MORE GREAT PLACES FOR OUTINGS
Pennsylvania
Glen Mills
Newlin Mill Park, Rt. 1 & Cheyney Rd. 610-459-2359; newlingristmill.org. Restored 18th-century milling community, with an active 1704 water-powered grist mill, 1739 miller’s home, log cabin, active forge. Hiking and trout fishing on weekends, picnicking and nature walks. Open 8 am to dusk. Free. Fee to tour historic structures.
Glenmoore
Springton Manor Farm, 860 Springton Rd. 610-942-2450; dsf.chesco.org/ccparks. 19th-century Manor House was the country estate of a prominent Philadelphia family. Now a demonstration farm, where children can meet animals in a petting area and learn about farming. The park is open year-round, 8 am to dusk; barn is open from 10-3. Free.
Lancaster
Dutch Wonderland, Rt. 30, 4 mi. E of Lancaster. 1-866-FUNatDW; dutchwonderland.com. You’ll have a fun at this park, perfect for the kids, with rides and games just their size, and Open Dive is a thrilling show for all ages. 44 acres, rides, shows, botanical gardens and shops. Phone for hours. Adm.
Langhorne
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd. 215-752-7070; sesameplace.com. Rt. 1 to Oxford Valley Exit. Sesame Street-themed park for families with kids age 3-13 offers 50 play/water activities, live stage shows with Big Bird and friends and a big musical parade. Open daily, 10 to 8, June 6 through Sept 5; Memorial Day — Labor Day; weekends only, May and Sept 12 — Oct 31. Adm.
Media
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Ridley Creek State Park. 610-566-1725; colonialplantation.org. (N of Media, off Rt. 252) It’s a fascinating recreation of a 112-acre working 18th-century farm operating as in the 1700s, with Belgian horses, Red Devon milking cows, Dominique chickens and two very large pigs. The colonial costumed farmers and guides work on the plantation using tools and methods of 200 years ago. As far as possible, even the livestock and varieties of crops are vintage. Open weekends from mid-Apr. — early Dec. Hours: 11 to 4. Hours for special events vary. Adm.
Nottingham
Herr Foods, Inc., Rts. 1 & 272. 800-63-SNACK. herrs.com. Enjoy Herr’s free snack factory tour. Sample tasty, fresh, warm snacks, with free guided tours, Chipper’s Café, gift shop, video and more. Fun for families, schools and bus tours. Handicap accessible. Mon-Thurs, 9 to 11 am and 1 to 3; Fri, 9 to 11 am. Call ahead for tour reservations.
St. Peter’s Village
St. Peter’s Village and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Pack a picnic, and wear comfortable clothes for a day in the beautiful countryside. (N on Rt. 100 to Rt. 23, left on Rt. 23 and right at sign to St. Peter’s.) Once a thriving country village, it’s now home to a fine restaurant and artisans whose shops line the road. A major attraction is picturesque French Creek, with mammoth granite boulders that tumble down its length, providing delightful picnic spots. After lunch and a browse around, drive back to Rt. 23, make a right, and a few miles farther down is the right turn to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, (610-582-8773; nps.gov/hofu) restored 1700 iron making village. The National Park Service does this sort of thing very well, and if you did not picnic at St. Peter’s, lunch at secluded tables here. Wed-Sun, 9 to 5. Adm.
Washington Crossing
Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Rd. 215-493-4076; ushistory.org/ washingtoncrossing. This is the site where George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas 1776 to surprise and defeat the Hessians camped at Trenton. The park includes the 19th C. village of Taylorsville, the outstanding Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, and outdoor recreation and picnic areas, on a beautiful section of the Delaware River. Tues-Sat, 9 to 5; Sun, noon to 5. Adm.
West Chester
Northbrook Canoe Company, 1810 Beagle Rd., Northbrook. 610-793-2279. Cool off this summer at Northbrook Canoe along the beautiful Brandywine Creek. You’ll see some of Chester County’s most scenic landscapes and experience the many wonders nature provides along the waterway. Northbrook Canoe offers peaceful, self-guided canoeing, kayaking and tubing trips for the entire family, and a beautiful picnic grove. Just outside West Chester in Pocopson Township. Open daily May-Sept. 9 to 5; last trip at 4. Fee.
