Good to Know: December 2025
Just a few things we’d thought you’d like to know this month
Spanning History
Good news for covered bridge fans: county commissioners and other local notables recently cut the ribbon on the new-and-improved Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge. The new bridge spans Big Elk Creek between Elk and New London Townships, replacing the treasured 140-year-old bridge swept away by Hurricane Ida. A faithful replica of the 1880 bridge, the new structure features the distinctive Burr Arch Truss and is named for families who once operated a papermill nearby. Chesco.org
Stamp of Approval
Next time you’re grocery shopping, look for the green “As Seen in the Chester County Farm Guide” stamp. A new initiative from AgConnect, the new stamp aims to help consumers easily recognize and support local farms and agricultural businesses featured in the Chester County Farm Guide. Published annually, the guide profiles over 125 farms and markets while offering recipes, seasonal product calendars and stories from our area’s vibrant agricultural landscape. Go-AgConnect.org
Forever Green
Two equine farms in Chester County have been permanently preserved. Part of $5.7 million statewide investment by the Shapiro administration, a 20-acre farm in Upper Oxford and West Fallowfield Townships as well as a 19-acre farm in East Marlborough Township are now protected from future development, forever. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly voted to create the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,621 farms — that’s over 650,000 acres. Hooray for open space! PA.gov
Hidden Hangout
Downtown Media has a new hangout with speakeasy vibes: Martinique Deux, tucked beneath the Phoenix Building. The 2,400-square-foot bar and entertainment venue serves cocktails and local favorites (Stateside vodka and Surfside cans, Sterling Pig beer, John Roberts wine), plus classic bar snacks. Come for live music and comedy shows, plus Birds games on the big screen. Open Thursday to Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight. 115 W. State St., Media. MartiniqueDeux.com
Checking In
Look forward to a new hotel coming to downtown Kennett Square. Square Roots Collective (the folks behind The Creamery and Artelo) plans to open The Francis Hotel & Suites in early 2026. Named for Francis Smith, who gave Kennett its name, the boutique hotel occupies a restored 18th-century home, with eight rooms — from singles to kitchenette suites — each named for a piece of local history. 205 S. Union St., Kennett Square. TheFrancisKSQ.com