By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Blobfest
The annual BlobFest in Phoenixville definitely qualifies as unique – in the true meaning of the word.
“Unique” means “being the only one of its kind.” It is a very demanding qualification – a very specific qualification.
In the entire world, there is just one BlobFest and it’s held every year right here in Chester County.
“The Blob” is a low-budget horror film that was filmed at the Colonial Theatre and other locations around Phoenixville in 1958. The movie, which starred a very young Steve McQueen, has evolved over the years into a full-fledged cult classic.
“Blob” fans from all around the globe will be heading to Phoenixville to participate in the Annual BlobFest.
The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-917-1228, www.thecolonialtheatre.com) will host the BlobFest with a variety of special events now through July 12.
The BlobFest is not only unique, but also old. The event is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.
There’s a Run-Out scheduled for Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. — providing fans an opportunity to get in the spirit of “Blobfest.”
Screenings of the original and Spanish-dubbed versions of “The Blob” and other horror movies will be presented throughout the weekend.
There will be screenings of “The Blob” at 11 a.m., 4 and 7 p.m. with a Run-Out following the 7 p.m. show.
Another weekend highlight is the “Blobfest Street Fair” from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on July 11 along Bridge Street. It features bands and DJs, a costume contest, vendors, the highly popular “Fire Extinguisher Parade” and the Family Fun Zone with activities suited for kids ages 2-12.
There will also be a Blobfest merchandise tent where visitors can purchase Blobfest memorabilia.
The Ninth Annual Blobfest 5K, 10K and Half Marathon races are scheduled for Sunday morning.
From July 14-18, the Malvern Fire Company Fair (Monument Grounds, Monument Avenue, Malvern, 610-647-0693, http://www.pa-carnivals.com) will be held from 6-10 p.m. each night.The free Malvern Fire Company Fair features rides, games and fun for the entire family and discount ride coupons will be available at local merchants.
Guests can ride an unlimited number of rides at the 2026 Malvern Fire Company Carnival for just $30 per person per day when purchased online or $35 when purchased onsite.
This annual fire department fundraiser features rides for all ages by Houghton Enterprises, plenty of delicious food and treats, carnival games & prizes, fire truck rides, and more.
Fireworks will be held on July 17 at 9:30 p.m.
The Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Association (1326 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, ludwigshorseshow.com) will hold its Seventh Annual Ludwig’s Corner Carnival now through July 11 at the show grounds in Glenmoore.Enjoy rides and amusements by Houghton Enterprises, delicious food, a beer garden, and various vendors. The carnival runs Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from 4-10 p.m. Parking on-site is a $5 donation per vehicle.
Stolen Sun Craft Brewing will be pouring their handcrafted brews and pouring hard seltzer for those 21+ all week at the Beer Garden. Guests can also enjoy a cocktail from Revival Pizza Pub featuring Diamond Sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka
All carnival proceeds benefit the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Association, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the preservation of its 33 acres of open space for horse shows and community events in Northern Chester County.
This Saturday, it will be time for the annual Blueberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com). The free festival will be held July 11 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Linvilla’s grounds in Media.
The festive event will feature children’s entertainment, costumed characters, live music, ice cream sundaes, and blueberry treats.
Festival Treats include a refreshing Blueberry Frozen Lemonade, a Blueberry Apple Cider Slushy, and the indulgent Blueberry Smash Sundae, featuring Old Fashioned Blueberry Pie, homemade blueberry compote, creamy vanilla soft serve, and a delectable sugar cookie.
The host of the Blueberry Festival will be Silly Joe, who will offer music, fun and games for kids of all ages.
George, The Magician! will be performing his amazing Bubble Magic Show at 11 a.m. Following the magic, the Manatawny Creek Ramblers will perform a mix of bluegrass and indie folk music at 1 p.m.
Two rounds of the pie eating contest will crown Linvilla Champions. Ages 13-17 and Ages 18 and up can compete in a timed Blueberry Pie eating challenge.
