Longwood Gardens – 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

Longwood Gardens: A local treasure

Just Get in the Car — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:10:04 +0000

Several years ago, we were traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina to visit family. On our way down, we needed an activity to fill an afternoon in Richmond, Virginia. The first time Shawn and I were in Richmond, on our way to the beaches of North Carolina, I was pregnant. It was hot. We were staying in the part of town that clears out at night, and I can’t say that I was overly impressed. It could have been the pregnant and hot thing that ruined it, of course. That is why I gave the area a second chance. This time, we were with our two young kids, and I found the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Shawn was less than thrilled. The kids were young enough that they didn’t know to complain.

Welp, much to Shawn’s surprise, it was one of our best family days to date. We had such a wonderful time there, and we still talk about how unexpected the experience had been. Of course, I have fond memories of visiting this type of place with my parents, but it was hard to explain to Shawn. Sometimes if an experience is outside of your wheelhouse, you just have to go with it and see what happens. It won’t always be a success, of course, but this was. If you are ever in the Richmond area, you should absolutely plan to spend a few hours checking out the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It is especially great for children, though you should keep in mind that there is a children’s area with sand and water features, so you’ll want a change of clothes. But definitely go. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Here in the Philadelphia area, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by all kinds of cultural, environmental, and plain fun spaces and experiences. Not the least of which is Longwood Gardens, a well known botanical garden in the Brandywine Valley. Although I had been to Longwood several times as a child, I didn’t really appreciate it until after our trip to the garden in Richmond. I sort of had a light bulb moment that we had something just as amazing in our own backyard.

Lots of people have preconceived notions about Longwood Gardens, or botanical gardens in general (ahem, Shawn): It’s for old people. It’s for people who are into flowers. It’s only for Christmas (Longwood’s Christmas display is quite extensive and probably its biggest crowd drawing event), it’s only for the warm weather, it’s only for adults. The list goes on, and it’s all incorrect.

The meticulously manicured gardens themselves are enough to entice many visitors. But over the years more and more features have been added to appeal to the masses, all while maintaining the beauty of the property.

Have children? Great! There is both an indoor and outdoor children’s area, three tree house structures, a wide open lawn to run around on, a bell tower to climb, waterfalls to see, trails to explore, etc. In the warmer months, the fountains get turned way up, and children can run through the spray and get quite wet. Bring a change of clothes, and you can sit back while they entertain themselves getting soaked.There are even special kid focused events.

Engineering enthusiast? How about those fountains and the behind the scenes exhibit highlighting how it all works. Interested in photography? No shortage of images to snap – flowers, trees, fountains, interesting structures and displays.

Do you love food? Guess what, the Longwood dining options are superb. Even the counter service food is quite delicious. They also have a sit down restaurant for special occasions.

How about ice cream and beer? Do you enjoy those? Stop by one of the carts that are stationed around to enjoy some refreshments while you take in the scenery.

Christmas time boasts an elaborate light display, as well as an outdoor train garden.

All of this before you even consider the conservatory. On a recent trip, we asked how many employees it took to maintain all of the displays throughout the gardens, inside and out. 1200. 1200 people working together to create something visually stunning around every turn.

Last Black Friday we grabbed a deal on a membership, and I am so glad that we did. Though our children fuss every time before we go, they always enjoy themselves. I sort of think fussing is just a thing that kids have to do when an adult suggests an activity … right? Even Shawn seems to want to hold onto his preconceived notions, but he also always enjoys himself when we go.

There are lots of special events and performances. And recently they have created a beer garden atmosphere for the weekends, complete with outdoor food and drink stands, and musicians.

The only drawback I can see is that people are catching on that it is cool to go to the garden, and when people catch on, crowds grow. Regardless, it is worth it! And in general, the garden pathways and outdoor spaces never seem to be overrun with people. There are timed tickets, but members can usually go in without a reservation. However, I feel like that may change as more and more people continue to come to experience this treasure in our backyard.

Have you visited Longwood Gardens? Do you have a favorite botanical garden or arboretum that we should check out? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

-Kristin

Christmas Cheer with Beer

Just Get in the Car — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:05:30 +0000

I like beer. I don’t have the most sophisticated pallet for it, but I like to try different things, go different places, and see how all the different microbrewers around make their craft. My wife likes food. I can usually convince her to go to most microbrews, because they usually have a restaurant on site or at the very least a food truck with some good offerings. That still leaves one problem: kids. Since the law frowns upon us leaving children unattended, we usually have to figure out some way to bring them along. Especially this time of year, when all they want to do is see decorations, meet Santa, and other yuletide B.S. We need a way for everyone to have Christmas Cheer, even the beer drinkers among us!

Well, luckily for you, I have taken the liberty of checking out some of the local breweries to see what kind of family friendly offerings they have this holiday season. That way, you get beer, wife gets food, and the kids are entertained. Everyone wins.

