Because what a weekend ahead. Big laughs. Heavy sweating. Wild emotional swings. Somehow I'm still describing family vacation.

Anyway, let’s see what’s good.

Shakespeare, but make it unforgettable

Someone decided Macbeth should be performed in front of an actual castle, and honestly...that's hard to argue with.

The Fonthill Castle backdrop makes this whole thing feel a little ridiculous (in the best way). And it lets you spend two hours pretending you totally remember what happened in high school English.

Also, nothing says immersive theater like wondering whether that was a mosquito or a cursed spirit.

Fresh air. Fresh heckling.

A comedy show in the middle of a farm somehow makes perfect sense in Bucks. And Charlann Farms gets that. On Friday night you get to trade a sweaty comedy club for fresh air.

Paying professionals to make you laugh is a much healthier strategy than doomscrolling your night away.

Your couch will still be there tomorrow

If your idea of adventure is usually trying a different coffee order, Saturday's a good excuse to try climbing without committing.

Never climbed before? Perfect. Let’s Go Climbing supplies the gear, the guides and the encouragement. You just have to bring the courage to look down exactly once. Then maybe don’t do it again.

In one day you can laugh on a farm, scale a mountain and watch a Scottish noble ruin his own life. That's a pretty efficient 24 hours.

I freaking love this county. See you Sunday for more good stuff 😊

May your weekend involve fewer questionable decisions than Macbeth's,

Cait, From Bucks

That’s my life now.

Amazing I’ve made it this far without learning how to wash the fabric of summer.

Thankfully, writing this requires zero dryer sheets.

The country had a birthday. Bucks hosted.

Sure, the whole country celebrated our 250th anniversary.

But Bucks has a pretty strong claim to being the country’s hometown.

From parades and fireworks to crowds filling historic sites like Washington Crossing, this wasn’t just another Fourth. It was a reminder some of America’s biggest stories started right here.

For one weekend, we weren’t just celebrating history, we were living it.

Not bad for a county that also managed to wolf down nine billion hot dogs over 3 days.

Updating rules written before wi-fi existed

Langhorne Borough just landed state funding to rewrite its zoning ordinance for the first time since 1995. That’s before Wi-Fi. Before Google. Before anyone voluntarily carried a phone in their pocket.

The overhaul will modernize rules covering everything from solar panels to wireless infrastructure, while making the borough’s historic guidelines easier to navigate.

In other words: More protecting the borough’s charm. Fewer headaches, fewer “wait...I need a permit for what?“ moments.

Guys have discovered hormones

Well golf, you had a nice run. But apparently the latest thing guys are comparing is testosterone levels.

Part of my job here is keeping an eye on what’s trending around the county, and lately, the radar has been pointing toward personalized wellness.

Specifically, Gameday, a men’s wellness center in Newtown, aiming to help guys who are looking to feel a little less “I threw my back out sneezing” or “dang, I need a nap” after mowing the lawn.

Whether it’s a genuine health revolution or the male version of the skincare surge, custom calibration is booming in Bucks.

If your weekend involved fireworks, traffic and at least two hot dogs, you had a good time and you’re all caught up.

We’ll be back later this week with more things worth leaving the house for.

May your linen stay lint-free,

Cait, From Bucks

I escaped to the shore because everyone says it’s “ten degrees cooler”. Which is true, in the same way getting hit with a block of ice is technically softer than getting hit with a brick.

Anyway, I hope you had a great Fourth. Here’s what’s worth your time this week.

Skip the High Rocks headache

Everyone knows the view at High Rocks is incredible. Everyone also knows the main parking lot is where optimism goes to die.

True locals skip the main entrance and head to the Tohickon Valley Park side off Cafferty Road. Park near the pool and cabins, then take the quieter trail to the overlook.

Same view. Fewer people. Dramatically lower odds of questioning every decision that led you to that parking lot.

Just maybe wait until the temperature drops below surface of the sun.

My breakfast came with a view

The Yardley Inn won me over before I even ordered. Not because of the river view (which is excellent).

But because nothing kicks off brunch like casually dropping a plate of warm mini muffins on the table. They have a secret ingredient, and if you guess it correctly, your server will look at you like you’ve cracked the Da Vinci Code. (fun fact, I did not guess correctly, but my mom did!)

Then you get to decide between crab cake Benedict or lemon blueberry pancakes with whipped mascarpone 🤤

And if brunch involves a drink, the Yardley Mary arrives looking like someone dared the kitchen to stack just one more thing on top.

Great teeth. Better neighbors.

Bucks County Orthodontics has a simple rule. For every new patient they get, they send one hundred buckaroonies back into the community.

That money has bought mountains of Girl Scout cookies for local food pantries, helped fund youth sports, supported the YMCA and gone to plenty of other local causes.

I appreciate businesses that spend less time talking about “giving back” and more time actually doing it.

You’re gonna need extra sauce

Need an excuse to head toward Quakertown? Azur Mediterranean Bar & Grille has one.

The move is anything that comes with their LemonaiZe. A bright, tangy sauce that somehow ends up on nearly every table.