The winner in each category will be awarded a prize and more importantly have bragging rights for life. Registration for the contest starts at noon.
Exton Community Day & 250th Celebration will be held on July 11 at Exton Park (132 Church Farm Lane, Exton, www.westwhiteland.org/318/Exton-Park-Community-Day).Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of kids activities including face painting, touch-a-truck, pony rides, inflatables and a petting zoo.
The event will feature History Hub and Wishing Wall, food truck vendors, beer/wine garden, a DJ, corn hole, disc golf and yard games.
There will be community giveaways, kids’ tunes with Marchwood Music from 4-8 p.m., a concert at 6:30 p.m. by The Big House Band and fireworks following the concert.
East Brandywine Food Truck Festival, which is presented by East Brandywine Baptist Church, will be held July 11 at East Brandywine Township Park, 440 Dilworth Road, Downingtown, eastbrandywinebaptist.com/ebftf/).
The Fifth Annual East Brandywine Food Truck Festival is a free family-friendly community event offering food, fun and festivities.
The festival features a variety of dinner and dessert trucks, live music, bounce houses, a petting zoo and carnival games for kids.
The festival, which runs until 9 p.m., will close with a lavish fireworks display.
There will also be a 5K Run/Walk at 8 a.m.
On July 11, ChesLen Preserve (1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, 610-486-6288, www.NatLands.org) will host “Pints on the Preserve.”
East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring suds at the Lenfest Center pavilion on Saturday.
Bring a chair or blanket, invite your friends, and lounge on the lawn. These pop-ups events are free.
Visitors can hike the scenic grounds or just relax with a picnic meal.
The ChesLen Preserve is one of the largest private nature preserves in southeastern Pennsylvania. It features sweeping agricultural fields, densely wooded stream corridors and rare serpentine barrens.
There are many points on the property from which visitors can gaze for miles in any direction and see virtually no signs of modern development.
In 2010, The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) designated portions of ChesLen Preserve — specifically the Unionville Barrens — as a “Pennsylvania Wild Plant Sanctuary.”
The program encourages the conservation of natural areas and native plants and recognizes private landowners who serve as models of good conservation and stewardship of these special resources.
The Shady Grove Music Fest will be held on July 11 near Arden Gild Hall, 2126 The Highway, Arden, Delaware, ardenconcerts.com).
The festival, which gets underway at noon, features Heavy Temple, Planette Automatic, Monopod, Haha Charade, Strays&Misfits, La Casa De, Nick Lurwick, Team Lift and Shoeless.
Meals will be for sale at Lower Gild Hall along with beer and wine.
Attendees should bring a chair or blanket for seating. Festival rules are no pets and no BYOB.
Tickets are $25.
A long-running summer music tradition in Lancaster County is the Long’s Park Summer Music Series (www.longspark.org/summer-music-series).
The free concerts, which are running now through August 23, are held at Long’s Park. The concert venue is located at Harrisburg Pike and Route 30 in Lancaster.
The concerts, which start at 7:30 p.m. are free (with donations welcomed). There will be food trucks on site.
The 2026 schedule is: July 12, Las Guaracheras; July 19, Low Lily; July 26, New Breed Brass Band; August 2, J & The Causeways; August 9, Low Cut Connie; August 16, Ghost Funk Orchestra; and August 23, Hayes Carll.
This weekend, the Mount Hope Estate & Winery (Route 72, Cornwall, 717-665-7021, www.PaRenFaire.com) will host “Blues & Brews” from noon-3 p.m.
On July 11, guests can savor the taste of a summertime Maryland feast without the drive: Hard Shell Crabs, Steamed Shrimp, BBQ Pork, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Garden Pasta Salad, Hush Puppies, Fresh Fruit, and Dessert.
The summertime feasting favorites will be accompanied by Swashbuckler Beers, Mount Hope Wines and Lancaster County Ciders set with a backdrop of live music by Jimmy Blue and the Jilted Playboys.