Nov 23-Dec 31: Christmas Lights and Beer Garden at Longwood Gardens

Check out the holiday lights and enjoy a Cherry Oatmeal Stout from Victory Brewing.

Nov 23 – Nov 26: Cape May Brewery – Shop ‘Til You Drop Weekend

Black Friday sale on all kinds of swag. While you are there, check out the lights all over Cape May, and make sure you try their Boughs of Barley – an Imperial Stout that spent a year aging in cognac and scotch barrels.

Nov 25: Punk Rock Flea Market at Root Down Brewing in Phoenixville

The kids will get a kick out of checking out all the eclectic stuff for sale. Maybe you find some cool Christmas gift for someone. The wife can dine on the cauliflower chickpea tacos, while you sip on the BA Darkroom Stout, which has been aged with Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey.

Nov 27: Cookie Day at Town Tap by Conshohocken Brewing

We go here a lot. They have a kids menu for food, and on this day, they also have Koffmeyer’s offering some cookie & beer pairings, along with fried cookie dough, cookie sundaes and beer floats! Try some Robust Porter, or maybe the just released Winter Madness!

Dec: 2: Santa .5K Run at Evil Genius

A run anyone can finish! Its 0.5K, not 5K, so it’s only around the block. Even my lazy kids can do that! Get some exercise, then come back for a swag bag and some beer (tickets needed). The Slide into the DMS White Chocolate Mocha Latte Amber Ale sounds interesting to me.

Dec 2: Fundraiser for Homeless Malvern Families – Locust Lane

A kid friendly event! Pay it forward while enjoying some beers. This fundraiser is to help out families that lost their homes in a recent storm. Try some of their beers dedicated to the victims of Duffy’s Cut, and have some food from the Vida Food Truck.

Dec 7: Phoenixville Christmas Parade; Cookies with Santa – Iron Hill Phoenixville

Iron Hill always has a great food menu, and is kid friendly. Stop by for the Christmas Parade, and watch the kids have cookies with Santa while you sip on a Philly Special IPA.

Dec 7: Ugly Sweater Party Multi-Tap – Iron Hill Media

Wear an ugly sweater, feed the family and get a sampler of the Winter Warmer, Scrooge IPA, Reindeer’s Revenge and Santa’s Little Helper.

Dec 8: Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market – Neshaminy Creek

Kids 10 and under are free. Check out the eclectic offerings, take Punk Rawk Santa pictures, and grab some lunch from the food trucks. Get there early, and get a swag bag. Or come when you want and have a J.A.W.N. Pale Ale.

Dec 9: Brunch with Santa – Victory Brewing

The kids get to meet Santa, the wife gets a special brunch buffet, and you get to sip on some of the best beers in the area. Santa is at all locations, so you can swing over to Kennett to avoid the Downingtown crowds, or Parkesburg, which is just a little closer to Delco than the North Pole.

Dec 12: December to Remember Beer Dinner – Iron Hill Ardmore

Take the wife out for a 5 course meal. Each course is paired with one of their beers.

Dec 14-16: Crime + Punishmas Holiday Bazaar – Crime and Punishment

Let the family check out some arts and crafts vendors, while you sip on an And My Axe heavy.

Dec 15: The Dark Side Party multi-Tap – Iron Hill Wilmington

Star Wars parties may not be Christmas theme, but who cares. Let the kids check out the nerds in costume, while you sip on a Kryptonite Imperial IPA. See if any of the Trekkies notice!

Dec 16: Carols and Beer – Kennett Brewing Company

Kids can order from the kids’ menu, the wife can turn of carols from B101 in the car and start listening to them live, and you can sit back, relax and enjoy a Hopmongus Double IPA.

Dec 20: Sugar Plum Release – Brick Works

Head down to Smyrna and let the kids eat off the kids’ menu. Stick around for their Sugar Plum sour release.

Dec 21-22: Last Call Holiday Haul – Philadelphia Brewing Company

Get some of those last minute gifts while listening to Christmas music and sipping on a Kenzinger.

Dec 22: Christmas Carols all day – Wilmington Brew Works

Family friendly brewery with chalkboard walls, toys and snacks for kids. While the kids keep themselves busy, and the wife relaxes to some Christmas tunes, enjoy a Theoretical Holes West Coast IPA and get ready for the pending Christmas chaos.

We have been to a few of these places already, but not all of them. Which are your favorites? And what are your favorite beers from them?

This is not a complete list of the family friendly breweries in the area. For a more detailed list, check out this link.

Longwood Gardens – Just Get in the Car

Family Fun in the Brandywine: Valentine’s Weekend 2020

-Kristin

Longwood Gardens: A local treasure

-Kristin

Christmas Cheer with Beer

- Shawn