Publisher’s Letter

April at last! Flowers, films, history and more. It’s time to leave your treadmills, StairMasters and erg machines behind. The outdoors awaits!

Consider rowing. Envy the graceful boats, gliding on the water, powered purely by muscle. In “Row Your Boat … Gently — or Madly — Down the Stream,” I introduce the sport. For next-level athletes, in “Going the Distance,” Zack Malet interviews two brothers whose passion is ultra-endurance sports — one running, the other cycling — as they train despite demanding real estate careers and growing families.

For a more leisurely take, Shannon Montgomery wonders how our outdoor spaces might work harder, providing both enjoyment and increased equity. In “Spring into Outdoor Living,” she asks local experts for ideas. Kim Andrews examines where the outdoors meets history in “Chester County’s Revolutionary Nature,” and suggests parks, preserves and more to visit to enjoy both.

Meanwhile Laurel Anderson finds “Something Old and Something New” on every visit to Lancaster County, especially for America’s 250th. She reports on heritage sites, museums, theaters and more.

Garden fans should mark their calendars for a statewide event on June 20 and 27. Sharon Richardson, Uwchlan Garden Club, previews the highlights in “Invitation to a Garden Party Tour.” For DIY gardeners, check out “Let It Grow,” where Shannon Montgomery shares tips on vegetable gardening, including for beginners.

Join the “20th West Chester Film Festival” on April 24–26, which again showcases independent short films from around the world. And feel better about your next dental visit as you read how you could learn more about your health than you thought. Dr. Hardi Makadia explains in our Being Well column.

More for springtime: remember asparagus is a harbinger of the season. Brandywine Table’s Liz Tarditi offers five fresh recipes in “Harvesting Spring.”

Finally, check out our Best Local Events section for Family Fun and more to do in the Brandywine Valley.

Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the April issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital issue. Or click “Get A Copy” on our website to find locations to pick up your own print copy.

We hope you’d like to subscribe to County Lines. Do it on our website or call 610-918-9300. For single issues, try Baldwin’s Book Barn, Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books, More than Books, Bookish Notions or Reads & Co. Bookstore. Visiting an advertiser is also a great — and free — way to find copies!

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Thank you for reading.

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300

Going the Distance

It’s just an ordinary day for two brothers: one running the trails, the other pedaling our roads. They’re training for ultra-endurance events, despite demanding careers in real estate and their growing families. For both, the real challenge isn’t mere physical strength. It’s mental resilience.

Chester County’s Revolutionary Nature

Beneath Chester County’s trails and meadows lie another story. During the Revolutionary War, these became corridors of conflict, survival and transformation. Today’s jogging trails once carried Continental and British troops. Creek crossings were strategic chokepoints. Farms supplied meals and shelter to the armies. In Chester County’s countryside, to walk, ride or picnic is more than recreation — it’s a journey through history.

Let It Grow

Vegetable growing is on the rise. We’ve got tips on planning and positioning your garden, selecting crops, preparing the soil, planting your veggies and caring for them through the season. With careful planning and maintenance, you’ll soon be harvesting the fruits — rather, the vegetables — of your labor.