Sellersville grew along the historic Bethlehem Pike that connected Philadelphia to what in the early 18th century was far western Pennsylvania.
The town that sprouted along the pike at a busy crossroad was originally called Sellers Tavern, after its most notable feature, a large inn. The area grew slowly until the 1860s, when the North Pennsylvania Railroad was built parallel to Bethlehem Pike. The railroad stimulated the growth of textile and other light industries, which brought waves of new residents to Sellersville (by now without the Tavern) and its immediate neighbor, the town of Perkasie.
The East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek runs through both towns, and a century ago, the creek was dammed, creating the long, narrow Lake Lenape. A park grew around the lake shore that, by the 1920s and 30s, featured a carousel, a roller coaster, and other midway amusements. Trains ferried Philadelphians out in the summer to escape the city’s heat, and Sellersville became a popular vacation area.
The showpiece of the main business area is the historic Washington House, which has survived as an upscale restaurant and inn, with 11 beautifully restored rooms. Next door, a former livery stable has been transformed into the Sellersville Theater, a popular venue for live music.
The Sellersville firehouse provides various activities throughout the year, including a summer carnival in the warmer months. The Holiday House Pool and Recreation Center becomes a hotspot for people to escape the heat during the summer. Then there’s the Sellersville Museum just off Main Street which displays different exhibits every month.
As it has since 1913, Grand View Hospital in Sellersville still provides comprehensive heath services to the Bucks/Montgomery County area.
Bucks County Community College is another great area asset. It offers nearly 80 programs of study that lead to either an associate degree or certificate, as well as year-round cultural programming for the whole family, with a lively variety of performances, exhibits, films and lecture-demonstrations.
Nearby Perkasie offers other dining and entertainment options.
There’s the Perk Eatery and Pub housed in another historic building. Built around 1850 at the crossroads of what is today Main and Walnut Streets, the South Perkasie Hotel was a popular stopover for Lehigh Valley merchants and farmers on their way to Philadelphia. In fact, by 1908, it had become one of America’s better known known cattle markets, where thousands of heads of cattle, horses, and pigs were traded. It was the birthplace of the “combination sale,” what is today’s flea market. The present owners bought the building at an auction in 1975, and have made the Perk the great place to meet and eat that it is today.
The Free Will Brewing Co. and its taproom is another Perkasie attraction.
Looking for a unique adventure? Try skydiving at nearby Pennridge Airport.
The 5,286-acre Nockamixon State Park includes three streams, Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run, and Haycock Run which flow together to feed the nearly 1500 acre lake. Hiking, biking, boating, and fishing are among it’s many outdoor, family friendly activities.
Finally, State Game Lands 139 features some 265 public acres deeded for hunting.