West Chester, PA Winter Getaway: The place to Keep, Eat and Discover
West Chester, PA Journey Information
A walkable historic downtown, 65+ eating places, a speakeasy beneath your resort, and gourmand chocolate. Your information to an ideal West Chester winter getaway!
West Chester PA: A Borough That Feels Like a Small Metropolis
The foyer at Lodge Indigo makes a robust first impression. | Photograph: Higher ResidingSomeplace between dinner at Limoncello and a late cocktail within the speakeasy beneath our resort, we realized we had been underestimating West Chester, PA for years.
We’d visited loads of instances earlier than, the way in which lots of people do: lunch at a favourite spot, a day of buying, Eclat Chocolate on the way in which out. Good journeys, however surface-level ones. Staying over for 2 nights and three days confirmed us a very totally different model of this place.
Whenever you park the automobile on day one and don’t contact it once more till you try, West Chester stops being a day journey and turns into someplace you really reside in for a number of days. You stroll in all places. You linger. You discover a speakeasy beneath the resort on a quiet weeknight and savor each second.
Whereas technically a borough, staying in West Chester looks like a getaway in a captivating, walkable small metropolis. The streets are huge and lined with pink brick, the structure spans centuries, and the power downtown has a density and confidence you don’t usually discover at this scale.
Historical past is carved into each block right here. The previous West Chester firehouse doorway has been right here since 1799. | Photograph: Higher ResidingHistorical past is embedded in each block, from carved stone doorways dated 1799 to the courthouse that has anchored the city middle because the 1840s. There are over 65 eating places, bars, and eateries inside straightforward strolling distance, a eating scene that genuinely rivals cities many instances its dimension, and unbiased boutiques, report retailers, a world-class chocolatier, and distinctive finds round practically each nook. If you happen to love discovering weekend getaways from Philadelphia that punch properly above their weight, West Chester belongs close to the highest of your listing.
Why Winter Is a Nice Time to Go to
We traveled midweek, which we are likely to choose for the quieter tempo. However West Chester is equally well-suited to a weekend getaway, and the itinerary and proposals on this information work simply as properly both manner.
We got here in February and would select winter once more with out hesitation. The eating places really feel private and unhurried, the heated patios are unexpectedly atmospheric, and the entire downtown settles right into a tempo that makes every part extra fulfilling. That stated, West Chester earns its fame throughout each season. Spring and fall exhibit the historic structure superbly, and summer season brings each outside patio totally to life.
No matter time of yr brings you right here, this information will provide help to profit from it. Additionally it is a pure companion to a Southeast Pennsylvania foodie highway journey if you wish to make an extended run of it.
📍 Journey at a Look
🗺️ Begin Right here: The Chester County Welcome Middle
The immersive map room on the Chester County Welcome Middle – not your typical customer cease. | Photograph: Higher ResidingEarlier than you do the rest in West Chester, cease right here. We all know that’s not what anybody expects to listen to a couple of welcome middle, however this one is genuinely totally different.
The Chester County Welcome Middle, tucked contained in the Historic Chester County Courthouse on Market Road, is the most effective customer middle we have now ever walked into. The workers treats you want a pal who simply arrived on the town relatively than a vacationer to be processed. On a chilly February morning, free sizzling cocoa is ready on the counter alongside free snacks together with Herr’s chips and sweet. That alone earns the detour.
What Makes It Well worth the Cease
What units this welcome middle aside is how substantively helpful it’s. Step into the immersive map room, the place floor-to-ceiling projections and life-sized location markers put your entire Chester County area at your ft. Browse the bvTV theater room, the place brief video options on native points of interest play on demand. Discover the augmented actuality room, or sit down on the interactive Brandywine Valley touchscreen desk and begin planning your itinerary. A digital planner takes your pursuits and sends a personalized plan straight to your cellphone.
The digital itinerary builder sends a customized plan straight to your cellphone. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe workers can level you to the fitting desk on the proper restaurant, flag what is occurring downtown that week, and fill in all of the gaps that no web site ever covers. It’s like having a private concierge proper within the coronary heart of the borough.
Households will discover free exercise kits, toys, and video games for teenagers as properly. It’s also possible to request a free Chester County tourism information upfront at brandywinevalley.com to start out planning earlier than you arrive. Plan for at the least 20 minutes on the Welcome Middle itself. You’ll depart higher ready and, on a chilly day, considerably hotter.
