Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
DAY ONE
As you travel into the area, likely landing at the Philadelphia International Airport if you’ve arriving by plane, or driving in from outside the region, Wilmington, Delaware is only 32 miles south of Philadelphia along the Delaware River. If there’s time, take the Constitutional Walking Tour in Philly and tour the Philadelphia Museum of Art, before moving on to Wilmington and your accommodations for the evening at the elegant Hotel du Pont.
Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Since Philadelphia is best seen on foot, this walking tour is the best way to explore America’s Birthplace. Immerse yourself in American history as you walk past historic sites like The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Old City Hall, Betsy Ross House, and the B. Free Franklin Post Office & Museum. The Constitutional Walking Tour starts and ends at the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tours meet at the 3 large stone benches immediately outside the main entrance to the National Constitution Center. Allow 75 minutes; 1.25 miles of outdoor walking.
April-November
M-Sa 10AM, 12PM, 2PM
Sunday 11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Adults $19
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Run up the “Rocky” steps and view collections containing over 240,000 objects including major holdings of European, American and Asian origin. Artwork includes sculpture, paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, armor, and decorative arts.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-763-8100
Th, Sa-M 10AM-5PM
F 10AM-8:45PM
Adults $25
DAY TWO
Wilmington
This largest and most populous city in the state of Delaware was built on the site of Fort Christina, the first Swedish settlement in North America, but found its foothold as a major American city when E.I. du Pont began making and selling gunpowder in a mill on the Brandywine River just outside of Wilmington in 1802. The DuPont company became a major supplier of explosives to the U.S. military and subsequently had a profound impact on Delaware, fueling the local economy for decades and acting as devoted patrons of the arts and dedicated conservationists. Today, their former grand homes and properties located throughout Wilmington and the surrounding Brandywine Valley have become cultural attractions with international appeal.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Hotel DuPont 42 W. 11th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801, 302-594-3100 Once the headquarters for the DuPont Company, the building is a landmark example of Italian and Renaissance architecture, and rich in history and tradition.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Le Cavalier 42 W. 11th Street, Wilmington, DE, 19801 302-594-3153 Located inside the Hotel du Pont, Le Cavalier is a new school, modern brasserie that artfully blurs the lines between approachability and elegance.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Bridge Art Gallery, 213 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, 302-353-4527
Showcasing diverse and thought provoking works.
LaFate Gallery, 227 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, 302-656-6786
Works by the artist named the one the most influential Delawareans in 2020.
Rodney Square
Start your visit to Wilmington with a strong around Rodney Square, named after Caeser Rodney, who road through the night to cast the tie vote that ensured Delaware would support the Declaration of Independence. The square bounded by Market, King, 10th and 11th Streets, is surrounded by the DuPont Building at 1007 North Market, Wilmington Public Building, 1000 North King, Wilmington Free Library, 10 East 10th Street, Nemours Building at 1007 North Orange Street and the Post Office/Court House/Custom House at 1100 North Market, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Delaware Art Museum
Features art that was produced, exhibited and collected in the Brandywine region. The collection numbers about 12,000 works of art, including historical and contemporary American art, British pre-Raphaelite art, and American illustration. Highlights include significant holdings of work by John Sloan, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Howard Pyle, and a 9-acre sculpture garden.
2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806
302-571-9590
W, F-Su 10AM-4PM
Th 10AM-8PM
Adults $14.
Hagley Museum and Library
Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802. This example of early American industry features indoor and outdoor exhibitions, including restored mills, a workers community, and the ancestral home and garden of the du Pont family. People of all ages are invited to investigate and experience the unfolding history of American business, technology, and innovation, and its impact on the world. This is a place where innovation inspires and imaginations run wild.
298 Buck Road, Wilmington, DE 19807
302-658-2400
Daily 10AM-4PM
Adults $8. Allow 2-3 hours.
Nemours Estate
A 300-acre country estate with jardin a la francaise formal gardens and a French neoclassical mansion built to resemble a French chateau, it was created by Alfred I. du Pont for his second wife and its 105 rooms on five floors occupy nearly 47,000 feet.
1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803
302-651-6912
Tu-Su 10AM-5PM
Adults $12
Allow 2 hours
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
528 Montchanin Rd, Montchanin, DE 19710
302-888-2133
Rise above the ordinary and discover the natural beauty and gracious hospitality at this Historic Hotel of America where the luxury of a fine hotel, a distinctive executive retreat, and award-winning culinary offerings are carefully blended together. Enjoy the wonderful culinary delights of Krazy Kat’s Restaurant.
