As winter settles over Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, Longwood Gardens welcomes guests to its world-renowned horticultural vacation spot to flee the chilly.
Spanning over 1,000 acres, this botanical sanctuary affords spectacular indoor gardens, positive eating, and celebrates the enduring legacy of Pierre S. du Pont.
Whether or not you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, this information highlights the very best locations to dine, keep, and discover at Longwood Gardens, taking advantage of your winter getaway.
Winter Marvel at Longwood Gardens
Winter blooms floating in The Conservatory at Longwood Gardens | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Recognized for its breathtaking shows of flowers, fountains, and conservatories, Longwood is a year-round landmark, however its Winter Marvel season (January 17–March 23, 2025) affords a uniquely serene and enchanting expertise.
Even in a snowstorm, moving into the conservatories seems like leaving the chilly behind, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooming flowers.
Your Winter Weekend Itinerary
Signature arched home windows overlooking snow-dusted gardens at 1906 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
This journey was the proper excuse to indulge within the newly reimagined 1906 restaurant, a eating expertise that exceeded each expectation. From the elegant area and impeccable service to the clever plating and unforgettable dishes, it was a spotlight of our getaway.
Paired with a keep at The Inn at Whitewing Farm (only a 5-minute drive from Longwood) and the appeal of downtown Kennett Sq.’s indie outlets and eateries, this was the best winter retreat.
By the point we left, we felt refreshed and impressed, regardless that we had been solely a brief drive from residence. It’s the sort of diversion that reminds you ways a lot magnificence and leisure could be discovered shut by.
Whether or not you’re planning a romantic getaway or a peaceable winter journey, beneath is our itinerary for the place to dine, keep, and discover round Longwood Gardens.
Why Winter is a Good Time to Go to Longwood Gardens
The Major Conservatory’s central water function with hanging tropical baskets | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Winter unveils a quieter, extra intimate aspect of Longwood Gardens, a historic property in Kennett Sq., PA that has been fascinating guests since its founding by Pierre S. du Pont within the early twentieth century.
Whereas summer season attracts crowds to the well-known fountains and out of doors shows, winter affords a serene escape the place snow-dusted gardens and heat indoor conservatories create a magical environment. The current $250 million Longwood Reimagined undertaking by the structure group of WEISS/MANFREDI has elevated the winter expertise, significantly within the dramatic West Conservatory, the place Mediterranean-inspired gardens attain their peak flowering season beneath a hovering crystalline roofline.
Inside, you’ll be able to simply spend a complete day transferring between distinct environments. The preserved Cascade Backyard options 16 waterfalls and meandering paths by lush rainforest plantings—a tropical retreat that feels worlds away from the winter chill.
A number of whimsical fountains can by loved by all ages within the Indoor Youngsters’s Backyard | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The Indoor Youngsters’s Backyard delights guests of all ages with its whimsical bronze statues and artistic water options. Lush greenery and aromatic herbs line the pathways, making a sensory-rich atmosphere good for hands-on discovery. Whether or not taking part in, exploring, or just soaking within the magnificence, this enchanting backyard affords countless enjoyable for all.
Capturing backyard moments alongside the winding Conservatory paths | Picture: Higher Dwelling
What makes winter right here really particular is the interaction between environments. One second, you’re watching snowstorm silently on the formal gardens; the subsequent, you’re warming up in a verdant paradise the place towering palms attain towards glass ceilings and clusters of orchids add splashes of vibrant colour. Each flip right here reveals one other Instagram-worthy scene.
When it’s time for a meal, Longwood affords choices to go well with each style. The modern 1906 restaurant presents garden-inspired delicacies overlooking the grounds—an exquisite alternative for a particular winter meal. For extra informal eating, The Café affords an à la carte menu with no reservations required.
Winter at Longwood Gardens is a singular alternative to get pleasure from these magnificent grounds of their most intimate season. Whether or not you’re strolling by snow-covered paths or basking within the heat of the conservatories, it’s a getaway that feels each refreshing and rejuvenating.
➡️Wish to see Longwood Gardens at its winter finest? Our recommendation? Guide forward—tickets and restaurant reservations go shortly!
The place to Keep Close to Longwood Gardens – The Inn at Whitewing Farm
Winter view of The Inn at Whitewing Farm’s primary home and grounds | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Conveniently positioned simply 5 minutes from Longwood Gardens, we found why The Inn at Whitewing Farm has earned its status as one in every of Pennsylvania’s finest mattress and breakfasts.
This 1700s farmhouse property grew to become our sanctuary throughout a February snowstorm and was the proper residence base for exploring the realm.
