By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
There are options galore for those who want to brave this weekend’s weather and deal with the brutal heat and humidity that is in the forecast. Fortunately, there are many indoor events in addition to a full schedule of outdoor activities.There is a diverse list of options – including an old-fashioned carnival, live music by Bangladesh’s top-ranked popular singer, breakfast with the tallest creature you’ll ever encounter and a celebration of Lafayette.
The “2025 Town Tours and Village Walks” program has returned for its 31st year with the theme of “Untold Stories.”
This year’s programs will focus on people and places that are not the economic or social elite, war heroes, or celebrities.
The featured sites will represent the everyday citizens and places of Chester County that are the foundation of our history and heritage.
Featured sites include those connected to the Underground Railroad, the shift workers of our industries, educators, farmers, Revolutionary War soldiers, and more. Some of the sites featured this year include Barnard Station in Pocopson, Coatesville’s business district, charcoal production sites at Warwick County Park, and more.
The programs are free and held weekly, on Thursdays, now through August 21 at locations throughout Chester County
Every program starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
Instead of Thursday, this week’s tour will be held on Saturday, July 26.
With a theme of “Lafayette Day,” the tour will start at 10 a.m. at Thornbury Farm, which is located at 1256 Thornbury Road in West Chester.
There is a good reason the tour shifted days this week.
The National Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration in Chadds Ford and West Chester takes place on July 26.According to Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, “The national spotlight will focus on our community. Our committee has been planning for this day for several years.”
“The day begins at 10 a.m. at Thornbury Farm, on the Brandywine battlefield. The focus then turns to West Chester.”
In 1824 and 1825, Frenchman Lafayette, a Revolutionary War American hero, returned to the United States as the “Nation’s Guest.” For 13 months, Lafayette toured all 24 states and received grand welcomes from each city and hamlet he visited.
On July 26, 1825, Lafayette visited the Brandywine battlefield where he was wounded on September 11, 1777, and later in the day West Chester where he was given a grand dinner.
On Saturday, the program, including an appearance by Lafayette, will take place at 11 a.m. There will then be a heritage walk to the location where Lafayette was wounded on September 11, 1777.
In addition to the historical aspects of the day, there will be activities for children and food trucks will provide refreshments. Vendors will be on the property along with displays from non-profit organizations.
What’s summer without a fair with rides and games or a carnival with corn dogs and cotton candy?
Goshen Country Fair
One of the best — and longest-running – fairs is the annual Goshen Country Fair (Goshen Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, East Goshen, 610- 430-1554, www.goshencountryfair.org).
The fair, which is celebrating its 76th anniversary this season, will run from July 28-August 2 at the Goshen Fairgrounds, which are located just off West Chester Pike three miles east of West Chester.
The free family-oriented event is held each year as a benefit for the Goshen Fire Company. It will open at 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday and at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
This is an authentic down-home country fair with all the agricultural events found at most traditional country fairs, including livestock competitions each night at 6 p.m.
The fair will also feature competitions for pies, vegetables, jams and jellies, specimen flowers, bread, cookies, flowering houseplants, cakes, flower arrangements, and candy. Nightly attractions include live music performances, tug-of-war competitions and pie-eating contests.
The schedule for live music includes Cherry Crush Duo on July 28, Johnny “Cash” Barnett Band on July 29, West Chester Swing Kings Band on July 30, Northern Rednecks on July 31, Chester County Lawmen on August 1 and Southern Edge Band on August 2.
If you enjoy country fairs, you still have a few days to check out the 96th Annual Kimberton Community Fair (Kimberton Fairgrounds, Route 113, Kimberton, 610-933-4566, http://kimbertonfair.org) which is running now through July 26.
The Kimberton Community Fair, which was first staged in 1929, is one of the oldest community fairs in the state — and one of the last “free admission” fairs operating in the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. The Kimberton Fair is a “free admission fair with parking by donation.”
As always, the fair offers a huge array of free attractions — a festive midway with amusement rides, live entertainment shows, nightly contests, exhibit buildings and livestock displays.
There will be a fireworks display on July 26.
The fair will be held at the Kimberton Fairgrounds on Route 113 approximately one mile south of Phoenixville. The non-profit event, which lists the volunteer Kimberton Fire Company as its beneficiary, attracts over 60,000 people each year.
There will also be open class and 4-H competitions along with a full midway of rides by Reithoffer Shows.
The Kimberton Fair is a “rain-or-shine” event – more or less.
