by Chrysa Smith

I’m sitting at my computer watching it rain. I just know that someday, sometime soon, the signs of light and life will return to Southeastern PA and I’ll be first in line for the season’s first available shot at al fresco dining.

Where to go to combine the beauty of nature with the beauty of a good meal? Well naturally, one has to go down to the river—the Delaware River that is.

Two for food and atmosphere; one for a good bite and some fun:

Martine’s —http://www.martinesriverhouserestaurant.com/—-Nice French name, but the bigger draw is it’s location on the Delaware in New Hope. It’s a bit smaller than some of the river haunts, which suits me just fine for a relaxing lunch. They serve up a few good salads and light dishes for warm weather lunching on a pretty deck, with a pretty tree, overlooking a pretty river (and NJ).

The Black Bass Inn– http://www.blackbasshotel.com/
—The post-flood renovations are great. The food at the Black Bass was always nice, but the atmosphere—well, let’s just say that the flood helped give the Inn the facelift it deserved. Scenic, serene and good selection of hot entrees and cool salads, with a nice wine list. Patio dining overlooks the Lumberville foot bridge and the river–so Bucks Beautiful

The Landing– http://www.landingrestaurant.com/
—It’s been a New Hope anchor forever, mostly I suppose, because of it’s great location off the New Hope crossing into Lambertville. Salads and sandwiches are fine for a nice lunch, but the highlight for this food and animal lover? The ducks. They waddle right past you; even closer if you’re kind enough to share a crumb or two. For this gal who shares so many meals with two mini-poos, dining with ducks is fun, warm-weather fare.

Have a favorite warm weather dining suggestion? Quick, share it here, before the skies open up once again.

Next Dish: Food Shopping