Start with the steak kebab gyro. Then immediately wish you’d ordered extra sauce the first time.

If you want a hint about the muffins’ secret ingredient, reply and let me know. I won’t completely ruin the mystery...unless you really want me to.

And if warm mystery muffins don’t interest you, I’m confused but I respect it.

See you Tuesday for some positive news!

May your Sunday be red, white and pool,

Cait, From Bucks

Our 250th birthday is a big deal. Which means our air quality is about to be 50% gunpowder, 30% optimism and 20% ‘we should’ve left earlier’.

Narrowing down where you should actually spend your long weekend wasn’t exactly simple. But I did the hard work so you don’t have to argue in the car.

History class, but with explosions

If you’ve ever wanted to see muskets fired without worrying about homework, Saturday is your day. Washington Crossing goes full 1776 with reenactors, live Declaration readings, and marching fifes and drums. Oh, and enough patriotism to make George Washington throw his wig off. Then, just when you think it’s over, the night ends with one of the area’s best fireworks shows exploding over the Delaware.

Red, white and blueberries

Peddler’s Village is throwing a Saturday BBQ with grilled favorites, live music and blueberry everything taking over the Green. Between bites, wander around to check out the giant sand sculptures inspired by an American road trip. Or just do what everyone actually does and leave wondering how you ended up financially committed to pottery and jam.

Skip the history, keep the funnel cake

Not feeling another reenactment? The St. Mike’s Fair is your escape hatch. This Levittown tradition runs Thursday through Sunday and has the classics: rides, games, cheesesteaks, funnel cakes and the kind of nostalgia that smells like fried dough. Best part? You can just walk right in for no cost and spend your moolah where it matters most. On food you’ll absolutely regret (and definitely enjoy).

The fireworks secret everyone wishes they knew

While the weekend’s America250 celebration spans both sides of the river, staying on the New Hope side will offer some of the best views in the house. Friday night the sky transforms with a synchronized fireworks show and a fleet of drones creating giant light displays overhead, all timed to music echoing through downtown. Fireworks are expected. Two hundred dancing drones over the river is the part nobody told your dad about.

Hard to believe our little melting pot is 250 years old. Time really flies when you’re not alive for most of it.

No matter how you celebrate, I hope you’re surrounded by people you love and take a minute to appreciate our good fortune.

May the Fourth be with you (couldn’t resist),

Cait, From Bucks

P.S. let me know where you’re heading this weekend.

This newsletter is yours too. Without you, it’s a rough 7. With you? A hard 10.

Let’s see what’s interesting and new this week!

Skip the shore, grab a paddle

If you’ve spent the last three weekends staring at your phone saying, “we should really do something outside,” consider this your sign. Driftwood Water Adventures is back in summer mode with kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals at Tyler and Falls Township parks.

They even do paddleboard yoga sometimes. Because apparently regular yoga wasn’t hard enough. And if you’re looking to feel young and silly again, paddleboarding is the easiest way to laugh so hard your abs get their workout. Because if you can actually stand for more than 8 seconds, you deserve a medal.

The World Cup comes to town

Forget jetting off around the country, this week PA Rush Soccer kicks off its “Road to the World Cup” summer camp. Kids become Brazil one day, Spain the next and Germany after that, before battling it out in their own tournament.

The only thing missing is an adult man dramatically flopping after someone barely touches him.

And if you missed the boat on a place to offload your kid for a few hours, you can still check out the upcoming schedule through August.

You get peanut butter, and you get peanut butter!

The Peanut Butter Shoppe swung their doors open this weekend in Peddler’s Village. And yes, people willingly stood in lines longer than some marriages for peanut butter. Which I understand since PB was my first love.

You can build your own custom blend, sample treats and somehow leave wondering why you’ve accepted boring grocery store PB for so many years. Be sure to snatch the best peanut butter cups of your life.

Beating the heat this week is gonna be tough. This is where it pays dividends to make friends with people who have pools. And a quick prayer for whoever’s manning the grill on the Fourth.

I’ll see you Thursday for the weekend goods!

May your AC be as strong as my love for PB,

Cait, From Bucks

I saw this quote yesterday…"What’s better, the journey or the destination? Neither, it’s the company.”

So any day I get to send this to you, that’s one of my favorite days of the week for sure.

Thanks for being here. Bucks never fails to entertain. Hope you’re enjoying the ride too!

The “free” view

Want river views without taking out a small loan for parking in New Hope? Skip the meters and head to the Scudder Falls Bridge pedestrian walkway.

Park free at the 1719 William Yardley House trailhead and stroll across the bridge. You’ll enjoy waterfront views that are suspiciously similar to the ones people pay premium dollars for upstream.

Summer flavors

Summer tasting menus can be hit or miss. Just like some of my jokes. But this one’s a hit.

OldeStone’s seasonal prix fixe includes halibut with a dill pomegranate vinaigrette and black garlic mashed potatoes. Manages to feel indulgent without the post dinner crash. It’s the New Hope date night you’ve been dreaming of.

