Tour, taste, and explore Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, a charming destination nestled in the lush countryside near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pair the breathtaking blooms of “America’s Garden Capital” with fascinating museums, celebrating everyone from artists to aristocrats. Enjoy downtime downtown on charming main streets for unique culinary experiences and local shopping. As an added bonus, you’ll receive complimentary welcome gifts for your group when you stay overnight in Chester County accommodations.
Check out these itinerary ideas in Chester County.
Brandywine Museum of Art
Credit: Chester County Tourism
Groups can embrace the region’s rich artistic history at the Brandywine Museum of Art, the former estate of the famed artist N.C. Wyeth. The museum is housed in a historic gristmill along the beautiful Brandywine River, located just minutes from Longwood Gardens. View the locally inspired works of three generations of Wyeth family artists and tour the former studios of N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth to learn their fascinating life stories.
Credit: Chester County Tourism
Charming Downtowns
Stroll the region’s vibrant main streets that are lined with local shops and inviting restaurants. Many restaurants offer unique culinary experiences with farm-fresh local ingredients from the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Downtown Kennett Square, West Chester, Phoenixville, and more each offer a unique small-town charm.
Chester County Cheers
Credit: Chester County Tourism
Home to nationally known and locally loved Victory Brewing Company, the Brandywine Valley has a proud tradition of craft brewing and wine making, with locally crafted Chester County Cheers at 20-plus breweries and 10-plus wineries throughout the region. Chaddsford Winery is a favorite for group tastings. Sip, toast, and cheers pairings for every palate and enjoy atmospheres and menus as unique as each location’s libations. Browse local craft beverage options to see what’s pouring near your trip at countycheers.com.
Du Pont Chateaus
Credit: Chester County Tourism
Immerse yourself in the age of aristocrats at du Pont family mansions and gardens: green-thumbs, antique-lovers, and history buffs alike will be fascinated by a tour of these distinct and grand properties. Step back in time, from French-inspired Nemours Estate to the 175-room Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, and the ancestral home where the du Pont story begins, Hagley Museum & Library. Tour the perfectly preserved mansions and learn about the lifestyles of the family who called them home.
Longwood Gardens
The Brandywine Valley is the heart of “America’s Garden Capital,” with the highest concentration of public gardens in the Greater Philadelphia region—over 35 gardens in 30 miles. The world-renowned Longwood Gardens is a must-stop on every group itinerary, offering breathtaking seasonal exhibits year-round. A Longwood Christmas is a favorite holiday tradition for many: view the grand conservatory and 1,000-acre property adorned in holiday decor grandeur, voted “2022 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” by 10Best/USA Today. Revel in rainbow rows of tulips during Spring Blooms, or surround yourself in curiously curated chrysanthemums during the Chrysanthemum Festival. The Festival of Fountains is a group favorite, on view May through October. Longwood boasts the most significant fountain collection in North America: be thrilled as 1,700 jets dance to music and soar 175 feet in the air. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights throughout the season, the Main Fountain Garden turns technicolor for special Illuminated Fountain Performances.
For more information on group visits, contact Courtney Babcock, director of sales at Chester County Tourism.
Lead image:
Main Fountain Garden, Longwood Gardens
Credit: Chester County Tourism
