The Brandywine Museum has a special place in my heart. Intimate and welcoming, it is set in a…read morebeautiful natural environment, a wall of windows overlooking the river and green foliage. The focus on nature is a fitting homage to the special place the Wyeth family holds for the museum. This family of painters made their home in the area, and Andrew Wyeth - in partnership with his wife Betsy - took the local landscape, architecture and people as his life's work. However, the family produced three generations of artists, and there is usually at least one, carefully curated, Wyeth exhibit on display at the museum at any given time. Each time I come I learn about a different aspect of their art, and fall in love a little bit more. You can also take a tour of the artists' home and studio, as well as the newly installed N.C. Wyeth mural in the Round Barn, constructed just for this purpose. These tours need a reservation and cost extra, but worth it if you are able to splurge.

The museum was free on the Sunday we went. I'm not sure exactly which days, but it was great to go…read morethere when it was free. The kitchen area was really clean. We had a nice lunch overlooking the water and on the second floor they had some cool exhibits and activities for kids. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

Living part time in NYC where I'm reliant on public transportation, it's kind of a treat to ride in…read morethe car when I'm back in PA. I was game when my husband suggested visiting Hagley Museum in Wilmington, DE. Hagley is the DuPont family's first U.S. "home," though I'd describe it more as an estate. The property encompasses 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine with historic buildings, a research library and black powder mills. The gardens and grounds are spectacular. There's shuttle service between the visitors' center, powder yard and DuPont residence. What particularly impressed me are the friendly and knowledgeable docents leading tours at key sites. Demonstrations are pretty cool, including a blast -- a literal blast! -- at the black powder mill. (As I learned, gunpowder is made from black powder, so not exactly synonymous.) Wear comfortable shoes. Some paths are rocky. And if you can, avoid visiting on a broiling hot day. (I should've taken my own advice!)

Hagley is a little hard to describe, but I spent hours there this past weekend, so I'll do my best!…read moreHagley is one of many properties in the area associated with the du Pont family. Hagley is where Éleuthère Irénée du Pont founded his black powder mills in 1802. For more than 100 years (the factory was the largest in the world but then closed in 1921), it was the center of the du Pont family's work, wealth, and success. The reason it's hard to explain? Hagley has multiple areas and attractions - it's not just one place or one thing. There's the Powder Yard, Workers' Hill, the historic home and gardens, and the Nation of Inventors (a museum/exhibit exploring inventors/patents in 19th century America). When you arrive at the visitor center, a friendly staff members hands over a map, which you'll need during your visit. You can walk around most of the property, but you do have to take their shuttle to get to and from the historic home and gardens. Since I was already at the visitors center, I explored the Nation of Inventors first and found it interesting and fun (with some interactive aspects). Then I walked along the Brandywine River and the mill race to the Powder Yard. There, I visited the Powder Yard Orientation Gallery (for some context), explored the roll mills (historic structures where the black powder was produced), and visited the millwright shop. At the millwright shop, the friendly staff turned on some of the 19th century machines in the machine room, explained about the work that happened at the factory, and demonstrated a small, contained black powder explosion. From there, I took the shuttle to the historic home and gardens. I visited the barn (where you can see carriages and antique vehicles), the pollinator garden, and the restored French kitchen garden, before taking a tour of the house and the First Office (a structure next to the house that served as DuPont Company headquarters). After all this, I looked at my phone to realize I had spent about 2 hours longer than I had intended to at Hagley and I was starving. It says a lot that I had intended to spend about 2 hours at the museum and then go grab lunch in Wilmington and instead spent at least 4 hours at the museum. And I didn't even make it to Workers' Hill (where you can visit another house, the Sunday school, a picnic pavilion, and the workers' garden)! There is so much to do at Hagley. I learned a ton (big thanks to the docents that helped me to learn at Hagley - Pete, John, and Jonathan), and I had a great time. Visiting Hagley is easy - most sites have tours or demonstrations on the half hour, so you're never waiting for long for something new to begin. The shuttle makes it easy to get around, but the property was also beautiful to walk around. Hagley would be great for anyone interested in history, science, or the Brandywine region. Definitely plan to spend a long time here to fully experience what it has to offer!

