Great Places for Outings in the Brandywine Valley
More Great Places for Outings
Pennsylvania
See also: Historic Sites
Chadds Ford
Penns Woods Winery. Enjoy award-winning PA-grown wine, local beers and cheeses at this family- (and dog) friendly vineyard. Live music every weekend, wine tastings and vineyard tours. Offering a wide variety of classes all year long including yoga, candle making, painting, vegetable canning and more. Open daily. 124 Beaver Valley Rd. PennsWoodsWinery.com.
Glen Mills
Newlin Grist Mill Park. Visit a restored 18th-century milling community with an active 1704 water-powered grist mill. Hiking, trout fishing weekends, picnicking and nature walks are all available. Rt. 1 & Cheyney Rd. NewlinGristMill.org.
Glenmoore
Springton Manor Farm. The 19th-century manor house was the country estate of a prominent Philadelphia family and is now a demonstration farm where children meet animals in a petting area and learn about farming. Park open year-round. 860 Springton Rd. ChesCo.org/CCParks.
Lebanon Valley
Lebanon Valley. See “Some of Our Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Media
Visit Media. Everybody’s Hometown! Media is Delaware County’s hub of activity and cultural center. America’s First Fair Trade Town features a unique blend of independently owned shops along with dozens of restaurants featuring cuisine from around the world. There’s always something to do throughout the year in Media’s historic State Street District, including Dining Under the Stars every Wednesday from May through September. VisitMediaPA.com.
Newtown Square
Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead. See the recreation of a 112-acre working 18th-century farm with farmers and guides in period garb, Belgian horses, Red Devon milking cows, Dominique chickens and two large pigs. Open weekends, Mar.–Dec. 3900 N. Sandy Flash Dr. ColonialFarmstead.org.
Nottingham
Herr Foods, Inc. Factory tours show the real operation, with real workers and include secrets like how tortilla chips get their flavor. Tours (Wed only) end at the Snack Bar and Gift Shop. Reservations required. To schedule: 800-284-7488, or reserve tickets online, Herrs.com.
Oxford
The Village of Oxford. Celebrate its 250-plus-year history in a charming historic district. Try the Bridge Tour to enjoy shopping and refreshments in town and take in the Oxford Outdoor Gallery. For tours, coupons, guides and more, visit OxfordMainstreet.com.
Perkiomenville
Goschenhoppen. One of the oldest continuously existing Pennsylvania German communities in America, preserving the folk culture of this area’s earliest immigrant settlers, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Today, the Goschenhoppen Historians maintain museums, a library and offer educational and seasonal events such as the 57th Annual Goschenhoppen Folk Festival, Aug. 8 & 9, Fri, noon to 8 pm; Sat, 10 am to 6 pm. Henry Antes Plantation, 318 Colonial Rd. Goschenhoppen.org.
Delaware
New Castle
Historic New Castle. The town of New Castle, established in 1651 and where William Penn landed in 1682, is a beautifully preserved Colonial town center on the Delaware River. Visit Immanuel Church and its churchyard (dating back to 1703) and the George Read II House, a grand Federal mansion surrounded by a handsome garden. NewCastleCity.Delaware.gov.
Odessa
Historic Houses of Odessa. An outstanding collection of period household furnishings, fine and decorative arts. Five properties are unique examples of the architectural heritage of Colonial Delaware and tell of Odessa’s role in the Underground Railroad. Visit on September 6 for the 12th Annual Historic Odessa Brewfest with craft beer, live music, great food, vendors and more. OdessaBrewfest.com, HistoricOdessa.org.
Wilmington
Delaware Park Casino. Offering live thoroughbred racing, slot machines, table games, poker, sports betting, free live entertainment and many dining choices, including the 1937 Brewing Co. with housemade craft beers and gastropub food. 777 Delaware Park Blvd. DelawarePark.com.
Maryland
Cecil County
Explore Cecil County. From time to time everyone needs an escape. Imagine shimmering harbors, horses and history. Experience paddling, boat rides, hiking and fishing. Walkable small towns with shops, memorable Chesapeake Bay cuisine and scenic countryside provide a perfect backdrop for your next adventure. Just a Daydream Away! DiscoverCecil.com.
Harford County
Harford County is just off I-95 — your easy summer escape. Enjoy farm creameries, breweries, waterfront dining and charming main streets. Play mini golf or tee off on scenic courses. Hike, bike or kayak along miles of beautiful shoreline. With festivals, museums and local flavor, there’s something for everyone. HelloHarford.com.