QVC, 1200 Wilson Dr., West Chester, 800-600-9900; qvc.com. For fans of electronic retailing, QVC is a modern-day mecca. Since opening in 1997, QVC Studio Park has hosted thousands who take a tour of the studios where it all happens. A guided walking tour takes you through the broadcasting facility where you’ll see products being sourced, tested or sold on air. You may even catch sight of a favorite on-air host or a famous guest. The Observation Deck offers a view of the broadcast area. Tours Mon-Sun, 10 to 4; closed holidays. Adm: $7.50-$5 for the standard tour; $75 for All Access Tour.
West Chester Railroad, Market St. Station, 610-430-2233; westchesterrr.net. The original West Chester Railroad Co. was one of the oldest in the nation. In its heyday, it was owned and operated by the Penn Central, the PA Railroad, and other lines. Today, in a living history preservation effort, it runs a special schedule between Market St. in West Chester and the village of Glen Mills. A fun 90-minute trip, especially with kids. The train can be chartered for special events — birthdays, anniversaries, and catering is available. Operates June 7-Sept. 27, and on selected weekends from Easter to Christmas. Regular departures are at noon and holiday train departure times are noon and 2. Fee.
Delaware
Greenville
Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory, 1610 Hillside Mill Rd. 302-654-6407; mountcuba.org. A non-profit, volunteer, educational institution whose mission is advancing and promoting the study and appreciation of astronomy, astrophysics and space sciences. The Observatory provides facilities, guidance and inspiration for astronomical study and research to people of all ages and skills. Informal programs on astronomical topics on selected Monday nights, designed to awaken and develop interest in science and technology, especially astronomy and space sciences. Contact the Observatory’s secretary weekday mornings for information, or reservation. Adm.
Maryland
Rock Hall
Chester River Kayak Adventures, 5758 Main St. 410-639-2001, 410-639-2061. Your tour with CRKA is more an eco-tour than an athletic event. They’re more interested in the journey and observing the creatures along the way than who arrives first. And you won’t be called upon to do eskimo-rolls! Their goal is to keep you in the boat and out of the water, unless, of course, you want to be in the water. If you really want to learn the eskimo roll, check out their classes. Each half-day tour averages three hours and includes at least one or two landings to check out secluded beaches. Fee.
Rock Hall
Wayne Gatling Guide Service, 5889 Main St. 410-778-3191. Wayne Gatling, with over 35 years of experience guiding on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and charter fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Florida Keys, can provide you with a great sporting experience. Whether it is charter fishing for Rock out of Rock Hall, Tarpon out of Marathon Florida or ducks and geese on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Wayne has the the boats, hunting locations, and area knowledge to give you a great sporting experience.
SELECTED NATURE CENTERS & PUBLIC GARDENS
An abundance of inviting open space is part of County Lines country. There are community, county, state and national parks open to the public throughout the region, plus truly first-rate nature centers and public gardens. The facilities we’ve listed are particularly noted for outstanding physical facilities and extensive public programs.
Pennsylvania
Chestnut Hill/Philadelphia
Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia. 5 mi. from Exit 333 (Norristown) of PA Turnpike. 215-247-5777; upenn.edu/arboretum. This is the official arboretum of PA, founded in 1887. On its 92 public acres, thousands of rare woody plants (many of Philadelphia’s oldest, rarest and largest trees) are set in a Victorian landscaped garden of winding paths, streams, and special gardens. Award-winning rose garden; English landscape park with rolling hills; Victorian loggia and hidden grotto; ravine walk with shade-loving groundcovers; Japanese gardens with rockwork; swan pond; Hamilton Fernery, an elegant Victorian gem of a glasshouse devoted to ferns. Special events throughout the year. Classes in spring and fall, for everyone from children to professionals. Sat and Sun tours start at the Education Center at 2. Gift shop, Café. Open year-round, Mon-Fri, 10 to 4; weekend hours added Apr — Oct, Sat-Sun, 10 to 5. Adm.
Devault
Great Valley Nature Center, Rt. 29 & Hollow Rd. 610-935-9777; gvnc.org. Formerly the Nature Center of Charlestown, it was established in 1974 and includes colonial-era fieldstone bank barn and farmhouse. Quality grade-specific environmental education programs on site or at a school’s location of choice. Facilities provide natural habitats for field studies, including a pond, stream, wetlands, forest and fields. Full-sized replica of a Lenape Village helps students understand what life was like for Native Americans 500 years ago. Open 9 to 5, Mon-Sat, year-round. Donations welcome.
