Scarecrows, Ghosts, and Fall Fun at Peddler’s Village

 

To celebrate fall this year, we headed to historic Peddler’s Village in Bucks County, PA where tucked around winding brick pathways and award-winning gardens you can shop, dine, and stay in a colonial-style village beautifully decorated for Halloween and autumn.

With an onsite inn and 60+ specialty shops and boutiques, Peddler’s Village is a total shopper’s dream!

Here you can find quality, unique items and gourmet goods from all over the world, including shops dedicated entirely to candy, raw gourmet honey, gourmet olive oil, hot sauce, jerky, pickles, popcorn, and much more. An ideal destination for Oktoberfest, you can even try an authentic Liege-style waffle with gourmet ice cream or shop at the largest store in the US dedicated to authentic Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks and German goods.  

Besides amazing shopping, Peddler’s Village has 8 restaurants, a new winery, a spirit tasting room, and a brewery where you’ll discover fall-inspired dining specials and weekly fun fall events like OctoberFeast, Scarecrows in the Village, and Apple Festival Weekend that will have you coming back year after year.

Here’s just a peek into what you can see, sip, dine, and shop for at Peddler’s Village this fall season.

Don’t Miss ‘Scarecrows In The Village’

In its impressive 45th year, Peddler’s Village is celebrating the entire fall season with its popular Scarecrows in the Village event.

Throughout the village, you’ll find over 200 life-size scarecrows lining the sidewalks and greeting you at boutique entries made by locals, shop owners, and businesses.

Walking the village, we had tons of fun seeing the creativity behind every scarecrow which this year fit into one of of 6 themes including “Funny Bones,” “Fright Night” and “Kids Only!”.

Scarecrows range from traditional and truly creepy, while others are artsy, adorable, or humorous. The shops get in on the fun too!

The creativity here is amazing, and you have to see them for yourself! Throughout the season, visitors can vote for their favorites, and the winning scarecrow’s creator wins a prize. 

Perfect for young and old, the scarecrows are on display through October 27, 2024. If you can’t make it this weekend, put it on your calendar for next year.

Is Peddler’s Village Haunted? 

With Halloween in the air, fall is the time I crave a good ghost story. And hidden around its perfectly manicured winding brick paths and charming boutiques, Peddler’s Village has a few ghosts of their own. And it’s no surprise. 

The small town of Lahaska and the area where Peddler’s Village is located has a rich history that dates back to 1701 when it was settled by Quakers. Bucks County is one of the 3 original counties established by William Penn and served as a camping spot for George Washington and his troops in 1776 before crossing the Delaware River to battle the English. Native Americans from the Lenni Lenape tribe called this area their home for centuries before that. 

Peddler’s Village has its own rich history too. Originally a historic chicken farm called “Hentown,” many of the farm’s original structures are woven into the architectural fabric of the village. In fact, the renovated main building of the Golden Plough Inn in Peddler’s Village was originally a two-story stone tavern dating back to the mid-1800s.

Originally, it gave travelers and their stagecoach drivers a place to rest and recharge during their journey from Philadelphia and New York. But now, close to two centuries later, it seems some of those original guests never left.

Ghosts at the Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village 

Hotel front desk staff of the Golden Plough Inn have reported mysterious phone calls from unoccupied rooms and have reported lights and televisions in certain rooms turning on and off by themselves.

A skeptic can explain these things away as electrical glitches, but what’s even stranger is that recent guests in the Golden Plough have reported seeing an apparition of what appears to be the dark figure of a man in the hallway outside room 202 on the inn’s second floor. 

And room 202 itself has had unexplained activity too. On one occasion, staff investigated loud noises coming from within when it was supposed to be unoccupied. After entering, they found the television had turned itself on.

When they went to shut it off, they suddenly heard a disembodied voice yell, “What do you want!?” It’s pretty safe to say they didn’t spend a moment longer than they had to.

The lobby of the inn has had paranormal activity as well. It’s believed that Thomas Betts, who became Lahaska Post Office’s first postmaster in 1874, still makes his rounds through the Golden Plough lobby.

And staff once discovered an unexplained procession of coffee stirrers leading from the coffee station all the way across the room to the front desk. The exact spot guests stand when they go to check-in.

A few restaurants in Peddler’s Village have also had their share of paranormal activity. At the Cock ‘n Bull the spirit of a little girl is believed to make silverware disappear and rearrange table settings, while a woman in a colonial-era dress has been seen wandering around the entrance to Peddlers Pub. Staff believes she has tinkered with the pub’s locks a time or two.

