Brandywine and Valley Forge Pennsylvania
The fountains at Longwood Gardens, a 19th century estate in The Countryside of Philadelphia
The wisteria-covered exterior of historic Hagley Museum and Library
The National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historical Park
Bike ride through Valley Forge National Historical Park
Morris Arboretum fernery
The grand Conservatory at Longwood Gardens
Canadian geese in the partially frozen Brandywine Creek in The Countryside of Philadelphia
Historic John James Audubon house at Mill Grove
- 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
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 throughout The 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.
Fun Fact
Kennett Square is known as the “mushroom capital of the world” because farms in the area produce over 450,000 kilograms of mushrooms a week.