Gardens of The Brandywine Valley

Departure Points

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:30 am
Pet Smart, Crossgates Commons - 8:00am
*Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 8:45 am (No overnight parking permitted)
Kingston, Exit 19 Park & Ride - 9:05am

Wednesday, May 12th:

Gardening enthusiasts & nature lovers will hop on board with Yankee Trails for this tour of the gardens of the Brandywine Valley area! Our first stop is Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square just southwest of Philadelphia. We will explore the vision of Pierre S. Dupont who created Longwood, starting in 1907. Longwood has grown to become an 1,100 acre world-famous garden where conservation, learning and the beauty of nature all abound. We will be given a tour of the garden and afterwards have time to explore the formal gardens, perennial borders, massive conservatories, impressive fountains and colorful waterlily courtyard. Spring brings plenty of bounty as plants emerge to color Longwood with beauty! From there we will check into Mendenhall Inn (610-388-1188), located in nearby Mendenhall, PA. Delight in a wine & cheese welcome reception upon arrival, and a buffet dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

Thursday, May 13th:

A buffet breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. We will begin the day with a self-guided tour of Mt. Cuba Center, in Hockessin Delaware, where the Copeland family started their first naturalistic gardens in 1950. The mission of Mt. Cuba is “to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them. A sandwich buffet lunch (included) is included at Mt Cuba Center as well. After lunch we’re off to the Chaddsford Winery for some wine tasting, before we return to the hotel to freshen up and relax a bit after a full day. A fabulous dinner is included tonight at Brandywine Prime. Entree choices are TBA.

Friday, May 14th:

A full breakfast buffet is included this morning at the hotel. After breakfast, we will make our way to Winterthur, the magnificent former estate of Henry Francis du Pont. Wander through 1,000 acres of rolling hills, enchanting woodlands, and beautifully designed gardens, and discover a world of American decorative arts within the spectacular mansion. Admission includes a self-guided tour of elegantly furnished rooms in which Henry Francis du Pont entertained his family and friends in grand style; a narrated tram tour through the 60-acre garden and its succession of show-stopping blooms; the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens; all exhibitions; and access to Winterthur’s world-class research library. Lunch will be on your own at the onsite cafe, which offers grab & go sandwiches, wraps, soups & salads. We will depart Winterthur for home at approximately 2pm. Our approximate arrival in the Capital District at 8pm. One stop each way.

LU=Lunch, DN=Dinner, FB=Full Breakfast