Southern Brandywine Valley — So Much to Celebrate!
Step into the Kennett Library to find great stories. Some are in the books on the shelves of the two-years-young resource center. Other epics are created by visitors at the library’s Student Makerspace — projects taking shape with its 3D printers and tunes composed and played on musical keyboards made of flowers, paintings or other items using innovative Makey Makey kits.
Some of the area’s greatest chronicles are in a spectacular mural created by local artist Al Moretti, celebrating the diverse history, people and community of the area — mushroom farms, Lenape Indians, Harriet Tubman, Mexican dancers, a horseback rider and man of letters Bayard Taylor, as well as the influence of Longwood Gardens. The mural’s subjects sketch out an agenda of not-to-be-missed sights. Its title, “Begin Your Journey Here,” is the perfect way to start your own trip to the southern Brandywine region.
The Great Mushroom
Head up the ramp for a seat at the counter, a mushroom omelet and a glimpse of a wall with a tribute to artist Andrew Wyeth. After five years of waiting and in time for its 75th birthday, Hank’s Place — known for its breakfasts and eclectic clientele including Brandywine Valley artists — reopened this summer at its original Chadds Ford location.
You can still get Hank’s Classics: mushroom and cheese ravioli and cream of mushroom soup — celebrating the local area’s fame as the mushroom capital — or the Kennett Angus burger, harkening back to the diner’s 1950 origins as a hamburger stand. Its comfort food from scratch never goes out of style, including its Thanksgiving turkey dinners and turkey breast sandwich — whether it’s the day after the holiday or not.
Find mushrooms of another sort at renowned Longwood Gardens. In case you’ve missed it in other seasons, book a table now at 1906 — the restaurant overlooking the gardens’ holiday lights and a floor just below the Conservatory’s grand trees that go on display on November 22. Order a floral-inspired mocktail, a salad of greens and colorful flower petals in a charming china bowl along with a whole chicken roasted to absolute perfection. Just save room for dessert — a magnificent Caramelia, with decadent chocolate mousse and espresso caramel disguised as a brilliant red mushroom atop cocoa soil. A perfect delight!
Off to the Races
After last year’s cancellation due to unsafe ground conditions, horses and riders are put to the test again on November 2 in the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup’s timber steeplechase. No matter who takes home a trophy, the heart-thumping, rigorous race on the four-mile course with 18 fences in Unionville also provides a win for the Chester County Food Bank. The Food Bank, which serves 50,000 residences each year, is the recipient of a portion of the event’s proceeds.
Just in time for the Cup’s 90th year, organizers have added a Farm-to-Table VIP tent. Thanks to GiaBella Catering and nearby Moore Meats, an amazing menu is in the works. Spirits from Pennsylvania Distilling Company, also local to Chester County, can be found at the festivities.
The Underground Railroad
A vital part of the region’s history is one that was, by necessity, secret. The Underground Railroad — a covert network of people, hiding places and routes to lead enslaved African Americans to freedom — lives on in history, stories, music, art and work against injustice’s root causes.
Room 1 of Artelo — a year-old contactless hotel that’s also an immersion in original art wrapped around the bedroom walls — carries a statement about the efforts in the 1800s to the present. Its walls hold a message in the form an anagram. Colorful letters spell out “Keep Going,” Harriet Tubman’s mantra, according to legend. Among the painting’s colorful geometric shapes, black and white roads represent the Underground Railroad. The identity of the collaborative artists who created the mural is also wrapped in mystery. They simply refer to themselves as Mz. Icar (“racism” spelled backward). Even the hotel’s owner, Square Roots Collective, doesn’t keep a record of the artists’ names.
Profits from the hotel are disbursed through grants to community initiatives, including Family Promise, a local nonprofit that helps families facing homelessness to achieve housing and sustainability.
Flowers for Wellness
Don’t miss the seasonal views and scents of the region’s flora. Longwood’s paradisical gardens inspire horticulturists, designers and arrangers for miles.
Lily, a 16-year-old, is creating her own story with beautiful blooms. Carrying on entrepreneurial and caring traits of her family, she buys flowers from a local farm and creates arrangements that she sells at her mother’s Kennett Square business, Renew Laser & Aesthetic Medicine. While mom Michelle removes external scars, Lily helps with teens’ emotional ones: “Supporting teen mental health one bouquet at a time.” Profits from her new venture — Lily & Lotus Flowers — go to the Jed Foundation to prevent teen suicide and promote wellness.
For a blossom that lasts throughout winter, create one at an upcoming glassblowing class at WGK Glass Art. Shop for already-crafted glass flowers and ornaments at their gallery in Toughkenamon.
Raise a Glass to Your Own Milestone
In the rolling hills of Nottingham — countryside that has been the toast of Chester County for centuries — lies a gorgeous farm with 25 acres of grapevines. Welcome to Wayvine Winery & Vineyard. Two brothers, founder and operators Zachary and James Wilson, have transformed the family’s dairy barn into a rustic, charming tasting room with cozy nooks and balcony. Outdoor space holds picnic tables, bonfires and weekend music next to the silo, all with beautiful views including vines grown on the estate.
Wayvine’s top sellers are the red carmine and white dry riesling, but don’t be shy about tasting the red blends with names that evoke southeastern Pennsylvania’s wildlife — Whitetail and Bullfrog. Check out the labels inspired by friends’ artwork and legendary family moments, including photos of the Wilson young men’s dad with his truck stuck in the mud and grandma climbing a tree. Pairing note: Dad’s and Uncle Scott’s homemade wood-fired pizza marvelously accompanies the dry carmine.
If you didn’t have a chance to pick up a beer from Brothers Kershner Brewing Co. at the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup’s 90th race, or you want another for your own special occasion, no worries. The family-owned business opened a new location, The Barrel, this summer in Avondale. The taproom-with-restaurant serves bites, brisket and burgers with their whiskey BBQ sauce. Try them with a craft beer: BingBangBoom IPA; Porch, an American ale; or Johann, a German pilsner. In addition to beer, find cocktails, snacks and heaps of fun at the neighborhood spot.
Stay a Little Longer, Write Another Adventure
Artelo isn’t the only place with intriguing character for an overnight stay.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy place to read half the night after a day in the Brandywine Valley or to recharge between dreamy linens on a king bed before the next day’s excursions, try the Bookhouse Hotel. This new boutique storybook hotel offers charming accommodations, with each of the four unique rooms providing a magical escape.
The Studio offers a king bed nestled into a handcrafted bookshelf, an antique rocker and a vintage-tiled shower. The Study’s bistro table and accent chairs beckon guests for morning coffee or tea. Read or pen your memoirs on the velvet sofa or in the clawfoot tub (shower combo) of the romantic Writer’s Den’s bathroom. And the Secret Garden suite, inspired by the novel, has two bedrooms, clawfoot tub-shower combo bathroom and stairs to a special attic hideaway.
Go ahead and crack the cover of the valley. It’s one great chapter after another.
