1. Hamanassett B&B & Carriage House
City: Media, PA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (877) 836-8212, (610) 459-3000
Address: 115 Indian Springs Dr.
Description: The address says Media, but this circa-1856 (plus 1896 additions) English country manor is actually located 5 miles south in Chester Heights. Whatever . . . it’s still only 15 minutes from Longwood Gardens, 20 from Winterthur, and 8 from Chadds Ford. Posh rooms, some with fireplaces, all with wireless access, come with elegant full breakfast by the fire on antique silver, crystal, and china in the formal dining room. Hamanassett is also home to the Brandywine Cooking School, which offers intimate, daylong classes for $200 per person (specially priced overnight packages are also available).
2. Delaware County Community College
City: Media, PA
Category: Education
Telephone: (610) 359-5050
Address: 901 S. Media Line Rd.
Description: Delaware County Community College also has 4 campuses in Chester County—in Downingtown, Exton, Jennersville, and West Chester.
3. Iron Hill Brewery
City: Media, PA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (610) 627-9000
Address: 30 E. State St.
Description: Sample the malty Vienna Red Lager, the hoppy Ironbound Ale, and the traditional Belgian Ale-of-the-Month. As for the food, make sure you get a bowl of the ale and onion au gratin soup and, if you’re under the legal age or just not a beer aficionado, a mug of the house-made root beer will hit the spot. There’s an extensive gluten-free menu as well.
4. Tyler Arboretum
City: Media, PA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (610) 566-9134
Address: 515 Painter Rd.
Description: Even Type A personalities will want to slow down and admire the ancient trees and multihued wildflowers along the more than 20 miles of hiking trails that will take you through 450 acres (the total acreage of the arboretum is 650) of uncultivated woodlands and past ruins of centuries-old buildings. Meander through the 4-ringed Meadow Maze where there is something new to learn at Discovery Stations at every turn and visit a 1,400-square-foot house where native butterflies flutter free. Ask about nature programs for adults and kids as well as year-round special events. Open year-round except for selected holidays (the Butterfly House is open from June through early Sept).
5. Linvilla Orchards
City: Media, PA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (610) 876-7116
Address: 137 W. Knowlton Rd.
Description: Almost a century old and still operated by members of the founding family, this 300-acre working farm has been a Philadelphia landmark. You can purchase anything from apples to apricots, peaches to pumpkins, and strawberries to sweet corn at the on-site market or, better yet, go out in the fields and orchards and pick your own. You can fish (no license required) in the well-stocked Orchard Pond ($9 for adults, $5 for children, additional per caught fish fees). Open year-round.