Pop Into The Shops At Peddler’s Village To See Their Halloween Displays

The Halloween spirit is everywhere at Peddler’s Village and most of the shops get in on it too. While strolling through the village, pop into as many shops as you can to see their wonderful Halloween displays.

You’ll find a ghoulish selection of Halloween decorations, collectables, treats, clothing, and so much more.

Some of our favorite spooky displays were found at The Mole Hole, Ruta Shop, Artisans Gallery, and Pine Wreath & Candle next to the village water wheel.

Get into the Oktoberfest Spirit at Fehrenbach Black Forest Clocks and Gifts

Fehrenbach Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks and Gifts
Route 263 & Street Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931 Shop #68
germanclocksandgifts.com

Every fall Peddler’s Village has an Oktoberfest-style festival called OctoberFeast that draws major crowds.

If want to keep the Oktoberfest spirit alive more than one weekend a year, don’t miss Fehrenbach Black Forest Cuckoo Clocks and Gifts. It’s the largest German gift store in the U.S offering authentic German artisan goods and imported German delicacies.

Owned by a fifth-generation master artisan woodworker from Germany’s Black Forest, Fehrenbach also carries a variety of hand-carved modern and traditional Black Forest-made and certified Cuckoo Clocks that are irresistibly whimsical. 

The cuckoo clocks are incredible, but if you’re a foodie, their incredible selection of imported German foods, including sausages, cheeses, pretzels, cookies, candy, condiments, and chocolates will blow you away. And yes, there’s even authentic apple strudel!

If you love to cook or bake, check out some of their cookie cutters and presses. Or pick up one of their spaetzle presses to try making this German and Oktoberfest favorite. Their collection of German cookbooks will help you guide you if you’re making spaetzle for the first time. Or discover some new German delicacies. Don’t forget to upgrade your favorite coffee mug or beer glass from their selection of German glassware. 

And if you’re already thinking about Christmas, stop in to check out the Moravian star, hand-blown glass ornaments, and nutcrackers, just like you would see at one of the many famous Christmas markets in Germany.

Peddler’s Village OctoberFeast

Don’t miss the Peddler’s Village OctoberFeast celebration during the weekend of October 12-13, 2024. Geared towards visitors of all ages, this festival has live music and entertainment, and a beer and food garden with 5 outdoor tents and 3 food trucks.

There’s axe throwing for adults; and for the kiddies, a children’s petting zoo, pony rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, a bounce house, sand art, lawn games, and more.

Rain or shine, the festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

For a Spellbinding Experience, Head to The Cloak and Wand

The Cloak and Wand
67 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
thecloakandwand.com

New to the village, The Cloak and Wand is an immersive series of “themed” spooky and mystical rooms with a variety of unique goods and curiosities dedicated to wizards, witches, folklore, fairies, ghosts, and mythical creatures. 

Besides books, apparel, décor, and unique gifts, they also sell a collection of carved wands and brooms. There’s even a haunted doll section. With something spooky in every nook and cranny, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hocus Pocus, and Stranger Fiction fans will feel right at home. 

If you work up a thirst, don’t leave without a visit to their Potion Bar for a magical treat. Choose from a variety of gourmet sodas and hot chocolates you can customize with 64 flavors, including Maple Syrup Pancakes, Pumpkin Pie, Caramel and Butter Rum, and optional add-ons, like whipped cream, fairy dust glitter, and “energy boosts.” 

For a refreshing soda potion that will turn heads (in a good way), try our ‘spooky’ menu favorite called the Black Flame. This fizzy green apple-flavored concoction topped with whipped cream comes with a gummy eyeball and water-activated flashing light ice cube you can keep. We’re obsessed!

Discover Unique and Collectible Fall and Halloween Decor at The Wooden Duck

The Wooden Duck
Route 202 & Street Rd Shop, 1, Lahaska, PA 18931
https://woodenduckshoppe.com

After developing a loyal following at their original shop in the quaint village of Skippack, PA, The Wooden Duck has brought their darling curated selection of high-quality artisan and collectible home decor pieces, jewelry, and unique gifts to the family of shops at Peddlers Village. If you love building out your collection of Halloween and Christmas decor with the perfect pieces, or you’re on the lookout for a unique gift, don’t miss this shop.