Amusement Parks, Zoos, Entertainment & Family Fun
Pennsylvania
Downingtown
Boulder Falls Miniature Golf. A 19-hole mini golf course featuring a cascading waterfall with winding streams flowing into fountain ponds. The beautifully landscaped design provides relaxation and lots of fun. 1426 Marshallton Thorndale Rd. BoulderFallsMiniGolf.com.
Downingtown Rock Gym. This rock gym is for people of all ages and abilities. Beginners learn the basics, and more experienced climbers test their skills in advanced climbing lessons. 462 Acorn Ln. DowningtownRockGym.com.
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park. From the obstacle course, balance beams, tubes, the runway tumble track and slam dunk zone and on and on. Great place on a rainy day or for a birthday party. 981 E. Lancaster Ave. UrbanAir.com.
Exton
Round 1. Fun for the entire family at this state-of-the-art entertainment arena. Mom and Dad can enjoy Happy Hour specials while kids try bowling and arcade games. Exton Square Mall, 172 Exton Square Pkwy. Round1USA.com.
Glen Mills
Oasis Family Fun Center. Safe, clean fun for the entire family at this indoor facility. 35 Lacrue Ave. OasisFamilyFun.com.
Lancaster
Decades Lancaster. Experience a nostalgic adventure at Decades in downtown Lancaster. This retro haven offers over 40 arcade games, bowling, a full restaurant and a vibrant bar in the historic Stahr Armory. Open Wed–Sun, it’s family-friendly until 8:30 pm, then 21+. Just a 60-minute drive from West Chester and Kennett Square, with easy garage parking. 438 N. Queen St. DecadesLancaster.com.
Mortonville
Brandywine Outfitters. Enjoy a scenic canoe or kayak trip with the whole family down the Brandywine River. If you’re looking for a whole weekend of fun, grab your sleeping bag and pitch a tent on the 26-acre private park in the heart of Chester County. 2096 Strasburg Rd. CanoePA.net.
Norristown
Elmwood Park Zoo. The mission of the Elmwood Park Zoo is to foster an appreciation for wildlife and the environment that will inspire active participation in conservation. The zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe. 1661 Harding Blvd. ElmwoodParkZoo.org.
Oaks
Arnold’s Family Fun Center. Spend an action-packed day riding go-karts and other rides. Try both laser tag attractions, blacklight mini golf and bowling. Not only will the kids have fun, but parents can enjoy Arnold’s Bistro & Bar while they play. 2200 West Dr. ArnoldsFFC.com.
Phoenixville
The Colonial Theatre. Situated in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, the iconic theater operates three distinct venues and multiple event spaces in two adjoining historic buildings. Known internationally as the mother of Blobfest, which annually celebrates the theater’s role in the 1958 sci-fi classic, “The Blob.” 227 Bridge St. TheColonialTheatre.com.
Pottstown
Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center. The center inspires curiosity, creativity and a love of learning, empowering children to dream big, explore boldly and thrive through play. 95 S. Hanover St. Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 9 to 4. PottstownDiscoveryKids.org.
Ronks
Paradise Station. The sprawling nine-acre property includes The Red Caboose Motel, which encompass 38 cabooses, one mail car, a baggage car, reefer car, historic farmhouse and luxurious Conductor’s Quarters; the 175-seat Casey Jones’ Restaurant and Gift Shop; and the fully restored and technologically enhanced Barn at Paradise Station, where weddings, events and inspiring musical entertainment take place.
West Chester
Northbrook Canoe Company. Cool off along the beautiful Brandywine River with a self-guided canoe, kayak or tubing trip. Continue your fun with your favorite summer foods. Reservations required. Open daily through Oct., first trip at 9 am, last one at 4 pm. NorthbrookCanoe.com.
West Chester Railroad. Take a relaxing 90-minute ride through the scenic countryside between West Chester and Glen Mills. Pack a lunch or purchase one from their on-board snack bar to enjoy during the stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove. Reservations required. Market St. Station, 230 E. Market St., 610-430- 2233; WCRailroad.com.
Delaware
Wilmington
Brandywine Zoo. Located along the Brandywine River in beautiful Brandywine Park, the zoo features animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, Asia and Africa. The animals range from more common species to the highly endangered, and all enjoy natural settings and welcome your visit to the zoo. 1001 N. Park Dr. BrandywineZoo.org.