Devon
Jenkins Arboretum, 631 Berwyn Baptist Rd. 610-647-8870; jenkinsarboretum.org. This 46-acre arboretum established as a memorial by H. Lawrence Jenkins to his wife Elisabeth, an avid gardener and wildlife enthusiast. Opened to the public in 1976, it emphasizes azaleas, rhododendrons and plants suited to local woodland conditions, including ferns, groundcovers and colorful wildflowers that bloom over a long season. Woodland Walk, Pond Walk and walks through Azalea Hill and Elisabeth’s Walk, all quite beautiful and a stone’s throw from busy Rts. 30 and 202. 8 am to sunset. Free.
Gladwyne
Henry Foundation for Botanical Research, 801 Stony La.. 610-525-2037. Historical garden based on Mary G. Henry’s vision, with plants growing naturalistically in woodlands and hillsides. Part is devoted to the botany of North American ecosystems, while other areas showcase Asian and European species. Much of the garden was grown from wild-collected seed from explorers, botanists, gardeners and Henry. Propagated plants from the collection distributed since the 1930s to nurseries, arboreta and botanic gardens here and abroad. Many endangered plants have been given a safe haven in this pastoral setting. Tours and classes. Teas on the terrace lawn and areas for bird watching, walking and painting the scenery. Stream-side trail in the woodland is open dawn to dusk daily. Call for reservations. Mon-Fri, 10 to 4. Adm.
Kennett Square
Longwood Gardens. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Media
Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd. 610-566-5431; tylerarboretum.org. This 650-acre preserve originated with brothers Jacob and Minshall Painter, who in 1825 set aside land to begin systematic planting of 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs. Mature plant collections are laid out in a natural setting, with 20 miles of marked trails used by hikers, birders and naturalists. In addition to original Painter trees, Tyler maintains other impressive collections: 85-acre Pinetum; fine rhododendron, flowering cherry, crabapple, holly, magnolia and lilac collections; Native Woodland Walk; fragrant garden; butterfly garden; bird garden; Pink Hill, a barren of serpentine stone with native wildflowers.
Back by popular demand this year is the exhibit, “Totally Terrific Treehouses” (to Sept. 26), features tree houses built by local artists, ranging from “elegantly simple” to “fantastically elaborate.” Year-round programs for adults, children and families. Education center, museum collections, library, bookstore/gift shop. May 18 through Aug 2, Mon-Fri, 9 to 5; Sat-Sun, 9 to 8, closes earlier on off-season weekends. Adm.
Pottstown
Welkinweir, 1368 Prizer Rd. 610-469-4900; greenvalleys.org. Lovely 162-acre estate is an architectural and landscaping masterpiece. Owned and maintained by the nonprofit Green Valleys Assn., it’s a center for programs, environmental lectures, nature walks, workshops for adults, and environmental summer camps for children. Ponds, wetlands, meadows and woods provide diversity of habitats so visitors can see birds and wildlife in natural environment. Woodland trails and walks connect hikers to Horse-Shoe Trail. Gardens offer pleasure year-round. Call for hours. Free.
Swarthmore
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave. 610-328-8025; scott- arboretum.org. Described as “a garden of suggestions,” it is actually the college campus, covering 110 diverse acres. More than 3,000 kinds of plants are grown in collections and distinct gardens, to demonstrate plantings for the home gardener. Of note are the Terry Shane Teaching Garden, Scott Entrance Garden, Dean Bond Rose Garden, Theresa Lang Garden of Fragrance, Harry Wood Courtyard Garden, Winter Garden, Scott Outdoor Amphitheater and Cosby Courtyard. The arboretum sponsors activities for members and the public, including outdoor summer evening concerts. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Free. Tours for 10 or more by arrangement. Fee.
Wayne
Chanticleer, 786 Church Rd. 610-687-4163; chanticleergarden.org. Enchanting 7-acre estate, Chanticleer is the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Rosengarten, who purchased the land in 1912 and began construction of the main house and gardens.The 85 years of planting, cultivating and refining have made this an extraordinary visual and emotional experience. Visitors feel welcome here, a feeling underscored by many inviting lawn chairs placed at beautiful sites on the property, silently suggesting that you stop, stay a while and enjoy the view. Open Apr-Oct, Wed-Sun, 10 to 5, and until 8 on Fri, May-Aug. Adm.
