Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau

Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau

Tourism is a key factor in county’s success

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.

The Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is the designated tourism promotion agency for Chester County. Strategies are aimed primarily at generating out-ofmarket visitors, with tactics ranging from marketing to sales and service of leisure travelers, corporate/meeting/social groups, amateur sports tournaments, international guests, and special event-goers. All which bring visitors to town who infuse dollars into our destination -- $1.8 billion in 2019. This number doesn’t include businesses who benefit indirectly, such as HVAC companies, plumbers, landscapers, printers, photographers, florists, even farmers who grow food for our culinary providers. The CCCVB maintains the Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center at 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square right outside the gates of Longwood Gardens. The center welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Charming towns and villages cover the Chester County countryside and are treasures of a time gone by and a major attraction to visitors. Many feature lovely tree-lined streets filled with, shops, galleries, and delectable dining. Kennett Square is known for being the Mushroom Capital of the World, as the region produces over 60% of the nation’s crop. Artwork, clothing, jewelry, pottery, rare books, teas, and mushrooms make Kennett Square a gift-buyers paradise. The Woodlands at Phillips and The Mushroom Cap tell the story of Kennett’s mushroom production history. Additionally learn how mushrooms are grown and shop for specialty items related to the mighty mushroom! Dining in Kennett is so much more than mushrooms though sampling a mushroom specialty – think delicious Cream of Mushroom soup – is encouraged. Kennett Square is home to the annual Kennett Mushroom Festival. The event, held for 37 years, takes place each September the weekend after Labor Day. Celebrate mushrooms with music, rides, and entertainment. Taste test the best mushroom soups, learn about cooking and storing mushrooms from the pros and stroll through the charming town. And in Kennett New Year’s Eve is marked with the dropping of a mushroom! An eight-foot, 700 pound, illuminated stainless steel mush-

Longwood Christmas.

The Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square is one of the largest events in the region each year.

The Plantation Field International Horse Trials. Longwood Gardens attracts visitors from all over the world.

room. Midnight in the Square as it’s known, has a festival atmosphere with music, food, and fun; it is the perfect way to ring in the new year.

Just south of Kennett Square is the charming town of Oxford, named for the village in England. On the way to Oxford, it’s worth stopping to view the historic covered bridges that surround the countryside. Then stroll down Oxford’s Main Street where Amish buggy’s share the road; a vibrant Art’s Alliance hosts exhibits, shows and events; farmers markets offer local foods and wares; and a charming old-time candy shoppe welcomes visitors to slow down and savor sweet Oxford.

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

Continued on Page 44

Tourism

Continued from Page 43

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.

Chester County’s rolling hills have long been the scene of world- class equestrian activities. From Willowdale Steeplechase and Brandywine Polo Club, one of the oldest polo organizations on the east coast, there are a variety of exciting events thundering through the countryside.

Plantation Field International Horse Trials features top horses and riders throughout the country come together in beautiful Unionville to compete every September. In addition to the competition, guests enjoy a robust vendor village and a terrific tailgating atmosphere along the country course. 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. Float down the Brandywine River in a canoe or kayak. Hike the Nottingham Serpentine Barrens at the Nottingham County Park. The barrens are crossed by ten miles of hiking trails. 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. Braeloch Brewing in Kennett Square calls their charming brewery a “3rd Place”- not home or work but somewhere in between. This philosophy surrounds the gathering place where the guests come for great craft beer, local food and a fun hang out to enjoy all life has to offer. Nearby Be Here Brewing, in Avondale offers a similar vibe of fun, food and delectable brews.

Braeloch Brewing in Kennett Square.

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 PA is 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. Harvest Ridge Winery’s tasting room, in the quaint village of Toughkenamon, is a wonderful weekend spot to relax and unwind with delightful wine and cider. CountyCheers.com is a valuable source to find brewers, events, accommodations and more.

Chester County offers a trove of unique event venues including The Gables at Chadds Ford. It is an area favorite restaurant with charmingly rustic banquet/event space

The Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center at 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square.

Continued on Page 46

Tourism

Continued from Page 45

accentuated by a raised gabled ceiling and wall of French windows. The space is complemented with a beautiful outdoor function area. The menu offers a contemporary twist on traditional American cuisine utilizing the fresh ingredients native to the area. Outdoor firepits are a favorite gathering spot on cool evenings. The Inn at Mendenhall is a unique meetings and event destination. Both corporate and social functions flourish in this beautiful setting. An award-winning 70-room hotel is conveniently surrounded by two grand ballrooms, expertly landscaped outdoor patios, and an area - favorite historic restaurant.

Locals are encouraged to refer meetings and events of all types to keep the business in Chester County. If you or someone you know if 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).

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 grandeur of autumn comes to light during Longwood’s Chrysanthemum Festival from October through mid- November. This quintessential flower of fall is on display

Your leader in watershed conservation, environmental education and land preservation.

1760 Unionville-Wawaset Rd | West Chester, PA 19382 610-793-1090 | www.brandywineredclay.org @brandywineredclay

Downtown West Chester is a great place to visit. There are dozens of great restaurants in the area.

in many forms including a thousand bloom mum! 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 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 often for specific dates and times and sell out quickly during these seasons. Plan then for an overnight getaway and receive special untimed tickets available only at participating accommodations. For more information and to book a getaway visit BrandywineValley.com.

Loving God & our neighbors as ourselves.

Our goal is to make our local community a better place to live through support and assistance to critical local organizations, community initiatives and the people we serve.

Please join us in person or online streaming 9 AM Sunday worship. 610-347-2327

www.unionvillepresbyterianchurch.org 815 Wollaston Rd., Kennett Square, PA 19348 CELEBRATING 178 YEARS IN 2022!