There’s so much to see here where you’ll find goods from a variety of brands, including Byers’, MacKenzie-Childs, Patience Brewster, and Brighton. Don’t miss their one-of-a-kind folk pieces from Aunt Annie’s Attic, which are made from recycled American quilts and provide support to the local senior women that help sew these darling pieces across the river in NJ. 

Service is super friendly here and there are lots of things to see here, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Find The Wooden Duck in the Courtyard Shops just across from the Golden Plough Inn.

 

Where to Eat and Drink at Peddler’s Village

While strolling, browsing charming boutiques, and scarecrow hunting, you’re going to want a bite to eat. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sit-down meal or a snack to eat on the go, there are plenty of delicious eats and seasonal food and drink specials to choose from in Peddler’s Village.

For coffee, snacks, and light bites at Peddler’s Village, here are a few spots to try!

Mama Hawk’s Kitchen and Coffee
58 Peddlers Village Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931
mamahawks.com

An adorable, modern rustic cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, Mama Hawk’s is perfect when you want casual fare like sandwiches, pizza and gourmet coffee drinks and unbelievably fresh baked goods. Pillowy and perfectly sweet, their freshly baked “Novel Buns” are not to be missed. These doughy cinnamon buns come in a variety of rotating seasonal flavors, including Pumpkin Crumble and Pumpkin Maple Brown Sugar, with maple cream cheese icing. YUM!

The Lucky Cupcake
29 Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
theluckycupcakecompany.com

Who can resist a cupcake? For a variety of cupcakes and seasonal baked goods including pies, croissants, cake pops, mousse bombs and cookies, head to The Lucky Cupcake. Featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, this bake shop is currently offering seasonal cupcake flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie along with traditional flavors like Devil Dog and Red Velvet.

Skip’s Candy Corner
27 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
skipscandycorner.com

The Halloween season always puts us in the mood for candy. If you have a sweet tooth like we do, visit Skip’s Candy Corner. Skip is Peddler’s Village’s own Willy Wonka and offers unique and hard to find candies, candy gifts, and confections made with his own special blend of imported chocolate. Skip makes the best fudge we’ve ever had and offers seasonal flavors like Pumpkin.

For great, locally made beer at Peddler’s Village, head to Free Will Brewing Taproom. 

Free Will Brewing Taproom
168 Peddlers Village shop #47
www.freewillbrewing.com

For the ultimate beer-tasting experience in the heart of Peddler’s Village, head over to Free Will Brewing. This local Pennsylvania brewery with a cult following serves up a rotating menu of their favorite and seasonal brews from their production brewery in Perkasie, PA.

Free Will has a rotating menu that includes its own IPAs, mashes, sour ales, stouts, and lagers on tap or in the bottle in a variety of delicious and creative flavors. 

Not to miss seasonal brews on draft this year include the Shadows Stout (7.7% ABV) with peanuts, chocolate, vanilla, & sea salt, and Scarecrow (5% ABV), an autumn spiced wheat ale.

For a festbier or traditional Oktoberfest-style lager, Free Will Brewing’s Fabel (6.1% ABV) is bright, golden, and deliciously malty. 

The beer here is fantastic. So if it’s your first time at Free Will Brewing, we suggest starting with a flight tasting so you can sample a few varieties to find your favorite.

Relax at a table in their taproom, at the modern bar, or on their outdoor deck for sweeping views of the village gardens. Or, take your beer to go, and sip it while you stroll and shop around the village. Stop by their beer fridge and shop shelves for packs of cans to take home.

Check Free Will Brewing’s current menu here.

Fall in love with Apple Cider Wine Slushies at Peddler Village’s Newest Wine Shop

Nissley Vineyards Wine Shop & Tasting Room
20 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA 18931
nissleywine.com

After a busy day of shopping and scarecrow hopping, pop over to the village’s freshest addition – Nissley Vineyards Wine Shop & Tasting Room. Here you can grab a wine slushy to go (they’re as delicious as they sound), relax in their tasting room with a glass, or try a flight at their bar.

The beauty of Nissley is that whether you like sweet wines, dry wines, or something in between, there’s a wine here you’ll love. The fun is in the tasting to find your favorite. 

Choose from 30 different varieties of wine, including reds, whites, rosés, and even port made with grapes harvested from their award-winning local Lancaster County vineyard for over 40 years. For something fun, try their canned fruit-flavored sparkling wines, which are a customer favorite. 