It also makes me appreciate chefs. They’re thinking ‘dill pomegranate’ while I was impressed with bottled Mayochup last summer 🤷‍♀️

Royal vacation era

Believe it or not, Bristol was once the high society vacation destination.

Back in the late 1700s, wealthy colonists flocked to the Bath Mineral Springs to “take the waters”. Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Benjamin Rush even recommended the iron-rich springs as a cure for everything from aching joints to ‘hysteria’ (I imagine for most women going to relax alone did in fact make them less “crazy”).

Imagine telling your boss you needed two weeks off to soak in mineral water? Better have a doctor's note.

For a few glorious decades, Bristol was America’s original “it” spot. Then factories showed up, the springs disappeared and the original influencers moved on.

Cap’n Crunch brunch

If you need a weekend brunch spot with some energy, head to Caleb’s Kitchen in Lahaska. It’s a fantastic BYOB. Just bring your favorite sparkling wine and they’ll supply the fresh squeezed OJ.

Also, just do what I do and skip the standard eggs. The Cap’n Crunch French toast is exactly as loud, crunchy and nostalgic as it sounds.

I don’t pretend to know everything about life but walking off your brunch by the Delaware feels like some kind of answer.

As for me, I’ll be heading to Belmar with the family 🏖️But I’ll be back in time for Tuesday’s dose of positive news.

May your Sunday be as relaxed as me at the shore,

Cait, From Bucks

Is there anything better than celebrating our nation’s birth trapped in traffic with tens of thousands of other sweaty patriots? Maybe, but we’re doing it anyway.

Next Wednesday, I get to set my Outlook status to "good luck everyone" and disappear for a week. I’ll still be here for you though 🫶

Anyway, while I mentally pack my bags, here’s what’s happening around town.

The whole county’s invited

Think of this as Doylestown’s version of closing the streets and seeing what happens (fun, fun is what happens).

Restaurants spill their tables onto South Main, musicians pop up on corners and your simple dinner plans turn into a three hour side quest.

If you’re looking for that ‘wow, everyone seems to be here’ summer night energy, this is it. The block party is happening both Friday and Saturday 5-11.

Red, white and booze

An orchard and a distillery walked into a barrel...and two years later, this happened. Manoff Market and Dad’s Hat teamed up on a one-off apple brandy made from local cider and aged in rye whiskey barrels.

Add live music, orchard views, food pairings and a release you probably won't see again next year, and suddenly your Saturday plans are making themselves.

The fields are showing off

Lavender is having its main character moment all weekend long. Peace Valley Farm’s fields are glowing purple, the air smells wonderful and you can snip your own bouquet straight from the source.

There’s also lavender ice cream. Which sounds silly until you’re halfway through a scoop wondering why vanilla gets all the attention. Catch it now because the peak bloom window doesn’t stick around for long.

This will be my first time ever heading to the shore for a holiday weekend. So your thoughts and prayers are appreciated 🙏 And any podcast recommendations are also welcome.

May your weekend be calmer than Route 1 next Thursday,

Cait, From Bucks

Who would move scallops around the pan every 30 seconds you might ask? No one I know…

But enough about my sketchy kitchen etiquette. Let’s dive in!

The backyard cottage

A bipartisan bill is making its way through Harrisburg. And it’s giving local planning boards serious heartburn. Dramatic or warranted? That’s TBD.

But the bill would allow property owners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (think backyard cottages or tiny homes) on single family lots without needing to beg the zoning board for permission. And local boards are reacting exactly how you’d expect when someone suggests they have slightly less control over something.

Though if this passes, your neighbor’s backyard might get a whole lot cozier. Or weirder. You might find yourself saying good morning to a guy named Kyle who insists he's "between startups”. Stay tuned.

Greenhouse goals (minus the humidity)

Casa De Lanzo just opened a gorgeous, acre+ botanical escape in Furlong. And it’s officially your Instagram feed’s new darling.

The crown jewel is a beautiful Victorian style glass greenhouse that has a ‘wealthy widow is about to reveal a family secret’ feel to it. And while you can’t just drop in to visit, they will be throwing weekend workshops and opening the space for private parties.

It’s the perfect spot to take pictures and pretend you can keep a fern alive for more than two weeks.

Keep your polo dry

Golfers have wisely decided suffering outdoors is overrated. They’re showing up at The Birds Nest in New Hope for their fancy simulator bays, while Fairways Golf Club in Warrington is rolling out new, perfectly AC’d suites to anchor their summer rec leagues. So now’s your best chance to learn the gentleman’s game in comfort.

Because why walk 18 holes in 90 degree heat when you can drink a cold beer in front of a giant screen and blame the computer for your slice?

I don’t want to think about my neighbor moving her three loud (adult) children into cottages out back so I’m going to go practice my swing and ignore that possibility.

I’ll be back in time for Thursday’s weekend roundup!

May your backyard remain Kyle-free,

Cait, From Bucks

Peace Valley Nature Center is actually hosting an ice cream social at 1 today. Which is kinda better anyway. I’m no professional, but replacing a woodland walk with ice cream doesn’t feel like a downgrade…

Anyway, enough about my ongoing battle with dates and numbers. Let’s dive in.