Beer from the Swashbuckler Brewing Company will round out this summertime feast. All the amazing food you can eat, unlimited drinks, and live music with one admission ticket.
Ticket prices are $66.95 for adults and $23.95 for children.
As part of Historic Philadelphia’s anniversary celebration at Franklin Square (200 Sixth Street, Philadelphia, phillychineselanternfestival.com), the organization is illuminating the park with its annual “Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square.”
Now through August 16, Franklin Square will come alive every night with its Chinese Lantern Festival featuring more than two dozen illuminated lanterns – all constructed by lantern artisans from China.
In addition to the gorgeous light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, taste expanded food and drink options including Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for
Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise.
Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events.
Chinese-inspired performances will take place in Franklin Square twice nightly. Performances, which celebrate Chinese performance art and entertainment, are 30-minutes long and are scheduled for 7 and 9 p.m.
Festival hours are 6-11 p.m. Admission is $32 for adults, $29 and $16 for youth.
In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration.
After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.
52 Weeks of Firsts (www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts) is a yearlong, citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.
Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels.
To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year’s worth of free events to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals — held every Saturday of 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in more than a dozen neighborhoods.
Firstival: Saturday July 11 will present “First Organized Baseball Team: 1833.”
Before the Phils, there were the Olympics.
The Olympic Ball Club of Philadelphia was the nation’s very first organized baseball team, planting the roots of America’s favorite pastime right here in the city. Batter up for some serious sports history.
The event will feature a mural by David McShane at Citizens Bank Park
McShane has been designing and painting murals for Mural Arts Philadelphia since 1995, and has completed well over 270 large, outdoor, community-based murals in the Philadelphia area.
His murals include the Phillies Mural, the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Mural, the Herman Wrice Mural, the Larry Fine Mural, the Mural at Dirty Franks, the Jackie Robinson Mural, the Legendary Blue Horizon Mural, the City of Champions Mural and nineteen elementary school transformation projects in partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The event will be held July 11 at Citizens Bank Park, winch is located at 1 Citizens Bank Way in South Philadelphia.
Visitors are invited to join Schuylkill River Greenways Association (schuylkillriver.org/america250-paddle) on Saturday, July 11 with more than 100 kayakers as they paddle the tidal Schuylkill River for a one-of-a-kind paddling event and festival to celebrate the unique historical significance of the Schuylkill River and Fort Mifflin on the Delaware — Philly Phlotilla.
The kayaking portion of the event will begin around 1 p.m. at the Walnut Street Dock.
Kayakers will paddle through the heart of Philadelphia decked out in red, white, and blue, creating an amazing spectacle for visitors and residents to view and cheer on the flotilla from the river bridges.
Paddlers will also be accompanied by SV First Light, a family-owned sailboat company that specializes in historic river trips.
The colorful Philly Phlotilla from Schuylkill Banks and the tidal river’s many bridges gets underway at 1 p.m.
Visiting Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org) is a real treat at any time during the year but especially sweet during the summer when the grounds are filled with vibrant colors produced by a variety of flowers.
Longwood Gardens is one of the best outdoor attractions in the area, one of the best family attractions in the state and one of the best gardens attractions in the country.
There are times when even the very best can get better.
Each of the six districts has a distinct personality.
Chimes Tower District — A stunning hillside of rare, expertly edited plants, a historic bell tower anchored on a 50-foot waterfall, and award-winning trees beckon, all within view of the majestic Main Fountain Garden.
Conservatory District — Considered the centerpiece of Longwood Gardens, stunning 19th-century architecture works in harmony with a perpetual flower show under acres of glass. Explore dazzling displays and rare plant species through a series of breathtaking rooms.
House & Theater District — Developed with the specific purpose of display and performance, experience a vista to the early days of Longwood, taking in views that Pierre and his family enjoyed more than a century ago, including Peirce’s Park and Peirce’s Woods.
Lakes District — Open vistas, rolling green lawns, sparkling water, and splashing fountains recall a European holiday from days gone by, reminding us of the joy of fresh air, a nice walk, and an exquisite view.
