Need a charming small-town getaway with gardens, gourmet bites, and mushroom magic? Head to Kennett Square! Known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," this southeastern Pennsylvania gem offers botanical beauty, rich history, and a walkable downtown filled with artisan shops and culinary delights. Whether you're exploring world-class gardens or sampling truffle fries, Kennett Square blends rustic roots with a refined vibe.
Kennett Square, PA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the trails at Anson B. Nixon Park – Enjoy woodsy walking paths, fishing ponds, disc golf, and playgrounds in this peaceful public park.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Underground Railroad Center at the Kennett Heritage Center – Learn about the town’s pivotal role in the fight for freedom through engaging exhibits and stories.
- For Shoppers: Browse the boutiques of State Street – Find gifts, handmade jewelry, and artisan foods in the heart of Kennett Square’s historic downtown.
- For Couples: Stroll Longwood Gardens by moonlight – Enjoy world-famous gardens and illuminated fountains in one of America’s top horticultural attractions.
- For Families: Visit the Mushroom Cap – Discover fun facts about fungi, take home edible souvenirs, and enjoy a family-friendly look at local farming culture.
Best Time to Visit Kennett Square, PA
The best time to visit Kennett Square is in the spring and fall. Spring brings garden blooms and comfortable temps, while autumn features vibrant foliage, mushroom harvests, and festivals. Summer is great for garden concerts and strolls, and winter is festive with lights at Longwood Gardens.
How to Get to Kennett Square, PA
- By Car: Located near U.S. Route 1, Kennett Square is about 1 hour from Philadelphia and 30 minutes from Wilmington, Delaware.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), around 45 minutes away.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Wilmington; rent a car or use rideshare to reach Kennett Square.
Where to Stay in Kennett Square, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Kennett Square – Clean, modern, and close to Longwood Gardens with breakfast included.
- Inn at Mendenhall – Historic charm meets comfort, with a fine-dining restaurant and easy access to regional attractions.
- Local B&Bs and Airbnb cottages – Cozy, character-filled stays just steps from downtown or nestled in nearby countryside.
Best Things to Do in Kennett Square, PA
⮕ Wander Through Breathtaking Displays at Longwood Gardens
Founded by Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood Gardens is a living expression of everything that inspired him. Visitors will feel motivated by the gardens filled with intricate fountains and the architectural grandeur replete with detail just as Pierre du Pont did. There are many gardens for visitors to explore, both indoor and out, on over 1,000 acres of land.
Some of the choices include a woodland garden, an orchid house, a Mediterranean Garden, and a Banana House filled with various fruit and flowers. Visitors with young kids will enjoy the indoor children’s garden that has many hands-on water displays, creative sculptures, and plant displays.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-388-1000
⮕ Hike, Picnic, and Play in the Great Outdoors at Anson B. Nixon Park
A wonderful place to spend the day with the family, Anson B. Nixon Park is a hidden gem in Kennett Square. The 106-acre park is filled with ponds, streams, woodlands, and kids’ play areas for everyone to enjoy.
Other areas include a community garden where many people come together to produce nutritious organic food, five picnic pavilions with wooden tables and grills for those summer barbecue days, a dock on the ponds to go fishing with the family, and over 3 miles of walking trails winding through the park for visitors to enjoy. There are many performances and seasonal programs scheduled, including a free summer concert series, sky tours, summer art programs, and other events.
Waterworks Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-1416
⮕ Explore Kennett Square’s Mushroom Heritage at The Mushroom Cap
For mushroom farms, mushroom exhibits, and mushrooms to buy, visitors of Kennett Square have no need to go further than The Mushroom Capto get an understanding of the borough’s extensive history with mushrooms. The farm has been operating since 1946, and though visitors can’t visit the caves because of food sanitation laws, they can learn how mushrooms are grown and processed through great videos and exhibitions of a mushroom house and more. Visitors can buy some unique products such as Snack N’ Shrooms, pickled mushrooms, and mushroom-based pasta sauce. Shiitake, oyster, maitake, crimini, and white mushrooms that are grown on the farm can also be bought.
