Good to Know: September 2024

The Master’s Mural

The Master’s Baker in West Chester is home to a new mural. Designed and painted by local artist Erica Dehart, the 50’x17’ mural depicts a window overlooking downtown West Chester, plus native Pennsylvania flowers and, naturally, cakes. This is West Chester’s third mural, joining the Women’s Suffrage (119 E. Market St.) and Friends Association (113 W. Chestnut St.) murals, with another planned to commemorate the borough’s 225th anniversary. 19 W. Gay St., West Chester. TheMastersBaker.com.

Insta-worthy

Spruce up your Insta feed with a trip to Longwood Gardens, recently named one of the world’s most Instagrammable flower gardens. With 307,185 Instagram posts, Longwood ranked sixth worldwide and was one of just two U.S. gardens to crack the top 10, along with NYC’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden. While you’re there, don’t miss the rare century plant, which only blooms once every few decades, blooming through October! See the other top gardens at TitanTravel.co.uk.

Shine On

Chester County Hospital’s SHiNE program is celebrating 25 years of improving the lives of patients living with cancer in our region. This all-volunteer organization funds services like nurse navigators, transportation, a wig program and emotional support. Join them on Sunday, September 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a special tribute at SHiNE founder Maria McCool’s home, featuring a VIP cocktail hour, dinner and live music. For more information and tickets, visit PatientSHiNE.org.

Stormy Showdown

You probably know about the Battle of Brandywine, but have you heard of the Battle of the Clouds? On September 16, 1777, less than a week after the Battle of Brandywine, the Continental Army met British forces around present-day Malvern. 26,000 soldiers fought briefly before a storm forced Washington’s troops to retreat to Yellow Springs when munitions got wet. Check out the historical marker on Swedesford Road, or follow Washington’s trail yourself by downloading battle maps at ChescoPlanning.org.

Nature Explorers

Discover our area’s rich biodiversity with Newlin Grist Mill’s Pop-Up Naturalist program. From April to October, park visitors can participate in a self-guided program featuring signage with fun facts, nature explorations and exciting challenges. Signs change themes and locations monthly — September’s theme is “Tiny Wildlife.” Look for signs along trails between the Visitor Center and Frog Pond. Grounds open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free. 219 S. Cheyney Rd., Glen Mills. NewlinGristMill.org.