We had an incredible time exploring Chester County’s Brandywine Valley recently! It’s a region filled with beautiful countryside, charming towns and villages, historic mansions, beautiful gardens, and exciting attractions for people of all ages. It’s located about 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and about 2 hours from New York City.
This serene suburban escape has something for every kind of traveler – foodies, nature lovers, art enthusiasts, you name it! I’d recommend at least 2-3 days to soak up the sights and sounds of #AmericasGardenCapital.
The holiday season in the Brandywine Valley is truly magical and there’s no shortage of festive attractions and events for the whole family to enjoy. From Halloween to Christmas, I’ve listed a variety of exciting things to do during this time.
No matter what type of adventure you’re after, there’s something for everyone in the Brandywine Valley. The fall and winter months are an amazing time to visit this area, so be sure to keep this destination on your radar. If you’re looking for incredible things to do in Brandywine Valley, PA, keep reading for my recommendations.
Thanks, Chester County’s Brandywine Valley for sponsoring this trip!
Where to Stay
Springhill Suites Philadelphia West Chester/Exton
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in the Brandywine Valley, I recommend booking the Springhill Suites in West Chester/Exton. Springhill Suites provides the perfect balance of comfort and style for an amazing stay.
It’s situated in a prime location, providing easy access to restaurants and attractions throughout the area.
As far as amenities, this hotel has everything you could want for an enjoyable, comfortable stay; including complimentary breakfast (which is amazing, by the way), free shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, meeting space, a fitness center, a swimming pool, EV charging stations, and 24/7 Market with snacks and necessities.
Our room was very spacious and comfortable, with incredible views, a spa-like bathroom, and great in-room amenities (a mini fridge, microwave, ample closet space, iron, sofa bed, desk, and more).
Overall, we were extremely impressed with this hotel and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This is by far, one of the best Springhill Suites properties we’ve stayed at!
Thanks, Springhill Suites & Chester County Tourism for hosting us!
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What to See and Do
Artisan Exchange
Artisan Exchange is a small business collaborative and weekly market offering a variety of specialty goods, including freshly prepared food, handmade items, produce, and more.
They also offer various services to small businesses such as food manufacturing, commercial kitchen space, wholesale, and e-commerce opportunities.
We enjoyed stopping by each table, meeting all of the business owners, and learning about their products. Many of the entrepreneurs we spoke to launched their businesses within the last few years! Their stories were so inspiring and encouraging to me, as a small business owner myself.
Artisan exchange is such a fantastic resource for those looking to start a small business in a supportive and collaborative environment.
It’s held every Saturday (rain or shine and year-round) from 10 am – 1 pm.
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.artisanexchange.com/
Scenic Train Ride on the Historic West Chester Railroad
One of the best things to do in Brandywine Valley, PA is to enjoy a festive, historic train ride. Board the West Chester Railroad and enjoy a scenic ride while admiring the gorgeous fall colors on their Fall Foliage Express (held in October).
The West Chester Railroad takes you on a 90-minute journey along the scenic Chester Creek from West Chester to Glen Mills. At the historic Glen Mills Station, there’s a picnic area and gift shop. The West Chester Railroad is an awesome way to see the spectacular fall foliage and is the perfect outing for the whole family.
Visit their website for more details on this experience and others held throughout the year: https://wcrailroad.com/
Note: Their popular Santa’s Express train is now booking for November and December!
Downtown West Chester
The vibrant town of West Chester is perfect for exploring during a visit to the Brandywine Valley. With friendly locals, delicious food options, and great local businesses to support, you simply must experience it during your visit.
Downtown West Chester is lively but also contains a small-town charm that makes it so special. While there, be sure to explore West Chester University as well – the campus is beautiful.
Please note that there is free parking in Downtown West Chester on Sundays!
Ann Lowe Exhibit at Winterthur Museum
Winterthur Museum, Library, and Garden is a spectacular place to visit during any season and is one of my favorite places in the Brandywine Valley. On display now is the Ann Lowe exhibit (until January 7). “Ann Lowe: American Couturier” showcases the life and legacy of Ann Lowe, acclaimed American fashion designer.
Ann Lowe was known for her exquisite, couture-quality gowns. Born in Clayton, Alabama in 1898, she picked up her love of fashion from her mother and grandmother, who were both professional dressmakers. Her designs were made from the finest fabrics and sewn to perfection with extraordinary detail.
She designed dresses for America’s high society – including the Rockefellers, Roosevelts, and duPonts, and is best known for designing Jackie Kennedy’s ivory silk taffeta wedding dress in 1953. The exhibit features a replica of the dress, which was made by University of Delaware fashion studies professor Katya Roelse and her students.
Although she was not given nearly enough visibility and recognition for much of her career, Ann Lowe’s story is incredibly inspiring. Her legacy has left an indelible mark on fashion and continues to inspire the next generation of designers. If you haven’t heard of Ann Lowe, I encourage you to learn more about her and her impact on the fashion industry.