Tatnall Playground/One Love Park. The park was named Tatnall Street Playground in 1907 and renamed in 2014 to honor singersongwriter Bob Marley’s time in Delaware after his hit 1977 song with The Wailers, “One Love/ People Get Ready.” 2316 N. Tatnall St. VisitWilmingtonDE.com.
Selected Nature Centers, Parks and Public Gardens
Pennsylvania
Audubon
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. The fieldstone mansion, now a museum, displays Audubon’s major published works and memorabilia. The 175 acres are a wildlife sanctuary with 175 species of birds and 400 species of plants. 1201 Pawlings Rd. JohnJames.Audubon.org.
Chestnut Hill/Philadelphia
Morris Arboretum. The official arboretum of PA. On its 92 public acres, thousands of rare plants (many of Philadelphia’s oldest, rarest, largest trees) are set in a Victorian garden. Award-winning rose garden, English landscape park, loggia and hidden grotto, Japanese gardens and swan pond. Special events. Advance tickets required. 100 E. Northwestern Ave. MorrisArboretum.org.
Coatesville
Hibernia County Park. The park consists of over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, meadows, open fields, play areas, pavilions, camping, picnic areas and popular fishing sites. 1 Park Rd. ChesCo.org/1743/Hibernia-Park.
Devon
Jenkins Arboretum. A 46-acre arboretum that emphasizes azaleas, rhododendrons and plants of local woodlands, including groundcovers and colorful wildflowers that bloom over a long season. From workshops to story time in the Children’s Garden to yoga, there’s always something new to learn, create or experience at Jenkins. 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd. JenkinsArboretum.org.
Media
Tyler Arboretum. A 650-acre preserve originated with brothers Jacob and Minshall Painter. Mature plant collections are laid out in a natural setting, with 20 miles of marked trails. 515 Painter Rd. TylerArboretum.org.
Newtown Square
Willistown Conservation Trust and Rushton Conservation Center. The Trust’s programs focus on over 28,000 acres in Chester County and portions of Delaware County. Its mission is to preserve and manage the open land, rural character, scenic, recreational, historic, agricultural and natural resources of the area.
Rushton Farm is the centerpiece of the community farm, hosting a CSA, school groups, volunteer days and a “Share the Bounty” program that donates fresh food to local food cupboards. 925 Providence Rd. WCTrust.org.
Nottingham
Nottingham County Park. The 651-acre park offers nine pavilions, an 18-station fitness trail and three modern, handicapped-accessible playgrounds. Dedicated in September 1963, Nottingham Park was the first Chester County park. 150 Park Rd. ChesCo.org/4626/Nottingham-County-Park.
Phoenixville
Black Rock Sanctuary. Consisting of 119 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows, Black Rock Sanctuary is dedicated to wildlife habitat and public use. The sky over Black Rock is a flyway, or air highway, for birds that migrate up and down the East Coast. 953 Black Rock Rd. ChesCo.org/4624/Black-Rock-Sanctuary.
Pottstown
Welkinweir. This historic country estate is home to Green Valleys Watershed Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the natural resources of northern Chester County. Nature walks and talks and summer camps are offered. 1368 Prizer Rd. Welkinweir.org.
Swarthmore
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. “A garden of ideas” to sustain the body, enchant the eye and soothe the spirit, it’s the college campus, covering 300 diverse acres. The arboretum cultivates a variety of plants that create some of the region’s most intimate, authentic and accessible horticultural experiences. 500 College Ave. ScottArboretum.org.
Wayne
Chanticleer. Chanticleer is one of the great gardens of the region. Once the Rosengarten estate, today Chanticleer is a colorful, contemporary garden within a historic setting. 786 Church Rd. ChanticleerGarden.org.
West Chester
H. E. Myrick Conservation Center. A 300-acre landscape with vegetation and wildlife habitats. Part of the Brandywine Valley Assn., which has worked for over 50 years to protect the Brandywine Creek. Two marked self-guided nature trails and a 1.5-mile Old Mile Loop. 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Rd. (Rt. 842). BrandywineRedClay.org.
Delaware
Hockessin
Ashland Nature Center. Headquarters of the DE Nature Society, 130 acres of meadows, forests, marshes, streams and ponds make an ideal setting for nature programs each year, geared to all ages and all levels of interest. Brackenville & Barley Mill Rds. DelawareNatureSociety.org.