✨ What You Will Discover Inside
Immersive map room — floor-to-ceiling projections of your entire Chester County area
bvTV theater — on-demand video options on native points of interest and occasions
Augmented actuality room — interactive regional exploration
Digital itinerary builder — solutions a number of questions, sends a customized plan to your cellphone
Free sizzling cocoa, items, + snacks — sure, actually. Water, espresso, restrooms, and charging areas too.
Free youngsters exercise kits — video games, toys, and exercise kits for households
💡 Professional Tip: Cease right here earlier than you examine in if timing permits. The itinerary builder and workers suggestions will form the way you spend your first afternoon in the very best manner.
🏨 The place to Keep: Lodge Indigo West Chester
Lodge Indigo West Chester sits proper within the middle of downtown on East Homosexual Road. | Photograph: Higher ResidingLodge Indigo is likely one of the latest locations to remain in West Chester, and its location alone is tough to beat. The 108-room boutique property from IHG sits proper within the middle of downtown, shut sufficient that when you arrive you’ll be able to overlook about your automobile for the remainder of the journey.
The Foyer and Widespread Areas
The foyer makes a robust first impression. A tiered chandelier hangs above a herringbone flooring, surrounded by tufted leather-based seating and gallery partitions layered with native paintings and historic imagery that ties the resort to the city round it.
There’s nonetheless that delicate new-hotel scent within the air, and the entrance desk group was welcoming and environment friendly, checking us in rapidly and handing over our parking cross so we may head straight to our room.
The Suite
The nook king suite. Quiet, properly laid out, and cozy. | Photograph: Higher ResidingWe stayed in a nook king suite that was quiet, properly laid out, and genuinely snug to spend time in. Although the room is spacious, seating is restricted to a chair relatively than a sofa, which is value noting in case you plan to lounge for prolonged intervals.
For us, it labored completely as a spot to loosen up and get some work carried out within the evenings. The mattress stood out particularly, with a comfortable mattress and mushy linens that made gradual mornings with espresso particularly fulfilling. We slept extraordinarily properly each nights.
The toilet is smooth and fashionable, completed with Zenology toiletries and a bathe that provides each rainfall and therapeutic massage settings. On a chilly Pennsylvania morning, that element was a lot appreciated.
What to Know Earlier than You Arrive
A couple of sensible notes are useful earlier than you arrive. Lodge Indigo West Chester is deliberately compact, with the foyer, health middle, visitor rooms, and the related WC Seafood Kitchen together with the Room 109 speakeasy under.
The Nook Cafe off the foyer presents grab-and-go breakfast gadgets, pastries, and specialty espresso drinks. Throughout our go to we opted to stroll to Market Road Grill as a substitute, which is just a few minutes away and presents a full sit-down breakfast for about the identical value.
Rooms embrace a small espresso setup, although ours was stocked for one particular person relatively than two, so we would have liked to request further pods from the entrance desk. Bottled water is just not supplied in visitor rooms and you should purchase it within the foyer, or use the refill station within the health middle in case you deliver a reusable bottle. A Wawa and grocery retailer are additionally a brief drive exterior the borough if you have to refill.
🛎️ Good to Know
Eating: WC Seafood Kitchen (dinner solely throughout our go to) + Room 109 Speakeasy under + Nook Cafe for grab-and-go mornings
Espresso: In-room setup included — request further pods on the entrance desk in case you want them for 2
Water: No in-room bottled water — buy within the foyer, use the health middle refill station, or decide up at Wawa close by
Pet coverage: 🐾 Pet-friendly
Location: The whole lot on this information is inside a 10-minute stroll
Health Middle
The health room is properly outfitted with cardio machines and free weights, a handy approach to offset the additional journey energy.
Room 109 Speakeasy
One of many highlights of the keep sits simply downstairs. Room 109, the resort’s speakeasy, has an intimate environment with a mixture of locals and vacationers, and rapidly grew to become considered one of our favourite spots of the journey. It’s cause sufficient to remain right here, and there may be extra on it under.
Parking and Location
Parking is dealt with on the Chestnut Road Storage subsequent door, the place resort friends have devoted spots at a validated charge of $10 per night time with in-and-out privileges by way of your keep and till 2pm on checkout day. The resort can be pet-friendly, so no want to go away anybody behind.
The Verdict
Native artwork and historic prints cowl the foyer partitions. | Photograph: Higher ResidingWe might completely keep right here once more, particularly for one more food-focused journey exploring extra of West Chester’s eating places and bars with out worrying in regards to the drive residence.
