Visit Delco Visitors Guide 2025 V4

OFFICIAL GUIDE FOR DELAWARE COUNTY, PA

PAGE 06

Explore

The Outdoors

PAGE 10

Free Things

12 To Do In Delco

PAGE 14

Savor All The Of Delco

Flavors

Scranton, PA 2 Hours Away

New York, NY 2 Hours Away

Delaware County

Philadelphia, PA 30 Minutes Away

Lancaster, PA

Atlantic City, NJ

1 Hour Away

1.5 Hours Away

Baltimore, MD 1.5 Hours Away

Washington, D.C. 2 Hours Away

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VISIT DELCO

D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

Delaware County Awaits You! There’s truly something special about Delaware County. With a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and community spirit, Delco offers endless experiences for both residents and visitors alike. This guide is your key to discovering all that our vibrant community has to offer.

Whether you’re exploring historic sites like Brandywine Battlefield Park, taking a leisurely walk through one of our many parks, or enjoying a day at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Delaware County provides a wonderful setting for everyone. Families can enjoy the seasonal events at Linvilla Orchards, our scenic Chester and Darby Creek Trails, and the beautiful grounds of Rose Tree Park. Art lovers will find plenty to appreciate in Delco’s thriving arts community, with local theaters, galleries, and the annual Delco Arts Week celebrating the creative talents within our region.

Delaware County’s dining and shopping options are equally impressive, offering everything from charming local boutiques to diverse culinary experiences. We’re proud to support local businesses, which are an integral part of what makes our community so vibrant and unique.

On behalf of Delaware County Council, I encourage you to explore and enjoy all that Delco has to offer. There’s no need to go far to find adventure, culture, relaxation, and connection—it’s all here in Delaware County.

Enjoy your journey!

Sincerely,

Dr. Monica Taylor Chair, Delaware County Council

Contents

We’re Always In Season..................................................................... 04 Explore The Outdoors............................................................................06 Four Ways To Discover Delco..........................................................08 12 Free Things To Do In Delco........................................................... 10 Calendar Of Events................................................................................. 10 Immerse Yourself In Arts And History..........................................12 Savor All The Flavors Of Delco......................................................... 14 Drink Up & Wine Down........................................................................... 16 A Stay For Every Style............................................................................. 18

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We’re Always In

Season

No matter what time of year you visit Delco, there’s always fun to be had.

Check out our top things to do during each season.

Spring

Summer

Philly is an undisputed sports paradise, and

Warm weather has finally arrived, and so

to Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union.

From mid-June through August, enjoy

Subaru Park – right here in Delco! – is home

With fast-paced action, a gorgeous stadium

with amazing views of the Delaware River, and

lots of crowd participation, you’ll fall in love with fútbol—just as the rest of the world has.

Media’s State Street is a popular destination for foodies, but perhaps more so on Wednesday

evenings from May through September, when the hugely popular Dining Under the Stars event is underway.

As spring emerges from its slumber, Delco’s parks and gardens burst to life with colorful blooms and local attractions such as

Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chanticleer

Garden, and Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead open for the season.

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Subaru Park

has the Rose Tree Park Summer Festival.

top-notch entertainment of all varieties in the park’s amphitheater.

Independence Day is a great time to enjoy

burgers and hot dogs on the grill, sunshine,

and family and friends. There’s a lot of starspangled spirit in Delco including, parades, fireworks, and fun.

One of the most successful youth theater

programs in the country is right here in Delco.

Every summer, more than 700 tweens and teens eat, sleep, and breathe Upper Darby Summer

Stage and the result is a Mainstage Production

and six Broadway-caliber, family-friendly shows that are easy on the budget and big on fun.

VISIT DELCO

D E LA W ARose R E Tree C O Park U NTSummer Y, P A Festival

Linvilla Orchards

Brandywine Museum of Art’s Brandywine Railroad

Fall

Winter

As the air cools and the leaves change, Delco

There are few Delco traditions more cherished

season, with some of the most spectacular

For more than four decades, dozens of lighted

is the perfect place to take in the colors of the foliage in the area.