I just visited this place today (11/16/22) from out of state(NY). I was absolutely amazed by all…read morethe exhibits and super fun trails they had to hike. The staff was very warming, helpful and knowledgeable. A perfect 5/5 and a must visit!!! - Jeffrey Roberts

We had a lovely time at the Rose Valley Museum. The history in Pennsylvania is amazing and this is…read morejust the start of our exploration of history and culture in Delaware County and beyond. Also known as the Thunderbird Lodge, this was a community of artist who started with a leap of faith in 1904 with approximately 60 people and moved here from Paoli. They started a community of woodworking enthusiasts, artists, painters, writers etc.. and were very successful in the arts and crafts movement. The museum was opened in 2017 to the public and has been thriving ever since. The property is approximately laid across one acre of land. There is a wonderful gift shop with may artifacts from the eighteenths and nineteenths centuries, that you may purchase for yourself or others to enjoy for your own pleasure Please, if you live in Delaware County come experience the history of our community and give back to the ones that keep our history alive. There is a mere $10 donation collected at the door when you enter. Unfortunately, the building is not handicapped accessible due to the structure and the artifacts in the building, but this is a great place for couples, especially if you are planning to be in the area or families who want to come to visit and enjoy a day trip learning some historical history about our community. Thank you to the volunteers who were so knowledgeable about this project and extremely helpful to us.

The Rose Valley Museum has been around a little over a year now, but I just discovered it a couple…read moreweeks ago. When I took a look at their events and saw a whiskey & chocolate tasting, um, I was there! Admission is $10 for non-members, but with our $20 event, we got free admission to the museum. I'll explain the museum first, and the event we attended, below. The museum is housed in Thunderbird Lodge, designed by architect, Will Price, who was the father of the Rose Valley craftsmen guild at the beginning of the 20thC. The museum is primarily dedicated to this era in Rose Valley's history, however, there are Native American artifacts, remnants of RV's 18th/19thC. Quaker inhabitancy, and other facets of the borough's history, to learn about, as well. The interior of the lodge is gorgeous! Exposed beams, Arts & Crafts features everywhere, handmade EVERYTHING! Artfully laid fireplace stones, hand-hewn stair railings, leaded glass windows! There were handmade Moravian tiles wherever appropriate (Will Price was friends with Mercer). Just art everywhere! The main room you hit upon entry is where they hold events. Beyond there, you find a sitting room and dining room, arranged for use with original Rose Valley furniture, and period lamps, rugs, and decor, all either made by the original guild, or authentic to the period, and part of the Arts & Crafts style. I saw some Tiffany type lamps, but no Van Erp. Furniture was Stickley style, with a little more rusticism and character, IMO, which adds to the charm. I saw a lot of Art Nouveau pieces, especially in things like candlesticks, pottery, and smaller carved wood decorative objects. Tons of pottery was housed in china cabinets, and glass cases. The woodwork for the trim and built-ins around the lodge is high quality, and beautiful. They are currently restoring it back to its original form (for example, the dining room used to have a curved gold-leaf ceiling). Loads to see, especially if you admire this aesthetic. Since we were there for an evening event, there were various fireplaces roaring, adding so much to the ambiance, as well as candles, and parchment-shaded lamps. It was so cozy and inviting! Upstairs is another large room, which housed a more eclectic array of Rose Valley history. There is a small hand-carved totem pole, papier-mâché animal heads, an original guild worktable, antique train station sign for Moylan-Rose Valley, more original furniture pieces, Plein Air painting, portrait of Price, etc. If you are at all curious about the Arts & Crafts movement, they have truly captured a great feel for its flavor at this museum! ---------------------- Now, the event! I highly recommend trying one of their gatherings! The museum's board was there, and they run things, hands-on, like devoted hospitality ambassadors! They are all so welcoming and friendly. We seriously felt like we'd been invited to a 70-person dinner party, and had conversations with almost all of the board members. They were amazing hosts! Note that this event was sold out, and they had a waiting list, with people at the door hoping to get in. They allow you to sign up online, so if you see something you want, get it! Our tasting was four different rounds of whiskey drink, personally made up by a board member, who knows his stuff. Each round was paired with a chocolate from Shane Confectionery in Philly. Our aficionado announced each round with a fun story, and gave all the details of his ingredients' origins. Every table had ice and water if needed (not for me!). They even went around and offered everyone seconds, and sometimes thirds, on each round... I politely accepted a few of those. We got more than our money's worth, it was amazing! After the tasting, they had a full spread of hors d'oeuvres to help sober up, but, for those hoping to keep the party going, there was also a bar available. Everything was beautifully, tastefully done. I can't wait to try another event!