West Chester
H. E. Myrick Conservation Center, 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Rd. (Rt. 842). 610-793-1090; brandywinewatershed.org. A varied landscape embracing a variety of vegetation and wildlife habitats — meadows, forests, wetlands — on 300 acres near West Chester. It belongs to the Brandywine Valley Assn., the country’s oldest small watershed association, which has worked for 50 years to protect the picturesque and productive Brandywine Creek. The Center is a site for the association’s extensive education programs. Two marked self-guided nature trails — the Hill and Stream Trail and the Farm Path Trail. Open daily dawn to dusk. Free.
Delaware
Hockessin
Ashland Nature Center, Brackenville & Barley Mill Rds., off Rt. 82. 302-239-2334; delawarenaturesociety.org. Headquarters of the Delaware Nature Society, Ashland’s 600 acres of meadows, forests, marshes, streams and ponds make an ideal setting for 350 (!) nature programs offered each year, geared to all ages — from toddlers to seniors — and all levels of interest — from casual and general, to intense and highly specialized. Participate in activities or simply enjoy the tranquility of browsing self-guiding nature trails through an unspoiled landscape. 4,000-volume natural history library, gift shop, meeting facilities. Open Mon-Fri, 8:30 to 4:30; closed Sat, Sun and holidays.
Smyrna
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd., Rt. 9, east of Smyrna. 302-653-6872; bombayhook. fws.gov. This 16,000-acre refuge is one of the best places on the East Coast to view migrating and resident waterfowl, especially in spring and fall. Auto tours, walking paths, observation towers. Open daily dawn to dusk. Fee. Annual pass options include the Duck Stamp, Bombay Hook or golden pass.
Wilmington
The Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, 1405 Greenhill Ave. 302-651-9617; preservationde.org. The grounds of an 1844 restored estate opened to the public, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens are “rooms,” each with unique character. A sweeping marble staircase connects three beautifully designed and landscaped terraces. Beyond is a shady 200-foot long Bald Cypress Allee leading to an Italian-style garden pavilion, with marble fountain and lawns accented by stately oaks and pines. Mon-Fri, dawn to dusk. Free.
Winterthur
Winterthur Museum and Gardens. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
HISTORIC SITES
We have practically wall-to-wall historic sites here, and it would take a hefty tome to list them all. Here are ones we feel are most important, or particularly unusual, or worth a visit. Also check “Our Favorite Day Trips & Outings” section, and “Museums.”
Pennsylvania
Broomall
Thomas Massey House, Lawrence & Springhouse Rds. 610-353-3644; thomasmasseyhouse.org. One of the oldest English Quaker homes in the Commonwealth, built in 1696. Open Sun, 1 to 4 from last Sunday in Apr to last Sun in Oct, and by appointment. Adm.
Bryn Mawr
Harriton House, 500 Harriton Rd. 610-525-0201; harritonhouse.org. Home of Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, furnished with 18th-century antiques. Originally part of a 700-acre 1700s plantation. Wed through Sat, 10 to 4 (Advanced notice recommended due to scheduling). Adults, $4; Students and children, free.
Chadds Ford
Barns-Brinton House, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Brandywine Battlefield State Park, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
John Chads House, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Chester Springs
Historic Yellow Springs, Art School Rd. and Pikeland Rd. (head N on Rt. 113, left turn onto Pikeland Rd. at Gulf gas station). 610-827-7414; yellowsprings.org. Originally named by Native Americans for the iron rich “yellow” spring water, this scenic village became the principal hospital for the Continental Army during the Valley Forge encampment, as well as a popular 18th-century mineral water spa. Annual art, crafts, and antique shows here are major events. Next event will be the Town Tours and Village Walks on Aug 6. The grounds are always open. Mon-Fri, 9 to 4.
