Atlas Obscura Itineraries

A Countryside Escape in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley

As one of the three original counties of the Commonwealth, Chester County offers a unique glimpse into historic Pennsylvania. From the old courthouse in West Chester, the oldest public building in the United States, to the Lincoln Building where Abraham Lincoln’s first published biography was housed in 1860, reminders of the past are around every bend. A quick drive down I-76 from Philadelphia, Chester County blends historic architecture with unique local agriculture and a one-of-a-kind public garden, paired with a thriving local arts scene. Kick off your long weekend at one of the oldest functioning mills in America and spend a contemplative moment in a hidden grotto with a waterfall. As you traverse Brandywine Valley, you’ll explore the Mushroom Capital of the World and sample the offerings of cafés with old-world charm and modern fine dining establishments specializing in local ingredients.