According to the event’s website, they never officially “close” the fair as a result of rain because they must remain “open” to adhere to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture operating guidelines.
The indoor attractions stay open even in inclement weather, but the festival may shut down any amusement ride if the weather causes safety issues.
Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, 610-529-3614, phillyexpocenter.com) is venturing into seldom visited areas this weekend with a rare live music event featuring a singer from Bangladesh.
On July 25, the Guru of Bangladeshi Rock, Nagarbaul James, is coming to the Philly area for one legendary night.
Faruq Mahfuz Anam James, known mononymously as James, is a Bangladeshi singer-songwriter, guitarist and composer. He is the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of the rock band Nagar Baul (previously Feelings).
From classics such as “Taray Taray Rotiye Debo” and “Maa” to Bollywood hits like “Bheegi Bheegi,” James will be delivering a non-stop parade of hits.
This is an opportunity for fans of popular music from Dhaka to experience the raw energy and soul of James.
The show at the Expo Center will get underway at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $50.
There will be a lot of activity at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend.
In addition to the concert of Bangladesh music, there will be a model train show and a tuner car show.
There will be a lot of model trains and a lot of toys on display and for sale when Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show visits the area for a two-day stop in Oaks.
The show, which is scheduled for July 26 and 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, will feature a number of operating train displays, including Allegheny Western Lines HO Scale Layout, Philadelphia N-Trak N Scale Layout, Royersford Modular Model Railroaders HO Scale Layout, Atlantic Division TCA O Gauge Layout, and Strasburg Model Railroad HO Scale.
Also featured will be North Penn O Gaugers O Gauge, North Penn S Gaugers S Gauge, South Eastern Pennsylvania Garden Railway Society G Scale, Strasburg Model Railroad Club LEGO® Train Club, Keystone N Trak N Scale and Railroad in a Box HO Scale.
This weekend’s show will also offer free clinics on a wide variety of topics, including track work, using accessories and using digital command control. There will be a large number of dealers with toys, trains, accessories and hobby publications. Other features include hourly door prizes.
Tickets for adults are $11 for Saturday and $10 for Sunday. Children (12 and under) are admitted free.
On July 27, the Tuner Evolution Car Show will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, http://www.tuner-evolution.com) from noon-8 p.m.This show is a full automotive lifestyle event that showcases many aspects of the aftermarket automotive industry. It features some of the hottest customized vehicles in the country, vendors showing off their latest and greatest products, graffiti artists, eating contests, bikini contest, celebrity appearances, models and entertainment acts including bands, hip hop artists, skating and BMX demos.
However, the main attraction at “Tuner Evo: Philly” is the vehicles with many of the country’s top builders competing for the elusive Best of Show award. It allows visitors to see more of the elite cars and amazing custom builds that they won’t usually see on the streets or at meets.
Admission is $30 at the door.
The 32nd annual Moonlight Memories Car Show (http://www.hatborocarshow.com), which is sponsored by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, will take place July 26 on York Road between Summit Avenue and Horsham Road from 5-10 p.m.
Downtown Hatboro will be the center of attention when more than 500 cars roll into town for the annual Moonlight Memories Car Show.
The free car show, which historically draws more than 75,000 visitors, will have a wide array of cars lining both sides of York Road in downtown Hatboro.
The event will feature antique cars, classic cars, modified cars, “muscle” and specialty vehicles and more.
The Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is hosting “Breakfast with the Giraffes” on July 26 and 27.
Guests can enjoy a delicious, socially distanced outdoor breakfast buffet, right next to the zoo’s three towering giraffes. After participants have cleared their plates, they will be invited to an exclusive giraffe feeding.
The breakfast event will get underway at 8:30 a.m.
The Zoo is also presenting another special event – “Christmas in July.”
At the event, which runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days, visitors can “Snap a photo with Mr. Claus himself!” because Santa will be wandering around the Zoo during the entire event.
There is another tasty option which involves Mrs. Claus.
Guests can make their own snowman sundaes with Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
At a cost of $15 per sundae, participants can build their snowman with three scoops of vanilla ice cream, pretzel sticks, licorice, M&Ms, chocolate chips and candy corn.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, 610-459-2359, www.newlingristmill.org) is holding its monthly “Newlin Bird Walk” on July 26.
The public is invited to join guide Laura Adle for a free ornithological event from 8-10 a.m.
