Unique shops, spectacular events and the ever-present charm of Kennett Square are just some of the reasons to visit this small, historic borough in southern Chester County.

  Charm is manifested in an old-fashioned Main Street — called State Street — lined with specialty shops and delectable restaurants, most of them individually owned and run. Enticing visitors to walk the tree-lined side streets are historic residential homes, many preserved to their original architecture.

  Visit the downtown in autumn for the Kennett Brewfest, the Halloween Parade or the First Friday Art Strolls. Or any day, visit the numerous art galleries and unique gift shops that offer a variety of distinct and unique paintings, photographs, pottery and jewelry.

  And, the diverse restaurants will truly offer a feast for the senses. The aroma of a cup of specialty coffee, or the taste of delicious baked goods or the warmth of fireside dining in an historic inn are just a few of the appealing dining experiences that can be enjoyed in the downtown.

New Stops This Fall

  Be sure to visit Ashley Austin boutique (106 W. State St.). This store, which opened in August, carries a wonderful selection of women’s shoes, accessories and jewelry.

  Also new to the downtown is Café Lindo (109 S. Broad St.). Stop by or meet friends for your morning coffee or lunch. Baked goods, espresso, panini and more are available.

  Another new business is Great Harvest Bread Co. (110 S. Union St.). This is the place for your freshly baked bread, scones and muffins. Great Harvest handcrafts bread daily using only pure and simple ingredients. Each morning they fresh-grind premium whole wheat in the bakery and blend it with ingredients from nature, like yeast, salt and local honey. Great Harvest never uses chemicals or additives. The result is bread that tastes simply amazing.

 Fall Fun

  This year the 12th Annual Kennett Brewfest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10. Anyone who has attended the Brewfest in the past knows that it not only serves up exquisite tasting beer but also great music performed by Baltimore native Carl Filipiak and local favorites Sin City Band.

  This year Historic Kennett Square will be hosting its 2nd Annual Fundraising dinner the night before the Brewfest on Friday, Oct. 9. “An Enchanted Evening” will be held on the Garden Level of the Genesis HealthCare Corporate Office. The menu will pair locally brewed beer and wine with a surf and turf buffet prepared by Talula’s Table.

  On the first Friday of every month, the art galleries and gift shops open their doors to the “Art Stroll.” Some of the galleries plan a special exhibit or event for the stroll and serve refreshments and several restaurants offer live music.

  For seasonal fun, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the annual Halloween Parade will march up State Street beginning at 6:30 p.m. Plus trick or treating.

  Another visit during the Christmas holidays is always a good idea. Horse-drawn carriage rides, brunching with Santa in an historic inn, touring candlelit homes decorated in their holiday best are just some of the memorable moments waiting for you in this quaint downtown.

  Greet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the downtown Open House, Tree Lighting and Parade on Friday, Nov. 27 in Kennett Square. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and after the parade the kids can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Kennett’s newest eatery, Café Lindo. Shops will stay open late and serve refreshments.

  The holiday season continues in Kennett Square with free horse drawn carriage rides every Sunday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. And on Sunday, Dec. 13, several of the fine historic homes in downtown will be all decked out for the holidays and open to the public for the annual Holiday Home Tour.

 Worth Repeat Visits

  Kennett Square’s shopping district is comprised of an endless variety of boutiques specializing in art, jewelry, paper, rare books, home furnishings, antiques, flowers, wool and mushroom-related delicacies and gift ideas. Kennett Square prides itself on personal service, especially since the person who owns the store is probably the one waiting on you.

  There are a variety of restaurants that will appeal to all looking for that special outing. Enjoy everything from fire-side dining, to a bring-your-own Italian restaurant, to beer sampling in a popular contemporary saloon. Be it lunch, dinner, brunch or a specialty cup of coffee, downtown Kennett Square can satisfy your every craving. -CL-

  Call the Historic Kennett Square office (610-444-8188) for more information on any of the Kennett Square events. For a complete listing of all events, including the holiday calendar, visit historickennettsquare.com.

