Publisher’s Letter

As the days grow shorter, the lights come on earlier, and it becomes spooky season. Fall foliage, scary costumes, carved pumpkins … But first, take a tour of County Lines country.

From scenic country roads to charming towns buzzing with festivals, shopping, dining and family fun, fall brings something for every taste. Buckle up! In “Across County Lines,” Shannon Montgomery explores fall in the Brandywine Valley.

For a quick vacation, Emily Hart thinks a whirlwind “Weekend in Phoenixville” might be the answer. From late afternoon Friday to a late coffee on Sunday, she’s planned a complete schedule, including hotel, dinner, nightlife, shopping, spa and a show. And gifts to remember!

Carved pumpkins aglow, fall foliage ablaze, local festivals abuzz and adult trick-or-treating at local wineries. Looking for spine-tingling thrills? Family-friendly spooky fun? Or ghostly tales along with your tea sandwiches? Read “Boo! It’s Halloween in the Brandywine Valley.”

Originally built in 1683, and updated in 2014, this month’s Dream Home sits on 40 acres surrounded by conserved land. A buffalo ranch as a neighbor. The Whip Tavern within walking distance. Laurel Anderson visits “Summer Duck Lane,” a hidden gem in southern Chester County.

Environmental science, global leadership, music, physical education, the value of service … “From Tilling the Soil to Traveling Internationally,” I found a remarkable diversity of educational opportunities at local private schools. In our “Guide to Private, Independent Schools & Education Services,” Marci Tomassone offers profiles and open house dates.

Learn how West Chester University is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with ideas, creativity and civic connection in “Celebrating 250 Years” by Kim Andrews. WCU is asking big questions about where we’re headed and inviting students, faculty and the wider community into the conversation.

A cyanotype is an early camera-less photographic printing method that uses sunlight to create blue-toned images. The method is now beloved by artists and DIY crafters for its dreamy, organic aesthetic and nontoxic, low-waste, sustainable process. In “Capturing Nature’s Shadows,” Lindsey McQuiston of Willistown Conservation Trust describes a recent workshop using cyanotype to capture the local flora.

For couples seeking a romantic, intimate and stress-free wedding, an inn offers the perfect blend of charm, convenience and character. In “Marry at the Inn,” Shannon Montgomery finds several wedding-worthy venues that will make your big day feel less like an exhausting event and more like a warm, memorable getaway.

It’s “Curtains Up!” at the Media Theatre, a cornerstone of the local performing art scene for 31 years. The upcoming season is packed with exciting performances, including “Young Frankenstein” (Oct. 2–26), “Annie” (Nov. 28–Jan. 4), “Fun Home” (March 25–April 5) and “9 to 5” (April 30–May 24). Get your tickets now!

Pumpkins are familiar yet full of surprises, writes Brandywine Table’s new columnist Liz Tarditi in the “The Versatile Pumpkin.” Roasted in simple cubes, enhancing a tartine, skewered with bacon and onions, or baked into bread for a seasonal tres leches dessert, it’s the taste of autumn itself — cheerful, nourishing and always ready for the table.

Finally, check out our Best Local Events section for more to discover 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 October 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 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

Across County Lines

Take a tour of the Brandywine Valley. Start in West Chester with its galleries, theaters, restaurants and big events like the Chili Cook-Off and Hometown Christmas Parade. More fun awaits in the breweries, eateries, art workshops, museums and gardens in the other parts of the region. Don’t miss the Great Pumpkin Carve at Chadds Ford. Then turn east and south, to the Main Line, Delaware County and Wilmington, to enjoy their many restaurants, theaters, shops and museums. Wind up aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, aka the Halloween Ghost Ship.

From Tilling the Soil to Traveling Internationally

The private schools of our area offer a surprising variety of educational opportunities for their students. One emphasizes its environmental studies and the value of its ample, green campus. Another touts its global, international network of schools and its exchange of students among them. At others, their students study music with exceptional musicians or practice horsemanship with professional equestrians. Where will your child pursue their dreams?

Weekend in Phoenixville

It’s Friday at 4 p.m. in Phoenixville. Time to check in at the inn. Follow with a walk, dining and an evening of fun and games before late night drinks and bird’s-eye view of the town. In the morning, visit the farmers market, grab breakfast and then shop. There are artisan craft shops, fashionable boutiques, bookstores and galleries. The afternoon offers burgers and beer before you luxuriate at the spa, then rejuvenate with a martini or cup of mead. Catch a show at the Colonial Theatre, then top it off at a fine restaurant. In the morning, you can make one final stop for coffee at Kimberton Whole Foods.