Attractions
West Chester
Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley, downtown West Chester reflects the small-town charm and cosmopolitan tastes that prompted The Philadelphia Inquirer to call West Chester ". . . one of the world's most perfect small towns" (July 26, 2001).
History
Since 1769, when the Turks Head Inn first offered refreshment to weary travelers, West Chester has been a place of hospitality to visitors from around the world. It became the seat for Chester County in 1788 and incorporated as a borough in 1799.
Stroll along brick sidewalks past the building where Abraham Lincoln began his quest for the presidency; where the great African-American folk artist Horace Pippin lived and painted; where America's preeminent composer Samuel Barber was born and raised (best known for his Adagio for String Orchestra); and actors Claude Raines and Eva Marie Saint spent their days.
Architecture
The entire downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy the Greek Revival architecture along High Street that gave West Chester the nickname Athens of the West. Within the Borough limits, there are over 3,000 structures dating back to the colonial period.
Longwood Gardens
1700 to present
Exquisite flowers, majestic trees, dazzling fountains, extravagant conservatory, starlit theatre, thunderous organ—all describe the magic of Longwood Gardens, a horticultural showstopper where the gardening arts are encased in classic forms and enhanced by modern technology. Many generations helped create Longwood Gardens, but one individual—Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954), industrialist, conservationist, farmer, designer, impresario, and philanthropist—made the most enduring contribution.
The public has embraced Longwood Gardens with great enthusiasm. Its early heritage is rich, and its modern-day additions exemplify the finest in contemporary horticulture. Yet most of its public appeal is due to Pierre du Pont's innate sense of the garden as theatre, and that ties Longwood directly to the great gardens of Italy and France, and to the spectacular world's fairs that proclaimed the triumph of technology. Longwood combines the gardening arts with technology, and the results are unforgettable.
Winterthur Garden & Galleries
Winterthur, an American country estate, is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), an avid antiques collector and horticulturist. In the early 20th century, H. F. du Pont and his father, Henry Algernon du Pont, designed Winterthur in the spirit of 18th- and19th-century European country houses.
A visit to Winterthur will immerse you in another time and place. Rediscover America's heritage through its unparalleled collections of antiques and Americana. Venture out over the fields and farmland to learn about the workings of a great American country estate. Wander through the breathtaking beauty of the 60-acre naturalistic Winterthur Garden. Youngsters (and the young-at-heart) will wonder at the magic of Winterthur's famous fairy-tale children's garden, Enchanted WoodsTM, and enjoy hands-on learning in the Touch-It Room. Researchers will find a wealth of resources awaiting them in the Winterthur Library.
Every season, and every visit, promise inspired new experiences and the Winterthur tradition of hospitality.