Meadow & Forest District — The expansive landscape of the Meadow and Forest District harmonizes the best practices in ecological restoration with garden designs showcasing horticultural excellence and beauty while prioritizing plant and animal communities.
Main Fountain Garden District — The classical gardens and grand theatre of this district have captivated guests for more than 90 years. Inspired by Pierre S. du Pont’s travels to Europe’s great water gardens, World’s Fairs, and expositions, the Main Fountain Garden highlights horticulture, engineering marvels, and the beauty of exceptional design.
Longwood’s summer schedule features Main Fountain Garden Performances through October, Illuminated Fountain Performances Thursdays-Saturdays through October, Festival of Fountains through October, Fireworks & Fountains Shows on select dates through October, Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows daily through November, and Festive Fridays one per month.
Admission to Longwood Gardens is $38 for adults, $38 for seniors and college students, $29 for active military and $22 for youth.
Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Live on the Lawn” now through September 27 and “Friday Night Wine Down” now through September 25.
“Live on the Lawn” is a brand-new outdoor music series featuring local talent, great wine, and relaxed vibes every summer weekend afternoon.
“Friday Night Wine Down” offers fun games, drink specials, and extended hours on Friday evenings.
The laid-back, laugh-filled series features Quizzo trivia with fun themes and great prizes; seasonal wine slushies, PA craft beer, fresh mocktails, and the venue’s newest wine releases; and delicious bites from the winery’s new, in-house food menu including specialty weekly pizzas.
Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) is presenting “Live Music on the Lawn” every weekend during the summer months.
On July 11, Adam McCue will perform from 2-5 p.m. and Rick Caldwell will play from 1-4 p.m. on July 12.
On Saturday afternoon, the event will also feature a food truck pop-up with tasty food from The Haven Social.
Next weekend’s schedule features Joe Vandetty on July 17, Greg Jones on July 18 and Brooke DiCaro on July 19.
The West Chester Railroad (610-430-2233, www.wcrailroad.com) is running its “Summer Picnic Specials” every Sunday now through September 22 at noon each day.
Passengers can enjoy a relaxing 90-minute train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on a warm summer afternoon. They can also pack a lunch to have during the excursion’s stop at the Glen Mills train station picnic grove.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children (ages 2-12).
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, 215-862-2332, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Grapevine Express,” which features “Grapevine Express” on July 12, 13 and 14 at 5 p.m. each night.
Riders are invited to take part in a romantic “Wine and Cheese Excursion” and enjoy fine gourmet cheese, artisan crackers, meats, fruit, and our featured local wines. Additional Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages are also available onboard.
Wine and cheese will be served to passengers as they travel along the same railroad line passengers did when it was built in 1891 connecting New Hope with Philadelphia. The journey travels through the beautiful hills and valleys of Bucks County, along once vital waterways and streams and across numerous trestle bridges.
The excursions will take place aboard one of the railroad’s lavishly appointed early-1900’s first-class parlor cars.
Tickets are $116 (Ages 21 and older only).
This weekend, the Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running its “Wine & Cheese Train” on July 11 and 12 at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Passengers can enjoy the luxurious, climate-controlled first-class accommodations and a tasting of select wine, cheese, and crackers as they travel in style down the tracks from Strasburg to Paradise and back. The total trip time is 45 minutes.
“Wine & Cheese Train” boarding is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Riders must be 21 or older and have their photo ID ready when they board.
Featured wines are carefully selected from Waltz Vineyards, and cheeses are paired accordingly. Beer and select non-alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase upon request. Riders can purchase a souvenir wine glass on board the train if desired. Glasses are $7 each.
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol is only served during the train ride. The rail line is not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages while the train is berthed in the station.
This popular train is available on select Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the season. Tickets are $70.
On July 11, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) is presenting “Bat Night Walk.”
Visitors are invited to come to the nature site in Delaware County to learn about different bat species found on the refuge on this special twilight walk.