Delco is home to two of the most popular Halloween attractions in the Greater

than a visit to Rose Tree Park’s Festival of Lights. trees and festive displays have illuminated the winter evenings, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors young and old.

Philadelphia region: Linvilla Orchards and

Brandywine Museum of Art’s Brandywine

is apple picking and decorating pumpkins or

delivering awe-inspiring magic for more than

Bates Motel. So, whether your idea of fall fun descending into the terror and mayhem of a world-class haunted hayride, we have you covered!

Railroad holiday train display has been

50 years. For decades, families have made a

visit to see the extensive model train layout an essential part of their holiday celebrations.

As the leaves begin to turn and a cool breeze

Get ready to immerse yourself in a wonderland

bringing with it a jam-packed and fantastic

adorned with twinkling lights, store shelves are

fills the air, it’s evident that autumn has arrived, festival season featuring live music, delicious food, cultural and historical events, outdoor adventures, and more.

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of holiday shopping, where the streets are

bursting with possibilities, and the spirit of giving is in the air. From quaint boutiques to bustling markets, Delaware County has something for everyone on your list.

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Explore The Outdoors

With nearly 200+ miles of trails, thousands of acres of county parkland, a state park, national wildlife refuge, and numerous gardens and arboretums, it’s easy to connect with nature in Delco.

April through November.

Delco Woods

Delaware County’s newest park spans 213 acres in Marple Township. It features the county’s largest undeveloped forest, with wetlands, meadows, and creeks supporting diverse

wildlife. Hiking trails through the woods are

open to the public during daylight hours. With nearly 175 acres prioritized for preservation,

community-inspired recreational facilities are

planned as the master plan nears completion.

Ridley Creek State Park

Brandywine Museum of Art Wildflower and Native Plant Gardens Inspired by the natural landscapes surrounding the Museum, the Wildflower and Native Plant

Glen Providence Park A picturesque natural retreat cherished by

locals and visitors alike. This scenic haven with wooded trails, vibrant wildflowers, tranquil

streams, and lush greenery, provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

Gardens extend the art outdoors. Wildflowers,

Haverford College Arboretum

provide a succession of blooms from early

and botanical wonders. Offering a diverse

trees, and shrubs are carefully selected to

A verdant oasis brimming with natural beauty

spring to frost in a setting like their natural

collection of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants,

habitat.

Chanticleer Gardens A horticultural masterpiece renowned for its exquisite beauty and innovative design, this

visitors can wander along scenic pathways,

meander through lush gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, or find solace beneath the towering canopies of trees.

enchanting oasis captivates visitors with its

Hildacy Preserve

the vibrant colors of the Teacup Garden to the

away in a hilly section of Delco, this 55-acre

diverse collection of themed gardens. From

Part of the Natural Lands Trust and tucked

serene tranquility of the Pond Garden, it is a

gem is home to native woodlands, wetlands,

beloved destination for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Chanticleer is open 6

wildflower-strewn meadows, and streams.

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D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Tyler Arboretum

A haven for wildlife and a beloved destination

garden and nature preserve, spanning over

for nature enthusiasts, this urban oasis along

the tidal Darby Creek provides critical habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal

species, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and native plants. Visitors can explore a

network of trails that wind through a variety of habitats, including marshes, woodlands,

Established in 1825, this sprawling botanical 650 acres, is one of the oldest and largest

arboreta in the northeastern United States.

Visitors can explore a diverse array of

habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, as well as a wide variety of themed gardens showcasing native plant species.

and meadows.

Ridley Creek State Park A sprawling natural oasis spanning over

2,606 acres, this beloved state park offers

a diverse array of landscapes, from dense woodlands and rolling hills to serene

meadows and picturesque Ridley Creek.

Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through a variety of recreational activities,

including hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Rose Tree Park Situated on 120 acres, this picturesque park features grassy rolling hills, mature trees,

woodlands, StoryWalk, and an ADA-inclusive playground. Home to the Rose Tree Park

Summer Festival – an outdoor concert series

from mid-June through mid-August - the park is a popular destination for cross-country running, photography, dog walking, birdwatching, and more.

The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College Nestled within the campus of Swarthmore College is a botanical treasure trove

renowned for its stunning gardens and

diverse plant collections. Spanning over

300 acres, the arboretum showcases a rich tapestry of plant life, featuring meticulously

curated gardens that highlight a wide variety of species, from native wildflowers and trees to exotic blooms from around the globe. visitdelcopa.com

Chanticleer

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Four Ways To

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Photo: ©Joe Grasso Photography

Arts Tour Delco boasts a vibrant and diverse arts

scene. Prepare to be dazzled by Broadway-

caliber performances at The Media Theatre and Hedgerow Theatre, and experience live music at the historic Lansdowne Theater, opening its doors for performances after

undergoing an extensive renovation. Marvel at the Wyeth family’s masterpieces at

the Brandywine Museum of Art. Explore

exhibitions, performances, and workshops at the Community Arts Center, Main Line Art Center, Rockdale Art Center, and Wayne Art Center.

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History Tour Delco has a rich history and pioneering spirit with dozens of historic buildings

and sites to explore. Tour Brandywine

Battlefield, site of the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War. Newlin Grist

Mill is part living history museum, part

environmental education center, and the perfect combination of Delco’s heritage and beauty. The Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, tucked away within Ridley

Creek State Park, is a living history museum, allowing visitors to experience life as it was more than 200 years ago.

VISIT DELCO

D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

Discover Delco

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region? Visiting college campuses is a rite

Whether you are an experienced hiker,

College Tour Looking to tour some of the best colleges

and universities in the Greater Philadelphia of passage for many high school students and their families, and Delaware County

is the perfect home base to explore many – 75 within 20 miles! – of them. Delco is home to 12 colleges and universities, including Villanova University,

Swarthmore College, and Penn State

Delco Trail Mix Connect with nature through the hiking and biking trails of Delaware County.

nature lover, or casual walker, you’ll find many places to explore, walk, bike, hike, and even canoe and kayak. Check out

the Visit Delco trail finder to discover local parks and find the perfect spot to begin your outdoor adventure.

Brandywine – to name a few.

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12

Free Things

To Do In Delco

You don’t need a big budget to experience big fun in Delco.

Here are 12 FREE things to do—sure to keep you coming back again and again!

01

Delco’s local art centers and

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exhibitions showcasing local artists,

trails. John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at

Admire Some Art

studios welcome the public to view

crafters, and artisans free of charge.

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Attend A Festival Delco’s festival season is jam-packed with dozens of free festivals that

celebrate music, food, and culture.

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Connect With Nature Ridley Creek State Park offers 2,606

acres of woodlands, meadows, and Tinicum is an urban oasis great for

birding, wildlife viewing, and offers a wide variety of nature programs.

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Dive Into The Past Delco takes great pride in its rich history and pioneering spirit. Dozens of historic

Check Out A Local Library

buildings and sites offer free guided

Think the library is just a place filled

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with books? Think again. Delco

libraries offer free and accessible

activities and programming for all ages and interests.

tours and demonstrations.

Hear Some Music Enjoy open-air sounds at the Rose

Tree Park Summer Festival. Nine weeks of top-notch entertainment - from

Classical to Cajun, Motown to Broadway, Doo Wop to Rock & Pop, tribute shows, and everything in between.

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D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

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Honor Local Veterans Pay homage to Delco’s fallen military heroes at the Delaware County

Veterans Memorial – an open-air

monument honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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Stop And Smell The Roses Scott Arboretum’s Dean Bond Rose

Garden holds over 300 roses, displaying over 170 different types. The Arboretum is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

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Delaware County Veterans Memorial

Take A Hike Whether you are an experienced hiker, nature lover, or a casual walker, Delco has 200+ miles of trails to explore.

