More Great Places for Outings in the Brandywine Valley
More Great Places for Outings
Pennsylvania
Chadds Ford
Penns Woods Winery. Enjoy award-winning PA-grown wine, local beers and cheeses at this family (and dog) friendly vineyard oasis. 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. Follow them @PennsWoodsWine on Instagram and Facebook. PennsWoodsWinery.com.
Glen Mills
Newlin Grist Mill Park. Restored 18th-century milling community with an active 1704 water-powered grist mill. Hiking, trout fishing weekends, picnicking and nature walks. 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. Discover the many unique tastes of the Lebanon Valley. They are proud of their German and PA Dutch culture, featuring their savory claims to fame, Lebanon Bologna, craft beer, Opera Fudge, Shuey’s Pretzels, whoopie pies, shoofly pie and more. Lebanon Bologna is 100% beef sausage made with special seasonings and hardwood smoked since 1902 by Seltzers Smokehouse Meats. The perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Why not try it for yourself? VisitLebanonValley.com.
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 Plantation. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
Nottingham
Herr Foods, Inc. Factory tours show the real operation, with real workers and include secrets like how tortilla chips get their flavor. Tours 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-plusyear history in a charming historic district. Try the Bridge Tour walking tour to enjoy shopping and refreshments in town. 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, Inc. maintain museums, a library and offer educational and seasonal events such as the Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival, Aug. 11–12, 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. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
Odessa
Historic Houses of Odessa. An outstanding collection of period household furnishings, fine and decorative arts. Five distinctive properties are unique examples of the architectural heritage of Colonial Delaware and tell of Odessa’s role in the Underground Railroad. Be sure to visit on September 9 for the 10th 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 through November 5, slot machines, table games, poker, sports betting, free live entertainment and many dining choices, including the new 1937 Brewing Co. with housemade craft beers and gastropub food. 777 Delaware Park Blvd. DelawarePark.com.
Amusement Parks, Zoos & 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. 35 Lacrue Ave. OasisFamilyFun.com.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Literally bounce off the walls of this indoor trampoline park. 10 Conchester Rd. SkyZone.com/GlenMills.
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. 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.
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.
Treehouse World. A place to explore the newest and coolest treehouses around, to challenge yourself with their unique high adventure programs and a place to have a ton of fun. Take the Aerial Zipline Adventure Course. Reservations required. 1442 Phoenixville Pk. TreehouseWorld.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.
Maryland
Rising Sun
Plumpton Park Zoo. Home to over 180 animals, some taken in from owners who could no longer keep them. The zoo gives them their forever home, providing expert veterinary care. From an African crested porcupine, to black backed jackals to a white Bengal tiger, zebras, American alligators and so many more. Plan a day at this zoo. 1416 Telegraph Rd. PlumptonParkZoo.org.
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. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
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/Rushton Conservation Center. The Trust’s programs focus on over 28,000 acres in Chester County and portions of Delaware County, and 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.
Willistown’s Okehocking Preserve. 180 acres of the 500-acre Okehocking Land Grant Historic District are likely the only known grant to a Native American tribe authorized by William Penn, conveyed in 1703. Includes meadowlands, upland hillsides and old-growth woodlands, with 5 miles of hiking and horse riding trails. 5316 West Chester Pk. Willistown.PA.us.
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-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, summer camps and volunteer opportunities are offered on 219 permanently protected acres of forests, meadows and an arboretum overlooking multiple ponds. 1368 Prizer Rd. Welkinweir.org.
Swarthmore
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College. “A garden of suggestions,” it’s the college campus, covering 110 diverse acres. 500 College Ave. ScottArboretum.org.
Wayne
Chanticleer. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
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—Hill and Stream Trail and Farm Path Trail. 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. 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. TheDanielBooneHomestead.org.
Broomall
Thomas Massey House. One of the oldest English Quaker homes in PA, built in 1696. Lawrence & Springhouse Rds. ThomasMasseyHouse.org.
