By Cathy Green
Planning to stay close to home this summer, but not too close? Whatever your interests, our region offers a variety of activities within a day’s reach.
Many in this sampling accommodate group tours; some have special rates for special programs. Call or visit the websites for hours or admission prices. All are in Pa. unless indicated otherwise.
Antiques
Winterthur
Del. Route 52, 6 miles NW of Wilmington, Del.
Former country house of Henry Francis du Pont. Collection of Americana, 60-acre garden and special events, such as a quilt demonstration and sale June 7.
Art and Crafts
Barnes Foundation
300 N. Latches Lane, Merion; accessible from SEPTA’s R5 train or Route 44 bus.
One of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, as well as African sculpture. Advance reservations required. Advisable 45 days early for cetain days.
610-667-0290; www.barnesfoundation.org
Brandywine River Museum
U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford
American art, especially from the Brandywine region, including works by Wyeth family.
610-388-2700; www.brandywinemuseum.org
Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center
1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, N.J.
In a region once a center of the glassblowing trade, craftsmen demonstrate. Other handiwork also displayed.
Toll Free: 800-998-4552;
856-825-6800; www.wheatonarts.org
Gardens
Chanticleer
786 Church Road, Wayne
Tropicals, perennials, cut flower and vegetable garden, ponds, woodlands.,
610-687-4163; www.chanticleergarden.org.
Longwood Gardens
U.S. Route 1, 30 miles W of Phila.,
3 miles NE of Kennett Square.
Changing displays of 11,000 types of plants. Concerts, exhibits, spectacular fountains.
610-388-1000; www.longwoodgardens.org
History
Historic Cold Spring Village
720 Route 9S,
3 miles N of Cape May, N.J.
22-acre re-creation of country village. Demonstrations by blacksmiths, tinsmiths, weavers, potters, others. Field crops, flowers, vegetables, herbs.
609-898-2300; www.hcsv.org
Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 N. Outer Line Drive,
King of Prussia
George Washington’s army spent a brutal winter there; some cabins and guns remain at the site.
610-783-1077; www.nps.gov/vafo