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Visit With Barnyard Animals Linvilla Orchards’ barnyard features white-tailed deer, friendly goats,

gentle horses, and whimsical sheep each with their own unique and lovable personalities.

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Visit A Farmers’ Market Offering fresh fruit, flowers, veggies,

and more, Delco’s farmers’ markets are

Delaware County Farmers Market

great places to enjoy the outdoors and mingle with locals.

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Visit A Museum On the first Sunday of the month,

Brandywine Museum of Art offers free admission to the galleries. Delaware

County Institute of Science welcomes the public on Thursdays and the

Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, and

the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum are both admission-free (but accept donations).

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Ridley Creek State Park

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Brandywine Museum of Art

Community Arts Center

Immerse Yourself in

Arts

From a Broadway-caliber

show or an award-winning

local production to local artists showcasing their well-crafted

pieces in galleries, Delaware County is rich with opportunities for art enthusiasts alike. Find live theater, music, dance performances, public art displays, artists’ studios, and more. No matter what your interest, Delco’s vibrant arts and culture scene invites you to be inspired and entertained.

Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival

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D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

Pennsylvania Veterans Museum

And

History

Delco takes great pride in its

rich history and pioneering spirit and there are dozens of historic buildings, sites and museums sprinkled throughout the region anxious to share their storied pasts.

Experience the American ingenuity and perseverance of a rural Pennsylvania farmer or grab your imaginary bayonet and charge across the fields and farms of the largest battle in the American Revolution. In Delco we don’t just learn history, we live it.

Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

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Farm To Table Fresh Seasonally driven menus mean there’s

always something fresh to discover. Locallysourced ingredients are not only delicious but help restaurants and customers to reduce their carbon footprints. Delco’s

farm-to-table restaurants are an eco-

friendly and delicious culinary experience.

Wining & Dining Al Fresco From outdoor courtyards with bold flavors and vibrant cocktails to microbrews and

Savor All The Of Delco

Flavors

If there’s one thing that Delco

knows, it’s great food. Whatever the foodie in you craves –

comfort food, a delectable

donut, mouthwatering pizza,

a steaming cup of coffee, and more – you can find it here.

light bites overlooking the golf course,

there’s no better place to be than on a lively patio with a cool drink and delicious eats in Delco!

Keep It Cool With summertime staples like Georgeo’s

Water Ice and Rosati Ice serving Delco for

generations, “wooder” ice lovers can indulge in old favorites and discover new flavors.

Delco is also a heavenly destination for ice cream lovers, with homemade flavors,

mile-high sundaes, and endless toppings.

A Melting Pot Of Ethnic Cuisine We are fortunate to have the world at our fingertips – well, the tastes of the world

anyway. Whether you’re craving the hot, spicy flavors of Asia, or the romantic

candlelit atmosphere of an Italian terrace, you don’t have to travel far to experience

authentic, exotic cuisine in our restaurants and eateries.

Get Your BBQ On Something hot off the grill gives us all the

feels in the summer, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: We love barbecue all year

long! Luckily, we’re in Delco, the home of the greatest barbecue joints that also happen to be open year-round.

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D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

Delco Knows Pizza

Delco’s Big Burger Bites

Delco denizens are as fierce about their pizza

You don’t have to look far in Delco to find a

In fact, we’ve been known to pair a big slice

burgers, like Charlie’s and Zac’s, to unexpected

as they are about their cheesesteaks and beer. with a beer and a side of cheesesteaks now

and again. Our must-try pizza joints span every style, from good ol’ cheese to a throwback with

everything, an upside-down pizza to one made with your own reserved dough.

Cozy Comfort Foods You know you want them: comfort foods!

Maybe it’s because you’re craving something

familiar, reliving a cherished memory, or simply indulging in a favorite dish. We love the best

reason of all—just because. These comforting

bites fill your tummy with the flavors you grew up loving, from every corner of Delco.

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fantastic burger. From fast-food-style smash

gourmet burgers, piled with tasty toppings, you’ll find unique and creative burgers around every corner in Delco!