114 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-8484
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Savor Local Flavors on a Taste Kennett Food Tour
Taste Kennett Food Tours is a family-owned company that provides food tours showcasing Kennett Square’s diverse cultural cuisine by visiting many of the local restaurants and trying out the foods Kennett Square is famous for. For over three hours visitors are taken on a guided walking tour of the boroughs during which they stop for famed dishes, including many mushroom-filled ones, something Kennett Square is famed for. Visitors will also enjoy cooking demonstrations conducted by renowned chefs, and they will have a chance to chat with owners to better understand Kennett Square’s cuisine. This is also a great opportunity for visitors to purchase edibles from the many specialty food shops along the way.
484-734-0740
⮕ Shop and Learn About Mushrooms at The Woodlands at Phillips
Relaxing in the wondrous nature of Chester County? Visitors can stop by The Woodlands at Phillips to add some retail therapy to their day. Since 1828, this wonderfully traditional shop has been offering visitors flavorsome mushroom-related products. While there, visitors can also tour the lovely restored home and the tranquil surrounding landscape filled with Oak and Maple trees. There is a wide array of fresh, dried, and jarred mushrooms for sale, and other merchandise includes gourmet soup mixes, sauces, and other mushroom-based products. Visitors can also stop in to find an authentic mushroom recipe, attend a free cooking demo, watch videos and tour the mushroom growing room and museum.
1020 Kaolin Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-2191
⮕ If You Love Exciting Traditions, Experience the Thrill of the Willowdale Steeplechase
The Willowdale Steeplechase is a Kennett Square landmark, and the 160-acre land is right in the heart of Cheshire Hunt County, a place that has produced many jockeys, trainers, and owners over the years. Willowdale was built with the safety of horses in mind, and has a remarkable water jump, hedges, and post and rail jumps surrounding the natural amphitheater style of the steeplechase. There are many races and polo games held at the Willowdale in addition to numerous events scheduled throughout the year for visitors to partake in such as Mardi Gras auctions and cocktail parties.
101 E. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Where to Eat in Kennett Square, PA
- Talula’s Table – Famous gourmet market and by-reservation-only tasting table with a national following.
- Portabello’s – Upscale yet cozy downtown spot known for seasonal dishes and, of course, excellent mushroom specials.
- The Creamery – Trendy beer garden with rotating food trucks, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere in a converted creamery building.
If you are interested in local events:
- Mushroom Festival (September) – Celebrate the town’s famous crop with food, vendors, live entertainment, and a fungi parade.
- Kennett Brewfest (October) – Sample craft beers from across the region in a lively, ticketed tasting event.
- Holiday Light Show at Longwood Gardens (November–January) – Experience dazzling winter displays, outdoor fire pits, and illuminated landscapes.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania:
- Chadds Ford (10 min) – Visit the Brandywine River Museum of Art and explore the legacy of the Wyeth family of artists.
- West Chester (20 min) – Enjoy a vibrant downtown with shops, breweries, and a bustling dining scene.
- Wilmington, DE (30 min) – Visit Nemours Estate, Delaware Art Museum, or stroll along the Riverwalk.
- Valley Forge National Historical Park (50 min) – Discover Revolutionary War history and hiking trails in a beautiful, educational setting.
- Philadelphia (60 min) – See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and world-class museums in the City of Brotherly Love.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is Kennett Square famous?
- Kennett Square, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989, is famous for mushroom farming and is lovingly referred to as the Mushroom Capital of the World.
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What attractions can visitors enjoy in Kennett Square?
- There are many attractions for visitors to enjoy in Kennett Square.
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What are the top highlights of Kennett Square?
- Highlights include the beautiful Longwood Gardens, the Mushroom Cap, and the Anson B. Nixon Park.
Plan Your Trip
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