Brandywine and Valley ForgePennsylvania

The fountains at Longwood Gardens, a 19th century estate in The Countryside of Philadelphia

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Canadian geese in the partially frozen Brandywine Creek in The Countryside of Philadelphia

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Historic John James Audubon house at Mill Grove

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Major Airports:
Philadelphia (PHL)
States:
Pennsylvania

Slow down and enjoy stately homes and lush scenery in this picturesque region known as The Countryside of Philadelphia

Both Brandywine and Valley Forge played noteworthy roles in the American Revolutionary War: The former saw victory go to British General William Howe, while the latter was the site of the 1777–1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army, from which emerged a spirited and rededicated fighting force. Living history villages include a Revolutionary War hospital and soldier’s orphan school. Sites welcome visitors to experience stories brought to life in lively and informative ways, including historical interpreters, hands-on demonstrations and multimedia presentations.

A Gardener’s Paradise

The greater Countryside of Philadelphia region abounds with horticultural assets, earning the moniker “America’s Garden Capital.” Brandywine’s world-renowned Longwood Gardens combines the best of Italian, French and English traditions to create one of the USA’s most memorable gardens. Longwood encompasses nearly 450 hectares, offering 40 indoor-outdoor gardens and a breathtaking conservatory.

Morris Arboretum, in the Valley Forge area, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1933, the arboretum has over 12,000 plants from North America, Europe, the Mediterranean, China, Japan and Korea with a focus on Asian temperate species. Some of them are among the largest of their kind in North America while others are exceedingly rare.

A Shopping Haven

Bargains are just as plentiful as blooms, as fabulous shopping, including tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, can be found throughoutThe Countryside of Philadelphia. King of Prussia Mall, the largest retail complex on the U.S. East Coast, features over 400 stores that include Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Macy’s and an impressive collection of luxury retailers, such as Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Williams-Sonoma. Nearby Philadelphia Premium Outlets has 150 outlet stores offering 25 percent to 65 percent savings from brands including Ann Taylor, Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, Brooks Brothers and Nike. Unique shopping options can also be found throughout the small towns and villages around The Countryside of Philadelphia as well as in the gift shops of the region's world-class museums and attractions.

World-Class Museums

The Countryside of Philadelphia also has museums appealing to all tastes, from high art to lowbrow comedy. The Brandywine Museum displays an unparalleled collection of illustrations, still lifes and landscapes by three generations of the Wyeth family. The Wharton Esherick Museum celebrates the “Dean of American Craftsmen” and his fanciful woodcarvings. The John James Audubon Center contains a copy of his “Birds of America,” printed and hand colored from copper plate engravings.

At the other end of the spectrum, The Stoogeum stands as tribute to the comic artistry of The Three Stooges. Inside, a steady stream of their short films plays in an 85-seat theater, where visitors are free to sit back and giggle after viewing some 3,000 pieces of Stooges memorabilia.