The 7 year old making the rest of us look bad

Layla Peck, from Newtown, has a better grasp on being a good person than a lot of adults.

Back in 2024, at 7 years old, she realized World War II vet, Joseph Gagliardi, hadn’t been properly celebrated in years. Layla didn’t just say “aw, sad” and go back to watching Bluey. Instead, she organized a surprise neighborhood rally to give him a hero’s welcome.

The move was so impressive she was honored at the 1st Congressional District’s Hometown Heroes celebration. When asked why she did it, Layla simply said she “wanted him to feel special”.

Meanwhile, I’m treating ‘didn’t hit snooze’ like an accomplishment. So this is a nice reminder that sometimes changing a life isn’t complicated. It just takes the emotional intelligence of a second grader.

By the way, Layla hasn't stopped, either. She's been heavily involved in veteran tributes ever since 😊

Summer slices

If your ideal summer evening involves pizza and pretending you have a sophisticated palate, head to Itri in Bristol. Their wood-fired pies already have a loyal following, but there’s a seasonal star. Specifically, the peaches and hot honey pizza that’s making a case for one of summer’s best options.

It somehow feels both casual and fancy. Kind of like when your mom wears her best track jacket to church.

Bucks County’s original ghost town

Before Doylestown, before Newtown and long before anyone was hollering at traffic on Route 611, there was Crewcorne. Never heard of it? You’re not alone.

Founded around 1679 near what’s now Morrisville, this tiny Quaker village was actually the county’s first official settlement and original county seat.

It had it all. The first courthouse, a bustling tavern and a bright future. And then it pulled a total Houdini.

When the county seat moved, Crewcorne literally vanished. Buildings were dismantled for lumber, roads were plowed into farmland and history hit delete. Today, there isn’t a single brick, foundation or street sign left to prove it existed.

The county’s original capital is a literal ghost town and 99% of locals have no idea they’re driving right through it 👻

Al Capone energy

Craft Tavern’s drinks arrive smoking like a detective in a 1940s noir film. In fact, the whole place feels like a speakeasy where someone definitely knows a guy.

And then there's the double smash burger. Juicy, messy and good enough to make you turn off your fitness tracker for now.

If you've ever wanted dinner in Dublin to feel vaguely like you’re part of a bootlegging ring, this is your spot.

Wonder if Craft Tavern could make me a smoking mocktail? Worth a trip to find out. Definitely has nothing to do with getting my paws on one of my favorite burgers in Bucks.

Enjoy your Sunday, see you Tuesday!

May you pull a Houdini on your responsibilities today,

Cait, From Bucks

Anyway, I’m back just in time for the weekend. Which means it’s time for both of us to get off the couch. Your cushions had a good run. It’s time to go remember what real life humans look like.

Pride with a side of martini

This Saturday, East State Street hands the keys over to PrideFest, turning Doylestown into one giant block party. Cars are out, community is in.

Expect street vendors, drag performances and enough good vibes to power the borough for a week. Bars are also battling it out in a Pride drink competition, which feels like the kind of civic engagement I can get behind. Grab a drink and join the party. Tutu recommended but not required.

The original golden hour

The longest day of the year deserves better than a late night phone scroll (not that I’m judging). Head to Peace Valley Nature Center Sunday evening for some ancient traditions we used to rely on before Netflix existed.

You’ll get a guided dusk walk by the lake, stories under the stars and an excellent opportunity to pretend you’re much more outdoorsy than you actually are.

Good vibes on the farm

Still Rise Farms is hosting its Juneteenth gathering on Friday, bringing together culture, music and community. Think less ‘giant festival’ and more ‘meaningful community gathering’.

It’s spread out across the scenic fields, with an open mic for local voices and a marketplace packed with regional creators. Rain or shine, the celebration is on.

You know you live in a great place when you’re excited to come home from a trip. Only in Bucks can your options include a Pride martini, a sunset nature walk and a farm celebration of freedom.

Hope you have a great weekend and take a minute to appreciate the beauty that is Bucks!

May your martini be glitter rimmed,

Cait, From Bucks

P.S. let me know what you’re doing this weekend! I read and reply to every note.

Even 800 miles away, the good news home has to offer is still on my mind. Let’s get to it!

Neshaminy reaches the mountaintop

Neshaminy brought home its first ever state baseball championship.

But the journey wasn’t exactly low stress. The Skins punched their ticket to the finals by edging rival Pennsbury 2-1 in a semifinal that likely sent local cardiologists into a very strong quarter. The heart palpitations were real.

They followed that up by taking down Butler at Penn State to finish the job. For at least one glorious season, PA baseball runs through Lower Bucks.

The butterflies have returned

One of Buckingham’s favorite summer traditions is back. Bountiful Acres reopened its butterfly atrium this week.

Meaning you can wander through a cloud of monarchs while pretending you’re in a nature documentary narrated by David Attenborough.

The best part? It doesn’t cost anything to visit. The worst part? Convincing your kids it’s time to leave.

A local company is headed to the Cup

The World Cup is going to show off the biggest soccer stars on the planet. And when they score, it’ll be into goals with a Bucks County connection.

