Step back in time with a visit to Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and make stops at sites with historical significance, especially during the American Revolution and the Battle of Brandywine. Enjoy educational programs and exhibits put on by the Chadds Ford Historical Society at Benjamin Ring House, Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site, and others. Take time to appreciate the artistic creations of Andrew and Jamie Wyeth at the Barns-Brinton House or the Brandy River Museum which houses the majority of the Wyeth Collection. Spend time looking through the list below for ideas of things to do in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania for a great stay in the rural, historically rich area.
1. Admire American artwork at Brandywine River Museum of Art
Take time to check out the regional and American artwork at Brandywine River Museum. The museum focuses greatly on the Wyeth family who are well known American realist painters. Landscape paintings from the 19th and 20th-century showcase the beauty of the Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania surrounding area which drew artists. The works on display showcase the still life paintings where artists were able to capture the stunning natural beauty of the region and put it down on canvas for generations to admire centuries later.
Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, PA
Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Brandywine River Museum of Art
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 18 USD
2. Get in an afternoon workout at Harvey Run Trail
The opening hours for the 5-mile (8-kilometre) natural surface trail network covering more than 300 acres (.4 hectares) of open preserve space commence at sunrise and finish at sunset. Those looking to enjoy time on the trail should check out the rules and regulations prior to entry. Visitors are free to take their pets along for a walk, however, they must keep them on a leash at all times and clean up after them. While taking time to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the trail, make certain to be aware of the presence of local wildlife and cause them as little disturbance as possible.
Harvey Run Trail
Address: Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Harvey Run Trail
Opening hours: Sunrise - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
3. Delve into history at Benjamin Ring House
Washington's Headquarters - The Benjamin Ring House. Photo courtesy Rex L. Hughes, Jr. FOBB
Posted by Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site on Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Step into the historically significant farmhouse of Benjamin Ring that Washington used as his headquarters on the eve of the Battle of Brandywine. Here he held council with his generals on September 9 to plan his military strategy before enacting it. It was decided that it would be a perfect base since the house was within access of Chadds Ford where British troops were thought to cross the Brandywine River. Get a chance to learn more about these events and much more on a visit to this beautiful and historic house.
Benjamin Ring House
Address: 1509 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Benjamin Ring House
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10:30am - 11am, 1:30pm - 2pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 2pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 8 USD
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4. Tour Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Take a tour of Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site through Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. Step back in time to the American Revolution through exhibits, educational programs, and events put on at the historic park. The non-profit organization uses this historical site to assist in broadening the public’s understanding and appreciation of the Battle of Brandywine and the effect it had on the social, political, technological, military, and economic systems of that period in history.
Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Address: 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 8 USD
5. Wind down by sampling vintages at Chaddsford Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Drive over to the oldest, largest, and critically acclaimed winery for a tasting. Open seven days a week, this winery lets you sample one of its award-winning varieties. Since 1982, Chaddsford Winery has produced over 30,000 cases of wine annually. Enjoy sampling a selection of their wines while enjoying the background of the fall foliage through the room’s windows. Before leaving the property, make certain to purchase a bottle of the sangria, apple wine, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc to take back to your country cottage to enjoy with dinner.
Chaddsford Winery
Address: 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Chaddsford Winery
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 7pm
6. Visit the historic brick Barns-Brinton House
Drop by for a peek inside this historic brick house which was built by William Barns in 1714. It served as a tavern from 1722 to 1731 along the major route between the states of Maryland and Philadelphia. In 1731, the Brinton family purchased the home after Barns’ death and kept in the Brinton family until 1859. This historic house was used by General Wilhelm von Knyphausen when he was en route to the Battle of Brandywine on behalf of the British army during the Revolutionary War in 1777. Several owners owned the house from 1859 up until 1969 when the property was purchased and restored by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.
Barns-Brinton House
Address: 630 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Barns-Brinton House
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10:30am - 11am, 1:30pm - 2pm; Sun: 1:30 - 2pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 6 USD
7. Learn more at Chadds Ford Historical Society's events
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A visit to Chadds Ford Historical Society is a truly unique experience in that educational programs of historical events are presented in three of their 18th-century houses. During the year, the society puts on a Spring Lecture Series, Taven Nights, and other social events. In September, Chadds Ford Days is held and features colonial demonstrators, artisan booths, Revolutionary War re-enactments with actors, and children’s activities. The special event features food, wine, and craft beer for visitors to purchase while they lay back and enjoy live Bluegrass music performed throughout the day.
