Enjoying the Exton Region

The tourism and hospitality industry are vital to both the economy and quality of life in Chester County. Second only to agriculture in job production and economic impact, tourism is a key factor in the county’s success. A network of assets including attractions, accommodations, wineries, breweries, arts, history and more, make the county a desirable region in which to live, work and play. Charming towns and villages cover the Chester County countryside and are treasures of a time gone by. Many feature lovely tree-lined streets filled with, shops, galleries, and delectable dining. Eagleview Town Center in Exton features a fantastic Restaurant Row. Favorites like Al Pastor, Brickside Grille, Bluefin, and Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden guarantee there is something for every palate and seasonally offer outdoor dining options and live music. Wellington Square Bookshop is a rare treat for bibliophiles and a wonderful shop to explore. Unique gifts, cards, a cozy café, and plenty of areas to curl up with a great read make this shop an oasis of relaxation and charm. Baldwin’s Book Barn, in nearby West Chester, was recently named one of the World’s Best Independent Bookstores by Architectural Digest. A 5-story historic barn with cozy nooks, stone walls, and wood- burning stove, it is a treasure trove of over 300,000 used and rare books, manuscripts, maps, and other valued collectibles. West Chester, the county seat, is a town full of history, shopping, dining, and vibrant events. Chester County History Center, in the heart of the town, is a history museum which tells the American story from a uniquely local perspective, offering walking tours, interactive exhibits and interpretation spanning hundreds of years. West Chester’s American Helicopter Museum & Education Center is the nation’s premier aviation museum dedicated to the incredible history of rotary flight. Visitors can explore the 35-plus unique aircraft and for a special thrill, schedule a helicopter ride for a birds-eye-view of the

beautiful countryside. The museum is a wonderful family fun spot and is available as a unique special event venue. Bucolic Glenmoore is the home of Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds (LCHS) and hosts the titular Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show & Country Fair every September during Labor Day weekend. Outdoor adventures abound in Chester County. From rivers and lakes to parks, trails and preserves, the region’s wide-open spaces offer adventure for all. Marsh Creek State Park is a wonderful destination to enjoy hiking, biking, boating, and horseback riding. Stroll or ride miles of trails and paths or swim or take a boat out on the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake. Plan for a picnic at the park or get lunch at one of the many restaurants nearby. As the sun sets there is no better adventure (or view) than a hot air balloon ride. Float over the rolling countryside landscape and take in the landscape – truly get a birds-eye-view! Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is home to over 20 amazing craft brewing companies from large scale Victory Brewing to fraternity brothers’ labor of love, Locust Lane Brewery. Many offer space for small gatherings and special events. CountyCheers.com is a valuable source to find brewers, events, accommodations and more. Iron Hill Brewery has opened a full-scale production facility located in Exton at The Shops on Eagleview Boulevard. The facility, known as Iron Hill Brewery & Taphouse, has significantly increased the brewing capacity of the company. The site is home to a 10,000-square-foot brewery while the taproom covers 4500 square feet. A semi- private dining room is a unique space for special events. Iron Hill continues the philosophy of offering fresh and innovative items from tap to table. The motto of Locust Lane Brewery in Malvern is “simply crafted.” Fourteen taps feature flagship, seasonal and unique batch brews, available in the taproom or out in the open-air beer garden. Locust Lane brews are also featured on weekends at Highland Orchards’ Beer Garden.

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Over a dozen vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms line the rolling hills in the Brandywine Valley and the region’s robust terroir yields premium wines. One of the oldest and largest in Pennsylvania is local Chaddsford Winery. Plan formal tastings with in-depth immersive wine and cheese pairs or reserve table service with self-guided wine flights with snacks and wine/beer by-the-glass. Live music and food trucks often round out the winery’s fun vibe. Chester County offers a trove of unique event venues including Loch Aerie Mansion. This 150-year-old treasure has been lovingly returned to her former glory by proprietors, Steve and Dana Poirier. Stunning spaces include the first floor of the mansion for smaller events like meetings, retreats, showers, and rehearsal dinners plus a large ballroom added as new construction to the back of the building. The elegant new ballroom blends beautifully with the historic original mansion. It accommodates up to 250 guests and weddings will be a specialty with culinary partner John Serock Catering ensuring a delicious and stunning event. Adjacent accommodations are available at Sheraton Great Valley creating the perfect partnership for special event housing. Locals are encouraged to refer meetings and events of all types to keep the business in Chester County. If you or someone you know is planning a corporate event or a social gathering such as weddings – refer to Courtney Babcock, Director of Sales, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau. Send us a lead and be entered into a quarterly drawing for a $50 restaurant gift card. If the referral results in a booking at a Chester County venue or accommodations, the gift card increases with the value of the secured business. Contact Courtney for more details (Courtney@BrandywineValley.com or 484-840-7213)

Arts and Garden fun facts:

Wharton Esherick, known as the “Dean of American craftsmen,” was a sculptor who worked primarily in wood. He molded furniture, interiors, and buildings – creating sculptural environments. His work can be seen today

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in the collections of The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and many others. His Malvern hilltop studio/residence remains one of his most creative endeavors. The studio is a National Historic Landmark for Architecture and became the Wharton Esherick Museum in 1972 featuring more than 200 of his works on exhibition. It is one of the many art treasures in Chester County. Historic Yellow Springs is a unique living village. The

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Washington at Historic Yellow Springs, built circa 1750, has served as a tavern and colonial inn. Famous guests include General George Washington, who visited soldiers convalescing in the Yellow Springs Hospital, which he commissioned. During the 19th century, the building was utilized as a dining hall and dormitory for orphans of Civil War soldiers and similar uses in the 20th century for young artists of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Today, special events can be steeped in history at this elegant

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location. Not only is the Washington a unique venue, but the whole village of Historic Yellow Springs will enchant guests. Annual arts events such as The Yellow Springs Art Show as well as classes at the Chester Springs Studio offer next level art experiences within a historic setting. The Greater Philadelphia region is known as “America’s Garden Capital” with over 34 horticultural assets located within 30 miles. The crown jewel of these is arguably Longwood Gardens. Longwood is truly one of the world’s great gardens and home to the most significant fountain collection in North America. Longwood’s majestic Main Fountain Garden makes a splash during the Festival of Fountains. Revel in a mix of grand architecture, horticultural artistry, and soaring fountains. From early May through late October the fountains dance and soar up to 175 feet with daily shows and dazzling Illuminated Fountain Performances on Thursday through Saturday evenings. The holidays are also a magical time with A Longwood Christmas on view from mid-November through early January. Inside wander through the Conservatory and view a wonderland of the season’s towering trees, vibrant poinsettias, and acres of

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warm, cheery decorations. Outdoors, stroll among illuminated trees, glowing orbs, and an amazing tunnel of light. Amazing, illuminated displays will be choreographed to music in the Main Fountain Garden and Large Lake. Tickets are for specific dates and times and sell out quickly during both Festival of Fountains and A Longwood Christmas. Plan then for an overnight getaway and receive special untimed tickets available only at participating accommodations. Information available at BrandywineValley.com.