Weekend in the Western Brandywine Valley

By February, winter has settled in, and a change of scenery feels especially welcome. Maybe you’re dreaming of a vacation in a far-off tropical locale. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little closer to home.

Enter the winter staycation. Pack a bag and head a short drive west for a weekend getaway right here in the Brandywine Valley. From Downingtown to Coatesville to Chester Springs and beyond, you’ll discover rolling countryside, walkable downtowns, standout dining, shopping and a rich mix of history and culture. It’s an easy escape with plenty to explore — and an ideal setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend.

Your weekend in the Brandywine Valley awaits. Read on for your itinerary.

Checking In

To really get away from it all, book a stay in one of the area’s charming country inns. For a retreat steeped in history, look no further than the Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn in Exton. Part of an original land grant by William Penn, this cozy 1830 stone house is home to 13 one-of-a-kind historical rooms and suites, each named for a notable figure in U.S. history — from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to Betsy Ross and Susan B. Anthony.

Or check in to Downingtown’s Buck School Inn. This 1840 schoolhouse has been transformed and expanded into a boutique hotel, featuring salvaged hand-blown glass windows and a new timber-frame floor. Choose from three comfortable rooms: the School Room, located in the historic schoolhouse section of the building; the Van Gogh Room, with Vincent van Gogh reproductions and vaulted ceilings; and the Brandywine Room, with 270-degree views of the gardens and artwork from famous Brandywine Valley artists.

Dinner in Downingtown

For a memorable evening, make your way to Downingtown’s small-but-mighty downtown. There’s a restaurant for whatever type of cuisine you’re craving. Enjoy homestyle Italian cooking and handcrafted pasta at Anthony’s Cucina Fresca, or authentic Greek flavors — gyros, kebabs, rack of lamb — at Myrtos.

Craving Mexican? Newcomer Mother has you covered. Choose from seven different tacos (beef birria, cured pork belly, fried jerk chicken), empanadas, three kinds of guac and more. Pair with a craft beer, local wine or, of course, a margarita — take your pick of classic, spicy, peach and thyme or smoky pineapple.

Or, for a little bit of everything, take a quick trip down Brandywine Avenue to River Station, home of The Noble Goat. The latest venture from Bryan and Andrea Sikora (of Wilmington’s La Fia and Merchant Bar) has an eclectic menu of small plates, hearth-baked pizzas and globally inspired dishes.

After-Dinner Drinks

Before the evening winds down, linger a little longer at one of Downingtown’s lively after-dark spots. Grab a draft or signature drink at The Borough, the town’s newest gathering place. Live bands and DJs keep the energy high, while 60 TVs lining the walls keep every game in view.

Hopheads have their pick of two standout breweries. At East Branch Brewing, sample small-batch beers in their laidback taproom — and look forward to rooftop sipping in warmer weather. And at Victory Brewing’s flagship location, classic pours like HopDevil and Golden Monkey shine alongside seasonal releases in a spacious, industrial-chic setting.

For a change of pace, head to Dressler Estate Cidery & Bar. Opened last spring by husband-and-wife team Brian and Olga Dressler, this cozy tasting room showcases ciders made onsite — lauded by the Inquirer’s Craig LaBan — plus select beer and wine for non-cider fans. Just be sure to get there before they close at 9.

Brush with History

After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to get ready for the big day ahead. If you’re an early riser, try your luck at Downingtown’s PanDoughMonium Bakery. Scratch baker Robert Weinrich’s solo project opened last summer to, well, pandemonium. Avid fans of Weinrich’s pastries and sweet treats line up each weekend long before the 8 a.m. opening — check their website and socials for the most up-to-date hours, and get there early!

Prefer to sleep in a little bit? You can’t go wrong with one of our Best of the Best winners — see our January issue for the full list — or opt for the continental breakfast at your lodgings for a more relaxed start to your day.

Then it’s off to Coatesville to explore the city’s rich steelmaking history. It was here that Rebecca Lukens, America’s first female industrialist, grew her family’s steel mill into one of the largest steel manufacturers in the country. Today, the site is home to the National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum. Take a guided tour of the museum, with exhibits in the Visitors Center (inside the Lukens Executive Office Building) and the 120″ Mill Motor House. Admission times are 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Prefer your own pace? It’s free to explore the 20-acre grounds, open sunrise to sunset daily. Don’t miss the massive steel products, including a narrow-gauge locomotive, submarine sonarsphere and the Steelworkers’ Memorial, featuring a steel trident from the World Trade Center.

