Across County Lines

Leaves are ablaze, temps are dropping, and porches glow with pumpkins and spooky décor. Autumn has landed in the Brandywine Valley. It’s the perfect season for a pleasure drive.

From scenic country roads to charming towns buzzing with festivals, shopping, dining and family fun, fall brings something for every taste. Buckle up — here’s your guide to exploring fall in County Lines country.

West Chester

Start your autumn exploration of the Brandywine Valley in West Chester, where brick sidewalks and lively streets are the perfect backdrop.

Explore downtown on First Friday, October 3, at the Fall Gallery Walk. Wend your way through 26 stops on this self-guided tour of local galleries and special “one-night-only” show hosts to celebrate local art and artists. Catch a special collection of Harry Dunn’s work at Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery and the Chester County Community Foundation, marking 70 years of Dunn’s artistry and 35 years of Gallery Walk, which he helped start. A portion of sales from this collection benefits a Dunn scholarship fund, supporting future generations of local artists.

Worked up an appetite? Pick from over 65 downtown restaurants, including newcomers West Chester Seafood Kitchen at the Hotel Indigo or nearby Jolene’s for upscale French cuisine.

Or want dinner and a show? Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center has a jam-packed schedule of theater, music, comedy and more this month. Dog lovers will enjoy “Puppy Pals Live!” on October 3 — or the preshow pop-up beer garden with lawn games, live music and food from Sabatino’s. Other highlights include Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, The Drifters, on October 12 and a Halloween screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — costumes and callbacks highly encouraged.

The semester is in full swing in this college town, so mark your calendar for West Chester University’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 3 to 5, and cheer on the Golden Rams as they face East Stroudsburg. WCU’s theatre and dance department presents “Sideways Stories from Wayside School,” based on Louis Sachar’s beloved children’s series, October 16 to 19. Performances from the Wells School of Music include a combined Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony concert (October 5), Fall Choral Festival (October 21) and plenty of appearances by the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, including at football home games, October 4 and 25.

Or come for two fan-favorite events: Fiorenza’s Food for Friends again hosts the Chili Cook-Off on October 12, and the Hometown Christmas Parade promises even more excitement this year on December 5.

Western Chester County

More fun awaits to the west, starting with a trip to Exton’s Eagleview Town Center. Get your caffeine fix at Twin Valley Coffee, whose scrumptious s’mores cold brew went viral this summer. Next up, shopping! Pick up a sourdough loaf or ever-popular English muffins from Good Girls Bakery, then browse the shelves of Wellington Square Bookshop (check social media for reopening info). On Thursday afternoons, grab goodies from local makers and growers at the Eagleview Farmers Market.

If it’s time to refuel, enjoy a hearty lunch at any of the eateries on Eagleview’s Restaurant Row, like Bluefin or Al Pastor, or pop over to Ron’s Original Bar & Grille for health-conscious Italian faves. In the mood for Mediterranean? Head to Downingtown for an authentic Greek meal at Myrtos, which opened late last year in the former De La Terre spot.

While in Downingtown, quench your thirst at Dressler Estate’s new cidery and bar. On Fridays and Saturdays, sip hard cider made onsite (or select beer, wine and spirits) and nosh on kettle corn or a cheese plate featuring local faves like True North Farmstead’s scallion sheep’s cheese. More of a beer fan? On warm-weather days, enjoy brews on the roof at nearby East Branch Brewing — check @EastBranchRoof on Instagram for updates.

Round out your trip with a visit to Historic Yellow Springs. October 12 marks their fourth annual Open House & Fall Festival, with village tours, artist demos, pumpkin painting, treat bag decorating, scavenger hunt, haunted history house, plus food and drinks from Suburban Brewing Company, Flour & Oats and Life’s Patina Mercantile & Cafe. See the Yellow Springs Pumpkin Classic as decorated pumpkins on wheels race downhill in front of Revolutionary War hospital ruins.

Yellow Springs also hosts art workshops and classes for all ages and skill levels. For a fun Friday evening, bring your beau or bestie for Date Nights at Yellow Springs — beginner-friendly classes with complimentary beer, wine and light fare. This month, choose from ceramics (October 3 & 17) or printmaking (October 10 & 24).

