Established in 1684 as Birmingham Township, Chadds Ford is a charming historic community on the banks of the Brandywine Creek about 25 miles from Philadelphia in the Brandywine Valley. Surrounded by rolling hills and rich vineyards, Chadds Ford was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution in 1777, the Battle of Brandywine. The historic district of Chadds Ford consists of 17 well-preserved buildings that include the Chads Ford Inn and Merchant Mill.
Brandywine Battlefield State Park
You can almost hear the cannon fire as you stroll through the rolling green hills of the Brandywine valley, where in September 11, 1777 George Washington and the Continental Army fought British General William Howe and suffered a crushing defeat. What was then an American army encampment is today the site of the Brandywine Battlefield State Park. Brandywine Battlefield State Park covers 52 acres and includes the house of the local farmer Benjamin Ring, which served as George Washington’s headquarters. Today the museum offers visitors the opportunity to walk through the rooms where Washington spent some of his darkest moments. The museum holds many objects from the battle such as cannons, maps, uniforms, and guns and offers visitors a 20-minute video about the Battle of the Brandywine.
Brandywine River Museum
Perched on the banks of romantic Brandywine River, this appropriately named museum is classic and modern at the same time. Brandywine River Museum is located in the renovated 19th century stone mill with an addition made of steel and glass that mirrors the passing waters. It is world-famous for its collections of art of N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth, but the museum also has an outstanding Heritage Collection of American art focusing on Brandywine valley.
A collection of magnificent 19th and 20th century landscapes shows the beauty of the area, which attracted a number of great artists who made their home in the valley. There are also collections of significant portraits, still lifes, and illustrations that make the museum’s holdings diverse and broad. The Wyeth family home, with all its contents, is located nearby and is also part of the museum.
Address: Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman's Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-2700
Chadds Ford Historical Society
The Chadds Ford Historical Society is a community organization with a mission to preserve Chadds Ford historic buildings, artifacts, and records for the Chadds Ford community and also for the thousands of visitors who come to learn about the country’s past, the tragic Battle of the Brandywine, and the way of life and hardships of the people living in the 18th century.
The society manages The Barn Visitors Center and offers tours of The John Chads House and The Barns-Brinton House, where visitors are greeted by knowledgeable guides in historic costumes and are shown the traditional skills of Chadds Ford people, such as bread-making. The society also organizes a range of seasonal festivals such as Chadds Ford Days, the Candlelight Christmas Tour, and the Great Pumpkin Carve.
Address: Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-7376
Chaddsford Winery
Chaddsford Winery is located in a fairytale-beautiful 17th century barn in Chadds Ford between the Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum. Taking full advantage of the Mid-Atlantic Uplands’ microclimate, Chaddsford makes a range of wines for every taste, from fruity, light whites to rich, earthy, full-bodied reds, ciders, and sweet wines.
The winery has been in business since 1982 and is currently producing 30,000 cases of wine per year, garnering high acclaims from customers and wine connoisseurs worldwide. It is one of the oldest wineries in Pennsylvania. The winery is open for visits daily, so go have fun and stock up with your favorite wines, or join one of the many village festivals and events in Chadds Ford in which Chaddsford Winery proudly takes part.
632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-6221
The Christian C. Sanderson Museum
Located in the country home of Christian C. Sanderson, a teacher, lecturer, historian, musician, and collector, The Christian C. Sanderson Museum is a place that reflects this interesting man’s life, the lifestyle of the era, and, through the collected artifacts, 200 years of the country’s history.
The museum showcases collections of objects that reflect the life of Chadds Ford and various collections of objects Christian Sanderson acquired during his life that describe the history of the area and the country and some of its more important moments.
There are artifacts from the American Civil War, the Revolutionary War, two World Wars, and the Battle of Brandywine. There are also original Wyett paintings and drawings, some of them of Sanderson.
Address: The Christian C. Sanderson Museum, 1755 Creek Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-6545
Penns Woods Winery
Gino Razzi firmly believes that Pennsylvania can produce world-class wines from its own vines and has spent the last 30 years proving his point with excellent results. With his mature 25-year old vines and a young daughter Carley Mack to take care of marketing and the wine tasting shop, Gino has developed highly acclaimed and award-winning wines that he sells in many Philadelphia restaurants.
To get the full experience, visit the vineyard and the wine tasting shop in Chadds Ford and taste his Traminette, sauvignon Blanc, or Italian-style Bordeaux. Get some cheese or pate to go with it and make it a nice picnic. The vineyard is a popular venue for music evenings, weddings, and other social gathering.
