Good to Know: June 2026

Happy Trails

Look forward to exploring more of the Brandywine Valley by foot — or bike. Plans are underway to expand the Chester Valley Trail. Chester County officials recently announced a project to extend the trail — currently 18.6 miles long — and restore the historic Downingtown Trestle Bridge. Plus, the King of Prussia Business Improvement District plans to connect the Chester Valley Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail along North Gulph Road. Chesco.org/4643/Chester-Valley-Trail

Wheel of Fortune

After over 130 years, the Phoenix Wheel has come home to Phoenixville. Crafted by Phoenixville steelworkers in 1893, the 78-foot-tall Phoenix Wheel — which predates the Ferris wheel — graced the Asbury Park boardwalk for nearly a century. Now, thanks to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center, the wheel has been expertly reassembled and now stands tall on Bridge Street. Just don’t expect to ride it yet — that’ll take several years and millions more dollars. PhoenixvilleFoundry.org

Coming Soon

Three new businesses are coming to downtown West Chester — follow on social for updates. Wonderhouse is an inclusive play space and café with sensory and craft rooms, plus space for parties and classes. 129 E. Gay St. @WonderhousePlay. Leaves & Lore is a fantasy-focused independent bookstore — promising coffee and flowers, too. 118 N. High St. @LeavesAndLoreBookshop. And Train & Nourish is a women-only fitness studio opening this summer. 109 N. High St. @Train.And.Nourish

Curtains Up

After a devastating fire in 2023, the historic Oxford Theatre is rising from the ashes. The theater is being rebuilt as The Pearl, Theatre on 3rd, a new performing arts center. Still in the design phase, plans include a main stage, black-box theater, classrooms and a special event space. The Pearl hopes to be a cultural hub for southern Chester County, hosting performances, movies, musical events, children’s programming, lectures and community gatherings. ThePearlOxford.org

Paint the Town

Next time you’re driving into West Chester, look for a new mural. Local artist Al Moretti was selected to create an America250 mural at 240 West Gay Street, across from St. Agnes Parish. Expect a patriotic mural celebrating our nation’s history in a similar style to Moretti’s mural at the Kennett Library. Moretti is slated to begin painting the mural in early June and should be finished in about two weeks. West-Chester.com/544/Public-Arts-Commission