Publisher’s Letter

May is a time of celebration in County Lines country. Winter’s over. We can open our windows and breathe the fresh air. Artists can enjoy the landscape. For horses, it’s time to run. For flowers, it’s time to bloom.

It’s also “A Milestone Year for Steeplechase Racing.” For 45 years at Winterthur and for 30 years at Willowdale, horses and riders have been racing over the green hills. At Radnor Hunt, they’ve been holding steeplechase races for almost a century. Pack a tailgate, bring sunscreen and wear shoes for walking on grassy fields. Shannon Montgomery will tell you all you need to know.

May 24 to June 4 is time for “The 127th Devon Horse Show.” Each year, Laurel Anderson looks forward to 11 days of tradition and fun! You’ll see Hunters and Jumpers, Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Sidesaddle, Unicorns, Carriage Driving … and more. Kids are especially invited for Family Days, plus Children’s Day on June 4 with the Itty Bitty Tea Party and Hat Parade. Don’t miss the Devon Art Gallery. Check out our guide to the fun this year!

In “Passion. Success. Strength,” Judy Freedman Hendrickson discusses the mission of Reins of Life, a horse-riding program for children and adults with disabilities, now in its 30th year. It’s helped hundreds to meet life challenges.

If you’re in the heart of the Main Line, whether for the horse show or otherwise, and it’s Sunday morning and you’re hungry, you have amazing choices for brunch — from mimosas and French toast on a white table cloth on the veranda to hand-cut nova lox on a bagel. I’ll direct you in “Breakfast? Lunch? We Want Brunch!”

Spring is the season of new life and new beginnings, and the Brandywine Valley is in full bloom with art shows, tours, exhibits and other events. Elizabeth Hughes writes “Art Gallery Roundup” and says it’s a perfect time to explore our area’s thriving art scene.

Monica McQuail of Willistown Conservation Trust has some news. Manicured lawns are out. Natural ecosystems are in, and “This Spring, Add Some Biodiversity to Your Yard.” It’s time to create habitat at home, no matter how big or small your backyard may be. Find out how.

The month of May is filled with opportunities to explore spring’s magic. In “Home & Garden,” Marci Tomassone will take you to area gardens, nurseries, museums, arboretums, preserves and homes, all offering the best of the season. (Some of the bounty is for sale!) And in “Landscape & Garden Design,” get some expert inspiration for how to update your home.

Ten years ago, the owners were instantly enamored of the house. It had curb appeal, plus light, open interior spaces, generous room proportions, privacy on seven acres set on a private cul-de-sac. It also had several home offices, pool and patio, home theater, two gyms, sauna, steam room, 11 garages … In other words, the home had everything! Laurel Anderson tours it in “Tudor Estate in Pocopson Township.”

Wondering what to do with your barn, now that it needs a second act? In “Party Barns,” several architects and builders share wonderful ideas to use this great space.

Whether for the steeplechases, the horse show or polo, tailgates are the rage. Courtney H. Diener-Stokes interviews Carolyn Desfor and Judy Sagal, two equestrians who know to bring food and drink to share with their guests. In “Brandywine Table,” Courtney shares some of their favorite offerings and shortcuts. And in “Tailgate Drinks,” we recommend several cocktails — mint julep, Kir royale and Pimm’s cup — as well as some equestrian-inspired wines.

Our Best Local Events section is filled with things to do for you and your family this month.

Hopefully, you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the May 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 a 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 Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books, or Reads & Co. Bookstore. Visiting an advertiser is also a great — and free — way to find copies!

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300

The 127th Devon Horse Show

“The Tradition Continues.” It’s an apt motto for this legendary horse show. The Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest multibreed horse show in North America. More importantly, it’s tons of fun. Read about what’s new this year (including the return of the Budweiser Clydedales), the Country Fair, the Art Gallery, Devon food and a variety of activities. Your whole family will enjoy the fun. Check the schedule for all 11 days of the show.

Breakfast? Lunch? We Want Brunch!

On the Main Line, it’s Sunday morning and we want brunch: maybe eggs Benedict, omelets, French toast, waffles or pancakes. Or something more lunch-like, such as a burger, grilled cheese, a club sandwich or bagels and lox. Maybe start with a mimosa or bloody Mary? This article samples several of the Main Line’s best spots for brunch … and finds that it’s all good!

A Milestone Year for Steeplechase Racing

The Brandywine Valley has a rich history of steeplechase racing. This year, two local races are celebrating milestone anniversaries, and a third is heading for a centennial. Come for the thrilling races. Stay for the tailgates, parades, antique cars, fun and philanthropy. This article tells what you need to know for this year’s steeplechase season.