And don’t forget to stop by the restored Jenny Lind House for a sweet treat and warm drink from Life’s Patina’s Mercantile & Cafe.

Southern Brandywine Valley

Next, head south to rolling hills and pastoral landscapes for peak-season color and harvest happenings.

Plan a visit to the southern Brandywine Valley’s crown jewel — Longwood Gardens, garnering its latest accolades from Time, USA Today and even Martha Stewart. Fall is a magical time at Longwood, with autumn colors, its 25th year of the Garden Railway (near the beer garden) and, after a hiatus due to the Longwood Reimagined expansion, the triumphant return of the Chrysanthemum Festival on October 24. Don’t miss the new West Conservatory and 1906 restaurant — but book your table in advance!

Next head to nearby downtown Kennett Square for three fun-filled events this month. On October 4, sample over 200 beers from 85 breweries at Kennett Brewfest — dedicated hopheads can reserve a private cabana for up to eight people. Drop by on the final Third Thursday on State Street of the season, October 16, for outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music and family-friendly fun. And dress the kiddos in their Halloween best for the KSQ Candy Trail, October 26, to follow the route and collect treats from 30-plus local businesses.

In nearby Chadds Ford, the Brandywine Museum of Art has an exciting month in store. Opening October 4, “Cropsey, Wyeth, and the American Landscape Tradition” features the first-ever museum display of a massive rediscovered masterwork by leading Hudson River School artist Jasper Francis Cropsey. Feeling inspired? Create your own masterpiece at a plein air workshop on Brandywine’s historic campus (October 8), the Andrew Wyeth Studio (October 12, led by local artist Randall Graham), or at Kuerner Farm (October 17 & 19).

Later this year, the museum will offer guided tours of N.C. Wyeth’s monumental, 19-by-60-foot-long mural, “Apotheosis of the Family.” Commissioned in the early 1930s, it’s been painstakingly restored by Wyeth’s grandson, Jamie, and will soon be on display in a specially designed round barn on Wyeth’s property in Wilmington. Read about the mural’s storied history in the New York Times.

Mark your calendar for The Great Pumpkin Carve, October 16 to 18. Hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society, this fan-favorite event features a Haunted Trail, live music, food, drinks and, of course, over 70 giant pumpkins carved by local artists — like the one on our cover this month!

And don’t leave Chadds Ford without grabbing a bite at legendary Hank’s Place, finally rebuilt after its 2021 destruction by Hurricane Ida.

The Main Line

Head east to Lancaster Avenue and find grand manors, tree-lined streets and a perfect fall day on the Main Line.

Start off right with a hot drink, scrumptious pastry or decadent sandwich from the Malvern Buttery. Choose from their King Street location, outpost at the Malvern train station or, coming soon, the Buttery Bryn Mawr, promising all the same beloved baked goods, plus a full-service coffee bar and casual dinner options.

Next, it’s off to the races. The Radnor Hunt Pony Club hosts their annual Spooktacular on October 4. In addition to traditional competitions like equitation and the jumper derby, there are fun classes open to riders of all skill levels: hobby horse, dollar bareback (the rider who doesn’t lose their dollar wins) and the fan-favorite costume class.

Afterwards, enjoy fine dining at one of the Main Line’s equestrian-inspired restaurants. At Malvern’s Jockey Tavern, enjoy comfort food amidst horse country décor and taxidermy over the mantelpiece. Or head to the Radnor Hotel, home of Fearless Restaurants’ latest venture: Triple Crown Restaurant, Bar & Garden, a luxurious, Ardrossan-inspired restaurant with classic American dishes. A garden with glass conservatory is coming soon.

Need your next good book? Find the latest fall reads at Main Point Books in Wayne. This indie bookshop hosts book clubs and book signings for readers of all tastes. On October 29, hear comedian, musician and influencer Elyse Myers discuss her debut book, “That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You,” at Radnor Middle School, with a VIP reception at the bookstore.

Theater lovers can see a play at the storied People’s Light in Malvern. Awardwinning theater artist Kathryn Grody’s new play, “The Unexpected 3rd,” is on stage through October 19. Plus, Philly sports fans will enjoy the return of “Tommy and Me,” back October 7 to 19 after a sold-out run last season. Philly sports commentator Ray Didinger’s autobiographical play chronicles his journey to get his lifelong hero, Tommy McDonald, into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

End the night with a scoop or two of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, celebrating 20 years in Berwyn — because it’s always ice cream season!

