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Chester County’s picturesque settings invite you to walk right in.
Rolling farmland gives way to acres of manicured horticulture at Longwood Gardens and then again to the vineyards of the Brandywine Valley. No surprise that the rich and varied landscape here inspires great food and art.
History speaks through these places: the Revolutionary War battlefields and homes, the early industrial site of an iron forge, the antique shops calling out with treasures from the past. And the brick-lined downtown of West Chester and the preserved village of St. Peter’s offer glimpses of this region from earlier eras.
Taken together, Chester County feels less like a destination and more like an open door. Once you step into these stories and museums and walkable towns, you’ll want to keep exploring.
Here are some suggestions for your next trip.
For anyone who loves flowers, horticulture or simply spending time outside, a visit to the Philadelphia region simply must include a day at Longwood Gardens.
The former home of industrialist Pierre DuPont, Longwood encompasses 1,100 acres of magnificent planted beds, fields and terraces, each with their own theme and style.
Changing exhibitions and seasonal events vary the experience, but guests should plan to spend several hours here, taking advantage of a tour to orient yourself and reserving a table at the 1906 Restaurant to recharge between exhibits.
After dark, the fountain and light shows add another layer of spectacle to the beauty on display.
Longwood Gardens — Photo by B. Mathias for Longwood Gardens
Most Longwood visitors include a stop at nearby Kennett Square on the itinerary. In this deceptively small town, known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, you’ll find Civil War history, shops and galleries, an impressive array of dining options, and of course, the opportunity to celebrate fungi through the Mushroom Museum and The Mushroom Cap shop.
Beyond Longwood and Kennett, venture out into the Brandywine Valley for antiquing (particularly in Chadds Ford), river recreation and a wine, beer and distillery trail.
The seat of Chester County, West Chester projects a bigger small-town feel, with brick-lined sidewalks and handsome townhomes encircling a municipal center and lively commercial district. The downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with the 19th-century classical revival Courthouse.
Once you’ve viewed the notable architecture and landmarks, check out West Chester’s restaurants and bars, boutiques and dynamic live music scene.
West Chester — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The former steel mill town of Phoenixville sits on the northern edge of the county. Home to the annual Blobfest — honoring the town’s role in the 1957 cult horror hit — as well as a stunning number of breweries and brewpubs per capita, this little borough brings a fun-loving flavor to the region.
Itself a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Peter’s Village retains the essence of a 19th-century industrial town, with a vintage arcade, artisan studios and the romantic Victorian-era Inn at St. Peter’s Village.
Much of Chester County’s timeless appeal comes from its well-preserved sense of the past.
Open seasonally, Brandywine Battlefield marks the site of the largest single-day land battle of the Revolutionary War. You can check out the two original buildings on the site, including George Washington’s headquarters during the battle.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site showcases the earliest stages of the Industrial Age in Pennsylvania on the site of a former iron plantation in Elverson. Take a self-guided tour through the furnace facilities and surrounding homes and church that make up the complex.
Hopewell Furnace — Photo courtesy National Park Service
A spa that later served as a Revolutionary campsite and hospital, Historic Yellow Springs has also hosted an art school, girls’ school and film production studio. Visit the storied village on your own or call ahead to arrange a tour. In West Chester, The Chester County History Center maintains a collection of 80,000-plus artifacts and a library with more than 500,000 manuscripts.
For well over a century, the Devon Horse Show has entertained Main Line residents and visitors, becoming the oldest and largest equestrian show in the country. Visit during the 12-day main event in the spring or the Devon Fall Classic in September to observe the horses in action as well as old-timey attractions like a Ferris wheel and a children’s tea.
Devon Horse Show — Photo courtesy Devon Horse Show
Set in a remote wooded campus, the Wharton Esherick Museum educates visitors about the life and work of the Arts and Crafts sculpture and design created by its namesake. Book ahead for a tour of his uncompromising and utterly original home and studio.
Wharton Esherick Museum — Photo courtesy Wharton Esherick Museum
The Brandywine Museum of Art foregrounds the art of three generations of the Wyeth family in its riverfront galleries. You can tour the artist studios and N. C. Wyeth’s home as well as the gardens and four miles of trails on the former Wyeth estate.
For romantic special occasions, reserve a table at the rustic former general store Birchrunville Store Cafe, where the French fare might include venison carpaccio or cassoulet. The offerings at James Beard award-winning Andiario change weekly, but the prix-fixe dinner will almost always include homemade pasta and Pennsylvania meats and produce.
Another coveted (read: book ahead) dinner spot, Kennett Square’s Talula’s Table transforms from a gourmet food shop into a farm-to-table bistro at night.
An event space and wine tasting emporium in West Chester, Turks Head Wines serves flights of wine from its California vineyards alongside charcuterie boards and light bites.
Turks Head Wines — Photo courtesy Turks Head Wines
The Revolutionary-era Black Powder Tavern in Wayne keeps up with the current times, serving a gastropub menu of comfort food and 24 beers on tap.
Created with a public/private partnership, The Creamery serves up international beers, burgers and fun community events.
West Chester’s go-to spot for southern and soul food, Mabel’s Barbecue turns out platters of ribs and chicken, hush puppies and collard greens.
And the ice cream at Chester Springs Creamery, named for the farm’s cows, might include Rosita’s Rose Petal or Cara’s Salted Caramel Brownie.
For walkable options in the center of West Chester, try Hotel Warner or. Hotel Indigo. The Inn at Whitewing Farm offers a rural but elegant B&B experience just outside town. In Kennett Square, go independent and artsy with Artelo or enjoy the literary vibe at The Bookhouse Hotel.
Guestroom at The Bookhouse Hotel — Photo courtesy The Bookhouse Hotel
Kennett Square’s Mushroom Festival — Photo courtesy Chester County’s Brandywine Valley
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Contributing Writer
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