Road trips are the perfect way to travel. If you’re with your friends or family, they’re even better since you have people to share the journey with. You can drive under canopies of trees, down winding roads, and over large bridges, all while taking in majestic views of various terrains. In addition to the lovely sights, you can load up on snacks, make a playlist, and let the conversation and laughter ensue when you’re driving with those you hold dear.
Some of us love a good, long road trip that takes a few days. Others prefer trips that are short and sweet. If you’re looking for your next place to adventure that doesn’t require days of driving, or even hours, but still lets you have the joy of a road trip, then consider driving through Pennsylvania and Delaware in the Brandywine Valley. The 19-mile gorgeous U.S. road trip hardly takes any time to complete, but it’s the stops you make on the way that’ll elongate the trip and create lasting memories.
Beautiful sights and historic stops
The road takes you across scenic landscapes featuring the lovely Brandywine River. You’ll probably want to pull over and stop to admire the beauty you’ll come across, so make sure you have your camera at the ready. Yellow and purple flowers line the roads in the Spring and Summer, highlighting the natural beauty of the region. In addition to the stunning views you’ll see from the window, you can also make a stop that’ll immerse you in nature and allow you to take in the lovely sights on a smaller scale. The Longwood Gardens is the perfect place to stop if you have a fascination with plants and want to learn more, or if you simply enjoy admiring them. Admissionis $25 for adults and $13 for children, with discounts available for seniors, students, and military veterans.
If you love history as well as nature, then you too are in for some sweet delights, as there are plenty of museums to visit along this road trip. In Wilmington, Delaware, you can stop by the expansive 18th-century Nemours Estate and the Hagley Museum, dedicated to sharing the region’s industrial history and the du Pont family who helped fuel it. Another must-visit stop in Delaware for history lovers is the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, home to thousands of art pieces, local artifacts, learning opportunities, and beautiful grounds you can explore.
Art and views
If you can’t get enough of art, there’s more for you. The Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania showcases beautiful pieces and largely focuses on works produced by the Wyeth family: N.C., Andrew, and Jamie. You’ll come across their paintings and sketches as well as works by other artists. Admissions is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $8 for kids under 18 or students with their IDs. Be sure to check out their website for their hours, which change throughout the seasons.
Summer and fall are the best seasons to visit because of the views the landscapes offer. The valley is lush green in the summers and a magical array of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. In addition to scenic beauty, you’ll also have increased safety. Both Pennsylvania and Delaware get cold and snowy in the winter, which can lead to hazardous road conditions. The gardens at many of the road trip stops are also best viewed in the late spring and summer.
