Things To Do
Malvern Buttery
Amy's favorite trip on a weekend - the Malvern Buttery has delicious, innovative pastries, breads, sandwiches, and coffees in a sunny space on Malvern's King St. shopping district, very close to the General Warren. We cannot stress enough - PLEASE visit before you leave, be that for a cup of coffee before the big event or a snack for your travels!
West Chester
Explore the heart of Kevin and Amy's town, a 15 minute ride from the venue - full of boutique stores, pubs, breweries, bakeries, restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries, a theater and a history center. We recommend Gryphon and Mayday for coffee, Jaco Taco, Love Again Local (all vegan), and Kooma. There's tons to explore!
Valley Forge National Historical Park
For history buffs or anyone who wants a beautiful area for hiking. Valley Forge is the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, and monuments commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. You can book a trolley tour, rent a bicycle, explore the museum, and miles of preserved trails and buildings and memorable monuments.
Longwood Gardens
We are so fortunate to have one of the world’s great gardens, Longwood Gardens, in our backyard. Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens showcases horticultural splendor, intricate fountain systems, architectural grandeur, and so much more—all with conservation at the core of their mission. With spectacular displays and year-round, dynamic beauty—made possible by renowned horticultural expertise—they are proud to be one of the most-visited gardens in the country. Amy and Kevin have been on many dates there and love watching the displays change through the seasons. This would be a top recommendation - plan on at least two hours (you could easily spend a day)!
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
Enjoy this spectacle in the Brandywine Valley! Winterthur is located in northern Delaware and is the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640. The collection is displayed in the magnificent 175-room house, much as it was when the family of founder Henry Francis du Pont called it home. Winterthur is also 1,000 acres of protected meadows, woodlands, ponds, and waterways. The 60-acre garden, designed by du Pont, is among America’s best, with magnificent plantings and massive displays of color throughout the year. Kevin and Amy love walking through the gardens and riding the included tram ride for spectacular views of the home, which can also be toured. Highly recommend!
Chanticleer, a pleasure garden
Another gorgeous garden in Chester County - Chanticleer is one of the great gardens of the region. Once the Rosengarten home, today's Chanticleer is a colorful, contemporary garden within an historic setting. Noted as one of the best in the country by Garden Magazine. If you're traveling with a book, or want an hour of peace and solitude, you cannot beat an adirondack chair in any of the beautiful pocket gardens within Chanticleer. Free parking reservations required.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
In honor of Kevin and Amy's shared passion for museums! The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the country’s oldest art museums and has long been recognized as one of its finest. The collection of more than 200,000 objects reflects their unique history and the passions of generations of Philadelphia collectors and curators. Home to the famous Rocky steps! Spend a few hours or spend a full day, there will always be something to discover.
Reading Terminal Market
Any type of restaurant and farmer's market stand you could possibly want to visit under one roof! Open since 1893, with tons to explore. Reading Terminal Market is home to plenty of Pennsylvania Dutch foods - always fun to try something new!
Liberty Bell
Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol. Abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders took inspiration from the inscription on this bell. Plan your visit to the Liberty Bell Center to allow time to view the exhibits, see the film, and gaze upon the famous cracked bell. No tickets are required and hours vary seasonally.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.