Delaware County Institute of Science is a fun and free way to spend a few very intriguing hours in…read moreMedia. Located on Vererans Square, adjacent to the DelCo courthouse, DCIS has been around to fascinate and educate for centuries. The institute was founded in 1833, and our guide told us the taxidermy bobcat was one of the original specimens in the collection. It was a wonder to me that taxidermy can last this long!!! Parents, prepare for a lot of taxidermy, and a way to explain this to kids (ahead of time). My 7yo was upset to hear our guide's stories about how to shoot the game so they weren't a bloody mess for the taxidermist. Our guide was a very kind long time DelCo senior, who meant well, and was very apt with his detailed knowledge, but today's kids watch Wild Kratts and have very different politics! I explained that many years ago we didn't respect animals as we do now, and taxidermy like this was the way to learn for most people, who didn't have TV, nor even the books to educate themselves. The most appealing part of this collection was that my son could touch a lot of it! They invite you to touch a whale rib bone, a sawtooth tusk, pangolin scales, petrified wood, and so much more! This is super exciting for kids! I love the petrified wood myself! DCIS is very proud of their minerals collection. We missed that this visit because they are renovating the first floor this summer and it will not reopen until September. I am very excited to go back and see it! My son is too! DCIS guides will proudly tell you more than once that they house the largest seashell collection in the state. It is not only a large (prolific) collection, but a varied and diverse one as well. And, some of the specimens are the largest shells I've seen (outside of some mammoth man-eating monster shell in a major city museum). I don't have a picture of the cabinet with those exact shells (looked like cowrie and welk, but I forget exact names) but they were as big as my head! The museum is three floors, and the top two floors are basically the periphery of an old 19thC theater and stage, with balcony acting as second floor. So not much floor space for this huge collection. But you can easily spend HOURS looking at everything. If you are into this stuff like we are, you could definitely visit the entire day's open hours. The volunteer guides make things come alive too! In addition to SO MANY taxidermy specimens, minerals, fossils, and shells, there is petrified wood, native tribal carvings, a collection of milk bottles from local DelCo dairies, old pharmacy bottles, and detailed collections of technology through the last 2 centuries. I never knew there were not only 4-leaf clovers, but 5-, 6-, 7-, and even 8-leafers, a bunch all pressed in a frame!!! They also have a pressed leaf piece with foliage (Holly and boxwood) from George Washington's tomb surrounding an old lithograph of him. Just so much interesting stuff! I am sure there is even more we didn't get to see. They let my son have a free shell at the end (a small one downstairs, not a display piece ;-) which he loves. This was a great afternoon treat for us, and we can't wait to return when the mineral collection reopens in September. Tips -- Only open Thursdays 10-3 (sometimes only 10-1) Free parking is available in residential streets if you're willing to walk a few blocks. There is no A/C in summer except on the first floor. Be prepared for heat! The view from the free law library at the top of the courthouse across the street is well worth the few minutes to walk over for a side trip. Just ask a guard when you enter the courthouse how to get to the law library.

A fascinating nugget of history in downtown Media. Much more of a "Natural Sciences" museum than a…read moretechnology museum, it is a place where you are not afraid to reach out and touch some of the history of Delaware County.

Such a special place! How had I never heard of this museum?…read moreIt's magic! As others have said, they are not open every day, festival days are held the first Sunday of every month (June-Nov). It is quick and easy to buy tickets online in advance. You can choose admission to the grounds with house tour, admission with rides, or the full package. This was really helpful because though I'd love to someday see the house, it's much easier to just do rides for young kids. With general admission, you do get to see the museum located behind the house, with antique cars, and Lionel trains. The model trains are set up and running, which the kids love. You also get free popcorn from the antique steam-powered popcorn machine. It was really good! Around the grounds, there is a train theme play structure, a pond with fountain and bridge, picnic tables, and a corn hole game. They also had era-appropriate live music, and an ice cream food truck! The Steamin' Days events are from 12:30pm-4:30pm, and if you choose rides, you get 4 with your ticket. They punch the ticket each ride. There is a ride-on steam train, ride-on diesel train, a steam bus, and two convertible cars from which to choose. You can ride 4 times on the same thing, or any combo you like! My son had a blast on everything, but my favorite was the convertible car. The day was all for my son, and I did not think I'd enjoy myself as much as I did, which is always a happy surprise! I can't wait to go to another! Also as others have mentioned, the volunteers were really knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and engaging. They really put their all into creating a spectacular day for everyone. Every detail was covered, from the crossing guard at the entrance making sure everyone was safe, to the "purse parking" table at the train boarding, to the exciting train conductors' uniforms. This place is immaculate looking, and the experience is 1000% streamlined to care for everyone's needs. It was like a VIP event, but my ticket was only $12, and my son's was $4!!! If you have an ACCESS Delaware pass, you get $2pp admission for up to 4 people. The experience is worth so much more! *One caveat was a woman helping with boarding the train; she randomly, and very unnecessarily and harshly, warned my son to keep his hands inside the car--BEFORE he even sat down--with a threat of ejecting him from the ride, and did not give the same misery to any other passenger. You don't speak that way to a 2yo! But overall, I cannot recommend this place enough! It should be all over the brochures of the Brandywine Valley. Such an exciting, fun, amazing place!

