Publisher’s Letter

Glorious blooms. Chirping bluebirds. Horses galloping over green fields. The scent of picnics drifting on the breeze. At County Lines, spring has erupted! It’s May. Finally!

Steeplechase season has also arrived! So grab your wide-brimmed hat, your showy florals, your best loafers and a jaunty pocket square. It’s time to go to the races. Cara Corridoni provides the details in “And We’re Off!” Plus “The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair” marks its 130th year, May 20–31. Ponies, rides, Devon fudge, and plenty of equestrian excitement in the rings. Laurel Anderson guides you through 12 days of fun.

In “Horsepower of the Revolution,” Kim Andrews contemplates the British approaching Philadelphia in 1777, passing through Chester County. Horses were everywhere: transporting officers, hauling wagons, carrying messages between scattered units. Giddy-up.

As you travel Chester County and see a beautiful old barn, you may wonder, “What Kind of Barn is It?” Jane E. Dorchester writes about three common styles. And, in “Dream Barns,” local architects and builders show options so you can create a barn of your own.

This May, immerse yourself in all the beauty that spring has to offer. In “Spring Art Gallery Roundup,” Beth Buxbaum shares an exciting lineup of art shows, gallery exhibits and tours of work by our local artists. And since art can be found beyond art galleries, Shannon Montgomery takes you on a tour of “Murals of the Main Line” brightening Lancaster Avenue and beyond.

Marci Tomassone finds another kind of tour — house tours, plant sales and garden festivals on practically every day of the month. Let her guide you in “Home & Garden.” For more inspiration, check out the photo layout in “Landscape & Garden Design.”

Winterthur is celebrating 75 glorious years, so join in on May 16 at the Field & Fête event. Pack a picnic. Enjoy the garden, tour the museum and watch a parade. Regards from Henry du Pont!

It started with a few specialized bluebird boxes, but evolved into something much greater that helped bring back these bright flyers. Read “Build It and They Will Nest” by Adam Wolf of Willistown Conservation Trust.

When planning a romantic picnic, consider elegance and portability. Small bites, salads, hand pies, special beverages … Read Liz Tarditi’s “Gourmet Al Fresco” in Brandywine Table for tasty advice.

The classic Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, but bartenders are experimenting with inventive riffs that spotlight seasonal ingredients and garden-fresh flavors. To “Shake Up Your Spritz,” think floral elderflower, cooling cucumber, fragrant thyme or vibrant citrus.

Finally, check out our Best Local Events section along with the Family Fun page for things 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 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 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

The 130th Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

With 12 days of equestrian excellence in the ring and family fun throughout the grounds, this year’s festivities bring something old (traditions of all sorts), something new (carriage eventing for one) and something blue (actually red, white and blue) for Devon’s 130th and a patriotic celebration of America’s 250th.

Murals of the Main Line

It’s a perfect time to explore the Main Line’s flourishing public art scene. Beyond the galleries and exhibitions, a growing collection of vibrant murals is transforming streets and public spaces into open-air exhibits.  Head out into the sunshine. Make a day of it.

Build It and They Will Nest

After 13 years of the Bluebird Project, the Willistown Conservation Trust has installed over 400 bluebird boxes on more than 200 properties, helping raise 10,000 birds. The best part is that once the bird boxes are up, they last for 5 to 25 years. Similar projects across that country show when individuals band together, change can happen.