Mt. Cuba Center. A botanical garden that inspires an appreciation for native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them. Gardens open Apr.–Nov. 3120 Barley Mill Rd. MtCubaCenter.org.
Historic Sites
Pennsylvania
Birdsboro
Daniel Boone Homestead. Daniel Boone was born here in 1734 in a log house built between 1730–1779. Other buildings include a PA bank barn, blacksmith shop, sawmill, log house and visitors center. 400 Daniel Boone Rd. DanielBooneHomestead.org.
Broomall
Thomas Massey House. One of the oldest English Quaker homes in PA, built in 1696. Lawrence & Springhouse Rds. MarpleHistoricalSociety/Thomas-Massey-House.
Chadds Ford
Barns-Brinton House. Blacksmith William Barns foresaw the need for a tavern on “ye Great Road to Nottingham.” So, in 1714, he built the spacious brick building that was to become one. 630 Baltimore Pk. ChaddsFordHistory.org.
John Chads House. Built around 1725 and owned by John Chads from 1729 until his death in 1760. He operated a ferry across Brandywine Creek. The location became known as Chad’s ford. 1736 Creek Rd. ChaddsFordHistory.org.
Chester Springs
The Mill at Anselma. On the Pickering Creek, the mill is an extraordinary artifact of 275 years of Chester County’s industrial heritage, retaining its original Colonial-era power train and multiple layers of industrial equipment. Demonstrations and hands-on activities. 1730 Conestoga Rd. AnselmaMill.org.
Historic Yellow Springs. Originally named by Native Americans for the iron-rich “yellow” spring water, this scenic village became the principal hospital for the Continental Army during the Valley Forge encampment and an 18thcentury mineral water spa. Site of art, crafts and antique shows. Art School & Pikeland Rds. YellowSprings.org.
Ephrata
Ephrata Cloister. William Penn’s colony of Pennsylvania was the first to offer freedom from religious persecution, and historic Ephrata Cloister is an example of this religious toleration. Now a Blue Star Museum, providing free admission to currently serving U.S. military and their families this summer. 632 W. Main St. EphrataCloister.org.
Lancaster
Rock Ford Plantation. 18th-century Georgianstyle home of Revolutionary War hero General Edward Hand. The estate includes the mansion, barn and Kauffman Museum of decorative arts. 881 Rockford Rd. RockFordPlantation.org.
Wheatland, LancasterHistory.org. Wheatland, the James Buchanan House, is a Federalstyle house outside Lancaster City. It was formerly owned by the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. 1120 Marietta Ave. LancasterHistory.org.
Malvern
Historic Sugartown. Provides a window on rural 19th-century life, with several preserved buildings, including a c. 1880 General Store, Carriage Museum featuring Chester County carriages and sleighs, Bank Barn and Book Bindery. Parking at 273 Boot Rd. HistoricSugartown.org.
Paoli Battlefield. On the night of September 20, 1777, British troops attacked General Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvanians at this spot. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War and was called the Paoli Massacre. Monument & Wayne Aves. PBPFInc.org.
Pottstown
Pottsgrove Manor. Built in 1752, this is the historic home of John Potts, Colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown. Distinguished for its fine early Georgian architecture. Rt. 100 & W. King St. MontCoPA.org/HistoricSites.
Schwenksville
Pennypacker Mills. A Colonial revival mansion, this home of PA Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker was preserved as a country gentleman’s estate. 5 Haldeman Rd. MontCoPA.org/HistoricSites.
Wayne
St. David’s Episcopal Church. A stone wall encloses St. David’s graveyard, memorialized in Longfellow’s poem: “What an image of peace and rest is this little church among its graves …” This park-like setting is welcoming and serene, with an intimate stone church. 763 S. Valley Forge Rd. StDavidsChurch.org.
Museums
Pennsylvania
Chadds Ford
Brandywine Museum of Art. See “Some of Our Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Christian Sanderson Museum. A private, nonprofit enterprise exhibiting the eclectic collection of historical relics, artifacts and memorabilia acquired by Christian Sanderson over more than 75 years. 1755 Creek Rd. SandersonMuseum.org.
