Ringing rocks, judgy cats and serious pasta
If you thought the only things blooming this week were allergies and the traffic on 611, I’m happy to report you’re only 50% right. Because we’ve officially entered our ‘Bucks is the Main Character’ era.
Mike Schmidt (Phillies legend) was teaching the next generation of Doylestown ballplayers how to not get crispy in the sun. And Sabrina Carpenter (pop superstar) brought a piece of Quakertown to Coachella. The local talent was doing the heavy lifting while the rest of us just try to stop sneezing.
Speaking of local talent, thank you again to Lumyn Hair Studio in Newtown. Lauryn is the reason we’re able to keep these stories coming! A few readers are already reserved for her chair this month, which either means Lauryn’s great or we’re all overdue for haircuts (probably both). If you’ve been meaning to freshen up for spring, go see why locals love her. From Bucks readers get extra love.
🍳 Worth the calories
A county classic, Pineville Tavern is leaning into spring harder than me at a garden center. The “I’m getting hangrier by the moment” move is the honey glazed salmon. The harissa honey glaze has just the right amount of zip (enough to wake up your taste buds without requiring a glass of milk on hand). The “I’m wearing white linen” play is Matteo’s salad. It’s loaded with artisan greens and whatever fresh veggies are currently hitting their stride.
If authentic, old-school Italian comfort is more your thing, we got you. The wait for Cugini’s has been longer than the line at the DMV, but the outcome involves a lot more garlic and a lot less paperwork. They’re the talk of Solebury right now. Go straight for the signature Cugini pasta or the wood-fire finished lasagna. Just don’t be surprised if you start talking with your hands halfway through your meal.
🤔 Did you know?
If you’ve ever trekked through Ringing Rocks Park, you know the drill. You bring a hammer, you hit a boulder and you feel slightly less crazy when it actually dings back at you.
But the history of that boulder field is weirder than a rock thinking it’s a xylophone. Back in the late 1800s, this wasn’t just a hiking spot. It was the county’s first concert venue.
A local legend named Dr. J.J. Ott decided that standard instruments were far too blah. So he curated a ‘rock organ’ by gathering specific stones that rang in different pitches. He then proceeded to play full concerts for bewildered crowds.
Imagine a Victorian-era outdoor symphony where the percussionist is just a guy with a hammer and a dream? The crowd might’ve been confused, but notice they didn’t go home early. Because before Coachella and Red Rocks, Bucks County had...Actual Rocks.
📍 Where I’m heading
If you think MeWow Cat Cafe is simply a place to get caffeinated while a tabby judges your life choices, well it is. But just consider that the opening act. Because it’s also a Doylestown community hub that just hosted World Book Night. Nothing pairs better with a novel than a feline that will inevitably sit on the very page you’re trying to read. It’s the only spot in town where you can argue about the classics and find a forever friend in the same afternoon. Feel free to name your new pal The Great Gats-paws, he’d like that.
Popped into Smoothie & Co. in Morrisville for a quick lunch and can confirm: the vibes are immaculate. The Galatica smoothie is out of this world (the joke told itself). And as someone who’s locked into a long-term contract with carbs, the whipped ricotta toast is non-negotiable. You can even give your Stanley a break and treat yourself to a little infused water while you’re waiting. Go for the nutrients, stay for the aesthetic.
❤️ Bucks heart
Bucks County Neighbors hit their 245 member cap for the year (making it officially harder to get into than a Doylestown parking spot on a Saturday night). But the real story isn’t the waitlist, it’s their “Sunshine”.
We’re talking about a card writing operation for neighbors having a rough week and interest groups designed to make sure no one feels like they’re on an island. This group is a 10/10 in looking out for one another.
They’re also the ultimate social matchmaker, minus the awkward first date small talk (plus a lot more gardening tips). It’s basically the inner circle for anyone who wants to know the people living behind the picket fences.
Side note, there’s no patent on kindness. You can send nice cards to anyone who needs one (it’s me, I thrive on nice messages). If you’re on the waitlist, worry not - they’re accepting fresh faces again in June.
In between bites of lasagna and petting my own judgy cats, I’ll be wondering how ole DJ Ott even figured out the rocks would sing. Boredom levels pre-internet must’ve been off the charts.
May a good neighbor deliver Pineville Tavern to your door,
Cait at From Bucks
P.S. We’d love to hear where you’re eating this week. We’re always looking for good food. Hit reply, we read every one.