Coatesville
Lukens National Historic District, South First Ave. (one block S of Business Rt. 30). 610-384-9282; lukenshistoricdistrict.org. The threads of Coatesville’s industrial history and architectural heritage are woven together in the buildings on this street. Rebecca Lukens House (closed to the public) was built c. 1750. Terracina and Graystone Mansion were built by her descendants: Terracina was built in 1850-51 by Charles Huston and Graystone Mansion in 1889 by Abram Francis Huston. The Lukens Steel Main Office Building stands on a neighboring site by the steel mills. National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum is open Mon-Fri, 10 to 3.
Ephrata
Ephrata Cloister. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Geigertown
Joanna Furnace — Hay Creek Valley Historical Association, Rt. 10 (2.5 mi. N of the Morgantown exit, PA Tpk). 610-286-0388; haycreek.org. The Historical Assn. supports local heritage and provides a living experience of Berks County’s rich agricultural and technological past by demonstrating early American crafts and trades. Visitors can learn early American crafts skills, such as quilting, blacksmithing, charcoal making, weaving, open fire cooking, butchering, paper making and other period trades. The Hay Creek Festival, Sept. 11-13, features Early American crafts, antique toy display, Civil War encampment, home craft marketplace, children’s hands-on activities, food and olde tyme music. Gates open at 7 am; main attractions, 10 to 5. Adm. Summer hours for Joanna Furnace, Mon-Fri, 9 to 4.
Germantown/Philadelphia
Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave. 215-848-1777; cliveden.org. Historic house museum on six landscaped acres. Open Apr. 1-Dec. 30. Site of the Battle of Germantown in 1777, which is reenacted the first Saturday in Oct. Includes original furnishing and decorative arts. Thurs-Sun, Noon to 4. Adm.
Lancaster
Rock Ford Plantation, 881 Rockford Rd. 717-392-7223; rockfordplantation.org. The 18th-century Georgian-style home of Revolutionary War hero General Edward Hand. In Lancaster County Park, the estate includes the mansion, barn and Kauffman Museum of decorative arts. Wed-Sun, 11 to 3, Apr. through Oct. Adm.
Wheatland, 1120 Marietta Ave. 717-392-8721; lancasterhistory.org. Lavish Victorian home of President James Buchanan; many furnishings reflect the White House years (200 pound fishbowl was a gift from the Japanese Mikado). Garden and outbuildings. Tues-Sat, Apr. 1 - Oct. 30, 10 to 4. Adm.
Morrisville
Pennsbury Manor, 400 Pennsbury Memorial Rd. 215-946-0400; pennsburymanor. org. William Penn’s beautiful country plantation on the Delaware River, rebuilt to look as it did in 1700. Jacobean-style furnishings include 17th-century antiques. Apr. 1-Nov. 30, Tues-Sat, 9 to 5; Sun, Noon to 5. Adm.
Paoli
Waynesborough, See: "Along the Main Line."
Pottstown
Pottsgrove Manor, Rt. 100 & W. King St. 610-326-4014; montcopa.org/historicsites. Built in 1752, this is the historic home of John Potts, colonial ironmaster and founder of Pottstown. Distinguished for its fine early Georgian architecture. Open Tues-Sat, 10 to 4; Sun, 1 to 4. Closed holidays. Free.
Reading
Daniel Boone Homestead, (7 mi. E of Reading, 1 mi. N of Rt. 422 on Daniel Boone Rd.) 610-582-4900; danielboonehomestead.org. Boone was born here in 1734 in a log house built in stages between 1730-1779. Other buildings include a PA bank barn, blacksmith shop, sawmill, log house and visitor center. Adm. for tours. Tues-Sat, 9 to 4:30; Sun, Noon to 5. Closed Mon & holidays, except Memorial Day and July 4.
St. Peter’s
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. See: “More Great Places for Outings.”
Schwenksville
Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Rd. 610-287-9349; montcopa.org/historicsites. A colonial revival mansion, this was the home of PA Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker, preserved as a country gentleman’s estate. Tues-Sat, 10 to 4; Sun, 1 to 4. Closed Mon and major holidays. Free.
