Great Bucks County

Health and Wellness Destinations

By Jacqueline Milczarski

Iam delighted to curate a list for PhillyFIT on the top local destinations, services, and businesses for health and wellness.

A little bit about me: I am one hundred percent sober (no alcohol, vaping, smoking, drugs, and so on), I practice daily meditation and prayer, live an active lifestyle, and drink lots of water. I honor my body: it’s the selfless servant that has given me so much. I am the creator and owner of Bucks County Mama, a local-living blog about all things Bucks. Professionally I have my social work degrees from Seton Hall (CSW) and NYU (MSW), and have practiced direct care social service for twenty years. Today, even more so in a stressful pandemic atmosphere, I nourish myself mind, body, and spirit. Our bodies will be the one thing that will be with us from the very beginning to the last breath, so it’s imperative we take care of ourselves. We can’t pour from an empty cup. If I neglect one area of my overall health, my bio-psycho-social makeup would more than likely suffer an imbalance. I don’t believe in taking things away, meaning the words “diet,” “restriction,” or “fasting.” I am of the mindset of add more, self-care, abundance, and truly loving yourself. That means if you’re feeling anxious, add deep breathing, get barefoot outside, connect with nature, make a pitcher of water with your favorite fruits infused in, put your favorite crystals in, then drink all that goodness into your body. You can make anything in your life sacred, and all it takes is mindfulness and intention.

On to the topic at hand, Bucks County’s finest, according to me!

Worried about germs? Don’t be! My list includes some free outdoor options.

My first category of health is physical. Bucks County offers so many places to be physically fit. Most of these places are provided by the ultimate mama, Mother Nature. I suggest and myself visit these top 5 places:

1Bowman’s Wildlife Preserve, 1635 River Rd., New Hope: 134 acres, with wildflowers, trails, wildlife, ponds, benches, and even guided tours and classes.

4Hellerick’s Family Farm, 5500 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown: “Ariel Adventures,” obstacle courses, Goat Yoga, “The Goat Experience,” pick your own crop, and festivals throughout the year. This is a 225-year-old farm providing quality produce, family fun, and educational experiences. 2Ringing Rocks, 1750 Highview Ln., Upper Black Eddy: 123 acres, with trails, the largest waterfall in Bucks, and a field of large rocks – you can hear them “ring” when you hit them, a geological wonder! You can picnic here.

5Towpath, Towpath St., New Hope: A flat sixty miles for an easy walk, hike, or bike ride, with small bridges and views of the Delaware River, passing shops and restaurants so you can stop and get a drink and snack, and go shopping. Free! 3Bucks County River Country, 2 Walters Ln., Point Pleasant: Tubing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and fresh air. Daily rentals, with life jackets and transport provided where you get onto the Delaware River, surrounded by mountains and trees, with small islands where you can stop to fish and perhaps explore. Take in the beauty that is Bucks County!

My next category is mental health wellness in Bucks County. Places I visit, utilize, and recommend:

1St. Philip’s Church and Labyrinth, 10 Chapel Rd., New Hope: All are welcome to this inclusive church and outdoor labyrinth. Walk the labyrinth to quietly meditate and pray, silently reflecting and connecting to the Source. Labyrinths represent a journey to our own center and then back into the world, dating back to ancient Greek times. Free.

2Peace Valley Park & Nature Center,

264 Creek Rd., New Britain: Trails/ hiking, boat rentals, fishing, environmental awareness classes, animal/ wildlife sanctuary, and a photographer’s paradise so bring a camera. Quiet places to read, get still, connect to nature.

5Eden Organic Spa, 15 E. State St., Doylestown: deep tissue massage, prenatal, organic facials (including oncology facials), reflexology, and more with all organic products (paraben-free, synthetic-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and most gluten-free and vegan) to help you unwind in a serene environment. All you have to do is sink and be nurtured. 4Relax Float Spa, 807 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown: REST (restricted environmental stimulation therapy) flotation therapy is a deeply relaxing experience of weightlessness. You effortlessly float in one thousand ponds of Epsom salt, in a sensory deprivation private open therapy room. Some benefits are pain management plus increased immunity, circulation, and sleep quality. 3Salt Cave, 10 S. State St., Newtown: Inhale and exhale the healing powers of five thousand pounds of pink Himalayan salt. The Halogenerator infuses the air with large amounts of pharmaceutical-grade therapeutic salt. Each session is 45 minutes long and treats inflammation and depression, boosts immunity and more. All you have to do is relax, restore, and rejuvenate!

My last category of health and wellness is addressing your spirit: for me, this is what truly brings joy. I “feed” this area by visiting the following places in Bucks County:

1Stumpy’s Hatchet Throwing, 1501 Grundy Ln., Bristol: Release some tension by throwing hatchets! A new and large space with private pits. Get ready for a good time! This local activity will get you out of the house and off the phone, TV, and computer. Reserve online. The instructor will show you the best techniques. Have fun!

4The Yoga Gnome: 2389 Forest Grove Rd Furlong PA. The only kids yoga studio in Bucks Co. It is a space for children (age 5-14) to ground, breathe, smile & grow mindfully. Classes are taught by Owner & Lead Yoga Instructor Adi, & include themes, meditation & practicing kindness. This oasis helps them shine their inner Light, & to be their authentic selves. 2Mercantile of Doylestown, 444 N. Main St., Doylestown: From classes on making coco bombs, to grabbing your mat for yoga and meditation, to shopping for local art. This shop has so much under one roof. Clothing, jewelry, food, drinks, art, classes, beauty, home decor, and more to pamper your every need!

5Beauty Marx, 252 W. Swamp Rd., Doylestown: Happiness can come in giving yourself some external love and attention with lash extensions, Botox, skin treatments, microblading, dermaplaning, and more, making your glow on the outside match your feeling inside! 3Salus Hydrate, 72 N. Main St., Doylestown: infuse your body with nutrient therapy from a RN in their sanitized new store or the privacy of your own home. This is the fastest way to restore, hydrate, and replenish your body with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Some benefits include increased immunity, decrease stress, increased energy, and more.