💡 Arrival Tip: Verify in first to get your parking cross earlier than heading into the storage. With two individuals, it’s best to drop baggage on the entrance entrance whereas one particular person checks in, then park after you have the cross. A small step that makes arrival noticeably smoother.
🍽️ The place to Eat and Drink in West Chester
West Chester has over 65 eating places, bars, and eateries packed right into a walkable downtown grid, and the standard is constantly spectacular. This isn’t a scene carried by a number of standouts surrounded by filler. The unbiased eating right here is actual, numerous, and rewards exhibiting up hungry. Right here is the place we ate and what stood out.
🦞 WC Seafood Kitchen
The blue shelving wall at WC Seafood Kitchen units the tone the second you stroll in. | Photograph: Higher ResidingWC Seafood Kitchen is connected to Lodge Indigo, which makes it handy, however the meals earns its personal go to no matter the place you’re staying.
The eating room is anchored by a sweeping wall of blue shelving stacked with books, bottles, and maritime curiosities, together with a classic deep-sea diver’s helmet that catches your eye the second you stroll in. The environment is upscale and relaxed in equal measure, precisely the fitting mixture for a seafood restaurant in a historic downtown.
Our server Anne was unbelievable all through the night, and her recommendations steered us towards the fitting dishes at each flip. The room had nice power on each visits: busy and buzzing with out ever feeling too crowded or loud. It’s good for a date night time.
What We Ordered
The Spicy Salmon over Crispy Rice. The standout of the night, and excellent for sharing. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe wild-caught Spicy Salmon over Crispy Rice was the standout of the night. It arrived as particular person bites, each a thick sq. of golden crispy rice topped with spicy salmon, a pop of tobiko, and a tangle of microgreens, with aioli and eel sauce drizzled throughout the plate. The portion was good for 2 to share as a starter, and the flavors have been precisely proper: clear, brilliant, just a little warmth that constructed slowly.
The Seared Blackened Ahi Tuna Crisps have been an in depth second. Consider every part you’re keen on a couple of spicy tuna roll, then add a satisfying crunch from the wonton crisps and a phenomenal presentation.
Seared Scallops with mushroom orecchiette and garlic cream. The suitable alternative on a chilly night time. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe Seared Scallops with mushroom, orecchiette, and garlic cream sauce have been one thing else fully: three giant scallops with a deep amber crust, cooked completely by way of, sitting on prime of a beneficiant bowl of pasta with mushrooms and crispy shallots. Wealthy, warming, and the fitting alternative on a chilly night time.
Bananas Foster in a copper pan. Simply sufficient for 2 and a robust approach to shut the meal. | Photograph: Higher ResidingDessert was a Bananas Foster served heat in a copper pan with candied pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the caramel. Simply sufficient for 2, and a robust approach to shut a extremely good meal.
After dinner, the speakeasy is one flooring under. Undoubtedly head there for a nightcap.
🍸 Room 109 Speakeasy
Room 109 earns the speakeasy identify. The Eagle Lodge mural ties the house to almost 200 years of historical past on this nook. | Photograph: Higher ResidingTake the elevator down from Lodge Indigo and also you land someplace that feels fully separate from the world above. Room 109 is a correct speakeasy, and it earns that phrase.
The house is rooted within the historical past of the location: the Eagle Lodge stood on this actual nook from 1803 to 1900, and the mural painted throughout the again wall of the bar room makes that historical past unattainable to overlook. An embossed tin ceiling, uncovered brick partitions, a floor-to-ceiling picket card catalog, and low candlelight pull the entire room collectively into one thing with real character.
What makes it particularly good is how properly it really works for various moods. Pull up a stool on the full bar and watch the bartenders work. Sink right into a velvet couch for an extended, extra relaxed night. Discover a quieter nook at one of many smaller tables towards the again. Heat, intimate, and unhurried in a manner that’s more and more laborious to seek out.
The seasonal Pink Flag at Room 109, completed tableside with a pour of prosecco. | Photograph: Higher ResidingWe had the Smoked Outdated Original, which arrived in a theatrical column of smoke and tasted each bit nearly as good because it regarded, and the seasonal Pink Flag, made with blanco tequila, strawberry-infused Aperol, lemon, agave, and prosecco. Each have been wonderful. The bartenders listed below are doing work they clearly take critically.