Newlin Grist Mill and Wild Birds Unlimited (Glen Mills) have teamed up to explore the wonderful world of bird life! Join us for monthly naturalist-led walks through the 160-acre park at Newlin Grist Mill. We will meet year-round residents, visit exciting migrants, and learn the basics of bird identification and biology.
Families and beginners are welcome for these free bird walks! A limited number of binoculars are available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if they have them. Participants should meet by the Log Cabin.
Future editions of “Newlin Bird Walk” are scheduled for August 30, September 27, October 25 and November 29. There will be a “Christmas Bird Count” on December 20 at 9 a.m.
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 “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Summer Edition” at 11 a.m. on July 26.
On Saturday, guests can join wildflower expert Joanne Landau on an informative two-hour hike that takes them through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.
Although the focus is on plants, the guide will talk about whatever participants might see while they are out.
Tyler will also host a “Bluebird Nesting Box Tour” on July 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Guides will lead a walk through Tyler’s succession field and uncover the fascinating lives of Eastern Bluebirds. For more than 50 years, Tyler’s volunteers have cared for these iconic birds by monitoring their nesting boxes and now it’s your turn to join the fun!
On this family-friendly adventure, participants will get up close to the arboretum’s bluebird boxes and witness nature in action. They’ll have the opportunity to see brilliant bluebirds flitting about, discover active nests with delicate eggs, and maybe even spot fuzzy nestlings waiting for their next meal.
This program is a perfect outing for curious kids and nature-loving grown-ups alike.
Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $16 for adults (ages 18-64), $13 for seniors (65 and older) and $8 for children (ages 3-17) and Military with valid ID.
On July 27, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) is presenting “Bird, Butterfly, and Dragonfly Walk with Cliff and Nancy Hence.”
Visitors will take an educational walk with knowledgeable volunteers Cliff and Nancy Hence. During the walk, they can discover the 300-plus species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes.
Because of the migration patterns, each walk guarantees different species.
Along the way, participants will also be looking out for the many species butterflies and dragonflies of the refuge.
Participants in the Walk will meet at the Route 420 entrance at 11 a.m. The Walk will be at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces.
Schuylkill Banks Riverboat Tour (www.schuylkillbanks.org/events/riverboat-tours-1) presents “Secrets of the Schuylkill” now through October.
The boat ride is a one-hour family-friendly tour of Philly’s second biggest river featuring sights such as Bartram’s Garden and Fairmount Water Works.
Riders can discover the Hidden River on a fun and educational riverboat tour while seeing spectacular views of Philadelphia.
They can also learn about the past, present, and future of the tidal Schuylkill River and its impact on Philadelphia on a one-hour Secrets of the Schuylkill tour which costs $25 for adults and $15 for children (age 12 and under).
Tours depart from the Walnut Street Dock under the Walnut Street Bridge on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. Tours are scheduled for July 27 and August 3, 7, 17, 21, 24 and 28 There will also be tours on September 14 and 28.
There are also numerous kayak and moonlight kayak tours scheduled throughout the summer.
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 31, 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 $25 for adults ($28 on Saturday and Sunday), $23/$26 for youth, and $10 for children.
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 20.
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 American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-389-1776,www.americanswedish.org) is hosting a special event this weekend called “Smörgåsbeer.”
At Smörgåsbeer, which will run from 6-9 p.m. on July 26, visitors can spend a gorgeous summer evening at the American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park enjoying regional and international beers alongside Swedish-inspired eats.
Smörgåsbeer participants can play trivia and lawn games as well as a traditional Swedish “tipsrunda” or quiz walk through the museum. Amazing prizes will also be raffled throughout the evening.
Tickets to SmörgåsBeer are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, with a special designated driver price of $15. The ticket price includes a commemorative event sampling glass, drink samples, food, and museum admission.
On July 25, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, www.laurelhillphl.com) will present “Hot Spots and Storied Plots.”
In life and death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This introductory tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill East’s long history, which includes many marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories.
An experienced graveyard guide will offer you their unique perspective on beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history.
Tour Guide will be Jim Hence.
Tickets are $15, General Admission (Ages 13 and up); $13, Seniors (Ages 65+); and $7.50, Students with ID.
An interesting annual summer event in Pennsylvania Dutch country is the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association’s “John Deere Days” (4977 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers, 717-442-4249, www.roughandtumble.org).
The event is scheduled for July 25 and 26 with activities slated to get underway at 9 a.m. each day.
