centrifuge building where those same astronauts survived brutal G-forces.

Stick around afterward for a live Q&A with NASA veterans. It beats the heck out of watching Netflix on your couch.

Paddle first, lunch later

Finally, a legitimate excuse to tell people you’re “giving back to the community” while actually just spending a Friday morning in a kayak.

Paddle with a Purpose is looking for volunteers to glide across the lake and pluck out invasive weeds to keep the water healthy. Bring your own kayak or borrow one of theirs. Once you've secured your good karma for the week, they’ll feed you lunch.

Turns out community service pairs remarkably well with a little light paddling.

By now you've probably figured out one of my favorite things about Bucks (besides you)…there's always something worth getting out of the house for.

Whatever you choose this weekend, I hope it's a good one.

May someone save you a spot under the canopy,
Cait, From Bucks

If you prefer to be unbothered but still in the know, well that works too.

Baseball fever in Bucks

With the MLB All Star Game (8pm tonight) taking over Philly this week, we’re getting in on the action too. Local spots are planning watch parties. The Green Parrot in Newtown and Sparky’s in Levittown being two spots that pull the best crowd vibes.

It’s a great time if you love the game. Or if you just enjoy wearing a cap and pretending you know what advanced stats mean. Skip the South Philly traffic while still hooting and hollering with fellow fans? Sounds good to me.

Your neighborhood group chat in real life

Falls Township’s data center town hall is happening tonight at Pennsbury East (6-8). It brings residents together with representatives to discuss everything from electricity and water use to future development.

If you’ve ever wanted to see PECO and Amazon representatives answer questions from an open mic, here you go.

Eye spy a new store…

Oh c’mon, you knew at least one bad joke was coming.

Anyway, Warby Parker has arrived in Bucks at the Village at Newtown. So you can finally try on frames without making your mail carrier deliver five boxes to your porch.

They even have kids’ glasses, just in case the little ones need to look more sophisticated than the rest of us. Now if only they could help you see an open spot in that nightmare parking lot.

This week might be hot, but so is our baseball team. SIX all stars is something else. No team has more!

Stay cool and I’ll see you Thursday for the weekend goods.

May our Phillies impress us tonight,

Cait, From Bucks

So now it’s just me with bananas in my hand and tears in my eyes. Sigh. There’s always next spring I suppose. (groundhogs love bananas fyi)

The only thing that fixes this sadness? Reading about how people in the 1700s handled their problems like absolute psychos.

Wild way to fight taxes

Turns out complaining about taxes is one of our oldest traditions.

Back in 1798, the government taxed homes based on how many windows they had. Quakertown residents were...less than thrilled.

When tax assessors showed up counting windows, women reportedly welcomed them by dumping boiling water from upstairs windows.

Not exactly a Yelp review, but the message came across loud and clear.

Students get a hand

Here’s something that’ll warm the cockles of your heart.

Newtown philanthropists Gene and Marlene Epstein just expanded their scholarship program with a million smackeroos. That’ll cover everything (tuition, books, etc.) for eligible students attending Bucks County Community College’s Bristol campus.

For many families, that’s one less monetary mountain to climb. And a whole lot more opportunity.

No ‘crunch’ brunch

Weekend brunch is great...until you’re standing outside hungry behind 37 other people.

Meadowlark Café in Warminster skips the “brunch ends at 2” drama with an all day menu full of breakfast favorites (espresso and avocado toast for the W) and a cozy patio that feels made for lingering over one more cup of coffee.

It’s the kind of neighborhood spot you’ll wish you’d found sooner.

My wish for you is the same every Sunday. Peace, quiet and good coffee (or tea).

See you Tuesday for a dose of positive news!

May your boiling water only be used for pasta,

Cait, From Bucks