Quakertown based Kwik Goal was selected to provide the goalposts, netting and training equipment for the tournament. It’s the kind of random fact that instills pride and helps you win trivia night at the bar.

No rain delays here

The River Crossing YMCA has soft opened its new indoor sports center in Doylestown. This creates more space for youth clinics, community programs and adult basketball leagues.

Local athletes now have one less reason to obsessively refresh the weather app on game day. Your jump shot, however, remains solely your responsibility.

I’ll be attending a Braves game tonight against my will. Unless it (oh no) gets rained out. In which case, I’m heading back to the hotel early to watch the Phils 😤

Enjoy your Tuesday and I’ll be back in time for the weekend!

May you find a way to mention our World Cup goalposts in casual conversation,

Cait, From Bucks

What say you? It’s 95 degrees out, aren’t you warm enough??

But no. Just found out that underground it’s a constant 50 to 55 degrees year round. Mind blown.

Turns out when I’m not exploring Bucks, I’m going down literal groundhog holes. Google’s gotta be wondering about my sanity at this point but I hope you’re not! Let’s get to the good stuff.

Local legend joins the Corporate Avengers

Josh Fields, founder of The Next Step Programs, just landed on the 2026 Philadelphia Titan 100 list (recognizes top execs). Which is a title that sounds more like a rank you achieve after defeating Thanos.

Josh and his team empower young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they transition out of high school. He started the nonprofit as a Doylestown teenager after befriending a classmate with Down syndrome. What began as high school lunchroom hangouts has evolved into one of the region’s most meaningful organizations.

Pretty good for a guy who, at the time, was probably more focused on trying to pass chemistry than regional economic leadership.

The fried chicken cult moves in

Philly’s worst kept secret is bringing its signature fried chicken out to the burbs. Love & Honey is bringing us insanely crispy chicken that’s heavy on the honey drizzle.

It’s the kind of food that has earned a literal cult following in the city. For full effect, throw in a side of mac and cheese, cornbread and a vow of silence regarding your cholesterol levels (really hope my Dr. doesn’t read From Bucks).

The skunk empire nobody asked for

Long before Wycombe was known for quiet country roads and scenic views, it was the the center of a very stinky economy. Skunk farming.

In the early 1900s, an entrepreneur realized high-society women’s fashion trends demanded skunk fur (because of course). Business boomed but to literally no one’s surprise neighbors flooded newspapers with furious letters.

And lore claims the stench became so atrocious that when Route 413 was being mapped out in 1911, engineers literally drew a curve to bypass the town. Imagine being so smelly civil engineers decide to just take the long way instead.

Brunch, but make it barbecue

Most breakfast spots expect you to choose between a sensible omelet and a mountain of smoked meat. The Churchville Inn politely declines the ultimatum.

The lineup you’re looking for is baby back ribs (hell yes) and house made biscuits (omg yes). Hello again to our annoying friend, LDL.

Also, you’re eating inside a landmark that quite literally rose from the ashes after its historic building survived a devastating fire. Because honestly, pork roll tastes better when it’s seasoned with a little resilience.

My itinerary for the afternoon includes congratulating Josh, being groundhog paparazzi and devouring some honey chicken. I've learned from past experience to do these strictly in that order. My touchscreen doesn’t love honey nearly as much as I do.

Enjoy your day and I’ll see you Tuesday for a dose of positive news.

May your backyard pets not be skunks,

Cait, From Bucks

And I’m going to give you some great options for the weekend, but you could always fall back on watching the wildlife in your yard. It’s like you don’t even need me.

Not your mom’s garden tour

Ever wanted permission to peek behind Doylestown’s most enviable hedges? Sunday is your chance. The Kitchen & Garden Tour opens the gates to some of the area’s best private properties. This includes an 1870 Victorian with its own aviary garden (because apparently regular gardens aren’t ambitious enough) and the former home of James A. Michener.

Local Master Gardeners will also be on hand to answer questions and confirm that yes, your hydrangeas are judging you.

The beautiful game

The world’s biggest soccer tournament is practically in our backyard this year. And if you’re going to spend 90 minutes yelling at a referee who can’t hear you, at least do it properly.

Villa Capri is turning up the atmosphere with full game audio, an outdoor viewing area and enough wood-fired fuel to get you through even the most emotionally exhausting penalty shootout.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just there to support your boyfriend, consider this your headquarters all weekend long.

When you can’t decide what to eat

Forty-plus food trucks. Three days. Zero nutritional accountability. Foodees Fest rolls into town with enough slow-cooked barbecue, street tacos and deep-fried creativity to make your smartwatch suggest a nap.

Between bites, wander through the local creators showcasing everything from original crafts to one-of-a-kind finds. It’s basically a neighborhood block party that skipped straight to dessert.

The ‘no crowds’ club

If large, sweaty festival crowds sound like a punishment (well when ya say it that way…) McConkey’s is a bit more civilized. Held Saturday morning in Washington Crossing, it’s an outdoor mix of unique history, local creators and the kind of home accents you definitely don’t have room for but somehow follow you home anyway.