Chadds Ford
Barns-Brinton House. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
John Chads House. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
Chester Springs
The Mill at Anselma. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
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 18th-century 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 a wonderful example of this religious toleration. You’ll experience a tranquility missing from today’s hectic lifestyle while you explore Ephrata’s unique architecture, music and artwork. Don’t miss the museum store featuring specialty crafts by nationally recognized artisans. 632 W. Main St. EphrataCloister.org.
Geigertown
Joanna Furnace. Hay Creek Valley Historical Assn. supports local heritage and provides a living experience of Berks County’s agricultural and technological past by demonstrating early American crafts and trades. The Hay Creek Festival, Sept. 8–10, features Early American crafts, antique toys, home crafts, children’s hands-on activities, food and olde tyme music. Rt. 10. HayCreek.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 Federal-style house outside Lancaster City. It was formerly owned by the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan. The house was constructed in 1828 by William Jenkins, a local lawyer. 1120 Marietta Ave. LancasterHistory.org.
Malvern
Historic Sugartown. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
Paoli Battlefield. On the night of September 20, 1777, British troops attacked Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvanians at this spot. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War and was also called the Paoli Massacre. Visit the spot where America’s First Battle Cry of “Remember Paoli” was born and see the second-oldest revolutionary war monument in the United States. Monument & Wayne Aves. PBPFInc.org.
Morrisville
Pennsbury Manor. William Penn’s beautiful country plantation on the Delaware River, rebuilt to look as it did in 1700. Jacobean-style furnishings include 17th-century antiques. 400 Pennsbury Memorial Rd. PennsburyManor.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, a fine example of early Colonial architecture. 763 S. Valley Forge Rd. StDavidsChurch.org.
Willow Street
Hans Herr House. Oldest house in Lancaster County and oldest Mennonite meeting house in America, built in 1719. 1849 Hans Herr Dr. HansHerr.org.
Worcester
Peter Wentz Farmstead. Colonial farmhouse used by George Washington before and after the battle of Germantown, restored to its 1777 state. Schultz Rd., off Rt. 73. MontCoPA.org/HistoricSites.
Museums
Pennsylvania
Chadds Ford
Brandywine River Museum of Art. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
Christian Sanderson Museum. A private, nonprofit enterprise located in the historic village of Chadds Ford, exhibiting the eclectic collection of historical relics, artifacts and memorabilia acquired by Christian Sanderson over a period of more than 75 years. 1755 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford. SandersonMuseum.org.
Coatesville
Lukens National Historic District Museums. Industrial history and architectural heritage are woven together so you can “Discover the Past, Explore the Future.” 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 an Historical Setting. 50 S. First Ave. Coatesville. SteelMuseum.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 nine-acre sculpture garden. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. DelArt.org.
The Delaware Contemporary. A non-collecting 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. Explore nature and science with hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Visit website for exhibits. 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.
Rockwood Museum. Designed in 1851 by English architect George Williams, an outstanding example of Rural Gothic architecture and gardenesque landscape design. 610 Shipley Rd. Rockwood.org.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. See “Day Trips & Outings.”
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 United States, 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. Reservations required. 1520 Horseshoe Trail. WhartonEsherickMuseum.org.
Strasburg
The National Toy Train Museum. Railroad Museum of PA. Strasburg Rail Road. Visit NTTMuseum.org; 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 an active schedule of public educational programs, exhibitions, events, air shows, workshops and publications. 1220 American Blvd., West Chester. AmericanHelicopter.Museum.
The Antique Ice Tool Museum. Follow history from the harvest to the delivery of ice and learn about the rise and eventual decline of an industry that had a profound effect on the way we live. This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to the preservation of the natural ice trade and houses the largest private collection of antique ice tools and memorabilia. 825 Sconnelltown Rd., West Chester. AntiqueIceToolMuseum.org.