Upland
Caleb Pusey House, Landingford Plantation, 15 Race St. 610-874-5665; delcohistory.org/fcph. Two-room stone home on 12-acres, built in 1683 by PA’s first historian, friend of William Penn and first English miller. Said to be the oldest remaining home of any English settler in the colony. Museum, 1849 school house, gift shop. Open May-Oct. Sat-Sun, 1 to 4. Donation.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge National Historic Park. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Wayne
St. David’s Episcopal Church, 763 S. Valley Forge Rd. 610-688-7947; stdavidschurch.org. (Rt. 30 headed W, at the Devon Horse Show grounds, left on Dorset Rd., which becomes Valley Forge Rd.) About a mile down, the stone wall on your right encloses St. David’s graveyard, memorialized in Longfellow’s poem: “What an image of peace and rest is this little church among its graves . . . .” This park-like setting is welcoming, pastoral and serene, with an intimate stone church, a fine example of early colonial American architecture. A wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Willow Street
Hans Herr House, 1849 Hans Herr Dr., 717-464-4438; hansherr.org. Oldest house in Lancaster County and oldest Mennonite Meeting House in America, this house was built in 1719. Explore the main floor with its huge fireplace, the attic and cellar, plus a farm museum and colonial garden. Open Apr. 1-Nov. 31, Mon-Sat, 9 to 4. Adm.
Worcester
Peter Wentz Farmstead, Schultz Rd., off Rt. 73. 610-584-5104; montcopa.org/historicsites. Colonial farmhouse used by George Washington before and after the battle of Germantown, restored to its 1777 state. Ongoing period craft demonstrations. Tues-Sat, 10 to 4; Sun, 1 to 4. Donations.
MUSEUMS
Pennsylvania
Chadds Ford
Brandywine River Museum. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Christian Sanderson Museum, 1755 Creek Road (Old Rt. 100). 610-388-6545; sandersonmuseum.org. A rich collection of objects relating to life in Chadds Ford as well as an extensive collection of memorabilia representing the American experience. Christian Sanderson’s fascination with history and the importance of “living records” has culminated in a huge collection of archives, memories and physical remains.
Chestnut Hill/Philadelphia
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave. 215-247-0476; woodmereartmuseum. org. Dedicated to preserving, collecting, exhibiting and interpreting arts of Philadelphia, past and present. Tues-Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 1 to 5. Donations.
Collegeville
Philip & Muriel Berman Museum of Art, Ursinus College. 610-409-3500; ursinus. edu. American, European and Pennsylvania Dutch displays. Changing exhibits range from old masters to contemporary art. Tues-Fri, 10 to 4; Sat-Sun, noon to 4:30.
Paoli
Wharton Esherick Museum, Horse-Shoe Trail (2 mi. W of Valley Forge Park). 610-644-5822; levins.com/esherick.html. Over 200 pieces of Esherick’s work: paintings, woodcuts, prints, sculpture, stone and ceramics, furniture and utensils produced between 1920-1970. Hourly guided tours, reservations required, Mon-Fri, 10 to 4, groups only; Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, 1 to 5. Adm.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge Historical Society Museum. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
West Chester
Chester County Historical Society Museum, 225 N. High St. 610-692-4800; chestercohistorical.org. Historic archives and regional antique furnishings, clocks and decorative arts are exhibited. Wed-Sat, 10 to 5. Adm.
Delaware
Dover
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St. 302-674-2111; biggsmuseum.org. Fourteen galleries with 150 paintings, a survey of major styles of American art from colonial portraiture to Impressionism, including works by Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Cole, Albert Bierstadt and the Peale family. Fine regional antique furniture and silver collections. Changing exhibits and permanent collection. Open Tues-Sat, 9 to 4:30; Sun, 1:30 to 4:30. Free.
Wilmington
Delaware Art Museum, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, 200 S. Madison St. 302-656-6466; thedcca.org. One of the nation’s leading contemporary visual arts organizations, housing 7 galleries, 26 on-site artist studios, gift shop, and high-tech auditorium. More than 30 exhibits annually of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 10 to 5; Wed & Sun, Noon to 5. Free.
The Delaware Folk Art Collection, Blue Ball Barn, 1914 W. Park Dr. 302-577-1164; destateparks.com/blueball. Collection is housed in the barn built in 1914 as a working dairy farm for du Pont’s Nemours Estate. The country’s only state-owned folk art collection in a dedicated facility, the collection has 5 categories: Root Cultures; Art from Work; New Traditions; Fine Folk Art; Salvage and Outsider Art. Daily 8:30 to 4. Adm.
