Route 611 River Towns

Route 611 River Towns

40°35’44’N  75°11’44”W

40°33’25’N  75°10’47”W
COUNTY: BUCKS  |  ZIP CODE: 18930  |  POPULATION: ~2,354

In a county famed for rural charm, the tiny communities of Riegelsville and Kintnersville make up for size with an authentic historic character distilled over centuries.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the fertile lands along the Delaware River in northeast Bucks County were home to the native Lenni Lenape tribe. The first wave of English-speaking pioneers pushing north from Philadelphia in the mid-18th century were later followed by a larger influx of German immigrants. Natural resources in the surrounding area, including iron and clay, contributed to economic development and the river served as a natural conduit for commerce. 

Though not incorporated as a borough until 1916, the namesake family of Riegelsville contributed to the village’s rise in fortunes. Farmer Benjamin Riegel purchased land formerly owned by Wendel Shenk, who operated Shenk’s Ferry, at a sheriff’s auction in 1805. On the opposite side of the river, his nephew, also named Benjamin, owned a gristmill and sawmill, and later founded a highly successful papermill. 

The start of canal construction in 1827 prompted nephew Benjamin to move to the Pennsylvania side of the river where he built a stately Georgian home now on the National Register of Historic Places. The canal, opened in 1832, brought prosperity to the town, and impressive residences of early industrial executives—dubbed “Mansion Row”—later graced Easton Road, currently Route 611. (One mansion houses the upscale Villa Richard restaurant, providing a firsthand experience of yesteryear elegance.) 

After flourishing for decades, the Delaware Canal closed in 1931 as other modes of transportation became dominant. However, the scenic Delaware towpath trail, stretching nearly 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, lures cyclists and hikers to the area.

Another historic Riegelsville landmark links PA with NJ. Built in 1904 to replace an 1835 covered bridge damaged by floodwaters, this impressive example of a multi-span steel cable suspension bridge was designed by the Trenton engineering company John A. Roebling’s Sons. The renowned firm was also responsible for the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. (If you need incentive to drive across, consider a quick excursion to the enchanting Villa Milagro Vineyards on the Jersey side.) 

Just three miles south on Route 611, Kintnersville awaits discovery. Never incorporated as a borough, this village is grouped with such surrounding hamlets as Ferntown, Bucksville, and Revere under Nockamixon Township.

The German namesake for Kintnersville was originally Gintner and later Anglicized. George Kintner hailed from Wurtemburg and served in the American Revolution. While support for the cause was divided in this region, local lore tells of one farmer who made cannonballs for the Continental Army. Proximity to the neighboring Durham Furnace iron mines lends credibility to the claim. 

A township was officially formed by 1742, and a bustling Kintnersville served as a way station along a stagecoach run.
By 1908, it was connected to Doylestown and Philadelphia to the south, and Easton heading northward, by an electric trolley. 

Agriculture remains a dominant industry in the region, offering verdant views and relaxed outings to visitors.   


Riegelsville Inn

Built in 1838 by farmer Benjamin Riegel, the riverside inn was constructed to meet the lodging and dining (and drinking) needs of the canal barge workers. It remains a lively place for social gatherings and offers dual environments to fit customer preferences: Choose between white tablecloth fine dining or a laid-back pub setting, each with distinct and appealing menus. Beth’s Famous Bloody Mary, a house specialty, comes dressed up with shrimp and a veggie kabob during Saturday and Sunday brunch. The spacious inn also accommodates holiday parties.

10–12 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville
610.749.0100  |

Someday Cafe & Roastery

Those who regard a good cup of coffee as an essential element of life will find a haven at this cozy cafe, which is complemented by outdoor seating overlooking the Delaware River. Single-origin organic beans from around the world, including Jamaican Blue Mountain, are roasted in-house, and bags of whole bean or ground coffee are available. A seasonally driven menu features sweet and savory crepes, cheese-stuffed grilled brioche, and other simple foods done wonderfully well. 

1400 Easton Rd, Riegelsville
484.202.0611  |

Bowman’s North

Last year, the former Riegelsville Tavern was reborn as a chicly casual pub that is a sister establishment of Bowman’s Tavern in New Hope. A handsome river rock fireplace was retained for rustic authenticity, and live music rocks the house several nights a week. Menu selections include pub fare and homey dinners prepared with a refined spin, such as Mac-n-Cheese with smoked Gouda and truffled breadcrumbs, and Tavern Meatloaf served with red wine gravy. 

