EVENTS March 3–11, 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show It is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show, featuring large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes, and over-the-top floral creations. May 5, 2018 Washington Crossing Historic Park’s 8th Annual Brewfest The annual beer festival at Washington Crossing Historic Park features nearly 70 breweries, food vendors, and live music. May 19, 2018 New Hope Pride Week & Parade The eclectic community of New Hope is the gay-friendly centerpiece of Bucks County’s breathtaking countryside. This weeklong celebration buzzes with live music, dance parties, an art exhibit and, of course, a grand parade down historic Main Street. July 4th Weekend 2018 Wawa Welcome America Visit Philadelphia, the city where independence was declared, to rock the town with red, white, and blue festivities, including free concerts, four dazzling fireworks shows, the Philadelphia’s Historic District Block Party, parades, patriotic ceremonies, and kids’ activities. Sept. 8–9, 2018 Mushroom Festival The “Mushroom Capital of the World” will host its annual mushroom festival, complete with two days full of music, mushroom soup cook-offs, and educational seminars in Kennett Square. Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk Philadelphia “Never got to study American history at school so it was awesome being able to wonder round Philly and soak it up in person! #VisitPhilly” — Rahul Gandhi, @Rahulahoop_ PHOTOS COURTESY OF: (FACING PAGE) VISIT BUCKS COUNTY/ PHOTO BY ANTHONY SINAGOGA; PHOTO BY R. KENNEDY FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA™; PHOTO BY BOB KRIST, COURTESY OF VISIT PHILADELPHIA; VALLEY FORGE TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD; (THIS PAGE) PHOTO BY M. EDLOW FOR VISIT PHILADELPHIA™ 10 HAPPY MOMENTS Stroll Bartram’s Garden , a 45-acre National Historic Landmark in Philadelphia, to explore colorful botanicals and historic buildings, such as the columned Bartram House, built in 1728. Admission and parking are free. Hop on the trolley for a 90-minute guided tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park in Valley Forge, where George Washington and the Continental Army spent the brutal winter of 1777–1778 during the Revolutionary War. Experience a visual (and literal) feast of freshly baked pastries, artisanal meats and cheeses, rich gelatos, specialty chocolates, and handmade pastas at Philadelphia’s South 9th Street Italian Market — America’s oldest continuous outdoor market. Glimpse into the life of famed ceramist and antiquarian Henry Mercer when you explore his former home in Doylestown, Fonthill Castle : a sprawling estate with 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and a magnificent collection of Mercer’s furnishings and handcrafted tiles. From popcorn to pretzels to potato chips, learn how your favorite snacks are made during a behind-the-scenes Herr’s Snack Factory Tour in Nottingham. Afterward, stop in the gift shop for some tasty souvenirs. Known as “The Mushroom Capital of the World,” you can’t visit Kennett Square without a stop into The Mushroom Cap : a gourmet gift shop with one-of-a-kind mushroom products. Miniature figurines, locomotives, cabooses, model kits, and engine reproductions line the shelves at Nicholas Smith Trains and Toys in Broomall, a dream stop for train and hobby model enthusiasts. You could shop for days at King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia, boasting more than 400 stores, including big-name department stores and luxury brands, as well as gourmet restaurants. Located in a former gristmill, the historic Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope is a cultural mainstay, featuring a lineup of musicals, visiting artist performances, and even special productions for young audiences. Peruse an incredible collection of 19th-and 20th-century American artwork, with a particular focus on works by the Wyeth family — N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth — at the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford. [ See icon legend on page 5. ] visitPA.com 59
Pennsylvania Happy Traveler Guide 2018: Page 59
