Circa 1856 - Legendary Hospitality in the beautiful Brandywine Valley
Brandywine Valley Outdoor Activities
Explore the natural beauty of the Brandywine Valley by spending some time outdoors! Enjoy the Brandywine Valley in the form in which our favorite local artists have captured it. Take a hike through one of our state parks, paddle down the Brandywine River in a canoe, or take a scenic drive through the countryside stopping to visit our spectacular covered bridges.
Parks
Brandywine Creek State Park
Brandywine Creek State Park is located three miles north of Wilmington, DE at the intersection of Delaware Routes 100 and 92. The entrance is on Adams Dam Road. The park maintains 14 miles of trails for fitness, wildlife observation, and photography; the Creek Run Trail is open for bicycle use. The open fields are excellent for picnics, kite flying, and disc golf; and in the winter, for sledding and cross-country skiing. Trout fishing is available in the Brandywine Creek. Popular seasonal events such as the Halloween Haunted Trail and the Halloween Hootenanny are held for visitors' enjoyment.
Covered Bridges Chester County covered bridges number fourteen and there are three in Northern New Castle County, DE. Smiths Bridge, only three miles from Winterthur, is a treasure not to be missed. The bridge, completely restored and reopened in December, 2002, crosses the Brandywine just below Granogue, the home of Irenee du Pont (the largest private estate in Delaware). Mercer's Mill Bridge is located just south of Atglen and is a convenient stop enroute to Amish Country. This bridge, located just west of PA 41 on Creek Road (Bailey's Crossroads Road), is considered one of the most picturesque in Chester County.
Marsh Creek State Park
Marsh Creek Lake is especially popular with sailboaters and windsurfers who take advantage of the combination of good natural terrain and prevailing wind to enjoy their sport. Nature lovers will enjoy a pleasant walk on hiking trails or the Larkins covered Bridge located in the northeast section of the park. The park is located in North Eastern Chester County, PA near Eagle off of Route 100.
White Clay Creek Preserve
The White Clay Creek Preserve is located in Landenberg, PA and Newark, DE and is part of a larger tract of land sold to William Penn in 1683 by Lenni Lenape Chief Kekelappen. In 1984, the du Pont Company donated land to Pennsylvania and Delaware for the purpose of preserving the unique plant and animal species, and the rich cultural heritage of the area. There are several points of historical interest in the Preserve. Visitors to the preserve are welcome to use the hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails. Trout fishing is also available.
Ridley Creek State Park
Shaded equestrian, hiking and bicycling trails lace the woodlands and old meadows, providing perfect places for relaxing. Within the park is the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation that depicts a Delaware County Quaker farm prior to the American Revolution. The park is located in Delaware County, PA off of PA Route 3.
A Golfer's Delight
The natural rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley offer ideal landscape for championship golf. Test your game on one of the fine public courses listed below or take private lessons at the Eric MacCluen Golf Academy. Please visit each property's web site for details.
Hartefeld National
Located in Avondale, PA, Hartefeld is an 18-hole public course designed by Tom Fazio and voted "the top ten you can play" by Golf Magazine in 1996.
Inniscrone Golf Club
A nationally-ranked championship golf course located about
a mile from Routes 1 & 41 in Avondale, PA, host of US Open Champion Jim Furyk's Exelon Invitational (2001 & 2002.) Call (610) 268-8200 to reserve a tee time.
Loch Nairn
Located in Avondale, PA, Loch Nairn is a public course offering tee times on weekends & holidays only. Popular with the locals for a good game of golf at a fair price.
Call (610) 268-2234 for details.
Tattersall Golf Club
Tattersall is an upscale daily fee golf course in West Chester, PA. Nominated for Golf Digest's "Best New Course in 2000."
Three Little Bakers Country Club
Named one of the top public courses in the Mid-Atlantic region by Golf Digest magazine. 302-368-1616.
Wyncote
Located in Oxford, PA, Wyncote was voted "One of the top golf courses in the state" by Zagat's survey of golf courses in 2003.
Eric MacCluen Golf Academy
Eric MacCluen was recipient of the PGA Philadelphia Section Teacher of the Year Award in 2002. He has built his reputation by helping many golfers to improve their strategy and technique to lower their scores. He offers Adult Golf Programs for beginners and more experienced golfers. The golf academy is based in Avondale, PA. Visit web site for details or call (610) 268-8748.
Canoeing & Tubing
Canoeing down the meandering Brandywine River makes for a relaxing afternoon the whole family can enjoy. Call ahead for information and reservations or click below to the local outfitters who can provide everything you need - from canoes and paddles, tubes and life jackets to transportation to and from the river.
Northbrook Canoe Company
Canoes, tubes and splash boats for rent for long or short trips on the Brandywine. Float down the Brandywine River in an Inner tube. They are specially designed stemless 10-20 standard tubes. For comfort, tubers should be at least four feet in hight. One person per tube or splash. You must wear footwear. Life jackets must be worn. Or try a splash boat trip. The splash is a small, one-person kayak-like boat with a double-bladed paddle. You will get wet in a splash, so prepare yourself for an afternoon of intensive fun! Not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
Wilderness Canoe Trips
Two to six-hour trips available via canoe or tube on the Brandywine. Free parking and transportation to and from the river.
Adventure Crafters
Whitewater rafting, kayaking, surfing adventures as well as skiiing, snowboarding and sailing charters. One and two day bookings.
Equestrian Favorites
The Brandywine Valley has always been home to jockeys, trainers, owners and horse enthusiasts. Celebrate these traditions in horsemanship at the Devon Horse show, enjoy a fun-filled Sunday afternoon tailgating at the Brandywine Polo club or take a leisurely trail ride through the woods and meadows near Gateway Stables.
Brandywine Polo Club
The Brandywine Polo Club has three tournament-sized polo fields with ample parking for spectator viewing and tailgating. Fans are encouraged to bring picnics and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere. Polo will not be played if field conditions are wet so fans are encouraged to call ahead at 610-268-8692. Polo matches are on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer and periodically on other weekdays. Check the web site for current schedule. Admission charged.
Devon Horse Show
Started in 1896, The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is now is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the United States. Since it's early beginnings, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has grown from a one-day event to a ten-day horse and carriage show with a country fair atmosphere. The Devon Horse Show is held in May at the Devon Show Grounds in Devon, PA.
Gateway Stables
Trail Rides and Riding lessons on scenic trails and meadows. Located on
Mary Bell Lane (off the Old Kennett Road) about 3 miles south of Kennett Square, PA. (610) 444 1255
Viking Horse
For a unique horseback riding experience visit Viking Horse in West Chester, PA. Offering trail-riding experiences on the rare Icelandic Horse. Check out the web site for details or call (610) 517-7980.
Hamanassett B&B & Carriage House
Chester Heights, PA 19017 (610) 459-3000 | Reservations (877) 836-8212 | Email: stay@hamanassett.com Ashley Mon, Innkeeper
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