1274 Easton Rd, Riegelsville
610.510.3030  |

Durham Springs / Cascade

A rebirth of hospitality has arrived at Durham Springs, a full-service culinary event center for weddings and social functions. The Upper Crust, a catering division formerly located in NYC, handles off-premise affairs. A separate restaurant, Cascade, honors the heritage of the former Cascade Lodge, founded on the picturesque 33-acre farm in 1939. A modern barn—appointed with 30-foot ceilings and a windowed wall delivering sweeping views of fields, springs, and ponds—has been added for events, and the original 1730s farmhouse was lovingly restored. Seasonal New American cuisine by award-winning Executive Chef Francesco Martorella aims to please every palate.   

5065 Lehnenburg Rd, Kintnersville
484.907.2100  |

Great Barn Brewery

Bucks County’s first farm microbrewery captures the essence of this bucolic region, transforming site-grown grains and locally sourced well water, hops, fruits, and honey into intriguing beers. This family-owned and -operated business, launched in 2015, produces such core products as Country Girl, a French farmhouse style Saison, and Where the Delaware Am I? IPA, an American IPA, plus seasonal specialties like Dunkelshaun Peanut Butter Chocolate Wheat Dunkel. Browse the bottle shop and tour the barn-housed brewery on Saturdays. For tastings, head to their taproom in New Hope.

665 Kintner Rd, Kintnersville
215.300.2344  |


Guitar Parlor

In a region known for pastoral pleasures, a world-class luthier is an unexpected discovery. But any guitar aficionado will relish the opportunity to take sample handmade electric and acoustic instruments created by Bil Mitchell for a test strum. (Or bring in your guitar for repairs.) Mitchell, who began learning his craft as a teen and later received formal training in Canada, opened his shop in 2003. While local black walnut is a favorite wood, exotic varieties and customized inlays make these personalized treasures worth the price.

705 Durham Rd, Riegelsville
610.749.2520  |

Allen’s Antiques

Since 1989, Allen Madnick has been helping people acquire pieces of the past, from glassware and pottery to furniture and clocks. If attic finds pique your curiosity, explore the barn-like garage in back of the store. Jewelry, including pocket watches and vintage wristwatches, count among the shop’s specialties.

666–668 Easton Rd, Riegelsville
610.749.0337  |

Riegelsville Public Library

The stately stone structure that houses both the library and borough hall was built by John Leidy Riegel in 1885 as the Riegelsville Academy, a preparatory school for children in the community. When it closed in 1916, the library occupied two rooms. Under the threat of dissolution in 1976, concerned citizens rallied to save the library, which now hosts an array of programs and events for children and adults, including a free holiday craft project for kids on December 1. 

615 Easton Rd, Riegelsville
610.749.2357  |

Trauger’s Farm Market

Operated by the 7th and 8th generation descendants of the founding Trauger—with the 9th generation of youngsters already in training—this 60-acre farm remains an integral part of the local economy. Along with offering seasonal produce, such as squash varieties, Brussels sprouts, root cellar-stored turnips, and rutabagas; an on-site bakery makes apple dumplings and other autumnal treats. Orders are taken for Thanksgiving pies, and wreaths are handcrafted for the holidays.

370 Island Rd, Kintnersville  |  610.847.5702

Gristie’s Bucks County Antiques and Oddities

New—meaning old—acquisitions make regular appearances at the well-stocked shop, run by Nevin Smith for the past 18 years. While the inventory encompasses artwork, old books, and dishware; country primitives, such as benches, blanket chests, and pie safes, are his specialty. Massive gears from a gristmill that once operated here still maintain a commanding presence inside the building.

9730 Easton Rd, Kintnersville  |  610.847.1966


Ringing Rocks County Park

When visiting this 123-acre park just down the road from Kintnersville, one unusual piece of equipment is de rigueur: a hammer. Follow a short, easy-walking trail through the forest to arrive at a nearly 8-acre field of boulders that ring like bells when struck. While some rocks are duds, finding boulders that ring at different pitches is part of the fun. From there, a rougher 1/4-mile trail leads to Bucks County’s highest waterfall. 

Ringing Rocks Rd, Upper Black Eddy
215.348.6114  |

Frog Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast

Feel immersed in the 18th century—while enjoying modern amenities—at this idyllic B&B. Just three charmingly furnished guest rooms keep the atmosphere intimate, and chef-prepared breakfasts made with local eggs and produce start the day right. Wander the grounds, relax by the pond, meet the resident sheep, or arrange for a countryside tour in a Model A Ford. 

401 Frogtown Rd, Kintnersville 610.847.3764  |

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