Chadds Cafe and Store – Just Get in the Car

Family Fun in the Brandywine: Valentine’s Weekend 2020

Just Get in the Car — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 17:42:19 +0000

Ah I can still remember it, one of our most romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to date (no). Shawn and I were sitting at our dining room table in our first home. Our small child was in the bathroom that was about two feet from the table. I’m not going to go much further than that except to say the words “can you smell that” were definitely uttered. Good times. I think that is when we realized that ‘Valentine’s Day’ was for the young, unmarried, childless people. I mean we still acknowledge it, but we’ve moved on from making it all about us as a couple (though when we DO make that happen, it’s lovely, don’t get me wrong). We’ve just accepted our current reality for the next 10-15 years.

Anyway, I’m getting away from my point- which is that there is still fun to be had, even with kids in tow.

And I want to be clear that this is not a post about kid centered activities, but rather, things to do that everyone can tolerate, and some may enjoy, at varying degrees and at different points throughout the day.

Although we are ‘thisclose’ to the city of brotherly love, we usually tend to avoid the traffic, congestion, and parking costs of the city and head in another direction for our entertainment. Lately, we have really been appreciating the Brandywine Valley and surrounding area.

In an attempt to come up with our own plan, I decided to share some of the things I’m thinking about for our day out this weekend in the Brandywine Valley.

If I had my way this would be our day:

Chadds Café + Store for a yummy scone and coffee. If it is a sunny and mild day, the outdoor seating is very inviting and kid friendly. The patio is great even if the weather is not cooperating.

Longwood Gardens for a walk around the conservatory. The children’s garden inside of the conservatory has recently been refurbished and it looks beautiful. Our kids always have a great time in that space. If the weather is cooperative, the kids can run around outside, check out the tree houses, and blow off some steam. The food at Longwood is very good, though not cheap. So if you are on a budget, I’d fill up at Chadds Café first. (Food is always forefront on my mind, and I find regularly feeding the children keeps them more agreeable and manageable as well).

On the way home I’d hit Chadds Ford Winery. Again, this is NOT FOR THE CHILDREN. It is OK to plan things that are not centered on the children, though there is also a big lawn here for them to do some more running around. This weekend in particular there are special wine and chocolate pairings, or the regular wine tastings are also available.

After some time at the winery, I’d stop at Newlin Grist Mill. If you make it there between 10a and 3p this Saturday, February 15, 2020, you can watch a demonstration on beer brewing. There is a mill (though not operating at the moment in preparation for repairs), walking trails, historical homes, and a visitor center. Plenty for the kids to see and do.

Finally, we may consider taking the kiddos to see a movie. They have been asking to see Dolittle, and we may oblige. It’s Valentine’s weekend after all. Someone should get treated to a night out.

-Kristin

Getting to know Bri Brant, Chadds Ford Aficionado

Just Get in the Car — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:47:32 +0000

We are trying something new here at Just Get in the Car. It’s been so great checking out new places and meeting new people, we thought we’d give our readers the chance to learn more about them! First up is Bri Brant – a dynamic business owner and community member from Chaddsford, PA.

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what you do.

My name is Bri Brant – I’m a handbag designer / maker [Check out Bri’s craftsmanship at Arden + James]. Just by coincidence, our family loves to create meaningful community spaces so we are the owners of the Chadds Ford Barn Shops and Chadds Cafe. All separate businesses that happen to work very well together.

What is your favorite thing about Chaddsford, PA?

Chaddsford is a magical place that has always been true to itself – it’s people, history, landscape, it’s artists, it’s quirkiness…we are never trying to be something else.

How would you spend the perfect day in Chaddsford? Is there a hidden gem you want our readers to know about?

The Brandywine River Museum and Brandywine Conservancy surround the Barn Shops area. If you haven’t been- it’s what Chadds Ford is all about!

What is your favorite thing to grab at the Chadds Café + Store?

[A] Blueberry lemon scone and a vanilla latte.

From Kristin: The Blueberry lemon scone is to die for! You must try it, and all the yummy offerings at Chadds Café + Store as soon as you can! Afterward, head over to Longwood Gardens for a beautiful afternoon in nature.

Thank you to Bri Brant for humoring us with our questions. Don’t hesitate to plan your afternoon at the Chadds Ford Barn Shops, where you can check out all of the unique shops, particularly Arden + James.

-Kristin

A village reborn

Just Get in the Car — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:31:40 +0000

When I was growing up, my parents were always taking us on weekend drives. Not usually too far, not anywhere fancy – but we were always going somewhere. Often we would pick up bagels and head out to a place like Ridley Creek State Park, or the Brandywine Battlefield.

