By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
It’s a pretty safe bet that anyone who attended the first Goshen Fair would not be willing or able to hop on one of the thrill rides at this year’s fair — but there may be some spunky septuagenarians out there willing to give it a go.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 77th anniversary this season, will run from July 27-August 1 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 Westtown Road Band on July 27, Johnny “Cash” Barnett Band on July 28, West Chester Swing Kings Band on July 29, Northern Rednecks on July 30, Slingshot on July 31 and Southern Edge Band on August 1.
Kimberton Community Fair
If you enjoy country fairs, you should check out the 97th Annual Kimberton Community Fair (Kimberton Fairgrounds, Route 113, Kimberton, 610-933-4566, http://kimbertonfair.org) which is running now through July 25.
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 25.
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.
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
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 25 will present “First Art School and Museum in America: 1805.”
Brush up on history where American artists first found their muse.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the nation’s first art school, launched a creative revolution, one masterpiece at a time.
The event’s sculpture, which was created by Jonathan Laidacker, honors the Academy, a singular institution rich in art history, Philadelphia history and American history.
It reflects the artist’s personal connection to the Academy, celebrating the opportunity to develop his skills within its walls and to contribute, in a small way, to the legacy of an institution that has nurtured creativity and education for over 220 years.
The event will be held July 25 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, which is located at 118 North Broad Street in downtown Philadelphia.
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.
Now through July 25, Brandywiners, Ltd. (brandywiners.org) are taking up residence in their summer home at Longwood Gardens where they will perform a four-show run of “Brigadoon.”
For Brandywiners Ltd., there’s no place like home – as long as home is Longwood Gardens.
Every summer, the company presents a large-scale musical production at Longwood Gardens and contributes the proceeds to cultural, educational and civic causes throughout the Delaware Valley.
“Brigadoon” is a well-loved Broadway musical that had its debut in March 1947. Songs from the musical, such as “Almost Like Being in Love,” have become standards.
The show runs two hours and 25 minutes with intermission. Each night, there will be an illuminated fountain show at 10:45 p.m. – right after the conclusion of the show.”
Tickets for the show are $40 and include all day gardens admission.
The popular illuminated fountain shows are being held throughout the summer.
This Saturday’s show will be “Gershwin Favorites” and Sunday’s show is billed as “Italian Spectacular.”
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.
The “2026 Town Tours and Village Walks” program has returned for its 32nd year with the theme of “13 Tours for 13 Colonies.”
This year’s programs will focus on the places, people, and events in Chester County that molded and defined the complex tapestry of history that shaped our nation.
In addition to the 13 tours, there will be three “Armchair Lectures.”
All are open to the public and free to attend.
On August 6, the event is billed as “Walking Tour — Primitive Hall, Ancestral Home of the Pennock Family.”
On August 20, the schedule lists “Walking Tour — Historic Yellow Springs.”
All activities are open to the public and free to attend.
The Chester County Craft Show (www.chestercountycraftshow.com), which is presented each year by Chester County Collectibles, is scheduled for July 25.
The event will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at West Chester University’s Sturzebecker Health Science Center, which is located at 855 South New Street in West Chester.
The show, which also includes the Small Business Summer Show, features more than 200 local makers, crafters and vendors.
Admission is $5 with kids 12 and under admitted free.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976, http://www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the East Coast Reptile Super Expo featuring hundreds of live snakes and reptiles on July 25.
Many people think snakes and lizards are interesting creatures and maybe even fun pets to own. If you fall into this category, you should check out the show on Saturday.
A wide array of reptiles will be on display as part of the popular exhibition, which is an annual event that is closing in on its silver anniversary.
One of the show’s main attractions is a sales exhibit area featuring many vendors with live reptiles, amphibians and arachnids as well as food items, supplies, books, cages, and related accessories.
Some of the featured vendors are AZO Reptiles, Rose’s Reptiles, Darin’s Toybox, Blake’s Exotic Reptiles, Dower Reptiles & Rodents, Reptile Kingdom, DHA Pythons, Gecko Haven, Hunger Reptiles, Jungle Emporium, Delaware Turtle, Just Lizards, Outback Reptiles, RKZ Rodents. Monstar Reptiles, Turtle to Turtle, and Delaware Valley Herpetarium.
The East Coast Reptile Super Expo, which is always a well-attended event, will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. this Saturday.
Tickets are $10 — children (under five) admitted free.
Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Road, Oaks, 610-529-3614, phillyexpocenter.com) hosts one of the venue’s most popular annual events this weekend.
On July 25, the Tuner Evolution Car Show will be held at the venue in Montgomery County.
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 33rd annual Moonlight Memories Car Show (http://www.hatborocarshow.com), which is sponsored by the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, will take place July 25 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.
There will be live music in several locations and Hatboro’s own WRDV-FM Radio 89.3 will broadcast live at the corner of York and Moreland Avenue.
