Top Ten Locations Within One Hour of Philly (Philadelphia, Allentown: schools, tile)

[gbem]

Hey folks!

I know I ask a lot of questions, more so than putting in my own responses to other questions, but seeing that I just moved here, questions are all I've got.

That said, I find it's pretty easy to explore Philadelphia on my own, check out the mainstream and off-the-beaten track locations and sites, and I'm trying to plan some trips to get to know the suburbs, and beyond. Natural locations, trails, parks, historic sites, et cetera. Basically anything that's not right here in the city limits.

So what are your favorite locations to visit? What are the most memorable? Provocative?

Thanks for the input!

Greg

ps. Please don't hesitate to mention if the places can be visited via regional rail!

[Summering]

You might just love Lahaska and the Peddlers Village. It is just a joy to visit.......here is the link
Welcome to Peddler's Village

Little ones love Giggleberry, and the adults love the shopping and quaintness...

If you like Antiques, stop at New Hope which is just one town over for a great walking area of cute shops and other wonderful things to see and do there.
http://www.newhopepa.com/events.htm

[Summering]

Longwood Gardens
You may love the Longwood Gardens ( Kennett Square) or the Winterthur Mansion and festivities.
Longwood is decorated at Christmas time for the holidays.

[orrmobl]

Linvilla orchards is great this time of year, especially if you have kids, but going with a friend or sig other is fun too...

Also check out the Newlin Grist Mill, Ridley Creek State Park, downtown Media and West Chester, Valley Forge, Brandywine Battlefield and vineyards in that area...

Linvilla Orchards - your one-stop destination for online fruit basket orders, Pick-Your-Own fresh fruits, gifts and crafts for all seasons, farming fun and education for families, schools, bus and day trips, as well as our famous bakery, farm market,

[sbhubbell]

Valley Forge is great for walking, biking, blading. Beautiful natural scenery and lots of historical spots to check out. We like to just drive through the park close to dusk to check out the HUNDREDS of deer. Valley Forge National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Also the Perkiomen Trail WELCOME TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S PERKIOMEN TRAIL and the Schuylkill River Trail Schuylkill River Trail:Schuylkill River Heritage Area are very nice. Also the John James Audobon Center at Mill Grove is nice. The Perkiomen trail essentially goes right by it.

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Linvilla orchards is great this time of year, especially if you have kids, but going with a friend or sig other is fun too...

I hope the rebuild the old barn. From what I read they are going to. I remember going there as a kid on school field trips. I'm actually surprised its still there with all the development that's happened the past 25 - 30 years.

[Icy Tea]

Hopewell Village is just over an hours away. You have the historic ironmaster works, the lake and a swimming pool. Plus its the closest real mountain and forest to Philly for hiking. Just beyond it on route 23 you have amish country. Daniel Boone Homsestead isn't too far away from Hopewell and its almost right in the historic Oley Valley historic district. King Of prussia of course is Philly's shopping mecca.

[Lori1604]

All of the above are great suggestions.

I haven't been there in a long time, but I remember Crystal Cave (between Kutztown and Allentown) being pretty cool.

[SXMGirl]

Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford Winery, Hagley Museum, a little bit longer but a visit to Amish Country (Lancaster County), Booths Corner Farmers Market (not sure if they still have the Friday night auction or if it is even worth it), Taylor and Tyler Arboreatums, Rose Valley Park in the summer for the concerts and plays.

[PA2UK]

They've already been mentioned but I just wanted to second suggestions for Peddlers Village, New Hope and Valley Forge.

I don't think Doylestown has been mentioned yet though? There's some interesting places to visit in and around there, like the Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle, Moravian Tile Works.
The Bucks County Historical Society: Index
Official site of Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Newtown is also a cute, historic town and is where a few scenes from "Signs" was filmed.
Newtown, PA-Arts, History & Adventure in Bucks County