This annual show, which is sponsored by the Waterloo Boys Club of Southeastern Pennsylvania, features a wide range of John
Deere tractors with “Deere History” and “Tractor Pulling” events.
One of the highlights each day will be the “John Deere Parade of Power,” which is a showcase for many different and unique models.
On Friday, there will be the “Garden Tractor Parade” and the “Tractor Pull.” Popular activities on Saturday include the “Kiddy Pedal Pull,” “Large Tractor Pulling” and the always-popular “Raffle Tractor Drawing.”
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 12-18). Children under 12 years are admitted free.
The Lititz Art Association will present the 58th Annual Lititz Outdoor Fine Art Show on July 26 at Lititz Springs Park (Route 501, Lititz, http://www.lititzartassociation.com).
The free event, which is always held the last Saturday in July — and always held rain or shine — will run from 9 a.m-5 p.m. at the park, which is located between the Square and the railroad track next to Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory.
It is a juried art show presented by the Lititz Art Association that is open to all fine artists over the age of 17. The show’s organizers stress that this is an art show and not a craft show and that there will be no jewelry, photographs, Christmas decorations, needlework, or other non-art items featured in the exhibition/sale.
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 27 and 27 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 railroads lavishly appointed early 1900’s first-class parlor cars.
Tickets are $99 (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 Jully 25 and 26 at 4 and 6 p.m. each night and 5 p.m. only 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 $79.
If you like to look at model railroad layouts in addition to experiencing live trains, 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 26th annual edition of the display will remain open until September 30.
This summer, Morris Arboretum will unveil a brand-new exhibition in its popular Garden Railway – “Garden Railway: Dinos!”
With more than 15 different rail lines running along a third of a mile of track, visitors will enjoy a spectacular display of dinosaurs including Triceratops, and Velociraptor, as well as other Mesozoic creatures—all made out of natural materials such as bark, leaves, and twigs.
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 $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (65 and older); $10 for students (ages 13-17 or with ID), active military and retired military; and free for children (under 3).
On select Saturday and Sundays now through July 27, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http://www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings – Summer Sips.”
The winery staff is pairing the intense heat and bold flavors of the season with exciting, crushable combinations. From delicious textures to a diverse range of fruity, floral, and herbaceous flavors, they are keeping visitors fresh and cool with these carefully curated, summer-approved pairings.
The winery’s trained staff will guide guests through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse wines from across the winery’s portfolio alongside artisan cheeses and other accoutrements.
During this intimate and educational 60-minute experience, they will discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.
The “Pairing Line Up” is Greeting Wine: ’23 Sparkling White; ’23 Chardonnay with Fresh Chevre and Basil-infused Olive Oil; ’24 Dry Rosé: Redux with Valley Milkhouse’s Honey Bell Cheese and Honey; ’21 Artisan Series Cabernet Franc with Goat Rodeo’s Hootenany Cheese and Blackberry Preserves; and White Sangria with Mango Salsa.
Reserve Tastings are $35 per person and offered only on select Saturdays and Sundays. There are three seatings per day – noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Advanced reservations are required and are non-refundable.
Penns Woods Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) is presenting “Lobster Rolls, Bubbly & Live Music” on July 27 from noon-5 p.m.
Visitors will be able to enjoy gourmet lobster rolls paired with crisp bubbly and “Live Music on the Lawn!”
Lobster treat can be purchased from the Cousins Main Lobster Truck, which will be onsite from noon-5 p.m.
Guests can take $3 off glasses of the winery’s entire line of bubbly, including Blanc de Blanc, Brut Rose Penns Woods’ sparkling red wine, Ruby Brut.
Wine by the glass and bottle, wine tastings, local beer, cider and cocktails will be available at the Outdoor Wine Bar.
West Chester’s veteran singer/songwriter/guitarist/rocker Nicole Zell will perform from 1-4 p.m.
All outdoor seating is first come/first served including the pavilion and fire pits.
The winery is also hosting “Music Live in the Vineyard” now through Sunday.
On July 25, Joe Vendetty will perform from 5-7:30 p.m.
Chris Despo will entertain visitors on July 26 from noon-4 p.m.
The Brandywine Valley has quite a few museums and tourist sites that provide residents and tourists ideal opportunities to spend leisure time — and you can maximize your effort if you take advantage of the 2025 Brandywine Treasure Trail 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 the 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.
For more information, visit www.visitwilmingtonde.com/bmga/.