Flights start at $8 for a tasting of 6 wines and for something to nosh on, check out their selection of snacks. You can’t go wrong with a cheese plate. 

Before you leave, check out their nice selection of wine accessories, including wine glasses, corkscrews, and bottle stoppers, and grab a few of your favorite bottles to enjoy at home or give as gifts.

Full-Service Restaurants At Peddler’s Village

Earl’s New American
2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 794-4020
earlsnewamerican.com

Earl’s New American located across the street from the Golden Plough Inn is the place in Peddler’s Village for a casually refined dining experience with modern farmhouse vibes, reclaimed hardwood tables and barn door backdrops.

Described by Opentable as a “polished casual dining experience” and named after Peddler’s Village founder, Earl Jaminson, Earl’s serves up a menu of contemporary farm-to-table dishes inspired by local and American cuisine. Specialties include a raw bar menu with fresh oysters, steaks, seafood, a selection of incredible appetizers.

Their Chopped Salad, made with Marcona almonds, bacon, sweet corn, red onion, golden beets, blue cheese, chopped veggies, and a sherry vinaigrette, is a medley of textures and flavors and a lovely way to start the meal.

For something heartier and a fusion of Italian and southern-inspired comfort, go for the Burrata appetizer where creamy Burrata is served over crispy fried red tomato slices with baby greens, and then finished with toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, nutty, decadent, and fresh all at once. 

You can’t go wrong with the Steak Frites, but their seasonal specials shouldn’t be passed up. Absolutely perfect for fall, Earl’s 5-Hour Braised Molasses Short Ribs served with fresh butternut squash puree, cipollini onions and crispy potato are hearty, satisfying, and delicious. Preparations can change from time to time.

Each year Earl’s also offers fall and Oktoberfest specials, including Jägerschnitzel over braised red cabbage, Apple Strudel for dessert, Pear Bread Pudding with bacon caramel sauce, and a Seasonal Cobbler.

Ask about their selection of authentic Oktoberfest beers or try their Fall Sangria made with a blend of Riesling, cabernet, pinot noir, blackberry brandy, pears, oranges, apples, and pomegranate.

Earl’s New American is open for lunch and dinner, and heated outdoor seating is available on their patio.

Check in during the week for Happy Hour specials from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday. To skip the wait, be sure to make a reservation.

 

Buttonwood Grill
2400 Street Road, New Hope, PA 18938
215-794-4040
PeddlersVillage.com

Located right next to the main entrance of the Golden Plough Inn, the Buttonwood Grill is one of our favorite places to stop in the village for great food in a fun, casual atmosphere. Here you can enjoy creative apps, specialty cocktails, great stone-fired thin pizzas, fresh salads, and award-winning burgers.

We always enjoy starting with their Soft Baked Pretzel Sticks with jalapeño cheddar ale sauce or the Salt ‘n Pepper Calamari with cherry peppers and smoked tomato aïoli for appetizers. 

Head in to try some of their seasonal specials like the Roasted Beet Salad, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Fall Margarita, Pumpkin Martini, or pumpkin beers on tap.

Voted “Best Burger in Bucks County,” the Buttonwood Grill makes their burgers from a secret blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib ground fresh daily. They’re not to be missed!

We love the Guinness Onion ‘N Bacon burger topped with Guinness BBQ onions, sharp cheddar, and creamy horseradish. But if you’re in the mood for something meaty with a little heat, don’t miss their SW Border Burger topped with Queso fresco, guacamole, poblano peppers, salsa-style tomatoes, and a Chipotle lime ranch.

If you don’t eat beef, switch it up for bison, turkey, salmon, or a veggie patty instead.

Their stone-fired shaved Pepperoni Pizza is a fan favorite too and big enough to split. For some local flavor, try the Kennett Square topped with roasted wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and truffle oil, or the South Philly topped with house-made Italian sausage, roasted Vidalia onions, and sharp provolone.

The Buttonwood Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they accept reservations seasonally.

When it’s warm, head to their beautiful expansive outdoor deck which is always first come first serve.

If you have to wait for a table, they’ll text you when your table is ready so you don’t have to sit around. It gets busy during prime eating hours, so plan accordingly.