Awesome house and grounds - be sure to go to a Steaming Sunday and take a ride on the scale model…read moresteam train - visit the beautiful Victorian manor house and walk through the Stanley Steam Car Museum - plenty of volunteers on hand to answer questions.

I have gone there with the family. It is a great little place to hang out. Everyone on the staff is…read morevery friendly and ready to help if there is an issue. I highly recommend this place.

Some very fun machines. Not very good customer service from the grumpy lady at the front…read more We went a few weeks ago for the first time. We paid $30 for my wife and I to play for an hour. We had a blast!! So I wanted to become a member. I asked if she would please apply the $15 I just paid an hour earlier towards a monthly membership. She said "no, you will have to pay full price if you want a monthly membership." If that is their policy, that is their prerogative. But that seems foolish from a business sense when a customer wants to give you more money and become a recurring monthly payment. It wasn't so much what she said, it was how she said it. I chose not to get a membership because she was kind of rude and it rubbed me the wrong way. We went back a second time and paid our $30 for an hour. She asked if we had our punchcards. We told her no, because we didn't know that we were coming in. She refused to give us another 2 punch cards because she told us they cannot be combined. So, once again, she kind of rubbed us the wrong way as soon as we hand over our money. She told us that someone came in with 6 people and then came in the next day and tried to redeem their punchcards. So someone spent $90-150 with you and you didn't want to let them combine the cards to get a free $15 back from you? That is totally your right as a business owner. But shortsighted, in my opinion, if you would like to have more customers or repeat customers. We had a lot of fun, but several machines were turned off, which was a letdown. And we felt like 5 minutes before our hour expired that she was stalking us. We felt like she was going to be rude to us like our previous two interactions with her. There was no one else playing. But we thought as soon as the clock hit an hour, she would rudely tell us our time was up. We didn't want to be talked down to again, so we rushed out of there. We decided we will join the Delaware Pinball Collective. It is only 20 minutes away. They have a lot more machines, a great monthly membership rate, and are super customer service minded. However, they are ONLY by membership. You cannot come in and just play for an hour or a day. So if you think you would enjoy having a membership and playing a couple times a month, consider the Collective. They have a lot of special events for their members, and zero attitude.

@cityofwilmde The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival returned to Rodney Square in Wilmington, DE for its…read more35th anniversary and did not disappoint! There's a lot to be said about a city that hosts a free multiple day jazz festival, especially during these economic times. Kudos to the mighty City of Wilmington. It was invigorating sitting outdoors with mature music lovers and listening to great artist. I'm grateful the opportunity was available. #cliffordbrownjazzfestival #cliffordbrown #jazz #jazzmusic #wilmingtonde #Wilmington #wilmingtondelaware #rodneysquare #greatmusic #musicllovers #maysa #stokely #festivalfood #festivalfoodtruck #greatfun

This week long FREE festival sponsored by Dupont is a GEM that Wilmington, DE should be proud to…read morehave. The artists for the festival this year was a treat. I attended two nights, Wednesday and Friday. On Wednesday, I saw the following artists: Ray Drummond - BassSharp Radway - PianoShirazette Tinnen -DrumsJermey Pelt - TrumpetJason Curry - SaxLeon Jordan, Jr - TrumpetDaniel Bauerkemper - SaxWayne Escoffery - SaxJason Marshall - Barritone SaxRobin Eubanks - Trombone and on Friday I saw: John "Sax" Williams - Main StagePoint Blank and Main Stage- Leela James - Main Stage. Anyone who knows Leela James should know - She Slayed The Show!! Outstanding Performance!! The street near the stage was blocked off and had food and beverage vendors. I had cheese and crackers along with water in my cooler, but alcohol was served outside the venue if you desire. What made the experience top notch was the crowd. Everyone was mellow as most jazz festval goers tend to be, but it was especially cool because security was present, not overbearing and everyone had the same goal - have a good time - I made sure I did!! I will definitely keep this in my range for next year. Enjoyable time.