Even in case you are not staying on the resort, find time for this one. It is likely one of the most memorable spots in your entire borough.
🍋 Limoncello Ristorante
The Pescatore Fra Diavolo at Limoncello. Order it. Belief us. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThis was our greatest meal of the journey, and we’re nonetheless speaking about it.
After we arrived at Limoncello, we didn’t anticipate a secret hall. You flip off Walnut Road and end up inside a slim brick passageway, tall partitions on each side draped in Spanish moss and climbing ivy, two stacked lanterns hanging from the arch above, fairy lights operating the complete size as much as the doorway.
It looks like a hidden backyard passage, and by the point you step by way of into the patio, you’re already someplace particular.
The brick hall entrance to Limoncello’s heated patio. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe eating space itself is totally enclosed and heated, with marble-top tables, a twig-and-candle chandelier overhead, a reside flame heaters across the room, and a complete wall glowing with fairy lights and planters on the fitting aspect.
On a chilly February night time it was genuinely heat and comfortable, no jacket required. There’s an indoor eating room, bar, and occasion house too. But when the patio is accessible, undoubtedly go for it.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Household-owned since 2006, Limoncello carries a narrative value understanding. In 1963, Giuseppe Mingrino and his future spouse Maria LaSpada arrived in America on the identical ship from Italy. They didn’t meet on the voyage. It was solely a yr later, in Philadelphia, that they found that they had crossed on the exact same day. They fell in love, raised a household, and that household finally constructed a restaurant across the Sicilian recipes handed down by way of the Mingrino and LaSpada households for generations. You are feeling that historical past in each a part of how the place runs.
The Ricotta Board with honey and heat focaccia. A beneficiant begin to the most effective meal of the journey. | Photograph: Higher ResidingOur server Sol was heat and enthusiastic all night, guiding us confidently towards dishes she clearly liked.
The Arancini have been fried to an ideal crisp, wealthy and melty inside, with a brilliant marinara alongside. The Lobster Bisque was deeply flavored and loaded with actual chunks of lobster all through.
The Ricotta Board with honey and heat focaccia is a big portion with a delightfully rustic presentation. For mains, the Rooster Limoncello delivered on each entrance: egg-dipped rooster over asparagus with lump crab in a lemon wine cream sauce over spaghetti.
The Limoncello Cake. Order it even in case you assume you haven’t any room. | Photograph: Higher Residing🌟 Do Not Go away With out Making an attempt
Pescatore Fra Diavolo — a mountain of shellfish in a deep bowl: lobster tail cracked open on prime, mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, throughout linguine in a spicy tomato broth with a warmth that builds and lingers. It arrives wanting like a celebration. Order the fra diavolo in case you crave spice. Marinara or white wine garlic are choices too. It’s simply shared between two, and their home Chianti pairs with it completely.
Limoncello Cake — a dense golden slice, aromatic with the liqueur, dusted with powdered sugar, with a scoop of vanilla gelato on prime and contemporary strawberries and blackberries alongside, completed with a rosette of whipped cream. Elegant with out being fussy. Order it even in case you assume you haven’t any room.
⚠️ Reserve Nicely in Advance: This place fills up, and it deserves the trouble. E book earlier than you allow residence.
🍺 Sedona Taphouse
The Gorgonzola Chopped Salad with Steak at Sedona Taphouse | Photograph: Higher ResidingSedona Taphouse is the type of place that works on nearly any event: an informal lunch, an early dinner, or an extended afternoon with over 200 beers on faucet and no explicit cause to rush. The room is heat and ethereal, the meals shows are sharp, and the kitchen places significantly extra thought into the menu than a taphouse is predicted to.
💡 Value understanding: Sedona has donated practically $1 million to native charities by way of their ongoing Dine Out for Charity program, which runs each Monday with a portion of proceeds going to a rotating native trigger.
The Desert Hearth Jalapenos, bacon-wrapped and filled with 4 cheeses, arrived with a relaxing cilantro-lime sauce and simply sufficient warmth to remain fascinating all through. The New England Clam Chowder, thick with clams and potatoes and completed with crispy bacon, was notably good.
The Gorgonzola Chopped Salad with Steak got here with grilled steak cooked and sliced precisely proper, laid over a vibrant, well-dressed salad that felt indulgent and lightweight on the similar time. The Prime Rib Sandwich, with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, fontina, and horseradish sauce on a toasted Cuban roll, is one thing we’d order repeatedly.