DAY THREE
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
An American estate and museum that houses one of the most important collections of Americana in the U.S. It was the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, renowned antiques collector and horticulturist. The museum has 175 period-room displays and approximately 85,000 objects, and the collection spans more than two centuries of American decorative arts, notably from 1640 to 1860, containing some of the most important pieces of American furniture and fine art. The Winterthur Library includes more than 87,000 volumes and approximately 500,000 manuscripts and images, mostly related to American history, decorative arts, and architecture. The facility also houses extensive conservation, research, and education facilities.
5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735
800-448-3883
Tu-Su 10AM-5PM
Adults $20
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens, established as Longwood Farm in 1701 by George Pierce, has evolved from a modest 402-acre estate into one of the world’s premier horticultural destinations. The farm’s transformation began with an impressive 15-acre arboretum cultivated by Pierce’s grandsons, quickly becoming a national treasure. However, as the 20th century neared, the estate fell into disrepair until Pierre du Pont rescued it in 1906, ensuring its preservation and future grandeur. Longwood Gardens spans 1,100 acres today, offering visitors an enchanting blend of gardens, woodlands, meadows, and fountains. With its 1,700 jets reaching 175 feet, the Main Fountain Garden dazzles with illuminated performances that captivate audiences. Open year-round, Longwood draws over 1.5 million visitors annually, especially during the Chrysanthemum Festival, where the Thousand Bloom Mum—a single plant boasting over 1,500 blooms—steals the show. With a $250 million expansion currently underway, Longwood Gardens continues to grow, promising even more breathtaking experiences for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts from around the globe.
1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-388-1000
Th-F 10AM-9PM
Sa 10AM-4:30PM
Su-M 10AM-6PM
Adults $25
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Kennett House, 503 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444-9592. Stay in a charming historic home right in the Historic District.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Talula’s Table 102 W State St, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-8255 A gourmet market by day and an artisanal destination dinner experience by night with a farm-fresh, multi-course tasting menu. Reservations required for dinner.
Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen 108 State Street, Kennett Square, PA 1934, 484-886-4154 Historic Downtown Kennett Square Restaurant featuring modern American food, craft beers and cocktails. A neighborhood gastropub with a great rooftop patio and live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Creek Side Diner 717 W Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-925-2826 The oldest diner in a five-county region with a down-home menu and all-day breakfast.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Bove Jewelers 124 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-4525 Designer and custom jewelry, platinum, gold, specialty items adorned with diamonds, pearls or gemstones and a wide variety of superior watches and giftware.
McLimans Fine Furniture & Antiques 940 West Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-3876 Quality antiques and fine pre-owned furniture since 1976. W-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 12PM-5PM.
Square Pear Fine Art Gallery, 200 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 18348 484-883-5429
DAY FOUR
Progressive Friends Meeting House
Just off Route 52, on land once part of Longwood Farm, stands the Progressive Friends Meeting House—a powerful symbol of the fight for freedom. In 1853, as debates over aiding freedom seekers intensified in Chester County, a group of progressive Quakers committed to the complete abolition of slavery broke away to form the Longwood Progressive Meeting. By 1855, they had built the Longwood Progressive Meetinghouse. Founding members like Eusebius and William Barnard were prominent station masters on the Underground Railroad. Castner Hanway, another founder, was imprisoned for refusing to assist federal marshals in capturing escaped slaves, while Thomas Garrett faced heavy fines for his relentless efforts to help freedom seekers. The meetinghouse quickly became a beacon for reformers, hosting influential figures such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. In 1862, members presented President Lincoln with a petition urging the emancipation of all enslaved people—an act that preceded the historic Emancipation Proclamation. Today, this historic building serves as the office for the Chester County Convention and Visitor Bureau, embodying the rich cultural legacy of those who fought for justice and equality.
300 Greenwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art
Housed in a converted nineteenth century mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River, this museum is sometimes referred to as the Wyeth Museum because it showcases the work of Andrew Wyeth, a major American realist painter, and his family. The museum’s permanent collection features American illustration, still life works, and landscape painting by Jasper Francis Cropsey, Harvey Dunn, Peter Hurd, Maxfield Parrish, Howard Pyle, William Trost Richards, and Jessie Willcox Smith. The glass-wall lobby overlooks the river and rolling countryside that inspired the Brandywine School earlier in the early 20th century. The museum campus is also home to the separate studios of N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, and Kuerner Farm, the source of much of Andrew Wyeth’s inspiration.
