This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
As a lifelong gardener, Longwood Gardens had been on my must-visit list for years. I finally made the trip—my first to Pennsylvania—alongside a fellow travel writer, and what we discovered in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley was unforgettable. Summer roses bloomed in abundance, and the entire region pulsed with color and creativity. Set in America’s Garden Capital, boasting 30 public gardens within 30 miles, Brandywine is about far more than flowers. Revolutionary history, vibrant art, small-town charm—and even mushrooms with surprising health benefits—combined to create a richly layered escape I hadn’t realized I was missing.
A Perfect Home Base: Stay in West Chester
We chose West Chester as our home base—a town where small-town charm meets city-style energy. Walkable, tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and independent shops create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. At Hotel Indigo, we appreciated the sleek, modern design and unbeatable location, with front-door access to downtown dining. Mornings started with local coffee and evenings with craft cocktails in the cozy basement speakeasy. Best of all, every site we explored was just a scenic, easy drive away.
Looking for other options in the area? Consider the one-of-a-kind Bookhouse at Faunbrook or Artelo in Kennett Square—an innovative arts hotel that blends creativity with comfort.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Beyond the Brochures: Hidden Treasures and Small-Town Magic
Brandywine’s charm extends well beyond its famous landmarks. Its rolling hills, towering hardwoods, and lush, layered greenery felt like another world to me—especially coming from Central Texas, where gnarled scrub oaks and junipers dominate a much drier landscape. More than 30% of West Chester’s land is preserved by local conservancies, ensuring its unspoiled charm endures. A winding road might lead to a roadside farmstand, a covered bridge, or a spontaneous wine tasting. The very name “Brandywine”—from the Swedish brännvin, meaning “grain liquor”—carries its own rich history, made legendary during the 1777 Battle of Brandywine.
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Garden Grandeur: Longwood in Full Bloom
Longwood Gardens—1,100 acres of horticultural wonder—exceeded even my highest expectations. Once the private estate of Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood dazzles across all seasons. Inside the soaring conservatory, orchids, ferns, and waterfalls create a tropical dreamscape. We dined at 1906, the newly renovated fine-dining restaurant, where regionally sourced ingredients—even some grown in the garden—elevate every dish. That evening, 1,700 jets danced in the Festival of Fountains, the music rising into the night air. For gardeners like me, this wasn’t just a visit—it was a pilgrimage.
Legacy of the Land: The duPont Estates
The du Pont family’s imprint runs deep in this region. At Winterthur Museum. Garden & Library, Henry Francis du Pont designed 60 acres of curated, naturalistic gardens—featuring rolling meadows, shaded paths, and stone bridges. Inside his 175-room former home, one of the country’s finest collections of American decorative arts fills finely appointed interiors. A short drive away, the grandeur continues at Nemours Estate, modeled after Versailles, with manicured French-style gardens, embellished fountains, and the opulent rooms of Alfred I. du Pont’s Gilded Age mansion. Each property celebrates beauty, design, and a deep reverence for the land.
Art in the Landscape: The Wyeth Family and Wharton Esherick
At the Brandywine Museum of Art—housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century gristmill—I explored the work of three generations of the Wyeth family: N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. This artistic dynasty is deeply rooted in the Brandywine Valley, their work shaped by its rolling hills and soft light.
N.C. Wyeth, one of America’s most celebrated illustrators, used proceeds from his Treasure Island commissions in 1911 to purchase the surrounding property. Touring his studio—still filled with towering canvases, vintage props, and dramatic light—I felt as if he’d just stepped out.
Nearby, Wharton Esherick Museum offers a striking contrast—his hand-carved hillside home is a sculptural tribute to wood, craft, and fiercely original design.
The Mushroom Capital: Kennett Square’s Earthy Roots
As a lifelong mushroom lover, I was thrilled to explore Kennett Square, which produces more than a million pounds of mushrooms daily—earning its title as the Mushroom Capital of the World. At The Woodlands at Phillips, I gained a firsthand look at how mushrooms are cultivated in carefully monitored, climate-controlled environments. I also learned how nutritious they are—high in antioxidants, low in calories, and packed with immune-boosting compounds. We sampled mushrooms in every form: flatbreads, soups, and savory entrées. Earthy, local, and unexpectedly luxurious.
Taste of the Region: Markets, Makers & Memorable Meals
Kennett Square overflows with flavor and female entrepreneurship. From La Michoacana’s sweet corn ice cream to Nomadic Pies‘ buttery seasonal treats and Talula’s Table, a coveted farm-to-table gem booked months in advance, the town thrives on innovation and local pride.
Beyond these Kennett Square favorites, we explored other standout spots across the Brandywine Valley—White Dog Café, Portabellos of Kennett Square, The Whip Tavern, and Pietro’s Prime—each offering its own version of local hospitality and flavor.
One rainy afternoon, we browsed Baldwin’s Book Barn—four floors of literary treasures tucked inside an 1822 stone barn. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger.
Sip & Savor: Wineries of the Valley
Brandywine’s wineries blend laid-back hospitality with serious flavor. At Chaddsford Winery, we sampled a flight of wines amidst a weekend atmosphere—live music, food trucks, and displays of local art transformed the space into a lively community hub. Turks Head Wines tasting room offered a more intimate experience, with bold pours and staff who clearly love what they do. These welcoming vineyards invite visitors to linger, sip, and soak in the local flavor. Just the thing after a day of gardens and galleries.
Where History Lives: Battlefields and Freedom Trails
Chester County’s soil tells America’s story. I stood where the Battle of Brandywine unfolded in 1777—one of the most significant battles of the Revolutionary War. Quiet, open fields now cover the site, but the gravity of the moment lingers. Nearby backroads follow the routes of the Underground Railroad, used by those seeking freedom in the 19th century. These aren’t just markers on a map; they’re stories embedded in the land, waiting for travelers to stop and listen.
Timeless Crossings: Covered Bridges of Chester County
There’s something timeless about crossing a covered bridge. These historic spans are scattered across the countryside—weathered wood, hand-hewn beams, and the quiet hush of a century’s worth of wheels and footsteps. Some date back more than 150 years. Each one felt like a well-kept secret from another era, inviting you to slow down and savor the journey. In a place filled with grand gardens and storied estates, it was these simple, enduring structures that connected me most to the past.
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