Pennsylvania

The Countryside of Philadelphia: Brandywine and Valley Forge

States:
Pennsylvania

On your road trip around Pennsylvania, schedule a stop in the region known as The Countryside of Philadelphia.

Less than an hour’s drive from the city, this picturesque region makes for a brilliant and beautiful addition to any trip. Make Brandywine Valley and Valley Forge your homebase for an adventure through the arts, culture and history of The Countryside of Pennsylvania.

Brandywine Museum of Art

Stop into the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, where you'll discover a magnificent collection of regional and American art housed in a 19th century mill. Overlooking the lush green banks of the Brandywine River, this treasure trove of art houses works by three generations of the Wyeth family of artists and is internationally recognized for its fine collection. N.C. Wyeth illustrated Robert Louis Stevenson’s book “Treasure Island” in 1911, and the original pieces are on display.

Outside, whimsical bronze sculptures Helen the Pig and Miss Gratz the Cow look over the landscape. Take a stroll through the grounds and breathe in the sweet scent of magnolias and Virginia sweetspire.

Perusing the galleries at the Brandywine Museum of Art

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Experience

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

Beautiful Longwood Gardens

Just a short drive east, the breathtaking Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square offers quite the visual feast with over 405 hectares of stunning botanical displays.

There are 1.6 hectares under cover at Longwood, located inside the incredible grand conservatory. Gardens include an orchid room that contains more than 5,000 plants, an indoor children’s garden, the Camelia House, the Acacia Passage and the Silver Garden. The gardens also have the largest green wall in North America. Designed by UK-based Kim Wilkie, it covers more than 370 square meters and features about 47,000 plants.

As you stroll toward the Cascade Garden surrounded by all of the beautiful displays, you're likely to hear some sweet sounds in the air: Every day, music is played to visitors on a massive 10,010-pipe organ, and there are special concerts scheduled throughout the year.

The fountains of Longwood Gardens light up with spectacular colors during an Illuminated Fountain Performance

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Longwood Gardens

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Next, head northeast to Valley Forge National Historical Park, a place that is significant for its connection to the eight-year American Revolutionary War. Begin your tour at the Visitor Center, where you'll pick up a self-guiding Encampment Tour leaflet. Set out to learn about all of the historic structures and monuments that cover the 1,416-hectare picturesque landscape that you can drive, bike or cover by foot via one of the numerous roadways, pathways and trails.

See some of the replica soldier huts that are spread throughout the lush, green landscape, then head over to the National Memorial Arch before visiting the original stone house that served as General George Washington’s headquarters during the winter spanning 1777 and 1778.

Exploring the history of Valley Forge National Military Park in the Visitor Center

Amon Focus

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Valley Forge National Historical Park

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

When you're ready for a little shopping, you can't go wrong with a visit to Philadelphia Premium Outlets. With more than 150 stores, including brands such as Banana Republic, Gap, Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren, this retail complex has something for every taste. You're sure to come away with a treasure trove at a great price – shoes and clothing are tax-free.

Whatever you crave, you’ll find it here in some of the most beautiful landscapes around –The Countryside of Philadelphia!