Delightful Donuts Donut? Doughnut? Spell it however you’d

like — we’re obsessed just the same. There’s

something magical about a donut, because it conjures up childhood memories, from simple store-bought cake donuts as after-school

treats to taped-shut cake boxes bursting with hand-chosen donuts from a favorite bakery.

When you’re surrounded by Delco’s best donutproducing bakeries, that magical feeling never ends!

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Drink Up &

Wine Down

Delco’s wineries and breweries are bustling with guests seeking

local-made libations. With some of the most innovative and dedicated

brewers and winemakers in the region, happy hour is a true experience here.

2SP Brewing Company

120 Concord Road #101-103 Aston, PA 19014

Four Fingers Brewing Co. 4500 Aston Mills Road Aston, PA 19014

4221 Ferne Boulevard Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant 30 E. State Street Media, PA 19063

Ship Bottom Brewery Blendery & Barrel House 5 Park Avenue Swarthmore, PA 19081 16

Artillery Brewing Co.

The Larimer Beer Co. 15 Engle Street, G Unit Chester, PA 19013

Sterling Pig Brewery 609 W. State Street Media, PA 19063

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Photo: Penns Wood Winery

Grace Winery

John Robert Cellars

Penns Woods Winery

Vino Bambino

50 Sweetwater Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342

124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 visitdelcopa.com

301 Wanamaker Avenue, Essington, PA 19029

848 Sussex Boulevard, Suite C, Broomall, PA 19008 17

A Stay For

Every Style

Conveniently located along the I-95 corridor, Delaware County offers city sophistication with countryside serenity, hosting a diverse mix of

accommodations that make calling it a day as special as the day itself.

From world-class hotels to 18th-century B&Bs, explore the one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts before you plan your weekend getaway.

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VISIT DELCO

D E LA W A R E C O U NT Y, P A

AC Hotel by Marriott

Hampton Inn & Suites

The Radnor Hotel

Airport Waterfront Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites

Red Carpet Inn

Best Western Plus

Hillside Motel

Newtown Square

Essington

Concordville Glen Mills

Best Western Plus

Philadelphia Airport S.

Glen Mills

Media

Wayne

Philadelphia Airport Lester

Glen Mills

Red Roof PLUS+

Hilton Garden Inn

Essington

Radnor

Philadelphia Airport

Newtown Square

Residence Inn by Marriott

Chester

Holiday Inn & Suites

Glen Mills

Brandywine River Hotel

Drexel Hill

Springhill Suites

Holiday Inn Express

Philadelphia Airport

at Widener University

Chadds Ford

Brinton Hotel and Suites West Chester

Candlewood Suites Chester

Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport Essington

Comfort Inn & Suites Glen Mills

Comfort Inn

Philadelphia Airport W. Chester

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Springfield

Days Inn by Wyndham Chester

Days Inn by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia W.

Philadelphia Airport Essington

Home2 Suites by Hilton Glen Mills

Home2 Suites by Hilton Ridley Park

The Inn at Swarthmore Swarthmore

The Inn at Villanova University Wayne

La Quinta Inn & Suites Philadelphia Airport Essington

McIntosh Inn Media

Media Inn & Suites Media

Springfield

Microtel Inn & Suites

Delta Hotel

Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia Airport Philadelphia

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Philadelphia/Broomall Broomall

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by Wyndham Ridley Park Motel 6

Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia

by Marriott Ridley Park

Staybridge Suites Wilmington/

Brandywine Valley Glen Mills

Travelodge by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport Essington

Trolley Stop Motel Media

Wayne Hotel Wayne

Wyndham Garden Hotel Philadelphia Airport Essington Alpenhof

Bed & Breakfast Media

The Gifford-Risley House Bed & Breakfast Media

The Inn at Grace Winery Bed & Breakfast Glen Mills

Philadelphia

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1501 N Providence Road, Media, PA 19063

(610) 565-3679 info@visitdelcopa.com