As much as there is to do here in the Valley, one of its perks is the proximity of destinations in all directions. New York and Philadelphia always have city excitement to offer, but here are four more obscure spots to satisfy the urge for a day’s worth of adventure.
Longwood Gardens Main Conservatory
Longwood Gardens
The sprawling botanical garden in Kennett Square is open year round, awash with spring blooms in May and swathed with lights for Christmas. Indoors and out, you’ll find plants and flowers, from tropical banana trees to traditional roses.
Strap on your walking shoes to make the most of a summer visit to over 1,000 acres of garden, woodland and meadow. The activities slate is chockablock too, with frequent concerts, lectures and courses offered. On August 11, Longwood’s impressive fountain display steps it up with the monthly Fireworks and Fountains event, pairing more than 1,700 jets with sparkling explosions and the musical accompaniment of Leonard Bernstein’s works to celebrate his 100th birthday.
A Beer Garden supplied by Victory Brewing offers pub fare for the hungry horticulturalist, along with a full-service dining venue and a café option.
Longwood’s open-air theater hosts concerts from diverse and delightful acts this month, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Kennett Symphony and the Cajun French music of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.
Well worth a 1.5-hour drive, come for the incredible gardens, stay for so much more!
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle
Planted in the tranquil countryside of Doylestown, the “Mercer Mile” is a one-of-a-kind historical site of three poured concrete buildings designed by archaeologist and collector Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century. These include his whimsical home, Fonthill Castle, studded with decorative tiles, ceramics and built-in furniture, as well as a tile works and museum.
The Moravian Tile Works still produces tiles in the traditional style with local clay. These can be found in mosaics in the Casino at Monte Carlo, Pennsylvania’s State Capitol Building, Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre and many more landmarks.
The Mercer Museum houses more than 40,000 artifacts from pre-industrial society. A proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement, Mercer believed industrialism was destroying society, and devoted much of his collection to the tools and trades of early American life.
About an hour’s drive south of the Valley, this is a deep and beautiful dive into the collection of a remarkable man who amassed a historical treasure trove, as well as a chance to see tilemaking in action and explore an elaborately decorated 44-room concrete castle.
Turkey Hill Experience
Turkey Hill Experience
Although it’s awesome for kids, any ice cream lover can enjoy the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster. Between 1.5 to 2 hours away, this family attraction is housed in an old silk mill. Not only does the Experience offer plentiful samples, it’s also full of interactive exhibits that make this delicious day trip an education in dairy farming and the ice cream-making process.
Milk mechanical cows, learn about the history of the area and the Depression-era founding of Turkey Hill, sit in a vintage milk truck and even star in your own Turkey Hill commercial. A 30-minute Tea Discovery experience reveals the expertise that goes into formulating their teas, with tastes and teachings on teas of the world.
Possibly the coolest: the Taste Lab where kids (and adults) can design their own ice cream flavor and take home a pint. This costs extra and requires a reservation, but for a true ice cream aficionado, it’s a dream come true.
Princeton Record Exchange in Princeton, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Music lovers make the 1.5-hour pilgrimage to Princeton whenever they get the hankering for that brick-and-mortar treasure hunting experience. Rows and rows of new and used LPs, CDs and DVDs at Princeton Record Exchange can suck you in for hours.
A massive musical mecca with a collection of well over 100,000 items in good condition, it’s impossible not to find something you want. Prices from as low as one dollar and a knowledgeable staff that’s frankly stoked to be working there make it a great place to while away the day.
If you’re more (or also) into reading, the big, beautiful independent book store Labyrinth Books could claim a whole afternoon. Paper Source is another good spot to hit, an uncommon stationery store with awesome craft paper, stamps and unusual gift cards.
Reward yourself for all your arduous shopping with a scrumptious bowl of ramen from Kung Fu Tea and Noodle House and organic ice cream and gelato from The Bent Spoon, where flavors like sweet potato bourbon, Cointreau cilantro and lavender mascarpone will blow your taste buds clear away.
