Publisher’s Letter
November 2026
It’s a County Lines November! The trees are orange, leaves are falling, weather is cooling, birds are hunkering down or migrating. Music emanates from halls and theaters. A warming fire is in the hearth. Preparations for the holidays have begun.
We’ve been fans of all of Chester County for many years, but the Kennett Square area is very special. From mushrooms to horses — the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup is on November 1st — we offer “Eight Reasons to Love Kennett Square & Chadds Ford.”
This year, we’ve designated the Fund for Women & Girls as our “Local Heroes.” Shannon Montgomery describes its 30-year history, from promoting health, to voting, to eliminating discrimination, the Fund has worked to advance gender equity.
Shannon also follows our local musicians, symphony orchestras, music ensembles, and school and university groups as they tune up for a busy season. In “The Soundtrack to Fall,” she’ll tell you when and where you can catch them play.
On 44+ acres, “Peace by Piece Farm” is a luxury country estate, surrounded by conserved properties and built around a passion for horses, including an indoor riding arena, two barns, a shed row, 10 paddocks and more. Laurel Anderson takes us on a tour.
It’s dark. A bird is on the move … until it slams against a window. Another bird strike. Ashley Vadner of Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens describes the problem and what we can do about it in “Clear Danger.”
Kim Andrews writes about the Revolutionary War, our history and the people who collect, preserve and tell it. Read about them in “Giving the Past a Future.”
It’s a sensitive subject. Carol Metzker enlightens us in “What You May Not Know About Hospice.” You’ll learn more about retirement options in our “Guide to 55+ and Retirement Communities & Services.”
Looking for a truly unforgettable gift? From passes to a match at the Brandywine Polo Club to a cooking class at the Chester County Lifelong Learning, Cara Corridoni thinks “The Gift of a Memorable Day” is the answer. For more options, check out our “Holiday Gift Guide.”
Ah, bread. Its sweet aroma rises from the kitchen. In “The Upper Crust,” Liz Tarditi of Brandywine Table shares her recipes to add to a holiday table.
As always, this issue includes the Best Local Events to help you enjoy November.
Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Lucky you! Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the November issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital edition. Or click “Get A Copy” on our website to find locations to pick up your own free print copy.
We hope you’d like to subscribe to County Lines particularly because it is our 50th anniversary of publishing. Do it on our website or call 610-918-9300. For single issues, try Baldwin’s Book Barn, Main Point Books, More Than Books, Bookish Notions, Wellington Square Bookshop 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
Eight Reasons to Love Kennett Square & Chadds Ford

Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine Battlefield and the Willowdale racecourse are just a few contributors to the abundance of green, rolling hills and magnificent countryside. Its mushroom farms, equestrian institutions, graceful art and delicious cuisine complement its rich history and generous community. We’ll return again and again!
Clear Danger

At night, the bird doesn’t realize she’s looking at a reflection in glass. Not even when her body slams against the solid surface. Collisions occur unfortunately with commercial and public buildings, as well as our own homes. Small, inexpensive home projects can make a big difference. Attaching patterns to a window, either directly or in front the window, will help. The danger facing birds may be daunting, but the steps to help are not.
The Soundtrack to Fall

As the Brandywine Valley settles into fall, local musicians are tuning up for a busy season. From sweeping symphonies and centuries-old compositions to lively jazz, student performances and festive holiday favorites, the local music scene offers something for every taste. The coming months are a wonderful time to enjoy a memorable performance. Experience the talents of both seasoned performers and rising stars, and enjoy the sounds that make this time of year so special.