The Walk, which will run from 8-9:30 p.m., is free and kid friendly.
On July 12, there will be a “Bird Walk” with Debie Beer as the tour guide.
Each walk will run from 8-10 a.m.
Participants can take an educational walk with one of the refuge’s knowledgeable volunteers.
They’ll be able to discover the 300-plus species of birds that use the refuge during their migration routes. Each week guarantees different species.
Both walks will start at the visitor center and be at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces.
Treetop Quest Philly (51 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia, www.treetopquest.com) is an aerial adventure park that will challenge you physically and mentally as you maneuver from tree to tree through obstacles and zip-lines.
Once you’re equipped, they will teach you how to operate your equipment and you’ll be able to swing through each course as many times as you want for 2.5 hours.
Each participant is outfitted with a harness and gloves. Each course has a continuous belay system — a lifeline that is impossible to detach without a staff member. The activity is self-guided, and the staff is ready to assist when needed.
Gloves are required for this activity. During this time, we encourage participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves to use while up in the trees. Gardening gloves are perfect for this activity.
Ticket prices start at $49.
On July 11, it’s time for “Second Saturdays at Kalmar Nyckel’s Maritime Center” at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org).
The event offers hands-on history and fun for all ages at the Kalmar Nyckel’s riverfront site.
“What’s in a Flag?,” which runs from 1-4 p.m., is a fun and educational family-friendly program that explores the origins and symbolism of four flags related to the history of Fort Christina Park: the Swedish, Finnish, Stars and Stripes (American), and Delaware State flags.
After learning the history and significance of these flags, visitors will be invited to create their own symbolic/national flag.
Activities are included in summer park admission, which is free. Museum admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is presenting its “Summer Splash” now through September 7.
There’s nothing like summer at Sesame Place Philadelphia! It’s a great time to have fun and cool off with splashy water attractions for all ages. Enjoy Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores, Big Bird’s Beach, The Count’s Splash Castle, Big Bird’s Rambling River, and more.
Plus, have even more fun in the sun by enjoying our family-friendly rides like Oscar’s Wacky Taxi Roller Coaster, Elmo’s Flyin’ Fish, the Sunny Day Carousel, and the 123 Playground!
Summer is the perfect time to meet you favorite Sesame Street friends at Sesame Place! Grab one-of-a-kind pictures with your favorite furry friends! Dance and sing along with everyone at our exciting character dining experiences and shows. Don’t miss the Sesame Street Party Parade which is full of fun and promises to get the whole family singing and dancing.
This weekend, it’s time for “Tango’s Gotcha Day Celebration.”
Visitors can celebrate Elmo’s adoption of his sweet and adorable puppy Tango at Sesame Place Philadelphia with all things Tango.
Festivities include Elmo & Tango’s Gotcha Day Scavenger Hunt, the Furry Friends Gotcha Day Celebration Dance Party, and special photo opportunities with Tango, Barkley, and their friends dressed in puppy-themed costumes around the park.
There will be puppy-themed fun around every corner including the “Fur-ever Friends Pet Adoption Event” in partnership with Philly Rescue Angels. Guests can meet and apply to adopt rescue dogs just like Tango on July 11 and 12.
A sweet place to enjoy flowers in bloom is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).
The arboretum’s schedule for this weekend features the “Weekend Bird Walk with the Valley Forge Audubon Society” on July 11 at 8 a.m.
Participants can discover the birds of Tyler Arboretum on a guided walk through forests and meadows with the Valley Forge Audubon Society. They will be able to listen for songs and calls, watch for movement in the trees, and experience the wonders of this Audubon-recognized Important Bird Area up close.
The arboretum’s schedule for this weekend also features the “Saturday Wildflower Walk ” at 11 a.m. on July 11.
As dusk settles over the Arboretum on Friday evening, participants will head into the forest to explore fields, meadows, and forest edges — prime habitats for observing fireflies at this time of year.