Cock ‘n Bull
Route 263 and Street Rd, Lahaska, PA 18931
Peddlersvillage.com

The flagship restaurant of Peddler’s Village, Cock ‘n Bull, has been a local tradition for generations and is celebrating its 60th year in business. With a new chef at their helm, they’ve recently reinvented the menu with fresh and seasonal dishes inspired by southern and international cuisine while preserving favorite long-time Cock ‘n Bull classics like their Chicken Pot Pie, Beef Burgundy, and their deliciously hot and cheesy French Onion Soup.  

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken appetizer served over cornbread and drizzled with bourbon honey syrup is a delicious addition to the menu, as are the crab cakes. 

With great service and Pennsylvania-style country charm, The Cock N’ Bull serves lunch and dinner all day. See their latest menu here. 

 

Where To Stay in Peddler’s Village

Golden Plough Inn
5883 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 794-4004
Goldenploughinn.com

A single day and Peddler’s Village is simply not enough to enjoy everything here. After a wonderful fall day of exploring the village, we highly suggest booking a room at the onsite Golden Plough Inn.

With 62 elegantly decorated country home style suites and a variety of different room layouts, Golden Plough Inn provides super comfortable accommodations whether you’re traveling as a couple or a large family. Choose between reserving a room in their recently renovated Main House, or in one of the guest rooms scattered above the stores throughout the village. 

Our favorite room categories include their jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces that are perfect for warming up on a chilly fall night. Breakfast is served at the Buttonwood Cafe or across the street at Frescafe, which offers fresh and creative dishes made from local food served in a modern diner-like space. Both have outdoor seating.

Tip: All rooms at the Golden Plough Inn have nearby free assigned parking spots throughout the village, so you never have to worry about finding a spot. See all the room layouts and accommodation options at the Golden Plough Inn.

Booking Tip: If you or someone you’re traveling with has trouble with mobility, have a chat with the reservation desk before booking to discuss which rooms might be best suited.

 

How To Get To Peddler’s Village

Peddlers Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. Less than an hour from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from NYC, and makes the perfect quick getaway or day trip destination if you live in the region.

Peddlers Village is centrally located between New Hope 10 minutes to the east and Doylestown 15 minutes to the west along Route 202 (Lower York Road). Spend some extra days if you can and explore the nearby attractions in Bucks County, including historic New Hope, right on the Delaware river. 

Peddler’s Village Driving Tip: It’s not a mistake if you pop Peddler’s Village into your GPS and it displays New Hope as the destination address. Although it’s in Lahaska, PA, some mapping programs consider it to be New Hope. 

Parking And Admission At Peddler’s Village

There are no parking fees, or admission fees to shop and explore Peddler’s Village. There’s plenty of parking throughout the village and we’ve never had to wait long for a space. And if you’re staying at the Golden Plough Inn, you’ll automatically have an assigned a numbered space close to your room. 

A ride on the carousel ($2.50) and a few other activities at the kid-centric indoor family fun center Giggleberry Fair are the only things that require an admission fee in the village.

You can check Giggleberry Fair’s pricing menu here.

When To Visit Peddler’s Village In The Fall

OctoberFeast:  October 12th & 13th from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

Scarecrows in the Village: On display throughout the village Sunday October 27. Vote for your favorite on the Peddler’s Village mobile app.

Pumpkin-Carving Contest: The deadline to enter is October 16. On display at the Visitor & Event Center October 21-27.

Slightly Batty Halloween Wing-Ding: A fun Halloween party for kids Saturday, October 26. Get tickets here.

Deadly Silent Disco Party: For an adult Halloween part, grab your costume and head to the Peddler’s Village ghoolish Deadly Silent Disco Party. Under a “haunted tent” you can dance the fright away as three channels of music are played through wireless headphones. They’ll be a cash bar, food trucks, fire pits, light-up lawn games and prizes for the best costume!

Must be 21+ to attend. October 25th from 6:30-10pm. Get tickets here.

Apple Weekend: Celebrate the popular family-friendly 49th annual apple harvest with lots of apple treats! Peddler’s Village shops will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 2) and you can pre-order your apple pies here. November 2rd and 3rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Murder Mystery Events: Weekends only. Check the rotating schedule here.

 

If you can’t make it for the fall fun at Peddler’s Village this year, start planning now for a visit next year. 

Check the Peddlers Village event schedule for the complete list of fun and festivities scheduled throughout the year! 

 

➡ SUMMER FUN, FOOD, AND SHOPPING AT PEDDLER’S VILLAGE

➡ PEDDLER’S VILLAGE IN BUCKS COUNTY, PA IS A HOLIDAY WINTER WONDERLAND