The Brandywine Valley celebrates a tradition of agriculture and artisan trades as rich as our soil. Family-owned farms throughout the region nurture nature’s gifts, and local chefs transform the yield into fresh culinary creations. Get a taste of our local harvest at farms, restaurants and agritourism events throughout the region.
Hayrides, Orchards and Farms
Start at the farm! Pick your own apples and enjoy hayrides every weekend of October at our rolling orchards. Be sure to check each location for details and come hungry for farm-fresh, countryside treats. Highland Orchards is a favorite for hayrides, pumpkin picking, farm animals, and kids’ activities all-in-one. Sip on their fresh apple cider – or better yet, a homemade donut! Still have a sweet tooth? Meet the cows at Milky Way Farm and enjoy ice cream made from their milk. For an evening experience in the orchard, Sugartown Strawberries offers special hayride and bonfire packages for groups.
Orchards with Hayrides:
- Highland Orchards
- Milky Way Farm
- Sugartown Strawberries
- Lytle’s Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Farm
- Olszanowski Farm
- Colonial Gardens
Picking Orchards:
The Woodlands at Philips Mushroom Farms
When in the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square, a trip to the mushroom farm is a mush-see! Dig into the region’s mushroom history and see the growing process with a free self-guided tour of the Mushroom Museum at The Woodlands at Philip Mushroom Farms.
Growers Markets and Farm Stands
Explore a variety of pop-up growers’ markets and farm stands throughout your stay. See what’s near you and stroll through for a locally brewed coffee – although you’re sure to return with much more! Our local artisans offer more than just produce; enjoy beautiful fresh-picked bouquets, fragrant natural candles and hot prepared foods made with local ingredients. The West Chester Growers Market is just blocks away from Hotel Warner for the perfect pick-me-up before or between your day of Brandywine Valley fun. Consider packing a cooler to bring the harvest (and more!) home – many visitors do! Local tip: hours vary by season. Be sure to check each market’s website before your visit.
- West Chester Growers Market (Sat 9-1, first & third Sat 10 - 12)
- Artisan Exchange (Sat 10-1)
- SIW Vegetables (Daily 9-6)
- Kennett Farmers Market (Fri 3-6)
- Malvern Farmers Market (Sat 9-1)
- New Garden Growers Market (Sat 9-noon)
- Phoenixville Farmers Market (Sat 9-noon)
- Downingtown Farmers Market (Sat 9-1)
- Oxford Farmers Market (Thur 8-6, Fri 8-7, Sat 8-5)
- Eagleview Farmers Market (Thurs 3-6:30)
- Vollmecke Orchards (Tues & Fri 3-7PM, Sat 10:30-1:30)
- Yeager’s Farm and Market (Hours Vary)
Some of Our Farm-to-Fork Favorites
You saw the harvest on display at the market, now allow our chefs to transform it into delicious culinary creations. Discover farm-to-fork restaurants with inviting atmospheres and intriguing seasonal menus. While many of our restaurants incorporate local ingredients, a few of our favorites below carefully cater their offerings to the season’s yield.
- Portabellos
- Root’s Café
- Mae’s
- Terrain Garden Café Devon
- Talula’s Table
- Talula’s serves an exclusive eight-course chef’s tasting menu to just two parties each evening. The Farm Tableseats a group of eight to twelve guests, and the cozy Nook Table seats a smaller party of four to eight after the market closes for the day. Both reservations are highly coveted so plan ahead and book at getaway around this amazing culinary experience.
- Talula’s serves an exclusive eight-course chef’s tasting menu to just two parties each evening. The Farm Tableseats a group of eight to twelve guests, and the cozy Nook Table seats a smaller party of four to eight after the market closes for the day. Both reservations are highly coveted so plan ahead and book at getaway around this amazing culinary experience.
Agritourism Events
Farm fanatics unite! Gather with fellow forager foodies at events to celebrate agriculture, from the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival (the weekend after Labor Day) to laid-back weekend pop-ups and countryside celebrations.
- Celebrate local farmers and folks who make honest food at Good Food Fest, Sunday November 3rd from 11-4 at Kimberton Fairgrounds. The festival features three Epic Farmers Markets paired with live music, cooking demos, and drinks on tap. The tented, family-friendly event is rain or shine.
- Birchrun Hill Cheese Farm hosts happy hours on fall Fridays from 3-7PM (weather permitting), featuring local wine and cheese pairings, live music, and special guest vendors. Your pre-ordered grazing board features four or more local cheeses for you and a guest. Le Garage Winery, operated out of an antique Volkswagen bus, serves their locally crafted wine and makes for a fun photo-op. Watch the cows graze on the pasture and wave them a “thank you!” for the cheese as you unwind on the farm. Learn more about the many Chester County Cheese Artisans that dedicate their lives and lands to the art and science of cheese-making.
Chester County Cheers
- The local wineries, breweries and distilleries of the Brandywine Valley share a proud tradition of craftsmanship, from vine to wine and grain to glass. Unwind in vibrant vineyards, kick back at the tap, or lift your spirits at the bar. Enjoy Chester County Cheers at 10+ wineries, 25+ breweries and distinguished distilleries throughout the region, all with libations proudly crafted in the Brandywine Valley.
Immerse yourself in our harvest with a countryside getaway to enjoy all of the region’s natural beauty and charm; visitors receive untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens with their stay at participating accommodations.
We look forward to hosting you in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley!