All proceeds from the 33rd Moonlight Memories Car Show support the many hometown events that the Hatboro Chamber of Commerce hosts for the community and donations to the local charities of Hatboro.
Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, laurelhillphl.com) will present “Yoga: Rest in Pose” on July 25 at 11 a.m.
Bring a friend, and a yoga mat, and get ready for a scenic workout. Rest in pose at Laurel Hill’s cemetery yoga class led by certified yoga instructor and Friend of Laurel Hill Veronica Selig.
All levels welcome to flow with us. No prior yoga experience is needed.
They will be practicing vinyasa yoga, which focuses on linking synchronized breath with a sequence of poses.
Each movement is paired with an inhalation or exhalation, creating a harmonious rhythm while building strength, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and students and $7.50 for youth.
Also on July 26, Laurel Hill will present “Sacred Spaces & Storied Places.”
“Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history. Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective as no two tours are the same!
Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors and $9 for children (ages 6-12).
Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is hosting ““Christmas in July” on July 25 and 26.
At the event, which runs from 11 a.m.-3 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.
Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, www.philadelphiazoo.org) is also presenting a “Christmas in July” event on July 25 and 26.
Santa is on summer vacation and he’s visiting his favorite Zoo.
Guests can stop by Pherris Wheel Plaza during their visit to meet and take photos with Santa.
Special backdrops will be set up to make summer Santa photos extra festive. These are pictures that could be perfect for this year’s holiday card.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is included with Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, www.philadelphiazoo.org) is also presenting a “Christmas in July” event on July 25 and 26.
Santa is on summer vacation and he’s visiting his favorite Zoo.
Guests can stop by Pherris Wheel Plaza during their visit to meet and take photos with Santa.
Special backdrops will be set up to make summer Santa photos extra festive. These are pictures that could be perfect for this year’s holiday card.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is included with Zoo admission.
Zoo admission prices start at $29.
Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, easternstate.org) is hosting “Freedom Through Faith: Judaism at Eastern State and Beyond,” a closer look at how Jewish inmates exercised religious freedom inside the prison’s walls.
The exhibition shows the resilience of many Eastern European immigrants, like Jacob Forbes, who built the penitentiary’s first synagogue, and Anna Schultz Paull, who prepared holiday meals.
It also tells the story of Eastern State’s emergency hospital where the first communal gathering for prayer reportedly occurred in 1913.
Admission is $21 for adults, $19 for seniors, $17 for college students and youth and free for children age 7 and under.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, 610-459-2359, www.newlingristmill.org) is holding its “1704 Mill Tour” on July 25 and 26.
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.
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 holding its annual “Wheels & Wine Car Show” on July 25 from noon-4 p.m.
The event will feature live music, premium wine, an artisan market and food trucks.
Parking Passes are required for all vehicles on premise. Day-of Parking Passes are open to purchase for $10/vehicle if parking is available.
Also, Penns Woods Winery is presenting “Live Music on the Lawn” every weekend during the summer months.
Jason Ager will play from noon-4 p.m. on July 25 and Bill Hake will provide live music from 1-4 p.m. on July 26.
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 25 and 26 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 rail line’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 25 and 26 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.
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 with activities set to get underway at 9 a.m.
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 will be the “John Deere Parade of Power,” which is a showcase for many different and unique models.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 12-18). Children under 12 years are admitted free.
On July 26, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) is presenting a special workshop — “Watercolor at the Boardwalk.”
The Refuge offers this invitation on its website – “Let nature spark your creativity and let the watercolors flow!”
This workshop will introduce participants to simple watercolor painting techniques to create one-of-a-kind paintings.
The event will start on the trail by the boardwalk.
All supplies will be provided.
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 “Saturday Wildflower Walk” on July 25 at 11 a.m.
On Saturday, guests can join wildflower expert Dick Cloud 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 your 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.
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 26.
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.
“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.
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.
$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.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) has attractions both indoors and outdoors going on right now.
There seems to be no end to what’s in bloom — and in almost every corner of the garden.
White flowers of kousa dogwoods, deutzias, and mock oranges invite you to visit Sycamore Hill. Visitors can wander the garden paths to discover the delicate beauty of pink mountain laurels and pale Pink Leda roses at the Bristol Summerhouse.
In Azalea Woods and Enchanted Woods, look for the flowers of martagon hybrid lilies opening. A few late-flowering peonies can be found in the Lower Peony Garden, while ferns cover the shady March Bank.
Admission to Winterthur is $27 for adults, $25 for seniors and students and $10 for children.
Brandywine Valley has quite a few museums and tourist sites that provide both residents and tourists with diverse ways to spend leisure time.
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.
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.
Last – and maybe least – the International Congress of Mathematicians will be held now through July 30 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, www.mathunion.org).
Every four years, the world’s top mathematicians gather together at an event dubbed the “Olympics of Mathematics” to share new findings and look to the future.
If you go, look for Sheldon, Leonard and the rest of the gang from “The Big Bang Theory.”
