Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!
And there is no place that I know of that looks more like Christmas than Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Longwood has become a tradition with my family, especially my husband and me over the years. We look forward to experiencing the Gardens through each season, BUT our yearly Christmas visit is our most special time. Since Yummy Reservations has expanded to include “delightful destinations,” I knew I had to share this with you. It’s surprising how many people I mention Longwood Gardens to that say, “I’ve always wanted to go there.” If you go on-line at www.longwoodgardens.com, of course you can gather lots of information about them, but nothing is like the old saying, “Seeing is believing.”
Longwood Gardens was originally a residence owned by the Pierre du Pont, who is known as one of the country’s most influential gardeners; but the property’s history actually goes back to the 1700’s. If you don’t think you would be thrilled with walking through a bunch of gardens, I encourage you to look beyond those thoughts. To me, it’s like someone showing me a picture of the Grand Canyon, versus standing on the edge of the Canyon.
Longwood Gardens not only has a unique holiday experience with tens of thousands of lights wrapped around trees, but you’ll be entertained with even more with their indoor gardens, fountains dancing to music, a garden experience just for kids, an outdoor miniature train display, on premise restaurant and cafeteria, places to buy cookies and hot chocolate, (as you stroll the gardens) mini concerts and Christmas sing-a-longs. If that doesn’t get you in the spirit, you need to be visited by Scrooge himself!
This year’s indoor display at the indoor reflection pool was a masterpiece, with decorations artfully displayed of walnuts, whole green apples and cranberries.
One of the rooms in the conservatory is decorated with a long, elegant table set for a true Christmas celebration. I imagined, as I walked into the room, actually being on the coveted guest list, being escorted into the party, handed a glass of the best champagne, and hearing the clinking of glasses and holiday tunes being played by a small quartet.
This truly is a place that you can dream and will awaken all of your senses. So please look beyond the word “gardens” and take a chance on a very unique experience around the holidays (and year round). Please check their website for tickets and timing. I would warn you to NOT just show up around the holidays, due to the large crowds. But also, don’t let that scare you away. The property is so large, and Longwood is very organized so that everyone can have an enjoyable evening.
Just as a note, we have season passes to Longwood and have enjoyed some wonderful summer concerts. Their recently opened water gardens are another “must see” in the non-winter months.
There are also some very “Yummy Reservations” to enjoy in and around the area, including the town of Kennett Square. On this particular evening, we enjoyed the gardens with some great friends and then took a chance on “Two Stones Pub,” which was about a mile from Longwood. It’s located in a shopping center and I was impressed with the friendly and cozy atmosphere when we arrived. Their menu is loaded with lots of good pub food. One “you gotta order” food is their homemade “Kennett Mushroom soup.” The flavor was incredible and loaded with lots of fresh mushrooms, for which the area is known. Another appetizer that I would order again is the “crispy Brussels Sprouts” – very yummy! Also, their “warm soft pretzels” selection is a keeper. I also have to add, that if you’re a beer enthusiast, they will let you try a couple of tastings before you make a final decision. We enjoyed our experience at Two Stones Pub and hope you will give them a try too. If you want to check out their whole menu, go to www.twostonespub.com.
If you want to make Kennett Square, Pennsylvania a weekend or longer “Delightful Destination”, there are also some great Bed and Breakfasts in the area, which our friends enjoyed during that weekend. I hope to experience that one in the new year and will report back to you. I’ve heard some rumors they do a wine dinner! The best part is you just walk to your room after maybe too much wine?!
In closing, I hope everyone has their own blessed and magical holiday season and takes some time to remember the true reason for the season. I look forward to sharing more “Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations” in the new year!!!
Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations! 