The innkeepers’ restaurant background is clear in each element. Lance and Sandy Shortt, highschool sweethearts turned restaurateurs, took over Whitewing Farm after 30 years of working a profitable Italian restaurant. Their daughter Samantha, who checked us in, lives on the property along with her household and helps handle the inn, giving the place a home-like environment that chain inns merely can’t match.
The Hackney Suite’s dwelling space that includes a gasoline fire, king mattress, and traditional furnishings | Picture: Higher Dwelling
We stayed within the Hackney Suite. Clear and cozy, it felt like our personal personal house within the nation. With its buttery yellow partitions, royal blue accents, and enormous home windows framing views of the grounds, the suite struck the best stability of historic appeal and fashionable consolation.
The luxurious lavatory with heated flooring within the Hackney Suite | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The heated marble lavatory flooring had been an expensive contact on frosty mornings, and falling asleep to the dancing flames of the timed gasoline fire grew to become a nightly ritual we seemed ahead to.
The country Hackney Suite exterior with personal entrance, illuminated at nightfall | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The personal entrance added to the sense of seclusion, but we had been simply steps away from all of the facilities, and breakfast, within the restored 1796 hay barn.
The restored 1796 hay barn’s cozy frequent space | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The hay barn shortly grew to become our favourite spot on the property. It incorporates a fire, plush seating, and eating tables by the home windows the place we might get pleasure from wintery farm views. A complimentary espresso and tea station with Keurig machines, snacks, and refreshments is offered till midnight, and we beloved sipping espresso as we relaxed by the fireplace.
Chef Lance’s signature Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes at The Inn at Whitewing Farm | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Breakfast was a every day spotlight, served at 9 AM sharp (don’t be late!) within the hay barn. Chef Lance’s Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes—topped with recent berries and pillowy whipped cream—had been simply among the many prime 5 B&B breakfasts we’ve ever had. The still-warm banana bread disappeared shortly from our plates as we gazed by home windows overlooking the snowy farm. Contemporary purple flowers on every desk added a contact of spring, whilst winter white blanketed the grounds.
One snowy night, quite than enterprise out once more, we picked up takeout from La Peña Mexicana in close by Kennett Sq.. The hay barn, with its tables, silverware, and complimentary drinks, made an excellent spot for having fun with genuine tacos and selfmade tamales. Lance stopped by to talk, sharing tales concerning the property’s historical past and his different enterprise endeavors. His heat and storytelling made the night much more memorable—proof that placing up a dialog with him is a should for anybody staying right here.
The snow-covered Pond Home at The Inn at Whitewing Farm | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Throughout the day, we took winter walks across the property, exploring the frozen pond and wooded areas. Every stroll felt like a mini-adventure, with the quiet great thing about the winter panorama including to the sense of peace and leisure. When you enterprise right down to the nook, you would possibly simply meet a pair of pleasant horses.
Two pleasant horses across the nook from the Inn having fun with a snowy morning | Picture: Higher Dwelling
When you’re planning a visit to Longwood Gardens, The Inn at Whitewing Farm is an excellent place to name residence. With its heat hospitality, good location, and idyllic setting, you’ll be so completely happy you stayed right here.
💡 Guide your keep early, particularly through the Winter Marvel season, to safe your spot on this charming B&B. They even supply a Winter Marvel bundle with 2 VIP untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens.
Fantastic Eating at 1906 – A Should-Attempt Culinary Expertise
Coming into the bar and lounge space at 1906 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
After a peaceable morning at The Inn at Whitewing Farm, we took a brief drive alongside quiet nation roads to 1906, Longwood Gardens’ outstanding new restaurant that opened within the fall of 2024.
Situated within the decrease degree of The Conservatory district inside Longwood Gardens, 1906 is greater than only a restaurant—it’s a celebration of meals and historical past, the place the gardens encourage each plate.
Reimagined as a part of Longwood’s $250 million transformation, the area is breathtaking, with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling home windows, and handcrafted tables created from fallen Longwood bushes. The setting alone is motive sufficient to dine right here, but it surely’s the beautiful, garden-inspired delicacies that really makes it extraordinary.
Winter Eating Not like Any Different
The principle eating room at 1906 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Arriving in 1906 is a part of the journey. A five-minute stroll by the out of doors gardens leads you to the restaurant, taking within the winter surroundings earlier than arriving at your desk.
Inside, the ambiance is heat and welcoming, the place golden sconces forged a dreamy glow, and views of the snow-covered gardens create a serene backdrop.
Small touches elevate the expertise, like how they’ll retailer your leftovers whilst you discover the gardens or examine your coat with out lacking a beat.
A Menu Rooted within the Gardens
Atlantic Halibut with miso beurre blanc sauce at 1906 | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Government Chef George Murkowicz’s menu celebrates Longwood’s horticultural heritage, dividing dishes into Flora, Fauna, and Funga—a artistic nod to the area’s mushroom-growing legacy.
