Weekend driving destination advice? (Lancaster, Chester: live in, restaurant, shops)

[MrSaturdayNight]

So, I like driving and I find it peaceful and relaxing. I was wondering if anyone knows of any good places to drive or drive around that is really scenic and nice for a days trip. I live in philadelphia so I was hoping to get away from the city for few hours and drive around some nice scenic places away from traffic and take pictures, etc.
I've been to New Hope which was nice as well as nj but im sure there are more places in the surrounding areas of PA that would be doable for a day trip. Thanks

[PA2UK]

Newtown or Doylestown are nice towns too. Newtown was the town "Signs" was filmed in, a bit similar to New Hope. And Doylestown has some museums and interesting buildings for photos.

Doylestown, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Newtown, PA-Arts, History & Adventure in Bucks County

[TracySam]

If you are a history buff, try Valley Forge or Gettysburg. There's a lot more to do in Gettysburg, though you might be better off staying over one night. If you get up & leave really early in the AM, and don't mind driving back after dark, you could do it in one day.

We live in lower Bucks County, and love to drive all the way up along the Delaware River, way past New Hope. Usually we take pictures along the way and turn around at the Delaware Water Gap. Lots of cool little places to eat all along the river too.

We also took a one day car trip all through Bucks to find all the covered bridges. You can do a web search on where they all are, and then wander around between all of them.

We also go out to Lancaster County a few times a year, driving around Amish country, checking out antique shops and the beautiful scenery.
We usually just go to one particular destination, like an art fair in Longs Park, then drive aimlessly around, with the GPS on in case we get lost.

You can find all sorts of cool things driving aimlessly with the GPS to rely on in case you get too "aimless."

We even explored northwestern NJ that way. Lots of small towns & boroughs with farms or woods in between. Nothing like Southwestern or Northeastern NJ.

Or you could try Cape May. Go early in the day and wander around, and go to a nice restaurant for dinner. Very picturesque.

[sbhubbell]

I also recommend Lancaster County...you can go out there and drive for hours and just see nice scenery.

[TracySam]

We were out in Lancaster County once and stumbled across this place with white (albino?) deer. They were on a farm near a store and restaurant. They were very comfortable with getting their picture taken!

[MrSaturdayNight]

Thanks everyone,

I think Lancaster seems to be the general consensus. Can anyone suggest a particular destination or address of places I can type into my GPS? I would love to check Lancaster out but im pretty clueless when it comes to knowing where to go or search.
As it was mentioned, I would love to go on a scenic drive to Lancaster to take some photos and see some nice old charming buildings, farms, shops, etc, anything scenic!
Thanks again~

[TracySam]

Again, you'll find really cool stuff if you just wander. Set your GPS for any place in Lancaster County, fill up your tank, then just wander around. Maybe start with Adamstown where all the antique places are, but seriously you'll enjoy just driving aimlessly. Hope you find those white deer!

[orrmobl]

I just drove through Intercourse PA and while the name is funny, the drive up Newport Rd (772) was lovely and the town looks like a great place to stop and poke around.

Also Bradford Township, Chester County down to the Brandywine Battlefield is quite scenic..

[Icy Tea]

Originally Posted by TracySam

We were out in Lancaster County once and stumbled across this place with white (albino?) deer. They were on a farm near a store and restaurant. They were very comfortable with getting their picture taken!

>>>> That sounds like the Oregon Pike Dairy which is just off 222 and on the Oregon Pike. It's a nice place with a pretty good restaurant and a great grocery store.
A good spring day trip from Philly would be the Hopewell lake and Hopewell Forge historic park. You could take in Valley Forge and Phoenixville along the way.

[toobusytoday]

Here are a couple of links to get you in the mood or help you find a starting (ending) point: Lancaster County, The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. by Lancaster County Pennsylvania Visitors Center and Lancaster, PA Welcome Center: All That Awaits You in Lancaster County's Amish Country