Day 1  Day 2
Maximize your enjoyment by planning two full days to soak up the culture and environment of Chateau Country.
Day 1 - morning
Hagley |
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Day 2 - morning
Longwood |
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Day 2 - afternoon
Winterthur |
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Visit Hagley, located on 235 scenic acres along the Brandywine River.
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Take the scenic drive through the heart of Chateau Country to Longwood. |
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Spend the afternoon surrounded by grand furnishings at Winterthur.
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Day 1:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: After breakfast at your hotel, visit Hagley Museum and Library, where the du Pont story begins. Located on 235 scenic acres along the Brandywine River, at the site of the family’s first black powder works, Hagley tells the story of life and industry in the nineteenth century through exhibits, tours, restorations, and demonstrations. Check in at Reception in the Visitor Center, where you can view the orientation film and see the exhibits. Then take the shuttle bus along the river to Eleutherian Mills, the 1803 home of patriarch Eleuthère Irénée du Pont and his family. After the house tour, explore the barn and the nineteenth-century vehicles it houses, and stroll the French-style garden before walking or taking the shuttle bus back toward the site entrance.
Explore the Hagley Powder Yard to see how the waterpower of the Brandywine generated energy for the gunpowder-producing machinery that made the du Ponts their fortune. Working models, restored, equipment, and exhibits bring the past to life. A restored circa 1880 machine shop hums with activity. Nearby, an 1870 engine operates under live steam. Strolling along the Brandywine is lovely any time of year.
You may disembark at Workers’ Hill, a cluster of restored buildings that focus on the social and family lives of powder mill workers. Have lunch at the Belin House, a coffee shop that used to be the bookkeeping office or visit one of the local sit-down restaurants for a satisfying meal.
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.: You may want to explore the art galleries in nearby Breck’s Mill, or in Greenville or Centreville. Explore the countryside that is graced with many more estates and gardens – some of which are open to the public. If the weather is nice, a picnic and a stroll through one of our many parks or a canoe trip down the Brandywine is always a wonderful choice for those interested in nature.
Evening: Alternatively, relax at your hotel before dining there or at one of the other partnering hotels’ restaurants. The Riverfront, Trolley Square, Little Italy, and downtown areas offer a variety of dining options. Some locations have late-night music and dancing.
Day 2:
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.: After breakfast at your hotel, take the scenic drive along Route 52 through the heart of Chateau Country to Longwood Gardens.
Longwood has been named by National Geographic Traveler as one of America’s “50 Places of a Lifetime.” Longwood is known for its horticulture, with more than 11,000 types of plants growing on the 1,050-acre property, including four acres under glass in the Conservatory. Displays and floral highlights change throughout the year. The late Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood’s founder, loved to entertain; this legacy continues with an extensive performing-arts program, fountain shows, and special events. Take advantage of this full calendar and see a performance if you have the chance.
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Have lunch at on-site Terrace Restaurant, which offers cafeteria-style and sit-down dining, or if you want a mid-day break, you may want to quickly explore Chadds Ford before heading to Winterthur. Your ticket is good all day should you choose to come back to Longwood for an evening event.
2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Your afternoon will be spent at WinterthurMuseum and Country Estate, where you will be a guest at the former home of the late Henry Francis du Pont. Sign up for the hour-long guided tour of your choice (reservations are highly recommended): Elegant Entertaining, Distinctive Collections, Gracious Living, Private Spaces & Gaming Places, Stylish Suites, or Once Upon a Family. Seasonal tours are also offered, so check tour availability before you make your decision. Arrive at Winterthur no later than 3 p.m. to take full advantage, by taking the one tour and walk through the permanent and changing exhibits in the museum space known as Winterthur’s Galleries. Don’t miss the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens.
Evening: Either return to Longwood for a fountain show if one is scheduled or go into Wilmington for dinner at your hotel or one of the area’s many restaurants. The Riverfront, Trolley Square, Little Italy, and downtown areas offer a variety of dining options. Some locations have late-night music and dancing. |