Backyard-fresh elements shine in each dish, from vibrant salads adorned with edible flowers to wealthy, umami-packed mushroom creations.
Seafood lovers will admire the superbly seared Atlantic Halibut, and in the event you’re within the temper for pasta, the handmade Trofie Bolognese is unimaginable. This dish is so comforting, it’ll have you ever planning your subsequent go to earlier than you’ve completed your plate.
Unforgettable Cocktails & Desserts
Caramelia at 1906: A whimsical tribute to Kennett Sq.’s mushroom heritage | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Don’t miss the Frosted Violet cocktail—a beautiful mix of mezcal, tequila, and crème de violette that appears prefer it was impressed by the backyard’s blooms.
For dessert, the whimsical Caramelia—a mushroom-shaped creation mixing espresso caramel and chocolate mousse—pays homage to Kennett Sq.’s well-known fungi.
Even the desserts right here inform a narrative.
Plan Your Go to
Eating at 1906 isn’t simply concerning the meals—it’s concerning the environment, the service, and the connection to Longwood’s pure magnificence. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a romantic winter meal or celebrating one thing particular, that is an distinctive spot.
Take my recommendation – make reservations upfront and plan additional time to discover Longwood’s conservatories earlier than or after your meal.
➡️Hungry for extra particulars? Dive into our full 1906 at Longwood Gardens evaluation!
Exploring Kennett Sq. – Buying & Native Finds
The quaint outlets of downtown Kennett Sq. | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Simply minutes from Longwood Gardens, Kennett Sq., PA is a picturesque and historic small city often called the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Producing over half of the nation’s mushrooms, it’s well-known for its annual Mushroom Pageant each September. However its vibrant downtown is price visiting year-round.
Kennett Sq. seamlessly blends its agricultural roots with a walkable downtown full of mom-and-pop outlets, cozy cafés, and acclaimed eating places. Right here, mushrooms are celebrated in each nook, from gourmand dishes on menus to whimsical themed items in native outlets.
It’s the sort of place that seems like Major Road America—a nostalgic reminder of how cities was once, the place each store has a goal and story.
Even within the chilly winter months, Kennett Sq. is a delight to discover. Compact and walkable, it’s simple to hop between outlets with out braving the chilliness for too lengthy. There’s additionally loads of espresso outlets and bakeries to assist heat you up. Twinkling lights and beautiful structure add to the city’s appeal, making it really feel particularly inviting in winter.
We spent the afternoon wandering its historic streets, stopping into just a few standout outlets alongside the best way.
The Woodlands at Phillips
A family-run mushroom farm with over 100 years of historical past, The Woodlands at Phillips affords a small exhibit on mushroom farming, showcasing the rising course of and Kennett Sq.’s agricultural heritage. Whereas we didn’t take the tour, the on-site store is well-known for its gourmand mushroom merchandise, develop kits, and specialty meals, making it an incredible cease for mushroom lovers.
The Mushroom Cap
The Mushroom Cap celebrates Kennett Sq.’s fungi heritage with enjoyable decor and native merchandise | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The Mushroom Cap is a whimsical store for all fungi fanatics and curious vacationers. Right here, you’ll be able to browse an array of mushroom-themed merchandise, from gourmand mushroom delicacies to quirky mushroom-shaped souvenirs and residential items. The store additionally affords museum-quality instructional shows with fascinating insights into Kennett Sq.’s mushroom farming trade.
Since Kennett Sq. is named the Mushroom Capital of the World, it’s no shock that this retailer celebrates all issues fungi. Alongside mushroom-based meals like pasta, scorching sauce, and occasional, you’ll discover some humorous mushroom-themed presents that say “Shittake Occurs” and “Who Offers a Shittake?” Whether or not you’re a seasoned mycophile or simply on the lookout for a enjoyable and weird procuring journey, positively cease into The Mushroom Cap.
Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Store
Inside Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Store, the place tons of of specialty teas line the partitions in neat shows | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Proper within the coronary heart of Kennett Sq., Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Store is a pleasant haven for tea fanatics and curious customers alike. Mrs. Robinson’s affords an unimaginable choice of premium loose-leaf teas sourced from around the globe. The cabinets are lined floor-to-ceiling with over 200 kinds of tea, rigorously displayed in elegant tins.
We picked up two decaf blends—Summer season Romance and Over the Moon—after receiving suggestions from the useful employees, who take the time to information you towards flavors you’ll love. Whether or not you’re seeking to uncover a brand new favourite mix, refill in your go-to tea, or discover a present for a tea-loving pal, Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Store has one thing for everybody. In addition they supply scorching samples, which was a pleasant method to heat up on a chilly winter day. There’s even a sweet store linked subsequent door!
