Any Hope for New Hope?

Sitting on the western bank of the Delaware River across the bridge from Lambertville, NJ is the little village of New Hope.  At one time there were numerous boutique shops and fine dining establishments lining the streets there.  But that seems to no longer be true.

But now the main intersection is home to Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks.  That is a sad indictment of the current business climate.

     Yes, there are still a few attractions to draw tourists, like a walk along the Delaware Canal or a ride on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad for the kids when it is in operation.

There is also the big hulking building housing the Bucks County Playhouse.  But its way past its prime with large patched holes in the roof and a portable chain link fence delineating the parking lot and preventing patrons from driving into the river.  They claim a long list of "Who's Who" that have performed there, but they are sadly all stars from a bygone era.

     Several store fronts currently seem to be in between tenants and one elegant mansion even has a sign on the front gate and in the window boldly stating "FOR RENT."  And to add insult to injury the famed canal has been drained.

     So is there hope for New Hope?  All I can say is that I hope so.  I was there yesterday on a decidedly damp and dreary day which, I must confess, did not add to the town's ambiance nor my mood as a strolled up and down Main Street (River Road).

     But there is one bright spot there, for me at least.  And that is a recently opened shop called simply "Olive-n-Grape."  They have an extensive selection of flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars for tasting and for sale.  And the couple who run the place are at the top of their game when it comes to knowledge and recommendations.

 

You might even call them EVOO snobs.  Dawn goes so far as to carry her own favorite EVOO into restaurants to use in place of the insipid house stock and lightly pours it on her salad.  And their recommendations are pretty amazing.  I would have never considered drizzling some raspberry balsamic on a slice of chocolate cake but it sure does sound appealing.  They even have such unique blends as citrus habanero and chipotle oils as well as a bold and assertive espresso balsamic for the more adventurous palates. 

 

     Perhaps a warm sunny Saturday in May will elevate my mood and alter my opinion of New Hope.  But until then I will just drown my sorrows in olive oil.