The Salted Caramel Cheesecake at Sedona. Wealthy, easy, and sufficient for 3. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe Salted Caramel Cheesecake arrived as a beneficiant, superbly plated slice. Wealthy, easy, and sufficient for 3 individuals to share.
🍳 Market Road Grill
Half diner, half rotating artwork gallery. Market Road Grill is the place West Chester eats breakfast.| Photograph: Higher ResidingMarket Road Grill is the place West Chester eats breakfast, and after a morning right here we fully perceive why.
Half traditional diner with pink vinyl cubicles and a counter, half rotating artwork gallery with authentic work masking each wall and out there for buy, it has a persona that’s fully its personal.
The Nook Cafe at Lodge Indigo is grab-and-go and superb for what it’s. However the three-minute stroll to Market Road is the fitting name each morning you’re right here.
The espresso was the most effective we had anyplace in West Chester. The service is pleasant and unhurried. The parts are the type that carry you thru a full day of strolling without having to consider lunch for a number of hours.
Two eggs, legendary hashbrowns, and crispy bacon. The plate that units up your entire day. | Photograph: Higher ResidingThe hashbrowns are the rationale individuals come again. Crispy, golden, and seasoned good, they arrive with most plates and genuinely earn their fame.
We ordered two eggs over straightforward alongside, and the entire plate, eggs, hashbrowns, and crispy bacon, was precisely the type of breakfast that units a day up proper. The Bruno, with sizzling honey rooster, two eggs, hashbrowns, cheddar, and sausage gravy, is a full morning in a single bowl.
If you would like one thing lighter, the yogurt Parfait with seasonal fruit and selfmade granola is contemporary and lightweight. Both manner, begin your mornings right here. You’ll not remorse it.
🥙 La Tartine
The Beef Shawarma Wrap at La Tartine. Don’t overlook the selfmade sizzling sauce on the aspect! | Photograph: Higher ResidingLa Tartine was a spontaneous cease that changed into one of many highlights of the journey. We noticed crepes and shawarma on the menu by way of the window and rotated mid-stride. Value each step again.
This informal cafe attracts on Lebanese and Mediterranean roots and commits totally to creating every part contemporary and to order. The menu covers falafel, crepes, paninis, salads, wraps, and wonderful espresso, juices, and smoothies. The workers is heat and the power within the house is straightforward and welcoming. It could possibly get busy throughout peak lunch hours, so be affected person when it does. The meals justifies the wait each time.
The Beef Shawarma Wrap, with naturally raised beef in shawarma spices, pita, tomato, onion, and tahini, is filled with taste and satisfying sufficient for a correct mid-afternoon cease. Order a aspect of the selfmade sizzling sauce and apply it to every part. It’s that good.
The Ham and Cheese Crepe was easy and made with actual care, precisely what you need from a spot like this. Quick, contemporary, inexpensive, and private in all the fitting methods.
🏛️ Historical past and Tradition: Chester County Historical past Middle
Over 70,000 objects spanning 300 years of Chester County historical past. Plan for at the least 90 minutes. | Photograph: Higher ResidingHistorical past museums are usually not at all times our first intuition on a getaway. We walked into the Chester County Historical past Middle anticipating to present it 45 minutes. We stayed practically two hours and left wanting to return again.
The distinction was our information. Ellen Endslow, the museum’s curator, led our tour with a depth of data and a stage of enthusiasm that was contagious. She loves this assortment and this materials, and it reveals in each room she walks you thru.
The gathering spans greater than 70,000 objects masking over 300 years of Chester County historical past: furnishings, instruments, quilts, trend, pottery, manuscripts, and images. The rotating displays draw from an intensive analysis library with supplies courting again to the 1600s.
The displays transfer from early colonial life by way of the Civil Struggle period, the commercial age, and into the twentieth century, all of it curated with clear intention and evident care. The reward store carries a number of books, craft kits, and domestically made gadgets. Browse it in your manner out. In addition they provide non-public strolling excursions the place you’ll be able to discover totally different themes and matters round West Chester.
Plan for at the least 90 minutes, and ebook a guided tour relatively than going by way of by yourself. The expertise is considerably richer with somebody like Ellen main the way in which. If exploring Pennsylvania’s historical past and small cities is your factor, this area delivers at each flip.