Along the way, the tour guide will highlight seasonal features and points of natural interest.
Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults (ages 18-64), $15 for seniors (65 and older) and $10 for children (ages 3-17) and Military with valid ID.
Hope Lodge (553 South Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-343-0965, http://www.ushistory.org/hope/) will be presenting a “Guided Mansion Tour” on July 12.
Hope Lodge was built between 1743 and 1748 by Samuel Morris, a prosperous Quaker entrepreneur. Morris acted as a farmer, shipowner, miller, iron master, shop owner, and owner of the mill now known as Mather Mill. Hope Lodge is an excellent example of early Georgian architecture, and it is possible that Edmund Woolley, architect of Independence Hall, offered advice in building. Samuel Morris owned the estate until his death in 1770.
Visitors can participate by watching a short film and then taking a tour. Guided tours of the mansion will depart at 1 and 2:30 p.m.
Tour admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (age 65+) and for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5. Hope Lodge is a Blue Star Museum which means that active-duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve and their families, are admitted free for regular tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Germantown Second Saturday Festival (http://www.freedomsbackyard.com) will be held on July 11 from noon-5 p.m. at Historic Market Square Park (Germantown Avenue and School House Lane, Germantown)
Historic Germantown and Germantown United CDC is beginning its 2026 Second Saturday series featuring all 16 Historic Germantown sites, which will be open monthly (May thru October).
The event highlights the many thriving cultural, civic and business activities that make Germantown an exciting place to visit.
Special attractions at Saturday’s event will be a live music; an arts and crafts marketplace; historic re-enactors, family-friendly programs and free bus and walking tours of Historic Germantown sites.
“Botany of Nations,” which will run now through February 14, 2027 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, ansp.org), is a groundbreaking exhibition that provides a new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery.
Co-curated with Enrique Salmón, PhD, an ethnobotanist and author of IWÍGARA: The Kinship of Plants and People, and developed with contributions from Indigenous cultural historians, Botany of Nations offers a culturally layered view of the plants of North America.
Collected on the famous expedition, some of the oldest plant specimens in the country today are housed in the Academy’s own Lewis and Clark Herbarium. Learn how the Native Nations Meriwether Lewis met on the trail shaped America’s plant knowledge long before Western scientists claimed these “discoveries.” Centering the voices of Native Nations who have protected and cared for the lands for thousands of years, Botany of Nations presents plants as portals to Indigenous storytelling and knowledge.
Admission prices are — Adults (Age 13 and above), $22; Seniors (age 65+), $19; Children (Age 2 – 12), $18.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) is always a special place to enjoy both history and nature.
There seems to be no end to what’s in bloom — and in almost every corner of the garden.
The garden is a result of the artistic vision of its creator, Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) and is surrounded by nearly 1,000 acres of meadows, farmland, and waterways.
The views in every direction are important to the whole. The paths are an integral part of the overall design, curving rather than straight, following the contours of the land, passing around trees, and drawing walkers into the garden.
Visitors can explore the garden on foot, or on a narrated tram ride (March-December).
On July 11, the “Director’s Garden & Estate Walk: Chimney Swifts on Farm Hill” will run from 8-9:30 p.m.
Participants can join Chris Strand, director of Winterthur, on a special walk highlighting interesting and seldom seen parts of the landscape.
Be sure to bring a flashlight, dress for the weather, and wear walking shoes. Included with admission, please add the walk to your order during check out.
Meet at the Visitor Center patio. Walks start promptly at scheduled time and take place on the second Saturday of the month, year-round. Inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, extreme heat, high winds, or snow, may be cause for cancellation.
Admission to Winterthur is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and students and $10 for children.
The newest exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford, brandywine.org), is “Treasures from the Family: The Gift of Betsy James Wyeth.”
Visitors can discover Betsy James Wyeth’s role as the curator and archivist of the Wyeth family’s rich history and collections in “Treasures from the Family: The Gift of Betsy James Wyeth.”
