Explore Chester County, PA, this Spring!

When Chester County’s Brandywine Valley melts into spring, the region turns technicolor: gardens bloom, local arts paint the landscape, and downtowns buzz with renewed energy. The lush countryside greets travelers minutes outside of Philadelphia, revealing a storybook destination that is historic by nature and defined by horticultural excellence, local charms and unique culinary experiences.

With more than 30 public gardens within 30 miles of Greater Philadelphia, the Brandywine Valley is the heart of America’s Garden Capital. From the du Pont legacy of historic estates to naturalistic gardens, botanical beauty abounds.

World-renowned Longwood Gardens is the crown jewel of this collection, featuring over a thousand acres of sweeping outdoor landscapes and masterfully curated garden displays in two magnificent indoor conservatories. Spring is an especially magical time to visit: the gardens awaken into a living tapestry of color during Spring Blooms, on view through May 3, 2026. In a seamless succession of blooms, early crocuses and daffodils give way to rainbow rows of tulips—by the thousands— in the Flower Garden Walk, one of the garden’s most iconic displays.

Longwood boasts the most significant fountain collection in North America: the Main Fountain Garden takes center stage during Festival of Fountains, on view May 8– September 27, 2026. 1,719 jets soar by day and glow by night during Illuminated Fountain Performances, reaching up to 175 feet as they dance in time to beloved musical themes— from The Beatles and Taylor Swift to Broadway’s Wicked.

Enjoy a front-row seat to the spectacle with a fine-dining experience at 1906, where garden-driven dishes are served over sweeping views of the fountains. The chef-crafted menu is rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and locality, incorporating fresh produce from the Ornamental Kitchen Garden. The Caramelia, 1906’s signature dessert, transforms chocolate mousse into a playful, mushroom-shaped creation atop a “forest floor” of cocoa soil— a sweet nod to the region’s mushroom heritage.

Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, producing over 60% of the nation’s crop. Sampling a local mushroom soup during your trip is practically a rite of passage— earthy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. The main streets of Kennett, West Chester, and Phoenixville are lined with culinary delights: delicious restaurants, local libations, and sweet treats— from mom-and-pop ice cream shops to world-renowned Éclat Chocolate.

Beyond Longwood, continue your tour of America’s Garden Capital with a visit to more du Pont family estates and gardens: Hagley Museum & Library, Mt. Cuba Center, Nemours Estate, and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Explore historic mansions and fascinating museums surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.

More arts abound throughout the Brandywine Valley Artscape: studio tours, gallery walks, and hands-on arts experiences make an enchanting addition to your itinerary.

Transform your visit into a Garden Capital Getaway with an overnight stay. The county’s charming inns, cozy B&Bs, and boutique hotels add an authentic charm to any visit— and many offer packages with untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens, giving you the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Book a Spring escape at BrandywineValley.com.