Delaware County

After you watch the latest episode of “Task,” HBO’s new miniseries starring Mark Ruffalo, take a drive east for the real Delco experience and discover vibrant towns, inviting shops, a flourishing performing arts scene and authentic accents.

First, take in the fall foliage at Tyler Arboretum. Dating back to William Penn’s time, this historic 650-acre property is home to thousands of trees, shrubs and perennials. In autumn, Tyler’s dogwoods, ginkgoes and maples burst into pops of red, yellow and orange, and fields of asters and goldenrods come into bloom. Join guided hikes, weekly bird walks, nature journaling classes and yoga on weekend mornings.

No trip to Delco would be complete without a stop in “Everybody’s Hometown.” Indulge in some retail therapy in downtown Media: the latest reads at Bookish Notions, hard-to-find records at The Greatest Hits and quirky gifts from Three Potato Four — all made better with a steaming hot pumpkin spice latte from Cafesphere.

Visit during the State Street Fall Festival on October 5, when over 150 vendors offer local and global foods, one-of-a-kind artwork and jewelry, unique home décor and handcrafted gifts, plus live music and a kids’ zone.

Catch a show at the Media Theatre. This month’s performances include “Young Frankenstein” and “Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! Jr.” — see Theater Spotlight in this issue for details. Or take a detour to the newly restored and reopened Lansdowne Theatre. October’s lineup includes The Fab Four tribute band (October 11), jazz/R&B pianist Brian Culbertson (October 19) and Genesis’ Steve Hackett (October 24 & 25).

For more fun, visit during Delco Arts Week, October 4 to 12. The Delaware County Arts Consortium hosts over 60 events — live music, dance, film screenings, gallery exhibitions, festivals, workshops and more. See DelcoArts.org for the schedule.

Wilmington

Last but certainly not least, take a ride down the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, aka Route 52, cross the state line and head to Wilmington. In this small-but-mighty city, autumn adventures abound.

On your way into town, visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Surrounded by a thousand acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands, H. F. du Pont’s former residence is now home to the nation’s premier museum of American decorative arts. On view through January, “Almost Unknown: The Afric-American Picture Gallery” depicts Black life in the United States and across the diaspora through prints, paintings, sculptures, books and other decorative objects. Nature lovers should check out du Pont’s 60-acre garden, 25 miles of paths and trails, and the Enchanted Woods children’s garden.

Make time for more top-notch museums. At the Delaware Art Museum, “Imprinted: Illustrating Race” opens October 18, honoring Norman Rockwell’s powerful images supporting the Civil Rights Movement. Plus, “Journey to Freedom,” a mural by Philly artist Cindy Lozito inspired by the exhibition, is on display in the Orientation Gallery starting October 1.

The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science debuts “Creatividad Silvestre/ Wild Creativity,” a bilingual, hands-on exhibition, on October 4. And grown-ups can get in on the fun during Museum of the Macabre, October 25, for a dive into the darker side of science, from fossils to taxidermy to decomposition — spooky attire welcome!

Next, head downtown for a show at The Grand Wilmington. On October 3, the Violent Femmes rock out at Copeland Hall, and First State Ballet Theatre gets into the Halloween spirit with “Dracula” on October 25 and 26. At sister venue The Playhouse on Rodney Square, experience a cult classic like you’ve never seen it before at “Hokus Pokus Live!” on October 16, or laugh out loud with TV’s Patton Oswald on October 17.

Finally, if you feel a chill in the air on the Riverwalk, it might just be from the Kalmar Nyckel, which returns as the Halloween Ghost Ship on October 18. Tour the replica 17th-century tall ship, take a Halloween Ghost Ship Tour inside the Copeland Maritime Center with spooky fun for all ages on the ¾-scale model ship’s deck, enjoy Halloween-themed crafts and outdoor pumpkin painting, and participate in the costume parade.

From leaf-lined backroads to lively town centers, the Brandywine Valley brims with autumn magic. Pack a sweater, hit the road, and enjoy the colors, flavors and traditions that make fall here unforgettable.