Quakertown
Quakertown is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) is the main airport to arrive in. Quakertown is about 41 miles northwest of PHL. From there, you can get to Quakertown by taking a taxi or renting a car through numerous companies.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE IATA) is a locally-based airport located 16 miles north of Quakertown in Allentown.
By train
[edit]The closest Amtrak station is in Paoli (PAO), roughly 29 miles south of Quakertown on Lancaster Pike & S. Valley Rd.
By car
[edit]From Pennsylvania Turnpike - From I-476, take the PA-663 N exit, EXIT 44, toward PA-309/Quakertown. Turn left onto PA Route 663 northbound (John Fries highway). At PA Route 309, the road will become PA Route 313 eastbound. Rt 309 is close to the western border of the Borough of Quakertown. Continuing on PA Route 313 eastbound will lead you to the "uptown" and "downtown" districts. Don't be confused about the highway direction labels, Route 663 is labelled "north" and "south" while Route 313 is labelled "east" and "west", it's continuation of the same road. In town Route 313 is named Broad Street, east of town it's named Doylestown Pike.
From the North - Go south on PA Route 309 to 313 East. Follow above.
From the East - Go west on PA Route 313 into Quakertown. Follow above.
From the South - Go north on PA Route 309 to 313 East. Follow above.
From the West - Go north on PA Route 663 (John Fries Highway) to the intersection of Rt 309 and Rt 313.
Get around
[edit]
Many people drive their car to commute to and from work and school. However since Quakertown is a smaller town, people can walk or bike to get to closer places downtown. There is no public transportation or taxi service easily available.
See
[edit]The Quakertown Swamp is a 518-acre wetland, home to a variety of wildlife species, including beavers and waterfowl. You can go on a tour or explore the swamp on your own.
- Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie. Guided tours of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author circa 1825 farmhouse and intact collection on a picturesque 68-acre estate. A National Historic Landmark with gift shop, cultural center, beautiful gardens and seasonal special exhibits featured.
Do
[edit]Quakertown has a considerable number of public parks in the area. Cedar Grove Park is located in the western end of Quakertown, off Roan Tree Dr. It has a playground and basketball and street hockey courts. On Mill St. is Memorial Park, complete with a baseball stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a jogging and bicycling path, a skating pond, and pavilions. The Quakertown Public Pool is also located within the park. At the southern end of Main St. is Main Street Park, with basketball courts, a playground, and a softball field.
Nockamixon State Park on 1542 Mountain View Dr. covers 5,283 acres including the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon. One can boat, fish, bike, picnic, hike, swim, and explore the natural beauty of the park.
- 1 Lake Nockamixon. The largest lake in Bucks County. The lake is artificially formed by a dam on the Tohikon Creek. During warm weather, boat rentals and swimming occur in the water. During winter, the lake freezes over allowing for ice skating and ice fishing. Twice a year, in June and November, timed water releases occur from the dam. The timed release creates an overflow on the Tohickon Creek, perfect for whitewater rafting. Kayakers typically trek this course all the way to its intersection with the Delaware River.
Buy
[edit]Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market offers over 120 indoor flea market vendors and up to 400 outdoor vendors (in season) covering over 225,000 sq. feet. Open Friday and Saturday 9AM to 9PM and Sunday 10AM to 5PM. Goods from numerous departments: books, electronics, grocery, meats/poultry, construction, automotive, instruments, candy and nuts, flowers, crafts, arcade, bakery, furniture, barber shop, music/CDs, cell phones, deli, jewelry, clothing and accessories, pets, gifts, shoes, produce, tools, sports collectables, tobacco shop, and videos/games. Some specific vendors include Q-Pet, Dollar Center, Sneaker Outlet, Davis Meats and Bakery, Kim's Produce, JK Fashions, Coffee Grinder, Oasis Guitar, Ultimate Comics, O'Flynn's Furniture, and Video Bonanza. Located on 201 Station Rd (Front St).
Eat
[edit]John's Plain and Fancy Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner items 24 hours a day. It is located on Route 309. Also on Route 309 is the Quakertown Family Restaurant delivering huge portions and a friendly staff. Right across from the Quakertown Family Restaurant is The Trainers Corner Shopping Center (225 North West End Boulevard) which offers many dining options including: TGI Friday's, Applebee's Bar and Grill, Red Robin Restaurant, McDonalds, Burger King, Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks Coffee, and Il Garda Restaurant. The small local chain and drive-thru Yum Yum Bake Shop on 1461 W. Broad Street specializes in donuts and coffee. This shop is a local favorite and offers various muffins, pastries, and breakfast foods as well. On 213 W Broad St stop by for a snack at the Philly Soft Pretzel Factory for hot, freshly baked, hand twisted pretzels. Just over a few blocks is Dominick's Restaurant & Pizzeria on 327 W. Broad St. This local hotspot has been around for over 35 years, serving pizza, pasta, burgers, strombolis, hoagies, salads, and homemade deserts. McCoole's at the Red Lion Inn serves fine dining at a casual dining price. The Brick Tavern Inn offers relaxed country dining with new American Cuisine. The Spinnerstown Hotel features pub fare and sandwiches on its menu.
Drink
[edit]Hobo's Bar and Grill is a local late night hang out spot for the 21 and over crowd. Large selection of beers, specialty drinks and martinis, and after dinner drinks. Located on 85 S West End Blvd.
Applebee's Bar and Grill (145 N West End Blvd) is a great spot to watch sporting events on TV or grab a drink after a day at work.
- McCoole's at the Historic Red Lion Inn, 4 S Main St.. Amidst stone walls, stamped tin ceilings, old wood floors, open fireplaces and period furnishings. Luncheons, celebrations, special occasions.
Sleep
[edit]McCoole's Historic Red Lion Inn is located on 4 S. Main St at the corner of Broad St and Main St. McCoole's offers entertainment, live performances, free wireless internet, and non-smoking rooms. There is an on-site restaurant with outside dining and a bar, serving a variety of reasonably priced menu items.
Best Western Motor Inn sits at 1446 W Broad Street. It offers free wireless internet access, complimentary continental breakfast, a fitness center, and free parking. Minutes from numerous shopping and restaurants.
Right off the Quakertown exit on John Fries Highway are an Econo Lodge & Suites (1905 John Fries Highway) and a Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (1918 John Fries Highway).
- 1 [formerly dead link] Hostelling International Quakertown (Weisel Hostel), 7347 Richlandtown Rd, ☏ +1 215 536-8749. $10-15.
Connect
[edit]Many surrounding hotels have free wireless internet access, however some have restrictions for guests only. Lacey's Pub and Grill on 1907 John Fries Highway offers free wifi, as well as Starbucks on 610 N West End Blvd and McDonald's on 2 N West End Blvd.
For more information, contact the Borough of Quakertown[dead link] 35 N Third Street, ☏ +1 215-536-5001; E-mail: manager@quakertownboro.com.
Go next
[edit]Bucks County has numerous parks and attractions in the surrounding area. Other small towns nearby to visit include Doylestown, New Hope, Bensalem, Yardley, Newtown, Bristol, Perkasie, Sellersville, and Chalfont. Neighboring bigger cities and towns are Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Easton.