📚 Information Value Understanding
Frederick Douglass delivered his ultimate public speech at what’s now West Chester College
Penicillin was first mass-produced for human use proper right here in West Chester
The Battle of Brandywine — one of many largest engagements of the American Revolution — was fought in Chester County on September 11, 1777
The gathering spans greater than 70,000 objects masking over 300 years of native historical past
💡 Professional Tip: E book upfront. Stroll-in availability might be restricted, and a guided tour is the model of this go to that truly stays with you.
🛍️ Issues to Do in West Chester: Purchasing, Chocolate, and Extra
Relating to issues to do in West Chester, PA, you’ll discover one of many strongest unbiased buying scenes within the Mid-Atlantic.
Boutiques, galleries, reward retailers, and specialty shops line practically each block of the downtown grid, with one thing genuinely value discovering for each style: trend and classic, residence items and authentic artwork, data and uncommon chocolate, handmade jewellery and domestically crafted skincare.
The 5 retailers under have been our standouts from this go to, however you can spend a full afternoon wandering and turning up one thing new on each block. That type of discovery is half the pleasure of being right here.
It’s an identical power to what you discover at Peddlers Village, simply with a extra city, walkable downtown really feel.
🍫 Eclat Chocolate
The Fallingwater Bars at Eclat Chocolate. Impressed by Frank Lloyd Wright and an ideal reward to deliver residence. | Photograph: Higher ResidingBon Appetit known as Eclat “the most effective chocolate in America”, and thirty seconds inside, you begin to consider it.
Proprietor and Grasp Chocolatier Christopher Curtin skilled with Europe’s premier guild of pastry cooks in France earlier than turning into the primary American ever awarded the glory of German Pastry Chef and Chocolatier in Cologne. He then spent years learning with main chocolate makers throughout Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Japan earlier than opening a small store on South Excessive Road in West Chester.
On a winter go to, complimentary sizzling cocoa samples could also be ready on the counter. Settle for with out hesitation. The Fallingwater Bars, impressed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural landmark in western Pennsylvania, are a phenomenal reward. The total vary at Eclat Chocolate contains signature assortments, spiced and fruit-infused bars, caramels, and vegan choices. Give your self extra time right here than you assume you want.
🌿 Pine and Quill
Pine and Quill. A curated residence items and reward store | Photograph: Higher ResidingPine and Quill is a one-minute stroll from Lodge Indigo and a store value constructing time round. This women-owned residence items and reward vacation spot carries a considerate mixture of distinctive fashionable and vintage-inspired gadgets: authentic paintings, handmade jewellery, terrariums, books, residence decor, and one-of-a-kind finds you merely is not going to come throughout elsewhere. Proprietor Dianna has a robust eye, and the store at all times feels present and thoroughly curated.
In addition they carry furnishings and wallpaper from Thibaut and Anna French in case you are searching for one thing bigger. Month-to-month workshops and pop-up occasions add an interactive aspect. Verify their calendar earlier than your journey.
👗 Malena’s Classic Boutique
Searching by shade at Malena’s Classic Boutique. A West Chester fixture since 2003. | Photograph: Higher ResidingMalena’s is what a classic retailer appears like when somebody with actual experience has edited it all the way down to solely what’s value your time. A West Chester fixture since 2003, the store has earned Better of Philly from Philadelphia Journal and Better of the Mainline from Mainline At present, and each make full sense the second you stroll by way of the door.
The gathering spans girls’s classic trend, jewellery, and equipment from the 1870s by way of the Seventies, organized by shade throughout well-maintained racks that make searching a pleasure. Whether or not you’re looking for a structured coat, a beaded robe, or one thing with fringe and persona, the workers will information you straight to it. The type of classic retailer you anticipate finding in a serious metropolis, situated on a road in a small Pennsylvania borough.
✨ Kaly Store
Laborious to go away Kaly with out a West Chester sweater. | Photograph: Higher ResidingKaly is the store the place you go in for one factor and are available out carrying three. Handmade jewellery, clothes, skincare, candles, residence decor, and equipment, operating the vary from genuinely sentimental to gadgets that can make somebody snicker out loud. The workers is welcoming and the power is relaxed. A dependable cease in case you nonetheless want one thing to deliver residence.
🎵 Hop Constancy
Information and chilly beer underneath one roof. Plan for thirty minutes and funds for an hour. | Photograph: Higher ResidingHop Constancy is a report retailer and nano brewery that takes each halves of that description critically. The vinyl choice runs from traditional rock and punk by way of jazz and soul, with new releases alongside classic finds throughout well-maintained bins. The brewery produces small-batch beers on faucet on the bar, alongside cans, wine, and non-alcoholic choices for everybody on the desk.
