Culture in The Countryside of Philadelphia: Exploring Chester County’s Brandywine Valley

The Greater Philadelphia area has more public gardens in proximity than anywhere else in North America, boasting over 38 horticultural treasures within 50 kilometers. With the highest concentration of gardens in the region, it's no wonder that Brandywine Valley is considered the heart of “America's Garden Capital.” Spend a few serene hours taking in the world-renowned Longwood Gardens, steeped in splendor and architectural grandeur. Longwood Gardens spans over 400 hectares and features indoor and outdoor gardens, breathtaking seasonal displays and the largest collection of fountains in North America. Each summer, catch dazzling displays of synchronized music, lights and water jets as part of the annual Festival of Fountains. Visitors can enjoy expanded gardens, a new West Conservatory and dining experiences as part of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience. Other estates and gardens in the region include Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library – an over-400-hectare estate with an incredible art collection and a children's garden – and Nemours Estate, which features a spectacular French-inspired mansion.

The splendor of Brandywine Valley extends beyond its great outdoors. Located in a 19th-century mill on the Brandywine River, the Brandywine Museum of Art boasts a remarkable collection of illustrations, still lifes and landscapes by three generations of the prolific Wyeth family of artists. Hop aboard a free shuttle for guided tours of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, N.C. Wyeth House and Studio, and Kuerner Farm to see where the family lived and worked. Another area must-see is the Wharton Esherick Museum – a National Historic Landmark showcasing art and wood furniture made by the Dean of American Craftsmen himself.

Enjoy inspiring entertainment at any of the region's local theaters. Head to the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester to catch live music, theater, comedy and dance in a historic former armory, and visit People's Light Theater in Malvern to see professional actors and visiting artists present contemporary plays and music theatre. Movie enthusiasts should check out Phoenixville’s historic Colonial Theatre, known for its appearance in the 1958 sci-fi classic “The Blob,” to enjoy showings of classic and independent films along with live music and comedy shows.

Take a taste of Chester County’s farm-to-table dining and craft brewery scene. Grab a table at Portabello’s of Kennett Square to discover how the town earned its nickname the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” The contemporary menu infuses international influences with mushrooms from local farms, which yield more than half of all the mushrooms grown in the USA. You'll need to plan a year in advance to dine at Talula's Table, commonly called the "toughest reservation in the United States." During the day, it's an upscale market filled with artisan cheeses, mustards and breads, and by night, it turns into an intimate eight-course farm table experience for a dozen guests. Be sure to sample The Countryside's craft beverages at more than 10 local wineries and over 25 local breweries and distilleries with settings as unique as their libations. Beautiful estate vineyards await in the rolling hills, along with charming tasting rooms and barrel-aging cellars showcasing premium wines.

Discover unique local restaurants and shop for clothes and shoes tax-free in Chester County's walkable historic downtowns. Phoenixville is rich with iron and steel heritage and is home to the county’s largest registered historic district. Kennett Square celebrates its local bounty with an Annual Mushroom Festival in September and a New Year's Eve Mushroom Drop in its historic downtown. Year-round, visit the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, which offers community events and guided bus tours sharing the stories of area abolitionists. For spirited dining and nightlife, make your way over to West Chester. Admire a rich tapestry of architecture in the historic downtown district and take part in community events including art gallery walks, street festivals and the annual Christmas parade. It's also home to the Chester County History Center, where you can explore immersive exhibits and engage in living history tours such as the Underground Railroad Walking Tour. Even more shopping and dining awaits at the King of Prussia mall, one of the USA's largest indoor retail spaces.

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), less than an hour’s drive to Chester County’s Brandywine Valley. Rent a car and explore the scenic back roads of The Countryside of Philadelphia, or take advantage of local rail travel aboard SEPTA commuter trains and Amtrak's Keystone Service line.