Phillies surprise, ghostly guests & Creole flavors
Local stories that matter and neighborhood updates you actually care about.
Good morning and Happy Easter! Before we hop (pun definitely intended) into today’s good stuff, we’d love your input.
If you know someone who deserves a shout out, please let us know. We want to keep highlighting our great neighbors and we’d love to hear your suggestions. You can reply directly via this email. We read and reply to every one that’s sent!
❤️ Local Heart
The Levittown community has rallied around a beloved local teacher, AJ Tantala, 26. AJ, who teaches at Samuel Everitt School (an elementary school in Bucks IU), was born with a condition that led to kidney failure when he was just two years old.
After years of treatments, he spent the last three years in desperate need of a transplant. To find a donor, he actually put up community sponsored billboards across the Delaware Valley. The billboards featured a photo of himself in his favorite gear along with the Phillies font.
Thankfully he found a match and underwent a successful transplant. To celebrate his recovery, he was surprised with Phillies tickets for the upcoming season. It was a collective "welcome back" from a community that wanted to show their gratitude for a neighbor who has spent years pouring into the lives of local kids.
🤔 Did You Know?
New Hope has some long time ghostly guests. Welcome to Halloween in April, I guess.
Established in 1727, the Logan Inn in New Hope is one of the oldest continuously running inn in the county. While it famously hosted George Washington and his troops, it’s unofficially said to be home to at least four ghosts.
Local legend suggests if you’re staying in Room 6, you might encounter the "Giggling Girl" or the scent of lavender associated with a former long-term resident. Between us, if I hear a ghost giggling, all you’d hear is the ‘whoosh’ of me running past right on out to a new hotel.
🍳 New Tastes Around Town
Honey (Doylestown): Honey is already a staple but their current seasonal menu is fire (as the kids have probably stopped saying). The standout? Black Tea Glazed Spare Ribs served with a side of surprise - spicy ginger ice cream. It’s a bold combo, but definitely worth it if you’re feeling adventurous.
Well Bean Coffee House (Penndel): Every month they surprise and delight their customers with a new coffee flight (and pretty tasty pastries, waffles, etc.). April’s vibe is definitely spring forward - carrot cake, berry blossom, daisy and caramel macchiato.
Mélange on Sycamore (Newtown): A coming (very) soon addition to the restaurant scene that blends Louisiana Creole with Italian. It’s got a jazz lounge vibe that’s unique for the area. If you go you have to try Chef Joe’s Crabmeat Cheesecake (don’t be deterred by the name). Opening night is this Wednesday.
📍 Trending Destinations
Commonplace Reader (Yardley): A charming independent bookstore that carries 4,000+ books nestled in a restored 150 year old house. It also houses the community hub vibe that borough residents love. If you want to feel like a local, grab a lemonade at Pretty Bird (right down the street) and enjoy your new book on the huge wraparound porch.
Galvanized America Inn & Art Gallery (Pipersville): While the farmhouse dates back to 1754, this business has recently leaned into its dual identity. It’s both a boutique stay and a curated art gallery, showcasing regional works and creating a new cultural hub for Upper Bucks. Just a heads up, you’ll want to make an appointment for the gallery.
Thanks for reading and enjoy some family time! See you Tuesday.
With love,
From Bucks
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