Coatesville
Lukens National Historic District Museums. Three mansions — Rebecca Lukens House (c. 1739), Terracina (1850-51) and Graystone Mansion (1889) — plus the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum are the highlights when you visit. “A Science Museum in a Historical Setting.” 50 S. 1st Ave. SteelMuseum.org.
Radnor
Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum. Dedicated to preserving the history and memory of Delaware County sports legends. 301 Iven Ave. 610-909-4919; DelcoSportsMuseum.org.
West Chester
Chester County History Center. Their mission is to inspire, inform and build community identity by preserving and sharing the remarkable story of Chester County and its people. 225 N. High St. MyCCHC.org.
Delaware
Wilmington
Delaware Art Museum. Galleries featuring pre-Raphaelite art, Brandywine school illustrators and a nine-acre sculpture garden. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. DelArt.org.
The Delaware Contemporary. A noncollecting contemporary art museum and gathering place for exploring new ideas in art, design and technology. 200 S. Madison St. DEContemporary.org.
Delaware Children’s Museum. The big yellow building along the Riverfront focuses on science, math and technology and engages children in playful learning. 550 Justison St. DelawareChildrensMuseum.org.
Delaware History Museum. Originally a Woolworth’s Department Store (1940), the building has been transformed into the Delaware History Museum and the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. 504 N. Market St. DEHistory.org.
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. Everywhere you look, our dynamic Earth is full of diverse life. At the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, discover how nature connects us all in surprising ways. Through exhibits, hands-on activities and interactive experiences, explore how we all have a role to play in caring for our environment and the planet. Become a member and enjoy admission, discounts and reciprocal benefits all year. DelMNS.org.
Hagley Museum & Library. The former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company, founded in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Check website for events. 200 Hagley Creek Rd. Hagley.org.
Nemours Estate. Experience the 47,000-square-foot mansion with 77 rooms of remarkable collections that include art, furniture and technology, the gardens featuring 200 acres of French-inspired formal gardens, grounds and woodlands and a vintage collection of automobiles owned by Alfred and Jessie du Pont on display in the Chauffeur’s Garage. 1600 Rockland Rd. Tues–Sun, 10 to 5, last entry at 4. NemoursEstate.org.
Rockwood Museum. Designed in 1851 by English architect George Williams, an outstanding example of Rural Gothic architecture and gardenesque landscape design. 4651 Washington Street Extension. Rockwood.org.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. See “Some of Our Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Yorklyn
Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights Preserve. Home to the world’s largest collection of operating steam cars and a 1/8-size live steam railroad on the 250-acre grounds. Visit their website to find out about special events, such as Evenings at the Museum and Steamin’ Days. 3000 Creek Rd. AuburnHeights.org.
Special Interest Museums
Pennsylvania
Boyertown
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Featuring vehicles of all types: gasoline, electric and horse-drawn, including carriages, wagons and sleighs. You’ll see “high wheelers” and “safety bicycles,” vehicle builder’s tools and local historic roadside architecture. 85 S. Walnut St. BoyertownMuseum.org.
Columbia
The National Watch & Clock Museum. Featuring the treasures of time, from ancient timepieces to modern technologies, the museum captures the evolution of timekeeping over the centuries. 514 Poplar St. NAWCC.com.
Lancaster
Landis Valley Museum. Whether you come for the animals, to learn about early Pennsylvania German life, or to stroll the grounds and get an up-close look at the largest collection of Pennsylvania German artifacts in the U.S., there is something for everyone to enjoy. 2451 Kissel Hill Rd. LandisValleyMuseum.org.
Malvern
The Wharton Esherick Museum. Home and studio of renowned artist and sculptor Wharton Esherick, who inspired the Studio Furniture movement. A National Historic Landmark for Architecture, housing 50 years of work. Tours by reservation only. 1520 Horseshoe Trail. WhartonEsherickMuseum.org.
Strasburg
The National Toy Train Museum. Railroad Museum of PA. Strasburg Rail Road. Visit TCATrains.org/Museum; RRMuseumPA.org; StrasburgRailRoad.com.
West Chester
The American Helicopter Museum & Education Center. The center’s mission is to preserve rotary-wing aviation history, educate society on helicopters and their missions, and inspire future generations through educational programs, events, air shows and workshops. 1220 American Blvd. AmericanHelicopterMuseum.org.
The Antique Ice Tool Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to preserving the natural ice trade and houses the largest private collection of antique ice tools and memorabilia. 825 Sconnelltown Rd. AntiqueIceToolMuseum.org.