I look back on those times fondly, and every once in a while I will end up someplace now, as an adult, and think to myself – Hey! I’ve been here before.

That was the case when visiting the Chadds Café and Store last Friday. Of course, the café hasn’t always been there in it’s current iteration, but the Chaddsford Barn Shops have been there for quite some time, and I know I’ve visited in the past with my family.

I am so thrilled that a Facebook friend posted about her stop at the café, inspiring me to reach out to co-owner Bri Brant, to see if I could stop in for a visit. Bri and her father John Anderson recently bought the Barn Shops, and have been working to revitalize this beloved community village. If beautiful hand bags are your thing, you need to take a look at Bri’s craftmanship at Arden + James, also in the shopping village.

Bri was so warm and welcoming in her response to me, I was excited before I got to the cafe!

As relatively new bloggers, we are never quite sure how people will respond to us, but Bri made this experience so lovely. Unfortunately I did not get to meet Bri in person, but Pam Lau the chef behind the delicious culinary creations, and Rachel, the employee whom I met and chatted with during my visit to the café were both wonderful, and so willing to chat.

I do have a soft spot for country stores, quaint shopping villages, fond memories of my childhood, and scones. So this was set up to be the perfect morning. And, I was not disappointed.

I had done a fair amount of social media recon, and knew before I went that I was most definitely going to try a scone – though there are many sweet and savory offerings. The problem I encountered was making the choice of which flavor scone to try. I definitely should have sampled all of them, because the one I chose was the most delicious scone I have ever eaten – but I suppose that is more motivation to return! When I was there the offerings were blueberry lemon, apple cinnamon, ham and caramelized onion, and sundried tomato, spinach and feta. My mouth is watering writing this post.

Previously, the most delicious scone I have ever eaten was the orange scone from Au bon pain.

I am not sure if this is true of all Au bon pains, but the one I frequented discontinued the orange scone, and my heart was broken and my stomach was sad. So, ever since I have been looking for an adequate replacement. I sort of feel like it might be insulting to Pam to compare the two – but in consolation to her, the blueberry lemon scone she created was nothing short of amazing. It has become my new scone obsession, and I’ve only had one so far!

I also had a coffee, which I understand was specially formulated by Brandywine Coffee Roasters for the café. Chadds Blend, it’s called. It was yummy. There were samples of a brownie, which were also delish.

The café also offers strombolis from Romano’s, which I hear are amazing. I plan to go back and try one for myself sometime in the very near future. I may have a scone and a Stromboli if I am feeling really crazy.

While I was enjoying my coffee and scone, and chatting with Pam and Rachel, there was a delivery from Green Lion Breads, and a visit from other regulars – some of them I assumed to be the owners or staff of the other shops. It gave me the warm and fuzzies. A real community space that people congregate too and support.

In fact the working relationship between Bri and Pam was an organic one – two creators who met at WorKS in Kennett Square, a space I will have to check out soon from what Pam has told me. Aside from being a talented chef, Pam makes beautiful pottery, and Bri as I mentioned, makes beautiful bags. Together they are creating a beautiful space.

What I loved most about Chadds Café is it’s story, and it’s people, and it’s patrons. While I was there, there was a couple having coffee, and chatting with Pam and Rachel – pictured here.

They return to the Chaddsford Barn Shops every year during their annual trip to the area. That tells me that there is something special going on in this village. Something that people want more of, that people are seeking out. In a world of cell phone obsessions and social media addiction, people want real conversations and a space to connect with actual real life people. That is what can be found at Chadds Café, and I am going out on a limb here to say that is what John Anderson and his daughter Bri were going for when they bought the barn shops and opened the café.

Throughout the cafe you will find things that say ‘sit and stay awhile’, like a magazine rack, and coloring sheets for the kiddos!

You will find handcrafted and unique gifts throughout the cafe. Support your local artists – like Pam Lau herself, whose ceramics are on display – and choose the perfect something for the perfect someone!

The café is open Wednesday-Sunday 9-3p. They have a warm and welcoming indoor space, and fun outdoor space, with a fire pit and a covered pavilion. Pam told me that on weekends she makes a special funfetti scone for the kids, and kids at heart.

If you are planning a trip out to Longwood Gardens, or any of the Brandywine Valley attractions this season, please put the Chaddsford Barn Shops, especially the Chadds Café + Store on your list of places to check out!

-Kristin

Check out our post on the Darlington Arts Center, only a short drive from Chadds Cafe + Store!