1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-2700, Adults $18. Guided tours of the Studios and Kuerner Farm are available.
N.C.Wyeth Studio
Just a short shuttle from the Brandywine Museum of Art, this historic site is where N.C. Wyeth, the patriarch of the renowned Wyeth family, lived and worked, producing some of the most iconic images in American art. The attraction offers an intimate glimpse into the life and creative genius of one of America’s most beloved illustrators. Built in 1911, the house and studio reflect Wyeth’s deep connection to the Brandywine Valley’s landscape, which inspired much of his work. The studio, filled with original props, costumes, and sketches, remains just as Wyeth left it, providing a unique window into his artistic process. The large north-facing windows flood the space with natural light, illuminating the very room where Wyeth created his vivid illustrations for classics like Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe. A charming blend of rustic and refined, the house reveals the personal side of Wyeth’s life, filled with the warmth and character of a home that nurtured generations of artists.
Helena
Destination Distinctive Dining
The Gables at Chadds Ford, 423 Bltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-7700 Set inside a renovated barn, this high-end American bar/restaurant features a patio and seasonal menu.
Chadds’s Ford Tavern, 1400 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19417 484-800-4084. Traditional favorites in a historic setting.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Chaddsford Winery 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA, 19317, 610-388-6221 The winery is headquartered in a renovated 17th century colonial barn which was converted to a small premium winery in 1982. Today Chadds Ford produces 30,000 cases of wine.
Brandywine River Antiques Market 878 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA, 19317, 610-388-2000 A multi-dealer co-op offering the finest quality and selection of antiques, estate furniture, accessories, and collectibles in various styles and periods.
Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall, 640 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
John Chadd’s House
Built in the early 18th century by John Chadds, a prominent Quaker and miller, this house is a captivating relic of colonial America. The stone structure, with its thick walls and simple, elegant design, reflects the Quaker values of modesty and practicality while offering a window into the life of one of the region’s early settlers. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Brandywine Valley, the John Chadds House was more than just a home—it was a hub of activity in colonial times. John Chadds operated a ferry across the Brandywine River, providing a vital link between communities and contributing to the area’s development. With its well-preserved interior and historical artifacts, the house offers a glimpse into 18th-century life, from the rugged simplicity of colonial living to the ingenuity of early American settlers. Today, the house stands not only as a historic landmark but also as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Chadds Ford. It invites visitors to step back in time and experience the storied past of this iconic region, where history and the present beautifully converge.
Route 11, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Brandywine Battlefield Park
The 1777 Battle of Brandywine was the largest single day engagement of the American Revolution where nearly 30,000 soldiers (not including civilians, teamsters, servants, and other members of the army) squared off on a ten square mile area of roughly 35,000 acres. Today’s battlefield landscape encompasses nearly fifteen different municipalities with the main gateway of interpretation being the park. Brandywine Battlefield Park is a 52-acre park that was the epicenter of George Washington’s continental encampment but is often mistaken as being the entire battlefield itself. The visitor center offers exhibits, a museum store, and an orientation film.
1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
610-459-3342
Brandywine Battlefield Park hours: M-Sa 10AM-4PM.
Visitor center hours: F-Sa 10AM-4PM.
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Bookhouse At Faunbrook, 699 Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382 610-257-5088. Enjoy a overnight in this inspiring mansion.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Four Dogs Tavern 1300 W Strasburg Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-692-4367 This vintage stable-turned eatery serves a New American brasserie-style menu, with a full bar.
Iron Hill Brewery Restaurant 3 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Traditional tasty fare.
Destination Distinctive Retail
Baldwin’s Book Barn 865 Lenape Rd. (Pa. Rte. 100), West Chester, PA 19382, 610-696-0816 Nineteenth-century Chester County barn filled with thousands of used, out-of-print, fine and rare books, maps and prints.
Bookstore Bakery 101 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19382 610-226-8910 Locally owned book store with a side of gourmet pastries.
Church Street Gallery, 12 South Church Street, West Chester, PA 19382 215-989-1449
Featuring the works of selected regional artists.
