2020-12-05 23:41:12
This is a place that looks back on its past and celebrates its firsts—first zoo, volunteer fire department, hospital, band, and lending library. Philly’s suburbs boast rolling landscapes, elegant mansions, gorgeous gardens, and sites that commemorate the fivecounty region’s contributions to American history. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s contemporary treasures and ambitious restaurant scene have added flavor and sophistication to its neighborhoods, while colorful public murals (more than 2,000 of them), cultural gems, and renowned museums engage, educate, and inspire. COUNTRYSIDE QUAINTNESS AROUND EVERY CORNER In the Philadelphia & The Countryside Region, discover groundbreaking history, hand-feed friendly giraffes, and indulge in award-winning local sips and small bites—all surrounded by spectacular rural scenery. For a taste of Nobel Prize-winning history and stunning estate grounds, tour the Pearl S. Buck House in Perkasie and learn the legacy of the namesake author. This National Historic Landmark includes the iconic stone farmhouse, greenhouse, award-winning gardens, cultural center, and exhibits. Nearby Ringing Rocks Park in Upper Black Eddy offers a mysterious and melodic experience, as the rocks in this scenic boulder field produce belllike tones when struck. Bring your own hammer to test the remarkable tunes yourself, and then check out Bucks County’s largest waterfall, High Falls, also within the park. At Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, find a roaring good time hand-feeding giraffes and bison, ziplining across animal exhibits, and learning about the zoo’s variety of exotic species, from proud jaguars to majestic bald eagles. Then, turn up the heat on your countryside getaway with a visit to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson. This 19th-century rural iron plantation includes a blast furnace, ironmaster’s mansion, and auxiliary structures to provide a glimpse into the early-American industrial landscape across its expansive 848 acres. Green thumbs rejoice, as Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope offers a native plant nursery with more than 200 species on the nature preserve, as well as a dazzling botanical garden and accredited museum. Savor more of Mother Nature’s finest at Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery in Kennett Square, where award-winning wines are crafted to reflect the unique Brandywine Valley terroir and pair best with their locally sourced charcuterie boards. For a true wine weekend, stay overnight in the quaint cottage overlooking the chardonnay vineyard. Experience visual art with an engaging approach at Main Line Art Center in Haverford. The art education ranges from discovery courses in oil paint or sculpture to advanced drawing classes and private lessons. Peruse the innovative exhibitions celebrating emerging and established artists and get inspired for new adventures in the Philadelphia & The Countryside Region. HIGHLIGHTS Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square Art and horticulture intermingle at this historic garden, where dazzling fountain performances, rotating exhibits, serene nature paths, and more than 1,000 acres of outdoor gardens filled with flowers, trees, and shrubbery delight the senses. Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Get a history lesson on the birth of a nation as you stroll numerous historic attractions within a few blocks: National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Museum of the American Revolution. Fonthill Castle, Doylestown Explore the life and works of archaeologist, antiquarian, and ceramist Henry Mercer on a tour of his former home, this 44-room “Castle for the New World,” filled with Moravian tiles, prints, and personal furnishings. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Wander three floors of artwork spanning centuries and continents, including Impressionist pieces by van Gogh and Monet, ancient Hindu sculptures from India, and gilded paintings from Medieval Europe. King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia With more than 450 stores ranging from budget-friendly brands such as H&M and Zara to luxury labels including Cartier and Christian Louboutin, this is a shopper’s paradise. Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford Set amid lush hillsides and peaceful pastoral landscapes, this museum showcases American artwork with a special emphasis on the beauty of the Brandywine Valley, captured by the Wyeth family of artists. Peddler’s Village, New Hope More than 60 boutiques, from locally owned art galleries to gourmet food shops, are housed in Colonial-style buildings nestled along brick walkways, creating a storybook setting.
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