And with live music, coffee and a river view you can easily pretend you’re a well-adjusted person who enjoys being outside when it’s 87.

Whatever you end up doing, I hope you get out there and enjoy the weekend before Monday rolls back around.

And hey, if you see me with a taco hanging out of my mouth, come say hi. Just don’t ask me how tracking my calories is going 🙈

May your flowers call you Master Gardener,

Cait, From Bucks

While marinating in aloe, I put together some great Tuesday vibes for you. But first, our next community ‘give back’ day is on June 18 (next Thursday). If you know a local charity or a neighbor who could use a hand, just reply to this email and let me know. I'd love to get them on our radar ❤️

924 reasons our future looks bright

Bucks County Community College just handed out 924 degrees and certificates at its 60th commencement ceremony. Sure, a handful of these overachievers are headed to prestigious summer research fellowships and major universities, but plenty are staying right here.

Today’s graduates are tomorrow’s nurses, business owners, educators and tech professionals. A.k.a. the essential humans who will keep Bucks running smoothly while I struggle to remember my Wi-Fi password.

Playing his way into round one

Former Holy Ghost Prep star Aiden Robbins is making scouts very happy. After leading the nation with a .422 average at Seton Hall, he transferred to Texas, got even better and now he’s in the College World Series.

A batting title in the Cape Cod League, a historic cycle and a monster season have vaulted Robbins into Baseball America’s Top 25 prospects ahead of next month’s MLB Draft. Not bad for a kid from Yardley.

Fresh cuts and old-school vibes

Because you can’t live on groceries and degrees alone, The Way Barber Co. is now open in the heart of Doylestown borough.

Traditional cuts, hot towel shaves and that old-school neighborhood atmosphere where you walk in for a quick trim and leave with a fresh fade, blood sworn allegiance to a local pizza shop and an opinion on a high school coach you didn't even know existed.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us today. Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine. Just learn from my mistakes and bring some SPF 70 🥵

See you Thursday for the weekend goods.

May your chair be canopied unlike mine,
Cait, From Bucks

Usually, my Sunday philosophy involves slow coffee and absolute peace. Instead, I’m chugging a travel mug ahead of an 8am softball tournament. I’m not saying I want us to lose, but if the other team happens to win so we can all get pancakes by 9:30...I won’t be devastated.

Let’s get to the good stuff.

Literary laundromats

Nobody has ever looked at a spin cycle and thought “wow, what a magical, highly productive use of forty five minutes”. For busy parents, it’s usually just lost time spent managing bored kids.

Well, the Rotary Club of Hatboro saw a shortcut. This spring, they teamed up with the library and the laundromat to launch a Little Laundromat Library.

Instead of staring blankly at tumbling jeans, kids can now grab a book from custom stocked shelves and read with their parents while the wash runs. Better yet? They’re encouraged to take the books home and build their own library. Restocked entirely by neighbor donations, it turns a chore into a win ✅

Worth wearing real pants

If your ideal weekend morning involves excellent coffee and delaying today’s regrets until at least noon, make a beeline for Flourish Cafe (Newtown or Holland). They do lunch and dinner, but brunch is where they truly flex.

Try the eggs Benedict and don’t overthink it. It features smoked salmon, creamy avocado and a hollandaise so smooth it could talk its way out of a speeding ticket on the bypass. Pair it with an espresso that’ll briefly have you convinced you’re the kind of person who journals.

Underwater ghost town

Long before Peace Valley was where we all pretend we’re going to start jogging regularly, it was a Pennsylvania mining hub.

Then Bucks did something pretty dramatic. It flooded the whole thing. The reservoir swallowed the historic village of New Galena along with the old mine workings.

So the next time you’re admiring the peaceful water, just remember…you’re floating right over a sunken ghost town 😬

Your dentist hates this place

If you’re strolling around Yardley and realize you’re holding a cookie sundae the size of a flowerpot, don’t fret. You’re not the first.

Since opening at the end of May, Cookies N’ Cream has become an absolute hazard for anyone who walks in thinking “I’ll just look”.

Their whole setup is beautiful: warm cookies + cold ice cream + zero self-control.

You choose from cookie bases (including Biscoff, Nutella and that viral Dubai style) then smash it together with 30 ice cream flavors like Georgia Peach or Mud Pie. From there, things quickly escalate into customized topping combinations that’ll make your dentist lose sleep.

So, if we lose this morning, it’s pancakes. If we win, it’s ice cream. Either way, I’m confident today is a good day.

Hope your Sunday goes exactly how you want. Enjoy it, and I’ll see you Tuesday!

May your ice cream melt just right on your cookie,

Cait, From Bucks

But you know what no one ever spells wrong? Weekend. And that’s what you pay me (in your heart) to tell you about every Thursday.

Today’s edition brought to you by Lumyn Hair Studio in Newtown. Bad hair day? We don’t know her. But we do know Lauryn. From expert blonding and cuts to frizz-busting Hair Botox, she’ll have you glowing all season long. Book your summer glow-up package before your roots notice.

