Our region is full of wonderful things to do or see, and sometimes, because we don’t have the same time limitations that visitors on vacation face, we forget to take advantage of the wonderful things we can do in our own backyard. We thought we’d suggest a few ideas, in case you were looking for a great day trip or activity to do around the Philadelphia/Brandywine Valley area.

Do You Like The Outdoors?

Fresh, local fruits and berries are terrific, but it’s a little more fun when you can pick them yourself! Milburn’s Orchards in nearby Elkton, Maryland has a variety of opportunities to pick your own produce, or simply buy their excellent produce from their farmer’s market. They have blueberries and blackberries available for picking in July as well as peaches. As Summer wears on and Fall takes hold, they have excellent apple picking with dwarf trees, making it easy for everyone, including grandkids, to participate. They also have amazing apple cider donuts that are worth every calorie!

marsh creek lake kayakingIf you like being outdoors and like sailing but don’t have your own boat, check out Marsh Creek State Park in nearby Downingtown PA . Marsh Creek sits on a lovely lake where you can rent sailboats, trimarans, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, rowboats and motor boats, and paddle boats as well. They are open 7 days a week, weather permitting. click here for the schedule. LL Bean also has an Outdoor Discovery School with lots of great programs hosted there, so be sure to check it out by clicking here!

Have you driven through Chadds Ford and seen people on canoes, kayaks and more near the Brandywine River Museum? There are many companies that will let you rent kayaks, canoes and tubes, including Northbrook Canoe in nearby West Chester. They offer several different trips down the Brandywine, along with special Canoe and Dine events that look fun!

Nearby Winterthur has a special exhibit this summer called Follies: Architectural Whimsy in the Garden that is sure to make every garden lover happy.

dog days of summer eventWe’ve all heard about the Dog Days of Summer, but at the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, they have taken it seriously! This year on August 11, they will be having their 3rd annual Dog Days of Summer event at the State Line Woods Preserve. Bring your furry friend along and have a great walk and play with other dog lovers in the area!

Considering exploring Philadelphia but looking for a new alternative? Consider taking a Segway Tour of the area! There are one and two hour tours available that even include stops for cheesesteaks, giving you a fun and unique way to experience the City without walking miles.

While you’re in Philly, check out Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens- it’s one of the best Japanese gardens in the US and one of Philly’s best-kept secrets!

Delaware Water Gap has a wonderful national park with waterfalls, and hiking that is simply spectacular along the Appalachian Trail, which is just over a two hour drive from Kendal-Crosslands Communities in Bushkill, PA. There are also white water rafting opportunities in the Poconos if you are up for an adventure!

There’s also a host of quirky and fun things to do a little farther from home including:

Going on a Coal Mine Tour in Lansford PA

Take a Cake Decorating Class at Charm City Cakes, owned by Chef Duff Goldman from TV’s Ace of Cakes!

Peabody Library

Peabody Library at Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory

If you’re a library fan, the George Peabody Library at the Peabody Conservatory of Music is open to the public and well worth a drive to Baltimore to see in person!

And if you like craft beers, there’s always visiting the Dogfish Head Brewery and taking a Tour in Milton, Delaware!

We’re always looking for more ideas of things to do in the area, and we’d love to have you share your favorites!