As one of the top food festivals in the country, the Mushroom Festival makes for a fun-filled weekend and is certainly a good reason to visit historic Kennett Square. But a proper visit to enjoy all that the Brandywine Valley has to offer will take much more than a weekend. 

Tourism is very important to Chester County and the entire Brandywine Valley, and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy throughout the year.

The area is rich in history-- Revolutionary War buffs can enjoy a tour of the Brandywine Battlefield and the surrounding areas where U.S. history played out on Chester County ground. Outdoor beauty can be enjoyed at a number of parks and exquisite gardens, or on one of several top-rated golf courses. For those more interested in indoor activities, museums abound -- natural history, art and even helicopters are featured. Wineries are abundant, and offer tours, tastings and live entertainment throughout the year. For live theater, there are several community and professional theaters in the Chester County vicinity.

Why not extend your stay after the Mushroom Festival, or plan another trip to enjoy more of what we have to offer? 

Here’s a quick look at some of the more popular attractions in Chester County.

American Helicopter Museum and Education Center: 1220 American Blvd., West Chester 610-436-9600, www.helicoptermuseum.org). The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. They collect, restore and display historic aircraft and chronicle the origin and development of rotary wing aircraft. Fun for the whole family. Open to the public. Admission charged.

Brandywine River Museum: Route 1 in Chadds Ford 610-388-2700,  www.brandywinerivermuseum.org. Internationally known for works by three generations of the Wyeth family and its collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting. Open daily. Admission charged.

Brandywine Battlefield Park: Route 1 Chadds Ford 610-459-3342, www.ushistory.org/brandywine. The Battle of Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777 was the largest single-day land battle of the American Revolution. Tours include two historic houses: the Ring House, used by George Washington as his headquarters, and the Gilpin House.

Chaddsford Winery: 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford (610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com). Tour the winery and enjoy special events. Visit website for information about upcoming events, locations of tasting rooms, and more. 

Chadds Ford Historical Society: Creek Road, one-quarter of a mile north of Route 1, Chadds Ford (610-388-7376, www.chaddsfordhistory.org). Two early 18th-century house museums -- the John Chads House and the Barns-Brinton House -- are open for tours by costumed guides. The historic barn nearby hosts exhibitions about local history throughout the year. Admission charged.

Chester County History Center: 225 N. High St., West Chester (610-692-4800, www.chestercohistorical.org). Learn the stories of regional heritage through permanent and changing exhibits.  Admission charged.

Colonial Theatre: 227 Bridge St. Phoenixville (610-917-1228, www.thecolonialtheatre.com). The historic, single-screen movie house, known for its appearance in "The Blob" with Steve McQueen, shows art and independent films, as well as classic films and children’s films. There is also a schedule of live programs and concerts. 

Delaware Art Museum: 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. (302-571-9590,  www.delart.org). The museum’s collection focuses on American art and illustration, with permanent and changing exhibits. There's an outdoor sculpture park, kids’ corner and café. Admission charged.

Delaware History Museum: 505 Market St., Wilmington, Del. (302-656-0637, www.dehistory.org). Changing exhibits about Delaware history, as well as a permanent interactive exhibit that features 400 years of Delaware history. Admission charged. Call for hours of operation.

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science: 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Del. (302-658-9111, www.delmns.org). Explore an African watering hole, marvel at a life-sized giant squid and dinosaurs, take the kids to a hands-on exploration area, and see a world-class collection of shells from around the world. Admission charged.

Delaware Park: 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, Del. (800-41-SLOTS,  www.delpark.com). Racing, slots and golf are offered, with live thoroughbred racing from April through November. Open 24 hours a day, except for Sundays.

Galer Estate Winery: 700 Folly Hill Road Kennett Square (www.galerestate.com, 484-899-8013. Galer Estate Winery is a prestigious award winning boutique winery located just behind beautiful Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Offering wine tastings, wine sales, art shows and live music.

Hagley Museum and Library: Route 141,Wilmington, Del. (302-658-2400, www.hagley.org). Tour the historic buildings of the original du Pont powder mills, estate and gardens. The library collects, preserves and interprets the history of American enterprise. Admission charged.

Herr’s Snack Factory Tour: 20 Herr Dr., Nottingham (800-63-SNACK,  www.herrs.com). Take a free guided tour of this leading snack food manufacturer. Warm potato chip samples provided. Gift shop and café at the Visitor Center.

Kennett Symphony of Chester County: 206 State St., Kennett Square (610-444-6363, www.kennettsymphony.org). The professional community symphony offers concerts throughout the year. Visit online for an upcoming schedule of events.

Longwood Gardens: Route 1, Kennett Square (610-388-2227,  www.longwoodgardens.org). Longwood offers 1,050 acres of woodlands, meadows, indoor and outdoor gardens, 11,000 types of plants, fountains, performing arts events, family activities, special exhibits and and classes. Admission charged.

The Mushroom Cap: 114 W. State St., Kennett Square (610-444-8484,  www.themushroomcap.com). Fresh mushrooms from the family farm are shipped daily. Gifts and collectibles for sale. Open seven days a week.

The Mushroom Festival: Kennett Square's most popular event (610-925-3373, www.mushroomfestival.org) returns for the 38th annual festival on Sept. 9 and 10. There will be plenty of attractions, food, fun, and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Nottingham County Park: 150 Park Rd., Nottingham (610-932-2589). The park covers more than one square mile and has one of the largest serpentine barrens on the East Coast. Located near the Pennsylvania/Maryland line, the park has pavilions and hiking trails.

Downtown Oxford: Oxford's downtown is charming and rich with history. The commercial district includes dining, an art gallery, and numerous unique shops. More information about the downtown attractions can be found at www.oxfordmainstreet.org.

Paradocx Vineyard: In Landenberg (610-255-5684,  www.paradocx.com), tour the winery and enjoy special events throughout the year.

Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall: Home to dealers who specialize in glass, silverware, furniture, rare books, vintage toys and more. Call 610-388-1620 for more information.  

Penns Woods Winery: 124 Beaver Valley Rd., Chadds Ford (610-459-0808). Tour the winery and enjoy special events.

QVC Studio Tour: 1200 Wilson Dr., West Chester (800-600-9900, www.qvctours.com). A guided walking tour offers an informative look inside the world’s leading electronic retailer. Watch live broadcasts in action.

Stroud Water Research Center: 970 Spencer Rd., Avondale (610-268-2153,  www.stroudcenter.org). A global leader in freshwater research and public education of watershed restoration. Located along the banks of the White Clay Creek. 

Va La Vineyards: 8822 Gap Newport Pike, Route 41, Avondale (610-268-2702, www.valavineyards.com). The winery specializes in small batches of very unusual blends made from rare Italian and French varieties, and delicious local artisan foods.

Winterthur Museum and Country Estate: 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52) Winterthur, Del. (302-888-4600, www.winterthur.org). Henry Francis du Pont’s 175-room mansion is furnished with elegant antiques, surrounded by 1,000 acres of grounds and gardens. Mansion and garden tram tours are offered, along with special exhibitions, and The Enchanted Woods for families. Admission charged.

Wyncote Golf Club: 50 Wyncote Dr., Oxford 610-932-8900, www.wyncote.com). An award-winning golf course modeled after the great courses in Scotland.