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.
There are three special events coming up — Science Saturday, Cannon Firing and Walking Tour.
This weekend’s Science Saturday event, which will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., is called “Turn Up the Heat.”
Participants will have an opportunity to discover how thermal energy is transferred and use these concepts to free treasure trapped in ice.
Visitors of all ages are invited to discover solutions to science and engineering challenges. This is a drop-in activity and is included in admission and free for Hagley members.
The “Cannon Firing” event, which will take place on June 27 at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., features demonstrations of the site’s signal cannon.
This week’s “Walking Tour,” which is scheduled for July 28, is a special one — “Sights, Sounds, and Smells.”
In this walking tour of the powder yard, guests experience an in-depth, behind the scenes look at the black powder manufacturing process at the DuPont Company — and can try their hand at graining some powder.
The tour ends with explosive demonstrations of black powder.
The Tour, which begins promptly at 11 a.m. at Hagley’s Visitor Center, involves walking on uneven ground and is approximately 90 minutes.
Tour tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children 6-14, free for children 5 and under.
The tour begins promptly at 11 a.m. at Hagley’s Visitor Center. This week’s theme is “Workers’ World.”
Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).
A sure sign that summer is here is the positive response by visitors who flock to Kennett Square to enjoy the “Festival of Fountains” at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org).
The “Festival of Fountains” opened for the season on May 9 and will run until September 28.
Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre and Italian Water Garden fountains has sprung to life as has the Square Fountain, Round Fountain (Flower Garden Walk), Sylvan Fountain (Peirce’s Park), and Children’s Corner fountains.
The season of renewal and growth has started. Dancing fountains, performances under the stars, and beautiful gardens make the Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens magical.
The spectacular celebration of music, light, water, and nature includes distinctive garden experiences indoors and out.
Before the fountain performances, guests can sit under the stars and enjoy live music and refreshing brews and pub fare in Longwood’s Beer Garden. Other dining options at Longwood are 1906 Fine Dining and The Café.
As the season unfolds, flowering trees delightfully punctuate the landscape, radiant tulips stretch toward the sun, and the delicious fragrance of wisteria floats along the breeze.
Visitors can also enjoy special exhibits at the Orchid House.
Admission to Longwood Gardens is $35 for adults, $31 for seniors and college students, $26 for active military and $20 for youth.
The 2025 season is underway at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, Delaware, nemoursestate.org). The entrance is located on the campus of Nemours Children’s Health, follow signs for Nemours Estate.
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.
There will be several “Self-Guided Museum Tours of Rockwood” this weekend at Rockwood Park & Museum (4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE, www.newcastlede.gov/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum).
Visitors can explore the grandeur, history and beauty of the Rockwood Mansion, home of the Shipley, Bringhurst and Hargraves families for 120 years.
These tours, which will be held on July 25 and 26 from noon-4 p.m. each day, emphasize the magnificent mansion interiors and stories of the families that lived there.
This self-guided alternative allows you to enjoy Rockwood your own way. This tour invites you to explore the first and second floors of the museum at your own pace. Additionally, staff and signage will be nearby to answer any questions.
Tours involves stairs. Reservations are suggested. Tickets for the self-guided tour are $10.
Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.
Odessa is one of Delaware’s most historic sites.
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. General Admission: Adults, $10; Groups, Seniors, Students, $8; and Children under six are free.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum (1237 State Road, Andalusia, www.andalusiapa.org) is located on a wooded promontory overlooking the Delaware River.
It 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.
The 2025 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.
Admission to Chanticleer is $15 for adults and free for pre-teen children (12 years and under).
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.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the summer.
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers. The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way. This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.
Tickets are $35.
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 are $64 for adults and $47 for youth (ages 7-11),
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is enjoying its 45th Birthday Celebration this year.
The park is adorned with colorful garland, bright balloons, fabulous birthday presents and more fun décor. The fantastic, new Sesame Street Birthday Parade makes its debut and this colorful and musical parade will get the whole family dancing with contemporary and classic Sesame Street tunes, show-stopping performances, and an interactive birthday song. Everyone can dance, groove and sing along at the Furry Friends Birthday Dance Party, enjoy a Birthday-themed storytime and get one-of-a-kind photos with everyone’s furry friends in their fabulous new birthday attire. Everyone’s invited to help us celebrate 45 years of furry fun this year at Sesame Place.
Ticket prices for Sesame Place start at $42.99.