Shopping Spree

Worked up an appetite? Then it’s time for lunch. Downtown, old-school diner Little Chef is a local favorite. For classic pub grub, try Kings Tavern, the Coatesville outpost of local restaurateurs Philip and Kate Ferro (of Chadds Ford and Main Line Taverns). Or, if you’re up for a bit of a drive, head south to The Whip Tavern. This acclaimed English-style pub has a distinctive horse-country feel, serving up bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and more — washed down with an perfect pint, of course.

Next up, a little retail therapy. The Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator is home to several local shops. Find the your next read at Looker Books, stylish chapeaus at Stingy Brims Hat Company, chic fashion at Closet Babe and self-care products at Mimi’s Favorite Things. Then treat yourself to a scrumptious dessert from the Butter Pecan Cafe — served with a side of homemade butter pecan ice cream, of course.

More shopping awaits in Exton. Here you’ll find big-name brands, but some standout local businesses, too. Bella Boutique & Consignment has the latest trends — without the hefty price tag. In Eagleview Town Center, Wellington Square Bookshop is a beloved indie bookstore full of cozy nooks for reading and a cute café. And, if you catch them before closing, pick up a sourdough loaf — or English muffins for tomorrow’s breakfast — at nearby Good Girls Bakery.

Evening in Exton

For dinner, take your pick of Exton’s many popular restaurants. Enjoy health-conscious Italian faves at Ron’s Original Bar & Grille, classic steakhouse fare at ChopHouse Grille, or handcrafted brews and casual eats at veteran-owned VK Brewing. Eagleview’s Restaurant Row has even more choices, including newcomer L’Olivo Trattoria. Owned by Francis and Nui Pascal — the duo behind Birchrunville Store Cafe and ButterScotch Pastry Shop — and spearheaded by Executive Chef Jon Amann (formerly of Amani’s BYOB), L’Olivo highlights the flavors of northern Italy, with fresh pasta made daily.

For a truly special meal, take a drive through the countryside to Birchrunville Store Cafe — provided you make reservations way in advance. Chef Francis will take you own a culinary journey through an ever-changing menu of inventive French and Italian cuisine. Bring your best bottle of wine, and don’t skip the mini butterscotch Bundt cake.

Sunday in Chester Springs

End your weekend on a high note with a trip to charming Chester Springs. Start your day right with a trip to Life’s Patina Co. Mercantile & Cafe. This adorable café in the historic Jenny Lind House has been lauded by TikTokers as one of Pennsylvania’s best — and for good reason. Order a hot drink and pick out an artfully decorated pastry served on ornate china, then grab a seat (if you can find one!) in the crystal-chandeliered dining room, at the counter overlooking the scenic property, or on the welcoming front porch. Before you leave, browse the shop’s collection of vintage finds, home decor and unique gifts.

Next, bundle up for a stroll through Historic Yellow Springs. This vibrant living village has a storied history, from its origins as an 18th-century spa village to a Revolutionary War hospital, home for Civil War orphans, fine arts campus, movie studio (“The Blob” was filmed here) and now a center for studying art, history and the environment. Pick up a map in the lobby or follow the online self-guided walking tour. Feeling creative? Sign up for an art workshop — find the course catalog online.

For lunch, options include scratch-made comfort food at Bloom Southern Kitchen, craft beer and wood-fired pies at The Stables Kitchen & Beer Garden, and farm-to-table seasonal fare at White Dog Cafe’s location in the restored Vickers Tavern.

Finally, cap off your weekend with a matinee performance of “Once Upon a Mattress” at SALT Performing Arts. This laugh-out-loud musical is a twist on the classic tale of “The Princess and the Pea,” following the bold and unconventional Princess Winifred as she turns a proper kingdom upside down and helps a shy prince discover true love.

By the time Sunday evening arrives, you’ll have traded winter’s routine for full days, fresh air and a welcome change of pace. As you head home, take one last look around, knowing this corner of the Brandywine Valley is just a short trip away, ready whenever you need another escape.