With a stroke of luck in having a random day off all together, my mother, sister and I took an impromptu trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. None of us had been to the botanical gardens before, so we decided to make a day of it. We luckily had perfect weather — just a bit overcast with a cool breeze — so we easily walked for a couple hours exploring the grounds.
The sprawling landscape seemed to go on forever, with hidden wooded areas, scenic hiking trails and endless gardens. The estate sits on more than 1,000 acres of expertly manicured grounds complete with impeccable gardens, meadows, woodlands and architectural structures — needless to say, there is a lot to see.
© Ticoalex | Dreamstime
The Conservatory was my personal favorite during our visit. Originally designed and built in 1919, the incredible greenhouse boasts impeccable architecture and interesting plant life. We walked for quite a while and still didn’t see even close to everything the garden has to offer, but we made a point to watch the fountain show and enjoy some Prosecco and macarons from the café cart nearby.
Overall, the gardens were beautiful and there is a lot of walking to be done. I would definitely go again and maybe even head out in the woodlands for a hike and explore the more rugged terrain.
There’s still time for those venturing through during the holiday season. Longwood Gardens hosts a Longwood Christmas through Jan. 7. Guests enjoy festive food, drinks, seasonal décor and live performances including holiday carols. Sing along with the professionals or simply stroll the festive grounds while enjoying the holiday cheer.
The gardens are impeccably decorated on the off season, so the French-inspired holiday display is bound to impress. Just be sure to bundle up for the outdoor exhibits, put on your walking shoes and bring your camera. Keep the holiday cheer going strong and check out the site for more information regarding admission, special events and seasonal hours
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 6, 2024Salem, Massachusetts, Offers Plentiful Activities in October
Add a little spookiness to family travel this October with a visit to Salem, Massachusetts, busily preparing for its annual Salem Haunted Happenings, a month-long celebration of Halloween that attracts visitors from around the world. Destination Salem offers a visitor’s guide, mobile application and dedicated website detailing the month’s many initiatives.
Sponsored Content
Travel to Madrid with the Family and Find Activities to Keep Everyone Happy!
If life were a city, it’d be Madrid. Sometimes it can be quite the challenge to find a destination just right for the whole family. Different tastes and ages make agreeing on where to go seem impossible. Unless, of course, the destination you have in mind is Madrid. With all of its new immersive museums, musicals, soccer stadiums and monuments like Royal Palace, anyone who suggests coming to the capital is sure to get a unanimous yes!
Destinations / North America
Sep 5, 2024Family-Friendly Stops to Make While Leaf-Peeping Through Rhode Island
Leaf-peeping is something of a fall tradition in America. When Mother Nature turns on the charm and transforms much of the country into a canvas of color, driving through regions where the leaves change colors can be an amazing experience for family travelers. Rhode Island, home to some of America’s most beautiful landscapes, is the perfect place to head each fall to see nature at its best.
News
Sep 5, 2024Remembering Rainer Jenss
WhereverFamily expresses its condolences on the passing of Rainer Jenss, founder, Family Travel Association, part of the inspiration behind the launch of the WhereverFamily brand. Dedicating himself as an advocate for family travel as an essential part of every child’s education, Jenss created Family Travel Association to have a collective, unified industry voice to help change the way families travel.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Destinations / North America
Sep 5, 2024Discover Kissimmee’s Western Wonders
While family travels to Kissimmee, Florida, don’t always include Western-themed experiences, you may be surprised to learn Kissimmee actually has a rich cowboy history and offers plenty of Western fun. Whether looking for a rodeo, cowboy fun or a fair with all the classic foods, there is something for you in Kissimmee.
ShareThis