Greater Philadelphia area has earned the title of ‘America's Garden Capital’
With a fusion of museums, gardens, and captivating history, Philadelphia‘s Countryside is no wonder any nature lover’s treat. The region’s immense history, horticulture, shopping, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and delightful cuisine weave the foundation for rich and complex stories to tell about the countryside of Philadelphia. Just a short drive away from the most important cities make it ideal for weekend getaways, too.
The beautiful countryside also marks an indelible footprint in the Revolutionary War, says a press statement, where living history villages from the Battle of Brandywine include a revolutionary war hospital and soldier’s orphan school. Sites welcome visitors to experience stories brought to life in lively and informative ways, including historical interpreters, hands-on demonstrations and multimedia presentations.
With its abundance of horticultural resources, the statement says, the greater Philadelphia area has earned the title of ‘America’s Garden Capital’. One of America’s most memorable gardens is Brandywine’s internationally renowned Longwood Gardens, which combines the best of Italian, French, and English traditions. The 1,050-acre Longwood estate has 20 outdoor gardens and a stunning conservatory.
In fact, the National Register of Historic Places lists the Morris Arboretum, which has a focus on Asian temperate species and was established in 1933. The Morris Arboretum comprises more than 12,000 plants from Asia, Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, China, Japan, and Korea. While others are incredibly rare, several of them are among the biggest of their kind in North America, says the statement.
Among its array of shopping centres some include King of Prussia Mall, known to be the largest retail complex in the U.S. East Coast, which features over 400 stores that include Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales and Macy’s and an impressive collection of luxury retailers. Nearby Philadelphia Premium Outlets additionally offers 150 name brand outlet stores offering 25–65 pc savings everyday from brands including Ann Taylor, Coach, Abercrombie and Fitch, Brooks Brothers and Nike. Unique shopping can be found throughout the small towns and villages that populate the countryside as well as at the gift shops in our world-class museums and attractions, says the statement.
From high art to lowbrow comedy, there are museums tailored to suit every taste, says the statement, adding that a collection of drawings, still lifes, and landscapes by three generations of the Wyeth family are on display at the Brandywine Museum of Art. The “Dean of American Craftsman” and his distinctive wood carvings are honoured in the Wharton Esherick Museum. A copy of his Birds of America, printed and hand-coloured from copper plate engravings, can be found at the John James Audubon Centre. The Stoogeum, on the other hand, pays homage to The Three Stooges’ comic book craftsmanship.
Countryside of Philadelphia has made a name for itself in the gastronomy scene just the same. With a crew of expert chefs to satisfy every craving, the countryside is the home of several beautiful estate vineyards in the rolling hills, tasting rooms and barrel-ageing cellars filled with premium wines that showcase a unique terroir. Craft Brewers are even more plentiful with 70 plus throughout the countryside.