Retro rewind dance party

If your Spotify has ever contained the words Madonna, Prince or “Oops, all 80s”, this one’s for you. Head to Newtown Bomba on Friday night, where DJ Bobby Boombox is spinning a throwback dance party.

Expect nostalgia, themed pink drinks and a good excuse to dust off that outfit you’ve been told is ‘coming back in style’ for the last decade. The evening also supports Susan G. Komen. Eight pm until midnight 😱

Senior Olympics wraps

If you think retirement means slowing down, you’ve clearly never watched seniors play pickleball. The Bucks County Senior Games wrap up Saturday morning at CB West, where athletes 50+ will be competing in everything from bocce to track events.

Fair warning, there’s a decent chance someone old enough to remember rotary phones is in significantly better shape than you. Oh and a reminder to set your alarm because it starts at 8.

A sandy road trip

Every year I ask myself “how impressive can sand sculptures really be?”. And every year I’m surprised by the answer. Peddler’s Village has once again handed a bunch of top tier sculptors several tons of sand and told them to go nuts.

The result is a giant walkthrough American road trip featuring sculptures that somehow make my childhood sandcastles look criminal.

Sunset on the water

On a perfect June evening, most people flock to Tyler State Park or Washington Crossing. Which is exactly why Lake Luxembourg at Core Creek feels like a secret.

Rent a kayak just before sunset and paddle out while the crowds are busy elsewhere. The water stays surprisingly calm, the views are gorgeous and for about an hour you’ll completely forget you’re surrounded by suburbia.

Wild to think I could go from screaming Cher to cheering on your grandpa to walking around admiring sand sculptures all in on weekend. Round it out with a Sunday evening kayak adventure? Call me crazy, but living in Bucks is bussin (learned that from my 11 year old who will cringe when she reads this).

May your vocals hold up on When Doves Cry,

Cait, From Bucks

Any other June birthdays here?

Anyway, the weather is great and so is the news. Especially if you’re a senior or someone who’s anti-screen time. Outside of reading this of course, which is an excellent use of screens.

Seniors for squash (sounds like a campaign slogan)
Yesterday kicked off one of those government programs everyone actually agrees is a good idea. Eligible Bucks County seniors receive vouchers they can spend like cash on fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from local farms.

In other words, taxpayers are funding Grandma's tomato addiction. But frankly, there are worse uses of public money.

Schools vs. phone zombies
The Bucks County Commissioners approved a new incentive program encouraging school districts to adopt “bell-to-bell” no cell phone policies.

The goal? Drastically reduce the number of teens doomscrolling through TikTok during Algebra II. Forcing them into the uncharted territory of looking each other in the eye and having a conversation. Thoughts & prayers to the teachers navigating this.

Where time froze in 1912

If you’re tired of ordering everything from a soulless online warehouse, head to Sine’s 5 & 10 in Quakertown. Family owned since 1912, this isn’t just a store. It’s a living time machine with a working soda fountain, bulk penny candy and zero self-checkout lanes. There’s even a year round Christmas room. Just in case you want to experience summer heat and holiday anxiety at the same time.

You can safely skip the drive-thru this week. Grab a stool at the counter, order an Edy’s milkshake and watch the toy train do laps while you contemplate why we ever let modern shopping get so sterile.

Don’t judge me if you see me dangling my feet off a stool while sipping a milkshake. This is me deep in my investigative research for the county. It’s for you, not me.

Worry not, I’ll be back in time to get the Thursday copy ready for your weekend goods.

May your strawberries be sweet and your joints pain free,

Cait, From Bucks

So the youth are apparently capable of building full cinematic universes. I like to think my contribution is stringing together a few solid sentences 💅. Let’s go!

Philly flavors on S. Main

In New Hope, Nosh Empanadas literally stamps the flavors onto the dough. Which feels incredibly necessary once you’re three empanadas deep and operating on instinct.

Of note, not ordering the Philly cheesesteak empanada feels disrespectful. And the Nutella banana pastry is something you grab “for later” then eat immediately while standing on the sidewalk overlooking the river.

Bucks > Salem

Everyone remembers the Salem witch trials. Fewer people realize Bucks basically looked at the whole situation and went, “Alright, let’s calm down”.

Back in 1684, a Swedish woman (Margaret Mattson) living along the river was accused of witchcraft after neighbors claimed she had bewitched cattle (okay…). The case ended up in front of William Penn himself.

Penn delivered what may still be the most Pennsylvania verdict of all time. The woman was guilty of having the reputation of being a witch, but not guilty of actually doing witchcraft.

In other words: “Margaret, you’re kinda weird. But legally? Not magic.”

She was released on a small bond and a promise to keep the peace. And Bucks successfully avoided becoming Salem. Now if only some of that common sense had wafted up north.

Brunch in the old Borough Hall

Should I just move to New Hope? Because the old Borough Hall is now serving pancakes instead of paperwork, which feels like meaningful societal progress. Pancakes & eggs > government buildings, every day.

You already know Vanilla Cafe is one of those dangerous ‘grabbing a quick coffee’ situations that ends up lasting two hours. Probably because that pastry case starts blowing kisses at you as soon as you walk in.

