What You May Not Know About Bucks County, PA

BENSALEM, Pa. (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- Did you know:
-A hidden tunnel in the 1870 Wedgwood Inn in New Hope, discovered during renovations, is believed by Historians to be part of the Underground Railroad?
-For over 25 years, Sesame Place in Langhorne has been the only theme park in the United States based on Sesame Street?
-There are 22 county parks and five state parks in Bucks County, which equals 26.1 acres of parkland for every thousand people?
-New Hope first came into being in 1700 as a 1,000-acre land grant from William Penn to Robert Heath?
-The earliest residents of Bucks County were members of the Wolf Tribe of the Lenape Indians?
-2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champion, Smarty Jones, trained at Philadelphia Park Racetrack in Bensalem?
-Bucks County is home to more wineries than any other county in Pennsylvania?
-Henry Mercer’s home, Fonthill, was built between 1908 and 1912. The towering castle boasts 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and over 200 windows! The interior walls, floors, and ceilings are elaborately adorned with an incredible array of Mercer’s original handcrafted tiles?
-The building that is now the James A. Michener Art Museum was once the Bucks County prison?
-Odette’s Restaurant in New Hope is located on a man-made island that sits between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal?
-Beginning in November, over 500,000 lights adorn the trees and shops of Peddler’s Village at the area’s stateliest winter light display?
-New Hope first came into being in 1700 as a 1,000-acre land grant from William Penn to Robert Heath?
-Bucks County’s name is derived from Buckinghamshire, William Penn’s home in England?
-11 National Historic Landmarks can be found in Bucks?
-Oscar Hammerstein, Pearl S. Buck, Margaret Mead, James A. Michener and Henry Mercer are just a few of the famous people that have called Bucks County home?
-The oldest covered bridges in Bucks County are Uhlerstown, South Perkasie, and the Erwinna covered bridges; which were built in 1832?

Visit www.buckscounty.travel to learn even more about fascinating Bucks County, PA. While you’re there, get updated listings of: Dining, Lodging, and Attractions in Bucks County. And – to make the trip to Bucks County even more enjoyable, the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau has divided the county into three regions: The Lakes Region, The Cultural Region, and The Heritage Region. Each region has its own “specialty,” but every visitor is sure to find a wide variety of activities wherever they may go. The separate regions allow visitors to plan their visit to Bucks more efficiently, as it is nearly impossible to experience the entire county in one day.

To speak to one of the knowledgeable Visitor Center Staff call 800-836-BUCKS or visit The Bucks County Visitor Center, 3207 Street Road, Bensalem, PA. The Visitor Center displays a rotating art exhibit, featuring local Bucks County artists. Annual events, such as a Museum and Historic Site Gift Shop Sale and Student Art Contest Exhibit, are held in the Visitor Center as well. The Bucks County Gift Shop is also in the Visitor Center, featuring items that are found only in Bucks County.

Check out Sand Castle Winery’s brand new wine-tasting room, veranda, and banquet facilities; all made to look like a real castle! Historic Bristol is celebrating the town’s 325th anniversary in 2006, and Pennsbury Manor is opening a state-of-the-art Visitors Center. The Garden of Reflection, a memorial park for the victims of 9-11 in Lower Makefield, will be completed in June 2006. Visit the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown for the Ansel Adams: A Celebration of Genius exhibit. Visit Bucks County this summer because Sesame Place will be opening a brand-new attraction in June 2006; Elmo’s World, an all-new play area with three new rides.

Into Music? Art? Nature? Fun? For everything you’re into, get into Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau, Inc (BCCVB) is the official tourist promotion agency for Bucks County. The mission of the BCCVB is to increase visitation to Bucks County by effectively marketing its heritage, accommodations and attractions. For more information on BCCVB activities call 1-800-836-BUCKS, visit www.ExperienceBucksCounty.com or stop by the Bucks County Visitor Center located at 3207 Street Road in Bensalem (adjacent to the entrance to Philadelphia Park Racetrack). The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It is easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 1 and Interstate 95.

###