DAY FIVE
Chester County History Center
This very dynamic institution now occupying two connected buildings in downtown West Chester, has evolved into a modern center for learning, exploration, and community engagement. Housed partially in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building that once witnessed a passionate speech by abolitionist Frederick Douglas, the History Center offers visitors an immersive experience through its extensive collections, interactive exhibits, and engaging programs. Exhibits follow the evolution of the area, spanning from the early days of colonial settlement to the present day. Recreated against the backdrop of the living rooms and other quarters of early resident’s majestic homes rare artifacts, historical documents, and rotating exhibitions that delve into themes like abolition, women’s suffrage, local industry, coupled with the daily life of residents. The Center also houses a comprehensive research library. Workshops, lectures, tours and special programs are also offered throughout the year, making the Center more than just a museum. It is a gateway to the rich and varied history of Chester County.
225 High Street, West Chester, PA
West Chester Railroad
Few experiences match the charm of vintage railroad journey. Established in 1832 and one of the oldest railroads in the country, the historic West Chester line once played a vital role in the region’s growth. Today it has been lovingly preserved and staffed by dedicated volunteers to offer scenic rides through Chester County landscapes. The route winds through picturesque countryside, crossing bridges and passing through woodlands that blaze with color in the fall and bloom with life in the spring, accompanied by a narration of the history of the region and the railroad. Enjoy this living piece of Chester County’s heritage on which the rhythmic click-clack of the tracks offers a soothing soundtrack for your adventure.
230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Natural Lands’ Stroud Preserve
Managed by member-supported nonprofit Natural Lands, this 571-acre sanctuary embodies the tranquil beauty of Chester County’s natural landscape, preserving a mosaic of rolling meadows, dense woodlands, and vibrant wetlands. As the preserve transforms through the seasons, ephemeral wildflower carpet the shady woodlands in spring, while summer brings a riot of colorful blooms to the pollinator-filled meadows. Brandywine Creek threads through the property, providing a soothing soundtrack to the birds’ calls and the leaves rustling in the breeze. In addition to its natural beauty, Stroud Preserve plays a crucial role in protecting water quality, supporting native plant species, and providing a refuge for wildlife in an increasingly developed landscape. For those who appreciate the quiet splendor of nature, a network of trails winds through these diverse ecosystems while quiet, unspoiled beauty stands as a testament to the enduring value of preserving and cherishing the natural world. The preserve is free to all thanks to membership support.
454 N Creek Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
610-353-5587
Th-Tu 7AM-7PM
Destination Distinctive Accommodations
Fairville Inn 506 Kennett Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 610-388-5590. Enjoy the authentic hospitality of this very historic 1826 inn, not owned by two very young people.
Destination Distinctive Dining
Buckley’s Tavern 5812 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807 302-656-9776. Even this this historic restaurant is in Delaware, it is just a bit down the road from the Fairfield Inn.
DAY SIX
Mt. Cuba Center
The former home and family estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland, it is now a botanical center that produces some of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in the mid-Atlantic region. With over 500 acres of natural lands surrounding the gardens and managed landscapes, the grounds consist of steeply rolling hills, stream valleys, rock outcrops, and deciduous forests. Educational programs and science-based research projects and collaborations allow Mt. Cuba Center to focus on restoration and conservation of the area’s natural lands.
3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 239-4244
W-Su 10AM-6PM
Adults $15
Ashland Nature Center
The headquarters of the Delaware Nature Society and 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, and marshes, and 4 miles of nature trails to explore. Discover wildlife at the Hawk Watch, Butterfly House, Bird Blind, and Hummingbird Haven. Nature activities for all ages and pet-friendly interpretive trails are available year-round.
3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE 19707
302-239-2334
Tu-F 8:30AM-4:30PM
Sa 10AM-3PM
Su 12PM-4PM
Adults $5
Destination Distinctive Dining
Back Burner Restaurant & Bar 425 Hockessin Corner #9586, Hockessin, DE 19707, 302-239-2314 A cozy place to enjoy lunch or dinner with friends in a casual, relaxed atmosphere
Lettie’s Kitchen 1318 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707, 302-239-7816 Offers a delicious variety of homemade soups, innovative salads, hearty sandwiches, delicious flatbreads and more!
Destination Distinctive Retail
Casual Marketplace 400 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE 19707, 302-234-4800. Indoor and outdoor furnishings and accessories.
Hockessin Bookshelf, 7179 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 302-235-7665. One of those great local bookstores.