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Summertime begs for quality time with the ones you love and for weekend outings full of exploring this little corner of the world we get to call our own.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, seeking outdoor adventure, exploring local arts and culture, or planning a romantic weekend, West Chester and southern Chester County have everything you’re looking for.
We have pulled together several must-visit weekend destinations ideal for locals and visitors alike. Find new things to do and revisit your old favorites, and show your out-of-town guests your hometown pride!
Summertime in Downtown West Chester
Family-friendly fun.
ALL ABOARD THE WEST CHESTER RAILROAD
Every Sunday June 2-Sept 22, enjoy a relaxing 90-minute train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on a warm summer afternoon. Pack a lunch or purchase one from their on-board snack bar to have during the stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.
230 East Market Street, West Chester
SPEND A DAY VOLUNTEERING AT THE BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA
Does your family love animals? Each year, the Brandywine Valley SPCA cares for more than 14,000 animals! Spend some time helping out—walk dogs, socialize with cats, photograph adoptable animals, foster a pet, and so much more. Find out how your family can help by visiting their website bvspca.org.
1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester
EXPLORE THE CHADDS FORD BARN SHOPS
Located just a few miles outside of Kennett Square, you’ll find an enchanting collection of historic barn shops, boasting an impressive collection of twelve one-of-a-kind Thomas Burke birdhouses. You’ll enjoy lingering to admire each and every one. Stay for the afternoon to grab coffee and lunch at the charming CHADDS café + store which includes homemade soups, crafted sandwiches, smoothies, and plenty of sweets.
1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA
ATTEND A PROFESSIONAL CYCLING RACE
Every year the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic, sponsored by Benchmark Federal Credit Union, brings thousands of race spectators and their families onto the streets of West Chester where they get an up-close look at top athletes as they race in the downtown streets at speeds up to 35 mph and more. In addition to top-notch professional bike racing, the day will be packed with lots of family-friendly events and activities throughout West Chester. August 10th, 2019!
Downtown West Chester
Left to right: Brandywine Valley SPCA and the Benchmark Twilight Classic
Adventure awaits.
SPEND A DAY AT TREEHOUSE WORLD
Explore the newest and coolest treehouses around! Or challenge yourself with unique high adventure programs including bungy trampoline, ziplines, archery tag, and tomahawk throwing. A great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your loved ones.
treehouseworld.com
1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester
GO TUBING ON THE BRANDYWINE WITH NORTHBROOK CANOE COMPANY
Enjoy scenic views, fresh air, and adventure along the beautiful Brandywine River. Ride in your tube, canoe, or kayak and meander through the heart of Chester County. Or enjoy a “Canoe & Dine” adventure that includes a 1.5 hour evening canoe trip. When you arrive back at Northbrook, a catered dinner is served at the picnic grove accompanied by live music and a bonfire under the stars. Reserve your adventure at northbrookcanoe.com.
1810 Beagle Road, West Chester
EXPLORE CHESLEN PRESERVE
Located on the largest privately-owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County, find miles of marked hiking trails, woodlands, meadows, fields and stream valleys. Explorers can enjoy Ollie Owl’s Nature Playground where kids are encouraged to play and interact directly with nature by climbing logs, building with sticks, hunting for bugs, and getting a little dirt on their hands and feet. Bring your dog and make it a full family outing!
1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville
TAKE A HELICOPTER RIDE AT THE AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM
The mission of the American Helicopter Museum is to preserve rotary-wing aviation history and educate visitors about helicopters and their lifesaving missions. Explore this fascinating museum full of interesting aircraft and then take a real helicopter ride! To find out more visit americanhelicopter.museum.
1220 American Boulevard, West Chester
Left to right: Treehouse World and ChesLen Preserve
Cultural excursion.
VISIT THE HISTORIC BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD
A national historic landmark, this 50-acre preserve is dedicated to the memory of the famous Battle of the Brandywine in 1777, the largest single day battle of the American Revolution. Admission includes access to an orientation film, museum, and guided tours of Washington’s headquarters and the Gideon Gilpin House. Explore maps and plan your visit at brandywinebattlefield.org.
1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford
SPEND THE DAY AT BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM OF ART
Renowned for its collection of the Wyeth family of artists, the Museum features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth. The Museum showcases American art, with a focus on artistic interpretations of the Brandywine valley. Portraits, still life paintings, and illustrations are also part of the collection. Studio tours are available or enjoy strolling the Brandywine River path for inspiration.
Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA
DISCOVER LOCAL HISTORY AT THE CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) preserves and shares the remarkable story of our area’s past. Explore over 300 years of history through rare documents, photographs, and newspapers in the research library, seven galleries filled with engaging exhibitions, and special school and public programs. From George Washington and the Battle of Brandywine to the Underground Railroad, Civil War, and Civil Rights, CCHS educates and inspires visitors year-round.
chestercohistorical.org
225 North High Street, West Chester
VISIT HISTORIC WINTERTHUR
We are lucky to live mere miles from Winterthur, a historic estate on par with some of the most famous estates in the country, such as Biltmore Estate, The Breakers, and Monticello. It features 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and a 60-acre garden, deemed by Forbes Magazine as one of “The Most Beautiful Gardens in America”! The eye-popping mansion features stunning interiors and 90,000 antiques. Information on the on-going exhibits and events can be found at winterthur.org.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware
Left to right: Brandywine Battlefield and the Chester County Historical Society
Summer romance.
DATE NIGHT AT THE LONGWOOD GARDENS SUMMER BEER GARDEN
Enjoy tasty pub fare, a variety of homemade pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches in the Longwood Gardens Beer Garden. Pair your fare with their signature brews on tap, developed in partnership with Victory Brewing Company. Afterwards stay for a colorful Illuminated Fountain performance—an unforgettable date night!
longwoodgardens.org
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
ATTEND CHADDSFORD WINERY’S ADULT DAY CAMP
Chaddsford Winery will launch a comprehensive, half-day summer camp program—for adults! Featuring wine and beer tastings, lawn games, and a pig roast dinner, designed to give adults the perfect summer retreat. Camp Chaddsford will be offered on three Saturdays in July from 1 pm to 7 pm: July 15, July 22, and July 29. Find out more at chaddsford.com.
632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford
SPEND THE WEEKEND AT FAUNBROOK BED & BREAKFAST
Looking for a little romance? Reserve a room at historic Faunbrook and let the staycation begin. Enjoy cozy guest rooms, homemade breakfast, wine on the patio, or take a stroll downtown to enjoy the West Chester nightlife. Every detail of this boutique B&B is hospitable and inviting. Find out more at faunbrook.com.
699 Rosedale Avenue, West Chester
CATCH A LIVE SHOW AT UPTOWN! KNAUER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Serving as a home for world class performing arts in downtown West Chester, events at Uptown! range from Broadway theater, opera, jazz, Latin music, comedy, classical music, contemporary music, and renowned speakers. Check out their online calendar and plan an epic date night!
uptownwestchester.org
226 North High Street, West Chester
Left to right: Longwood Gardens Summer Beer Garden and Chaddsford Winery
Take advantage of the activities and destinations right here in West Chester to make this summer a season to remember! Create memories you’ll never forget with your loved ones, and savor each moment. Happy adventuring!