Chadds Ford Historical Society
Address: 1736 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Chadds Ford Historical Society
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 6 USD
8. Browse through vintage treasures at Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall
For those searching for treasures from bygone eras, the antique mall most likely will be where you’ll find them. Featuring over 100 dealers offering quality merchandise ranging from period furniture, silverware, vinyl records, historical pieces, and much more. For those who enjoy a great find at great prices, Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall offers both to those checking out its multi-level venue.
Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall
Address: 640 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
9. Indulge in Italian cuisine in rustic Antica Italian Restaurant & BYOB
Lovers of Italian cuisine will enjoy the warm rustic setting with stone walls as they indulge in favourites such as Caesar Salad, Veal Parmigiana, and Tiramisu. Besides these traditional favourites, the menu is loaded with seafood specialities, pasta in rich creamy or savoury tomato sauces, and other savoury dishes. After indulging in one of these delicious dishes, make certain to top it off with a cappuccino and a slice of tiramisu.
Antica Italian Restaurant & BYOB
Address: 1623 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Antica Italian Restaurant & BYOB
Opening hours: Tue - Thu 11:30am - 9pm: Fri - Sat: 11:30pm - 10pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
10. Step back in history at Sanderson Museum
As you step through the doorway of Chris Sanderson’s country home, you will be astounded by the over 200 years of American history packed into its 8 rooms. Uncover artefacts from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and both World Wars along with American daily life in the Chadds Ford area throughout the extensive collection of everyday objects. Check out original sketches and paintings from local artists Andrew and NC Wyeth along with archives and physical remains stored in the museum.
Sanderson Museum
Address: 1755 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Sanderson Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 8 USD
11. Appreciate American art at Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery
Fans of American artists such as the local Wyeth family will enjoy spending time admiring the fine art pieces of landscapes of the Chadds Ford area at Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery. The gallery features original art, limited editions, and works by up-and-coming artists. Framing services are also provided at the gallery which is perfect for those purchasing a piece to take home with them as a gift. Be sure to check out the gift shop for greeting cards, post-it notes, and other memorabilia inspired by local artists.
Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery
Address: 400A, 1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
12. Enjoy afternoon tea at Special Teas Tea Room
Spend a lazy afternoon in Chaddford at the elegant Tea Room, delighting in scones with raspberry preserves and Devonshire cream accompanied by savoury chicken salad or tuna salad finger sandwiches served on croissants or white bread during afternoon tea. The tea room offers patrons a chance to reserve space for parties which would be ideal for a children’s party a la Alice in Wonderland, with a pot of tea and delicious pastries. Prior to exiting the premises, check out the gift shoppe for all your tea essentials including accessories to throw your own tea party.
Special Tea Tea Room
Address: Old Ridge Village Shopping Center at 100 Ridge Rd # 37, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Special Teas Tea Room
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Mon: 12pm - 2:30pm (closed on Sun)
13. Sign up for a wine tasting at Penns Woods Winery
Enjoy an intimate tasting of award-winning wines produced from Pennsylvania-grown grapes in a late 19th-century converted farmhouse tasting room. Spend an early autumn afternoon enjoying a picnic with a glass of wine while taking in expansive views of the vineyard and the surrounding fall foliage and basking in the warmth of the sun. Attend an evening of great wine and food and enjoy listening to the live musical performance featured each evening. Don’t depart the winery without picking out one of their signature rose, red, or white wines.
Penns Woods Winery
Address: 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Penns Woods Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 6pm; Thu: 12pm - 5:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
14. Savour a luxurious steak dinner at Brandywine Prime
Choose from dining in one of the numerous dining rooms to enjoy an upscale experience while celebrating your special occasion. Relax in the leather booths along the stone wall accented dining room while indulging in filet mignon and scallops, swordfish, or salmon accompanied by seasonal vegetables. If you have room left for dessert, attempt the creme brulee or the 21 or over speciality of ice cream, Kahlua, dulce de leche, coarse red sea salt, and top it off with Bailey’s whipped cream.
Brandywine Prime
Address: 1617 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA
Website: Brandywine Prime
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 10pm: Sun: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Walk in the steps of American Revolutionaries
Take a leisurely road trip along the route used by soldiers of the American Revolution during your visit to Pennsylvania’s countryside. Sign up for a tour to learn about American history before visiting the art galleries and wineries that dot the rural haven. After enjoying the East Coast hospitality of the area, return home completely rested.
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