Delaware Museum of Natural History, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Hagley Museum & Eleutherian Mills. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Rockwood Museum, 610 Shipley Rd. 302-761-4340; rockwood.org. Designed in 1851 by English architect George Williams, an outstanding example of Rural Gothic architecture and Gardenesque landscape design. Furnished with 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century decorative arts. Tours by costumed interpreters, Tues-Sun, 10 to 3 pm; self-guided tours. Adm. Grounds open daily, 6 am to 10 pm. Free. Visit The Butler’s Pantry, for pastries, soups, salads, coffees, teas, Wed-Sun, 8 to 3.
Winterthur Museum & Gardens. See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
SPECIAL INTEREST MUSEUMS
Pennsylvania
Boyertown
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. 85 S. Walnut St. 610-367-2090; boyertownmuseum.org. A display of rare vehicles traces the evolution of road transportation. All types of vehicles, vehicle builders’ tools, memorabilia and vehicle-related exhibits. Tues-Sun, 9:30 to 4. Adm.
Columbia
The National Watch & Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St. 717-684-8261; nawcc.com. Featuring the treasures of time, from ancient timepieces to modern technologies, the museum captures the evolution of timekeeping over the centuries. Hands-on displays, up-close exhibits and a beautiful facility will delight people of all ages and interests. Memorial Day-Labor Day, Mon-Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, Noon to 4. Dec-Mar, Tues-Sat, 10 to 4. Adm.
Intercourse
The People’s Place Quilt Museum, 3510 Old Philadelphia Pk. 800-828-8218; ppquiltmuseum.com. The first permanent exhibit of antique Amish and Mennonite quilt masterpieces. On the 2nd floor of the Old Country Store. Mon-Sat, 9 to 5; closed Sun. Free.
Kennett Square
The Kennett Underground Railroad Center at the History Station. 610-347-2237; undergroundrr.kennett.net. The Center takes visitors back to a time when slavery existed and the underground railroad was a “trackless trail.” Meet the people, hear the legends, learn the facts. Tours, at 1 and 2:30, one Sunday a month are guided tours on a minibus (1 hr). Reservations required. Tours leave from Chester County Visitors Center at Longwood Gardens’ entrance. Adm.
Reading
Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. Rt. 183 N, Reading Reg. Airport. 610-372-7333; maam.org. Story of aviation told by displays of restored classic and historic aircraft, and unique experimental planes. Daily, 9:30 to 4. Adm.
Reading Public Museum. 500 Museum Rd. 610-371-5850; readingpublicmuseum.org. “Discovery Through Art, Science and Civilization.” Situated on 24 landscaped acres of park and arboretum along Wyomissing Creek, home to exceptional collections of PA German folk art, Native American objects, artifacts, eclectic fine art collection and planetarium. Phone or check website for hours.
Strasburg
The National Toy Train Museum, See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
Strasburg Rail Road, See: See: “Some Favorite Day Trips & Outings.”
West Chester
American Helicopter Museum & Education Center. 1220 American Blvd., Brandywine Airport. 610-436-9600; helicoptermuseum. org. For visitors of all ages, this museum brings the adventure and history of rotor-winged flight to life. Enjoy a collection of significant vintage rotorcraft, artifacts, reference archives, photos, interactive exhibits, ongoing educational programs and activities. Wed-Sat, 10 to 5; Sun, Noon to 5. Adm.
Delaware
Dover
Dover Air Force Base Museum, 1301 Heritage Rd. 302-677-5938; amcmuseum.org. Exhibitions include Explosive Ordnance Robot demonstration, weapons displays. 4 to 8 airplanes are open for cockpit tours. Tues-Sun, 9 to 4. Photography encouraged. Free.
New Jersey
Millville
Wheaton Village, 1501 Glasstown Rd. 800-998-4552; wheatonvillage.org. Founded by Frank H. Wheaton, Jr., who envisioned a crossroads glass community and glass museum. Today Wheaton Village comprises over 60 acres and 20 buildings including The Tin Shop, Stained Glass studio, Down Jersey Folklife Center, Wheaton Glass factory, T.C. Wheaton Glass Factory, Museum of American Glass, which houses one of the largest and finest collections, with 6,500 objects, including paperweights, Mason jars, dishes, Tiffany lamps. Apr. through Dec., Tues-Sun, 10 to 5. Open most holidays. -CL-