Chester County, PA

BrandywineValley.com

The Creamery in Kennett Square, PA; photo courtesy: Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau; credit: Leigh Vogel

Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is an unparalleled leisure destination that is known internationally as an arts and culture hub. The region is home to Longwood Gardens along with many more tourism assets.

"Being in the countryside of Philadelphia, it’s no surprise that Chester County’s Brandywine Valley is steeped in history and natural beauty,” states Courtney Babcock, director of sales for the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. “Historic venues, extraordinary attractions, farm-to-table cuisine and more make gatherings of all kinds special. We look forward to working with planners to create productive and memorable events."

WHAT’S NEW

The Creamery of Kennett Square is ready to launch a brand-new event space - The Retreat at the Creamery - which will blend business and pleasure, games and relaxation, comfort and style. Areas dedicated to groups feature campsite and picnic themes, each creating a one-of-a-kind experience for gatherings and celebrations. Accommodations nearby include the Hilton Garden Inn and the Fairfield Inn and Suites Kennett Square.

430 West is a new addition to the meetings and event landscape in West Chester, an expansive, flexible facility that features an industrial-chic vibe and an open, welcoming environment. Spaces range from a full conference hall, a virtual blank canvas for customizing events, to smaller private spaces to indoor/outdoor options like an al fresco courtyard. Guestrooms are available at the nearby Hotel Warner and also at Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge recently completed a more than $12-million renovation that transformed its guest suites, meeting and event space, fitness center, indoor swimming pool and lobby. The hotel offers open air atriums and a Hilton CleanStay/EventReady program to ensure the comfort and safety of guests and meeting attendees. Coming soon the Embassy Suites by Hilton also will introduce a new restaurant and bar, Cool River - an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant experience with a southwestern flair.

The new owners of the Fairville Inn have completed extensive renovations to the property, which is nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley. Stylish European inspired interiors feature gas fireplaces, sitting rooms, new bathrooms with custom showers, and views of outdoor spaces. The entire Inn can serve as an event space with a team that includes an in-house chef, in-house floral designer and others to help craft truly special events.

Atrium at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge in Wayne PA; photo courtesy: Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau

From farm-to-table country experiences to bustling eateries throughout charming towns and main streets, there’s something on the menu for everyone in Chester County.

Eagleview Town Center in Exton features a fantastic Restaurant Row. Favorites include Al Pastor, Brickside Grille, Bluefin, and Suburban Restaurant and Beer Garden.

Longwood Gardens’ 1906 Restaurant features an award-winning mushroom soup, part of its menu of unique flavors and creations. Many ingredients are grown on-site. For a more casual dining experience, there is an outdoor beer garden, as well.

Brunch at Terrain’s Greenhouse Café is the perfect complement to the garden theme. Seasonally changing menus reflect the freshest local produce, meats, and dairy alongside hand-crafted beverages – all served in an environment invoking the outdoors with charming décor.

The Brandywine Valley also is home to several wineries, including beautiful estate vineyards in the rolling hills, charming tasting rooms and barrel-aging cellars filled with premium wines that showcase a unique terroir. Additionally, craft breweries and distilleries offer their own distinctive “cheers” to any celebration.

WORKING TOGETHER

The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau staff communicates with customers through a variety of resources. Last fall, an intimate dine-around event for meeting and event planners was held called Versatile Venues, which welcomed them to several unique properties in Chester County. Another is scheduled in lively Phoenixville this November, starting with appetizers at the Phoenixville Foundry, the former foundry of the Phoenix Iron and Steel Company, then it’s off to the industrial-chic Franklin Commons where Drexelbrook Catering will serve dinner, followed by a finale of desserts at the famed Colonial Theatre (where the classic movie “The Blob” was filmed).

Social media, digital marketing and informational newsletters are among other initiatives that have enabled the sales team to stay connected with customers. Messaging has included how venues and properties have instituted safety protocols, created outdoor spaces to offer alternatives to indoor events, and other ways they have adapted to the changing needs of planners.

To assist planners financially, an incentive was promoted in 2021 and will continue through the first quarter of 2022. Any new meeting or event that books in a Chester County lodging property with 25 or more room nights is eligible for a $500 signing bonus, plus $5 per night on rooms picked up.

Fairville Inn Bed and Breakfast in Chadds Ford, PA;

Longwood Lights at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA; photo courtesy: Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau

LOOKING AHEAD

Looking forward to the holiday season in the Brandywine Valley, A Longwood Christmas this year will dramatically contrast the warmth and chill of fire and ice. Visitors can revel in the festively decorated trees in fiery red and amber tones, flickering flame lanterns, inviting fire pits, and much more. On view November 19 through January 9, 2022, tickets to A Longwood Christmas are available without time restraints at participating Chester County accommodations. Upon check-in, receive a reusable Brandywine Valley Welcome Bag with discounts, giveaways and a $25 AMEX gift card.

Finally, looking ahead to summer, Longwood will bring back Light: Installations by Bruce Munro from June 30 - October 30, 2022 – an exhibition featuring eight installations incorporating both outdoor and indoor spaces throughout the gardens.

Meet in Chester County

Discover a charming destination with versatile venues for all types of meetings and events, from historic properties and Victorian mansions to trusted hotels and modern meeting spaces.

Chester County Booking Bonus

New meetings and events booked in a Chester County lodging property with 25 or more room nights will receive a $500 signing bonus.

Contact Courtney Babcock for more information.