West Chester, Pennsylvania

1. The American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center

The American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center is a tribute to those who pioneered rotary wing aircraft and seeks to encourage those who will do so in the future. It is the only helicopter museum in the USA and attracts around 35000 visitors annually for a hands-on, climb aboard experience. There are ongoing drives to fund improvements such as the Adopt-a-Copter campaign. Once a month, helicopter rides are offered and Fathers' Day and Santa Fest are celebrated annually.

An interactive helicopter can be hired to travel to schools and events for a day. The shop at the museum sells pilot plushies and art prints.

1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, PA 19380, Phone: 610-436-9600

2. Stroud Preserve

The Stroud Preserve encourages open air activities. It is 571 acres of grasslands, farmlands and woodlands which brings together people and nature. Part of the preserve was donated by Dr Morris Stroud as a study site for water research. It demonstrates the balance between conserving natural habitats and protecting a watershed that provides drinking water for thousands of people. There are hiking trails laid out and kayaking and canoeing are allowed in the rivers. Regular outdoor events are held, such as evening music concerts, butterfly walks and a family splish-splash. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset all year round.

1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, PA 19063, Phone: 610-353-5587

3. Sandy Hollow Heritage Park

Sandy Hollow Heritage Park marks the spot where, during the Revolutionary War, on 11 September 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought. It is a place intended for quiet reflection and passive recreation. On the one mile long pedestrian path, there is a board commemorating those who fell on both sides of the conflict. There were substantial casualties on the day and many were buried where they fell. British and American soldiers are buried in a common grave in the nearby Birmingham Burying Grounds. Although General Washington was defeated on the day, it deepened the resolve to fight on.

Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, 1040 West Street Road, West Chester, PA 19382-8012, Phone: 610-793-2600

4. William Brinton 1704 House

William Brinton was born in Britain and built his two story, stone home in the style of medieval England. It is a Quaker home and an excellent example of early Delaware Valley houses. The walls are 22 inches thick and the steep roof is supported by chimneys at each end. It was built in 1704 and was one of 14 houses in the battlefield area of the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. It changed hands several times and was finally repurchased by Brinton decendants in 1947 and donated to the West Chester Historical Society. It is open for tours on weekend afternoons from May to October.

William Brinton 1704 House, 21 Oakland Road, West Chester, PA 19382, Phone: 610-399-0913

5. Chester County History Center Museum

The Chester County History Center was established by the community back in 1893. At first the center was dedicated to locating and preserving just about anything related to West Chester history and this collection formed the core of the museum when it eventually opened in the historic Horticultural Hall in 1942. The collection includes hundreds of documents and artifacts which tell the story of all historic aspects of life in the south east of Pennsylvania. Today the Chester County History Center Museum boasts both permanent and changing exhibits aimed at educating visitors about how history has impacted our modern lives. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Chester County History Center Museum, 225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380, 610 692 4800

6. High Street Caffe

Donny Syracuse and Jay Wenner, a musician and a chef, established the High Street Caffe in 1996. The restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine as well as exotic dishes, such as wild boar, kangaroo, ostrich and alligator. There are 20 appetizers and 30 entrees on the menu. Wine, beer and cocktails are served from the bar. High Street Caffe is a popular venue and has won numerous awards. Booking is advised on weekends. Take-out is also an option. The restaurant is open 7 days a week.

West Chester, PA 19382, Reservations, Phone: 610-696-7435

7. Four Dogs Tavern

Four Dogs Tavern is situated in the former stables of the Marshalton Inn, an historic building on the Strasburg Road which was the main road between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. The tavern's name is taken from a painting by Frenchman, Godefroy Jadin. Co-owner and chef, David Cox had an illustrious track record before returning to his home town to open an American brasserie. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are made into haute cuisine. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas and live music from Thursday to Sunday. The tavern is open 7 days a week.

1300 W Strasburg Rd,West Chester, PA 19382, Phone: 610-692-4367

8. Penn's Table Restaurant

Penn's Table Restaurant has been in business since 1976. It has changed hands twice since then but the welcoming atmosphere and good American food remain the same. It is open 7 days a week and breakfast is served all day. The restaurant offers catering services for a range of functions. Online ordering is possible for a pick up time determined by the customer

100 W Gay St, West Chester,PA 19380, Phone: 610-696-0677

9. Mather Planetarium

Operated by the Department of Earth and Space Science, the Mather Planetarium forms part of the West Chester University. The original planetarium was built in 1969, but received a major upgrade in 2013, due to a generous donation from Dr. Sandra Mather. Today’s planetarium is a state-of-the-art modern facility which boasts a 32ft nanoseam dome and an amazing digital projector. The facility is mainly used for educational purposes for university and school groups, but it also hosts public astronomy programs. The public is invited to attend public programs on Friday evenings during the academic year. These take the form of live shows (once a month) and pre-recorded movie shows.

Mather Planetarium, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383, 610 436 1000