Address: Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-459-0808
The Gables
The Gables is located in an old converted dairy barn with elegant high-backed banquettes along the exposed brick walls and a popular bar with metal and red leather stools where you can see locals and tourists perched together enjoying local brews, the excellent wine selection, or interesting cocktails. Executive Chef Dave Wenerd will treat you to New American cuisine with interesting European and Southern touches, created with his own interpretation.
The result is delightful – try Slow Roasted Duck Breast with fermented sun chokes, spiced granola crumble, orange emulsion, and duck jus. There is live music on Friday and Saturday evening, which fills the house. The Gables has a charming outdoor dining space available to patrons when the weather permits.
423 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-7700
Brandywine Prime
Located in the beautifully restored 1703 stone cottage, Brandywine Prime is an elegant and upscale restaurant very tastefully decorated with original details that give it a special charm. Chef Jason Barrowcliff offers traditional American fare with excellent chops, steaks, and seafood, adding organic produce from his own garden. Brandywine has a nice, well-chosen wine list, but guests are allowed to bring their own favorite bottle as well.
Sunday brunches are extremely popular, lavish, and delicious. Sit on the lovely outdoor terrace on a sunny day and you will be transported to Chadds Ford’s distant past.
1617 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-8088
Pennsbury Chadds Ford Antique Mall
Everything about Chadds Ford is linked to the past, so it is natural that such a historic place has one of the biggest antique malls in the area. Located near the Longwood Gardens, Pennsbury Chadds Ford Antique Mall has been attracting antique hunters from Philadelphia and even further for the last 36 years.
Known for its large selection of high quality antiques, the mall occupies two stories of air-conditioned space filled with 180 display cases and booths from more than 100 antique dealers.
There is something for everyone, from antique toys, trains, and furniture to paintings, collectibles, and jewelry. Whether you are looking for that missing piece for your collection, a hidden treasure, or a vintage piece to decorate your home, you are sure to have fun.
Address: Pennsbury Chadds Ford Antique Mall, 640 E. Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-1620
Antica
Antica is understated and simple, but warm colors and exquisite Wyeth prints on the walls give it a sophisticated flare, which is quickly reinforced when you get the menu. Chefs Josh Friedberg and Gent Mema offer Italian fare with their own take. Everything is wonderfully prepared and imaginative. Try Seafood Tagliatelle with shrimp, crabs, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and a blush sauce.
They make their own pasta, so you cannot go wrong whatever you choose. The lunch menu has a nice choice of sandwiches, or you can easily just eat appetizers – the rice balls with saffron stuffed with mushrooms, braised beef, and mozzarella are excellent.
1623 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 484-770-8631
Arugula
Arugula has a certain elegance. This Italian restaurant is sophisticated and beautifully decorated with original art, and the food is authentic Italian, and you will eat like you are visiting your Italian friend at his mom’s kitchen. This family restaurant uses Lubrano family recipes and traditional cooking from central and southern Italy.
Everything is made from scratch – they make their own sauces and breads and every dish is made just for you. Don’t expect standard Italian fare. Instead, you’ll enjoy surprises such as Nodino Valdostana - marinated veal chop, pan seared and topped with Fontina cheese and prosciutto, drenched in a red wine sauce. The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite bottle of wine, just make sure that it does justice to good Italian cuisine.
275 Wilmington W. Chester Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-358-0888
Brandywine River Hotel
Brandywine River Hotel is perched on a hillside in the verdant Brandywine Valley in the center of the historic Chadds Ford, mere steps away from all the city’s attractions and restaurants. Offering all modern amenities but decorated with quality antique pieces, the Brandywine River Hotel is a peaceful oasis for busy travelers, families exploring the historic area, or couples on a short romantic retreat.
A range of spacious rooms and suites have cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a work space, and some offer romantic touches such as cozy fireplaces and two-person whirlpools. Guests are treated to lavish continental breakfast and afternoon tea with cookies.
1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, 610-388-1200
Harvey Run Trail
The Harvey Run Trail in Chadds Ford, PA was created through a partnership between the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art and Chadds Ford Township.
The trailhead in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania provides both visitors and residents alike with access to approximately five miles of natural surface trails that stretch across a total of three hundred acres of open space established for preservation. The Harvey Run Trail is open to the public from sunrise until sunset, seven days a week. This trail is meant for walking only and no horses, motorized vehicles, or bicycles are permitted. However, leased pets are allowed on the Harvey Run Trail.
