From the Lehigh Valley to Bucks County: The Home & Garden Tour Goes Bigger This Summer

Every summer, the Lehigh Valley buzzes with the Home & Garden Tour – a chance for anyone curious about design, landscaping, and historic architecture to step inside some of the region’s most beautifully kept residences. This year, the organizers announced a surprise move: the tour is spreading its roots into Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Why the expansion? According to tour director Maria Torres, “Our visitors keep asking for more variety, and the neighboring communities have fantastic properties that deserve a spotlight.” The sentiment feels right, especially as both regions share a love for horticulture and preservation. So, starting July 12, a handful of Bucks County homes will open their doors alongside the classic Lehigh Valley stops.

What does that mean for you? For starters, you’ll get to explore six new houses – ranging from a mid‑century modern gem in New Hope to a sprawling 19th‑century farmhouse near Doylestown. Each property comes with its own garden theme: think lavender borders, edible herb walks, and even a small koi pond that’s become a local Instagram favorite.

Tickets stay the same price – $15 for a day pass, $30 for a weekend bundle – and they can be purchased online or at any participating venue. The tour still runs on a “self‑guided” model; you’ll pick up a map at the welcome tent, follow the color‑coded route, and enjoy the freedom to linger wherever you like.

Don’t worry, longtime fans won’t miss out. All the original Lehigh Valley locations remain on the itinerary, including the iconic 1920s Tudor in Allentown and the award‑winning garden at the historic St. Ruth’s Estate. The Bucks County additions simply sit alongside, offering a broader canvas for the curious.

Local businesses are getting in on the action, too. Coffee trucks, boutique vendors, and a pop‑up garden‑supply stall will be scattered throughout the tour sites, giving you the chance to sip a latte while admiring a rose trellis, or pick up a packet of heirloom tomato seeds.

Community groups see this as more than just a weekend pastime. The Lehigh Valley Garden Club is hosting a series of workshops on sustainable landscaping, while Bucks County’s Historic Preservation Society will hold short talks at each home, delving into the stories behind the walls.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon, the expanded Home & Garden Tour promises something for everyone. Mark your calendar, grab a map, and get ready to wander – the doors are open, and the gardens are blooming.