Also, people watching gets exponentially better after the second (or third, who am I to judge) latte.

After the calories I just recommended, you’re probably going to need a walk. I’ll be at Tyler State Park attempting to cancel out my life choices. Realistically, I’ll make it about a mile before rewarding myself with the emergency empanada in my backpack 🤷‍♀️

See you Tuesday for your dose of positive news.

May your coffee be stronger than my willpower,

Cait, From Bucks

P.S. what’s your favorite park in Bucks?

Also, we had a ton of shares this past week. If somebody forwarded this to you, welcome and congratulations on having friends with exceptional taste. Let me live up to the hype.

Now let’s get into the goods.

Road trip USA

If you see a 15 foot replica of the Golden Gate Bridge floating down the street this week, it’s just Pennsbury High School preparing to defend its title.

This Saturday, the legendary Pennsbury Prom returns. For the uninitiated, this isn’t your average high school gym dance with a basic balloon arch. This is a community wide engineering marvel that’s literally been crowned the “Best Prom in America”.

The theme for 2026? “ROAD TRIP: Explore America Coast to Coast.” From 1-3 it’s an open walk through for all. See ordinary high school hallways transformed into iconic landmarks by a dedicated, sleep deprived army of volunteers.

Afterward, stick around for the famous arrival parade to see how seniors show up (spoiler: it usually involves heavy machinery and floats). Word to the wise, die hards start camping out in the late morning. So prepare to hunker down for a 2-4 hour dry tailgating experience if you want a front row experience. And it is an experience.

Tambourine energy, with a view

Tucked into the hills of New Hope, the Helping Friendly Jamboree is the kind of grassroots music festival people accidentally discover once and then spend five years asking everyone, “You’ve NEVER been?”

The vibe lands somewhere between backyard jam session, community picnic and wholesome fever dream. All set on a beautiful therapeutic farm no less. It’s relaxed, welcoming and very “someone’s dad definitely brought a tambourine”.

If your ideal Saturday involves live music, open fields and escaping everything fluorescent and corporate for a while, here you go.

The fancy shoes are out

The riverfront theater crowd is dressing up Sunday night. Over at the Playhouse, the Producers Celebration is equal parts nostalgia, community reunion and an excuse to stand near the river holding a drink while discussing 15 year old stage productions like they happened yesterday.

They’re digging into archival highlights and backstage stories before everyone spills outside for arts chatter and conversations that start with “remember when they did…”

If you love theater history, waterfront views and/or briefly becoming the type of person who says “the arts matter”, this is your scene.

And they call it puppy love

If you’d like your plans to involve falling in love with a rescue goat or a pair of puppy eyes...The Bucks County SPCA invites you to their open house 12-3 at its Quakertown shelter Saturday. You can tour the facility, meet adoptable pets and try your absolute best not to bring all of them home with you.

Can you picture it? Chilling on a therapeutic farm while aggressively shaking a tambourine. Two beers deep? Transcendent experience. Completely sober? Concerning way to spend an afternoon.

No matter what you do - enjoy the weather, and I’ll see you Sunday.

May your weekend contain exactly the correct number of drinks,

Cait, From Bucks

P.S. if you have a place, event or person you think we should be covering, just reply. Half this newsletter is powered by locals sending us random things. And for that, we thank you. (we being Cait the writer and Lisa the editor - a dynamic duo of 90% fun and 10% bickering)

But we may as well lean into the rain theme up front. Grab a dry towel and let's get into it.

Sidewalks that spill the tea

Only in Doylestown does a rainy day come with a reading assignment. Pearl S. Buck International and the Doylestown Library have teamed up for ‘Rain Poetry’ coming this fall. Invisible poems sprayed onto sidewalks using an eco-friendly treatment that stays undercover until it pours. Think of it as Bucks’s version of hidden treasure (if the treasure were feelings). Residents are now exactly one rainstorm away from accidentally becoming poetry enthusiasts. Umbrellas optional. Existential reflection highly encouraged.

Stay calm, everyone

In news almost too wholesome, our primary elections delivered high turnout and zero drama. Democrats turned out in force, Republican incumbents cruised and poll workers reported smooth, conflict free operations across the board. Just neighbors doing democracy the old fashioned way, standing in line politely and pretending not to recognize each other. As we head toward the midterms, the vibe is civil and engaged. Which frankly deserves its own “I Voted” sticker.

I’m heading to the real world Etsy

Historic Mill Street got a nice boost with the launch of Shops on Mill. A newer community collective hosting up to 100 hyper local creators, vendors, designers and artists under one roof. It’s essentially what happens when a farmer’s market and a Pinterest board have a productive child. Great spot for one of a kind home goods, local art and at least three things you absolutely did not need five seconds ago. Bristol Borough officials are reportedly bracing for a dramatic spike in canvas tote bag ownership.

Personally, I’ll be spending the week pretending I definitely understand poetry and convincing myself I absolutely need another handcrafted candle.

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

May your Tuesday feel as short as a long weekend,
Cait, From Bucks