Plan for thirty-minutes and funds for an hour. The workers is aware of their stock, the environment is enjoyable, and a chilly beer whereas flipping by way of data on a quiet weekday afternoon makes it straightforward to lose monitor of time.
🍷 Wine and Small Bites: Turks Head Wines
Turks Head Wines. A California vineyard pouring Napa wines within the coronary heart of West Chester. | Photograph: Higher ResidingTurks Head Wines is a California vineyard with a Pennsylvania tasting room, sourcing, producing, and bottling all of its wines in Napa earlier than pouring them right here within the coronary heart of West Chester.
The tasting room occupies a hovering industrial constructing with a glass skylight ceiling, uncovered timber trusses, and oak barrels lining the higher balcony. On the middle of the bottom flooring, a life-sized indoor tree anchors the house in a manner that earns a real pause if you stroll in. An extended marble bar runs the size of the decrease stage, and past it, a number of seating areas with their very own distinct moods offer you choices relying on the way you need to spend the time.
A fantastic spot for a wine tasting and a few bites, the meals menu is small and targeted, constructed to enhance relatively than compete with what’s within the glass. Whether or not you compromise in for a tasting flight, a glass by the hearth lounge, or a bottle shared over an extended dialog, Turks Head earns its place in any West Chester weekend. There’s additionally a bottle store on website for taking one thing residence.
🌿 A Quick Drive Away: Longwood Gardens and 1906 Restaurant
Lush indoor winter gardens within the Conservatory District of Longwood Gardens | Photograph: Higher ResidingNo information to this nook of Chester County can be full with out mentioning Longwood Gardens, one of many world’s nice horticultural locations and only a 20-minute drive from West Chester.
🌸 Why Add Longwood to Your Journey
Spanning over 1,000 acres in close by Kennett Sq., Longwood is a year-round landmark, however winter is an particularly compelling time to go to. The conservatories are lush and blooming even when the outside grounds are blanketed in snow, and the Winter Surprise season (sometimes January by way of March) transforms the indoor gardens into one thing genuinely magical. Stepping inside after a chilly stroll by way of the grounds looks like arriving someplace fully totally different. We have now written a full information to planning a winter getaway to Longwood Gardens if you would like the entire image.
For a very particular night, plan dinner at 1906, the superb eating restaurant situated throughout the Conservatory District and named for the yr Pierre S. du Pont bought the property. Reopened in fall 2024 as a part of Longwood’s $250 million reimagining venture, 1906 is the type of dinner that stays with you. The eating room sits behind signature arched home windows overlooking the snow-dusted gardens, with mid-century fashionable furnishings, pink orchid centerpieces, and repair that matches the environment. The menu modifications with the seasons and the kitchen plates every part prefer it belongs on this explicit room. The cocktail program is equally thought of, and desserts listed below are genuinely extraordinary: whimsical, technically achieved, and value ordering even if you assume you haven’t any room left. We have now a full 1906 at Longwood Gardens overview with every part you have to plan the dinner.
One sensible be aware: reaching 1906 requires a five-minute stroll by way of the outside gardens, so gown for the climate. Backyard admission is required to dine right here, however the conservatories are included, making the complete go to very a lot value constructing a night round.
🗓️ Fast 3-Day Itinerary
Right here is how we’d construction three days in West Chester to cowl the highlights with out feeling pressed. We traveled midweek and located the quieter tempo, attentive service, and decrease charges made the journey even higher. The identical itinerary works equally properly over a weekend.
Day 1 — Arrive, Discover, and Eat Nicely
Verify into Lodge Indigo, drop your baggage, and head to the Chester County Welcome Middle earlier than it closes. Get oriented, seize a cup of cocoa, and let the digital planner construct you a personalized itinerary for the times forward. Spend the afternoon on foot: Pine and Quill, Eclat Chocolate, Hop Constancy, and a stroll previous the carved stone doorways on Excessive Road are all inside straightforward attain of one another. Within the night, dinner at WC Seafood Kitchen, then a drink downstairs at Room 109. That may be a first night time in West Chester carried out precisely proper.