Winterthur Museum has done a phenomenal job capturing her story and showcasing her extraordinary designs. The exhibition is a must-see and will be on view until January 7, 2024.
Visit their website for more information: https://www.winterthur.org/ann-lowe-american-couturier/
Brandywine Art Museum
Another great place to visit in Brandywine Valley is the Brandywine Art Museum. The Brandywine Art Museum is an American art museum that features a variety of 19th and 20th-century art and is well-known for its collection of art by the Wyeth family.
Situated in a renovated 19th-century mill that overlooks the Brandywine River, this museum is a gem of the Brandywine region. If you’re a fan of art and nature, be sure to add it to your list.
On view now is “Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration” (until February 28, 2024). This is a remarkable exhibition that joyfully captures the bonds of nature and family through beautiful artwork by a diverse group of artists.
For more information, please visit their website: https://www.brandywine.org/museum
The Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford (held in October)
One of the most unique things to do in Brandywine Valley during the fall is to attend the Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford. This Chadds Ford tradition dates back to the 1970s. Brace yourself because this isn’t your average pumpkin carving contest! From spooky to quirky, to elegant, the pumpkin carve featured so many interesting creations. I was so impressed by the creativity of the artists!
The 3-day event is held annually and includes live music, food, local craft beer and wine, vendors, and a kid-friendly haunted trail. It’s a festive, fun event for the whole family!
Visit their website for more information: https://www.chaddsfordhistory.org/
Longwood Gardens Illuminated Fountain Show
You simply can’t leave Chester County without a trip to Longwood Gardens, one of Brandywine Valley’s most renowned attractions. With a variety of stunning horticultural displays throughout the year, this magnificent garden is a must-visit during a trip to the Brandywine Valley.
The illuminated fountain shows are held during the fall season (end of August to end of October). After strolling through the gardens, enjoy a dazzling light show synched to incredible music. And this is just one of the many extraordinary gardens in America’s Garden Capital, so I recommend visiting some others during a trip to the area.
During the holiday season, A Longwood Christmas is a yearly tradition that is something well worth experiencing (November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024). It’s truly magical to see the estate decked out in gorgeous holiday decor and lights. Learn more about Longwood Garden’s ‘A Very Retro Christmas’ and Brandywine Valley’s special getaway promotion here.
For more information about Longwood Gardens, visit https://longwoodgardens.org/
Where to Eat
The Naked Olive – Kennett Square
Located in Kennett Square, The Naked Olive is an elegant, family-owned restaurant featuring Mediterranean fusion cuisine. This is for sure, one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in the Greater Philly area. They are also a BYOB establishment, and their menu features incredible new specials weekly. Everything we had was delicious and I’m already excited about visiting again in the future.
Pizza West Chester
For delicious takeout pizza, head to Pizza West Chester, located downtown. Featured in The Inquirer, this pizza shop has become a local favorite. The menu features 3 classic pizzas: pepperoni, cheese, and white. Their pizza is perfectly crispy, cheesy, savory, and yummy. Here’s a tip: get there early because they sell out fast! They are also cash only and do not accept online or phone orders.
Cookie Dope – West Chester
If you’re looking for a sweet treat during your visit to the Brandywine Valley, I recommend checking out Cookie Dope, located in Downtown West Chester.
They serve some of the most delectable ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, snow cones, and edible cookie dough! Everything we had was so delicious. Their flavors rotate regularly and are always so creative! We tried a brownie sundae, milkshake, and chocolate chip edible cookie dough, and everything was delicious.
Let’s Roll – West Chester
Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this newly-opened hidden gem should be on your list! Let’s Roll is known for their pizza, egg rolls, and cheesesteaks, however, their menu features other items as well, such as their signature “Boli rolls” which are miniature versions of the classic Stromboli. Everything we had was so delicious, and we can’t wait to go back on our next visit.
Final Thoughts
With the holidays in full swing, it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to Chester County. The holiday season in the Brandywine Valley is a magical time, and there’s no shortage of festive attractions and events for the whole family to enjoy.
These include A Very Retro Christmas at Longwood Gardens, Yuletide at Devon, Kennett Square’s Holiday Light Parade, West Chester Railroad’s Santa’s Express, Yuletide at Winterthur, and so much more. Don’t miss a chance to see the famous du Pont family estates adorned with stunning Christmas decorations as well.
Additionally, there are several local Christmas villages, tree-lighting events, and holiday markets taking place throughout Chester County. Visit their website for more information on these events and others.
With beautiful gardens, delicious dining options, and fun attractions for the whole family, Brandywine Valley, PA is a must-visit during the fall and winter months. I hope this post has convinced you to add this hidden gem to your list! Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever visited, or if you plan to in the future.
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