Clear Slate Items
A boutique specializing in ethically made, handcrafted merchandise, from artisan jewellery and residential décor to sustainable vogue. Clear Slate Items is a cool store in the event you’re on the lookout for a singular, significant present whereas supporting small makers.
Parking in Kennett Sq.
The historic and charming downtown space of Kennett Sq., PA | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Parking downtown was comparatively simple. The streets are metered at 25 cents per quarter-hour, and so they settle for nickels, dimes, and quarters. Lots of the spots we parked in already had a while left on the meters—perhaps you’ll get fortunate too!
Extra Nice Locations to Eat in Kennett Sq.
Victory Brewing Firm
Victory Brewing Firm’s iconic wall mural of their Kennett Sq. taproom | Picture: Higher Dwelling
For an off-the-cuff and enjoyable environment with nice meals and craft beer brewed on-site, Victory Brewing Firm in Kennett Sq. is the spot. Situated on the fringe of downtown, this taproom incorporates a 7-barrel brewhouse crafting beers unique to this location—you’ll be able to even see the brewing tools from the eating room.
The area impresses instantly with colourful murals and an industrial-meets-artistic vibe. It strikes a enjoyable stability between vigorous and laid-back, making it an excellent spot to heat up after your time at Longwood.
Beer lovers will admire the intensive faucet checklist, together with unique brews like El Gato Negro, a Mexican-style ale with nutty peanut butter notes, and the seasonal Peanut Butter Kandy Kake Porter, a enjoyable nod to its namesake. Undecided what to get? Tasters can be found so you’ll be able to pattern earlier than committing.
Native Mushroom Crostini paired with Victory beer | Picture: Higher Dwelling
The kitchen serves up elevated pub fare, together with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads, plus loads of shareable apps. We began with the VICTORY Pretzel, served heat with Prima Pils cheese sauce and Hop Satan grainy mustard, and the Native Mushroom Crostini, that includes garlic herb goat cheese, recent arugula, and balsamic drizzle on buttery toasted ciabatta.
Home-made Carne Asada Tacos at Victory Brewing Firm, served with fries or spicy slaw | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Since we arrived on Taco Tuesday, we tried each the Carne Asada Tacos, with fire-roasted salsa, scorching sauce crema, and salty cotija, and the Atlantic Cod Island Tacos, that includes gentle, crispy beer-battered cod with avocado, pico de gallo, cabbage, and pineapple crema. The jalapeño slaw was the proper spicy aspect.
Don’t hesitate to come back for completely happy hour specials, and there’s loads of free parking within the again.
La Peña Mexicana
For a few of the most genuine Mexican meals within the space, head to La Peña Mexicana. This unassuming spot serves up extremely flavorful tacos, tamales, and conventional dishes that hold locals coming again. Attempt the birria!
The Café at Longwood Gardens
The Café at Longwood Gardens is a good possibility for a fast, high-quality meal earlier than or after exploring the gardens.
The à la carte menu affords a choice of ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, scorching entrées, and freshly ready desserts, making it a handy and family-friendly possibility. One of many highlights is the well-known Longwood Gardens Mushroom Soup, an area favourite that’s a must-try.
With each indoor and out of doors seating, The Café supplies relaxed eating inside the gardens. Understand that you’ll want a timed Gardens Admission Ticket or Membership to entry it.
Last Ideas for Your Winter Getaway
Intimate backyard paths with ornate lighting within the Conservatory | Picture: Higher Dwelling
Impressed to go to Longwood Gardens this winter?
Listed here are our important ideas:
- Guide lodging at The Inn at Whitewing properly upfront, particularly for weekend stays.
- Make dinner reservations for 1906 if you buy your Longwood Gardens tickets.
- Plan a minimum of 2-3 hours to discover the conservatories and winter gardens.
- Don’t skip the out of doors gardens—even in winter, the structure and panorama design shine.
- Layer up. Whereas indoor areas are cozy, you’ll need to discover the grounds and downtown.
- Go to downtown Kennett Sq. earlier than 5 PM, when most mom-and-pop outlets shut.
- Contemplate a weekday journey for a quieter time at each the gardens and eating places.
The magic of Longwood Gardens in winter lies in its contrasts—snowy gardens and luxurious conservatories, historic structure and fashionable renovations, refined eating and informal tea outlets. Paired with a keep on the Inn at Whitewing Farm and a day exploring Kennett Sq.’s charming, walkable downtown, it creates an excellent winter getaway that’s each energizing and peaceable.
Whether or not you’re planning a romantic weekend, a calming trip, or a day journey to expertise one in every of Pennsylvania’s most enchanting locations, winter at Longwood Gardens affords one thing really particular.
Simply keep in mind to guide tickets to Longwood Gardens early—this hidden winter gem isn’t so hidden anymore.
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