Day 2 — Historical past, Lunch, and Limoncello
Breakfast at Market Road Grill. Two eggs, legendary hashbrowns, and the most effective espresso within the borough. E book your guided tour on the Chester County Historical past Middle for mid-morning and provides it at the least 90 minutes. Lunch at La Tartine: beef shawarma, selfmade sizzling sauce, don’t skip both. The afternoon is for Malenas Classic, Kaly Store, and no matter else catches your consideration alongside the way in which. Dinner at Limoncello. Make that reservation earlier than you allow residence.
Day 3 — A Sluggish Morning, One Final Pour, and Longwood
Sedona Taphouse for a relaxed late breakfast or early lunch after checkout. Attempt the Prime Rib Sandwich in case you missed it earlier within the journey. In case your schedule permits, the drive to Longwood Gardens takes about 20 minutes and makes an ideal afternoon addition earlier than the journey residence. Dinner at 1906 would make it an unforgettable near the journey.
💡 Sensible Suggestions for Your Go to
🚗 Getting ThereAbout 45 minutes from Middle Metropolis Philadelphia, 35 minutes from Wilmington, roughly two hours from New York Metropolis, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Baltimore, and about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Washington DC. Easy accessibility from I-95, Route 202, and Route 30.
🅿️ ParkingLodge friends: Chestnut Road Storage, $10/night time validated, in-and-out privileges. On-street parking free Saturdays till 5pm, free all day Sundays, excluding the Chester County Justice Middle Storage. A number of floor tons and extra garages out there all through the downtown space.
🚶 WalkabilityWhen you park, depart the automobile. Each restaurant, store, and attraction on this information is inside a ten to fifteen minute stroll of Lodge Indigo.
💧 Pack a Water BottleLodge Indigo doesn’t present in-room bottled water. A refillable bottle works with the dispenser within the health middle. A Wawa and grocery retailer are a brief drive exterior the borough if you have to restock.
🌤️ Each Season WorksWe got here in winter and would select it once more for the comfy, unhurried tempo. However West Chester is well worth the journey in any season. Spring and fall exhibit the historic structure superbly, and summer season brings each outside patio totally to life.
🧥 Winter ClimateCostume in layers. The brick sidewalks are pretty however that is Pennsylvania in February. Good strolling sneakers will matter greater than you anticipate.
❓ Often Requested Questions
Is West Chester walkable?
Exceptionally so. When you park, you’ll not want your automobile once more till checkout. Each restaurant, store, and attraction on this information is inside a cushty stroll of Lodge Indigo.
How far is West Chester from Philadelphia?
About 45 minutes by automobile from Middle Metropolis Philadelphia. Additionally it is roughly two hours from New York Metropolis, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Baltimore, and about 2 hours 20 minutes from Washington DC, making it a simple lengthy weekend vacation spot from a variety of beginning factors.
What number of days do you want in West Chester?
Two nights and three days is the candy spot. One night time works in case your schedule calls for it, however the second night time is the place the journey begins to really feel like an actual getaway relatively than an prolonged go to. There’s genuinely extra right here than a single day can maintain.
Is West Chester good in winter?
It’s a beautiful time to go to. The eating rooms really feel private and unhurried, the streets tackle a quiet allure, and the heated patios at Limoncello and elsewhere are unexpectedly atmospheric when it’s chilly exterior. Combining the journey with a go to to Longwood Gardens makes it even higher.
What’s the finest restaurant in West Chester?
Limoncello, based mostly on our go to, with WC Seafood Kitchen an in depth second. If you happen to can solely select one, select Limoncello. If you’re staying at Lodge Indigo, find time for each.
Is there parking in downtown West Chester?
Sure, and simpler than most cities this dimension. On-street parking is free on Saturdays till 5pm and free in all places on Sundays. Lodge Indigo friends have the added comfort of the devoted Chestnut Road Storage subsequent door at $10 per night time.
Is West Chester value a weekend journey?
Greater than we anticipated, and we anticipated fairly a bit. A compelling eating scene, some of the partaking historical past museums in Pennsylvania, unbiased buying with real persona, and a walkable historic downtown that rewards slowing down. The Philadelphia Inquirer as soon as known as it one of many world’s most good small cities. After two days right here, that lands as a very affordable take.
Get Instructions
Planning a visit or have one thing so as to add from your individual go to? Go away a be aware within the feedback. And if this information helped you set collectively a terrific weekend, share it with somebody who has been on the lookout for a cause to go.
Extra Chester County and Mid-Atlantic Getaways from Higher Residing
Higher Residing makes use of affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to make a purchase order by way of them, we could obtain a small fee (for which we’re deeply grateful) without charge to you.