Here’s What’s Happening in Downtown Kennett Square

Kennett Square Farmers’ Market
Fridays Through October
State & Union Sts. 2 to 6 pm. 610-444-8188.

Kennett Flash
Through October
A new concert venue, where all genres of music, comedy, poetry, movies and family shows take place, Thurs-Sun. Sun, Open Mic Nights, Mon, Blues Monday Jams. 102 Sycamore Alley, behind Newton’s on State Street. 484-732-8295; kennettflash.org.

Longwood Gardens Autumn Colors
Through November 22
Oct. 3-31, more than 100 different types of gourds and squash; Nov. 22, The Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off brings pumpkin growers who displaying their most gargantuan gourds for the coveted top prize; Oct. 19-Nov. 22, The Chrysanthemum Festival, a showcase of more than 20,000 colorful, blooming chrysanthemums. Rt. 1. $6-$16. 610-388-1000; longwoodgardens.org.

The Water’s Edge, Stroud Water Research Center’s Annual Fundraising Gala
October 8
Check Upcoming Events page for details.

An Enchanted Evening in Kennett Square
October 9
Surf & turf buffet prepared by Talula’s Table will be paired with locally hand-crafted beer, local and not so local wine and music and dancing to the Sin City Band. Genesis HealthCare Lobby and Garden Levels, State & Union Sts. 7 to 11. $150. Benefits Historic Kennett Square. 610-444-8188; historickennettsquare.com.

First Annual Fermentation Festival
October 9
The Farmers Market is hosting a special tasting area, where market-goers can sample local wines, brews and cheeses and see demonstrations on fermentation. Farmers Market Alley, State & Union Sts. 2 to 6 pm.

First Friday Art Stroll
October 2, November 6, December 4
The art community holds a monthly open house throughout the downtown. 6 to 9 pm.

Sidewalk Sale
October 3
Downtown businesses host a sidewalk sale on and around State St. from 9 to 4.  

12th Annual Kennett Brewfest
October 10
Over 40 microbrewers from across the region gather at 600 S. Broad St. to serve their best. Food available from local restaurants and jazz/fusion music is part of the fun from 2 to 6 pm. Advance tickets required, $35, $10 for Designated Driver, must be 21. 610-444-8188; kennettbrewfest.com.  

Kennett Symphony – “Mendelssohn: A Bicentennial Tribute.”
October 10
Check Upcoming Events page under MUSIC & DANCE for details.

Harvest Fest at Anson B. Nixon Park
October 17
Family fun from noon to 4 pm. The park is located on N. Walnut St. 610-444-4479; ansonbnixonpark.org.

Halloween Parade and Downtown Trick or Treating
October 28
The parade starts at 6:30 on State Street. 

Holiday Downtown Open House / Parade
November 29
Mr. & Mrs. Claus will arrive and light the town Christmas tree and join in the parade. Shops will stay open late and serve refreshments. State St. 6 pm.

Kennett Symphony “Home for the Holidays”
December 5
The orchestra performs seasonal classics with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus and Chester County Choral Society. Kennett High School, 100 E. South St. 8 pm. $10-$35. For tickets phone, 610-444-6363; kennettsymphony.org.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
December 6, 13, 20, 27
Free horse-drawn carriage rides throughout town, leaving from the corner of State & Union Sts. Sundays 12 to 3 pm.

Annual Historic Holiday Home Tour
December 13
Historic homes in the borough will be decked out for the holidays and open to visitors. Tickets required. 610-444-8188; historickennettsquare.com.

Kennett Square - Established 1855

  The mission of Historic Kennett Square is to be a catalyst for economic development in downtown Kennett Square.  The historic architecture and the charm and character of the downtown make Kennett Square an ideal choice for locating or expanding your business.  Surrounded by history and excitement, this is an ideal location for any retail shop, restaurant or office.  For information about leasing space in downtown Kennett Square, contact Mary Hutchins at 6444-8188 or e-mail at mary@historickennettsquare.com.