The exhibition consists of art and archival material from the major bequest she left to the Brandywine Museum of Art upon her death in 2020.
Andrew and Betsy Wyeth were long-time supporters of the Museum. From its earliest days, the Wyeths stepped in to ensure there would always be works of art in the galleries. Their role in transferring the N.C. Wyeth House and Studio, and later, the Andrew Wyeth Studio to the Museum’s care helped to transform the institution’s mission.
The couple’s vision for the future led to the creation of the Museum’s Andrew and Betsy Wyeth Study Center, which also stewards the collection of the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. In a final act of philanthropy, Betsy Wyeth planned a major gift of artworks—beyond those by Andrew Wyeth—and the family’s rich trove of archival material to the Museum.
“Treasures” highlights paintings held by the Wyeth family, many of which were on loan to Brandywine for decades. Such paintings as N.C. Wyeth’s Self-Portrait with Palette (ca. 1909-1912) or his Captain Nemo (1918) have frequently hung in the galleries but will now make Brandywine their permanent home thanks to Betsy Wyeth’s planning.
In addition to these familiar paintings, other works in the bequest showcase moments in N.C. Wyeth’s career development such as a teenage self-portrait and his experiments with impressionist brushwork. Among the gems in the exhibition are examples of his early Western work that catapulted him to the top of the illustration field.
Admission to the Brandywine Museum of Art is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (65+) and $8 for children ages 6-18 and students with ID.
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has a popular ongoing attraction – “Nation of Inventors.”
“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s acclaimed collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.
In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.
“Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.
Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).
Thursdays through Sundays, Rockwood Park & Museum (4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, Delaware, 4671 Washington Street Ext, Wilmington, www.newcastlede.gov/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is presenting “Self-Guided Museum Tours.”
Visitors will be able to explore the grandeur, history and beauty of Rockwood Mansion, home of the Shipley, Bringhurst and Hargraves families for 120 years. This tour emphasizes the magnificent mansion interiors and stories of the families that lived there.
The 2026 season is underway at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org).
Originally constructed in 1910, Nemours Estate is one of Delaware’s grandest buildings and includes the largest formal French garden in North America.
Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite, 77-room mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur’s Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles, and 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Nemours was the estate of Alfred I. duPont.
Alfred named the estate Nemours, after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the French Estates General. While looking to the past and his ancestors for inspiration, Alfred also ensured that his new home was thoroughly modern by incorporating the latest technology and many of his own inventions.
The Gardens are one of the estate’s prime attractions. The 157 jets at the center of the one-acre pool shoot water 12 feet into the air; when they are turned off, the entire “Long Walk” is reflected in the pool. The pool, five and a half feet deep in its deepest section, holds 800,000 gallons of water and takes three days to fill.
The Art Nouveau-style, classical mythology-based “Four Seasons” around the pool are by French-born American sculptor Henri Crenier (1873–1948).
Admission to Nemours is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $10 for children.
You can take advantage of these options with the 2026 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport (www.visitwilmingtonde.com/passport/).
The cost is $49 for an individual pass and $99 for a family pass (for up to five family members).
The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is good for one-time admission to Wilmington and Brandywine Valley’s top attractions now through October 31.
A family pass, which includes one-day admission to each of 12 sites, can bring a savings of over $200 for the holders — especially since many of the participating institutions have regular admission fees in double figures.
The list of locations covered by the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport includes Longwood Gardens, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, Brandywine River Museum, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware History Museum, Hagley Museum and Library, Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts, Nemours Mansion & Gardens, Read House and Garden, Mt. Cuba Center, Rockwood Museum and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.
Historic Odessa just reopened for spring tours and celebrated the beginning of its 2026 season.
Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.
Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.
Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The site is also open Monday by reservation.
The Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware, www.delart.org) is currently featuring several new exhibitions.
“Living Indigenous,” which runs through August 23, celebrates the creative contributions of Indigenous artists living in and connected to Delaware, developed in partnership with the Nanticoke Indian Museum.
“Citizen Artist,” which is on display through July 19, coincides with the Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The “Citizen Artist” will meet a moment of national reflection with a celebration of artist workers in America.
“The People’s Gallery,” which runs August 7 through September 6, amplifies Delaware 250 by inviting up to 600 Delaware residents or DelArt Members to submit one work of art for exhibition in the Museum.
The Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $6 for youth.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org) will present its “1704 Mill Tour” on June 27 and 28.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the site’s 1704 water powered mill.
While the Mill is not currently operational, visitors on guided tours will get a rare opportunity to see the process of building a new waterwheel and waterbox.
Visitors must be on a guided tour to go inside the Grist Mill.
Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.
The 2026 season is in full swing at Chanticleer (786 Church Street, Wayne, www.chanticleergarden.org).
The Chanticleer estate dates from the early 20th-century, when land along the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad was developed for summer homes to escape the heat of Philadelphia. Adolph Rosengarten, Sr., and his wife Christine chose the Wayne-St. Davids area to build their country retreat. The family’s pharmaceutical firm would become part of Merck & Company in the 1920s.
The Rosengartens hired architect and former classmate Charles L. Borie to design the house, which was completed in 1913. Landscape architect Thomas Sears designed the terraces as extensions of the house. A 1924 addition converted the summer home into a year-round residence and the family moved here permanently.
Rosengarten’s humor is evident in naming his home after the estate “Chanticlere” in Thackeray’s 1855 novel “The Newcomes.”
As the home of the Rosengartens, Chanticleer was beautiful and green with impressive trees and lawns. Most of the floral and garden development you see today has occurred since 1990 — designed by Chanticleer staff and consultants.
Admission to Chanticleer is $12 for adults and free for pre-teen children (12 years and under).
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusiapa.org), which is located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River, has been a stately presence on this stretch of water, just north of Philadelphia, for more than 200 years.
The ancestral home of the Biddle family, Andalusia is also a natural paradise of native woodlands and spectacular gardens that have evolved over time.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966, the Big House — one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States — provides an unparalleled look into our nation’s past, while also offering a glimpse into the life of a family that helped to shape its future.
Its surrounding gardens delight the senses all through the year, from the tumbling, brightly colored leaves of fall to the floral extravaganza of spring and the abundance and scent of summer.
Self-Guided Garden Tours will be available Mondays through Wednesdays through November 4 (excluding holidays) at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Visitors can stroll the spectacular formal gardens and native woodlands during a self-guided garden tour at their leisure and enjoy sweeping views from the banks of the Delaware River. Picnics are allowed on the grounds (with a “carry-in, carry-out” policy).
If you enjoy walking around garden displays or if you like to look at model railroad layouts, then you should definitely check out the Garden Railway Display at the Morris Arboretum & Garden (100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill, www.morrisarboretum.org).
The ultra-popular Garden Railway Display has become a major summer attraction at The Gardens at Morris Arboretum. The 27th annual edition of the display opened May 23 and will remain open until September 30.
This summer, Morris Arboretum will unveil a brand-new exhibition in its popular Garden Railway – “Garden Railway: World Pollinators,” part of its new summer-long exhibition, “Bees, Butterflies & Blooms: A Pollinator Paradise.”
As one of the largest outdoor miniature train displays in the United States, the Garden Railway will delight and amaze visitors of all ages.
The railway has a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under) and bustling model trains.
The buildings and the display are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with miniature rivers.
Philadelphia-area landmarks are all meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle. There is even a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pinecone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts.
Visitors will be able to see miniature replicas of iconic structures at some of America’s most famous public gardens including the Climatron at Missouri Botanical Garden, Torii Gate and Pavilion at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Science Pyramid at Denver Botanic Gardens, and so much more.
Admission is $22 for adults; $20 for seniors (65 and older); $12 for youth (ages 13-17 or with ID), active military and retired military; and free for children (under 3).
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $20.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.
