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Exploring West Chester
This month’s issue is all about exploring! West Chester offers up so many amazing places to explore whether it’s in town exploring our shops and restaurants, visiting the numerous historical markers throughout our town and area, or at one of the vast nature preserves, gardens, and arboretums surrounding us. There are many ways to explore our great town and we encourage you all to get out there and see what makes West Chester so unique!
This month we are highlighting one of our favorite spots to sit and soak in nature - Tyler Arboretum, which is celebrating its 80th year as a public garden. Just a short trip from West Chester, Tyler offers 17 miles of hiking trails throughout its 650 acres of protected woodlands. There is so much to explore at Tyler for all ages. Jamie, our editor, has fond memories of taking her boys to Tyler and looking for frogs and turtles at the pond. Now that her boys are older, their family enjoys taking hikes throughout the property, but they still always stop at the pond to see what animals they can find for the day! There are many memories for them at the arboretum! We hope your family can take a trip there this summer to explore! We promise you’ll be glad you did!
We hope to see you around town this month EXPLORING all that West Chester has to offer! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
July 2024 Visit our Instagram
PUBLISHER
Douglas Mcdermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Tyler Arboretum
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
inside the issue
FORWARD MOVING AND STORAGE
Dedicated
EXPLORING NATURE
Tyler Arboretum has been inspiring locals to connect with nature for the past 80 years!
Explore! For the past 80 years, that is exactly what Tyler Arboretum has invited its guests to do! With 650 acres of protected woodlands with more than 17 miles of hiking trails spread throughout, Tyler Arboretum is the perfect place to spend the day with nature. Tyler excels at providing opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore. You don’t have to be an avid outdoorsman to visit, Tyler is a place for all nature-explorers. From bird watchers to photographers, to families of all ages - young and young-at-heart, Tyler is a welcoming place for everyone.
Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, Tyler Arboretum dates back to 1681 when Thomas Minshall purchased the land. For eight
generations, the land was farmed and passed down through generations of Minshalls. It was when the Painter Brothers acquired the land in the mid-1800s that Tyler’s roots began. The brothers planted many species of plants and trees, many of which can still be found at Tyler today, including the preserve’s famous giant sequoia, which is thought to be the largest sequoia in the Eastern United States! The majority of the buildings on the property date back to the family as well and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1944, when the widow of the last family member to inherit the estate died, the property was left as a trust in the memory of her late husband, John J. Tyler.
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER ARBORETUM
Today, 80 years later, Tyler Arboretum has evolved to be a sanctuary outside of the busy city and suburbs. Nestled within the 650 acres of the property are 100 acres of cultivated grounds that are within a deer exclusion fence. This section features five tree houses, a large edible garden, a paved loop, the Pollinator Preserve, the Meadow Maze, the Fragrant Garden, the pond, and so much more! Young families with kids will find Tyler to be a great place for their young explorers. They can visit the Crooked Goblin Shack, get lost in the Meadow Maze, visit the vegetable garden to see what is growing, look for turtles in the pond, and find a picnic table to enjoy lunch with family and friends. New parents enjoy their stroller-friendly paved loops throughout the property with their little ones. There is truly so much to see with your children at Tyler Arboretum!
Hiking enthusiasts will love exploring the 17 miles of hiking trails located outside of the deer exclusion fence. There are six differently colored blazed trails to follow. Hikers can mix and match the trails as some overlap. New hikers will want to start with the blue trail, since it's a shorter trail with many beautiful stops along the stream and is relatively flat in comparison to the other trails. If hiking seems a bit daunting, try the Native Woodland Walk, which will get you in the woods without the vigor of hiking.
While walking the property, explorers will find many species of trees and plants with a long history of roots. In addition to the Giant Sequoia that towers over the property at over 100 feet high and 12 feet in girth, which is a sight to behold, Tyler is also known for its state champion Oriental Spruce. The Spruce was also planted by the Painter Brothers, as well as its stunning Ginkgo trees. The Gingko trees are a must-see in the fall. If gardens are more your speed, make sure to visit the Wister Rhododendron Garden, which has an impressive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas that date back to the 1950s.
Summer Events Happening at Tyler Arboretum!
Nature at Night Series
• June - Fireflies
• July - Animals in Our Backyard
• August - Bats
Special Events
• June 25th - Member-only Ride, Roll, and Stroll
• July 13th - The Xerces Society Presentation on Monarchs: Learn about the beautiful monarch butterfly, then stay for a tour of the Pollinator Preserve.
• July 26th - Summer Sky Fireside Festival: Have a summer evening outside with family and friends while enjoying food trucks, beer vendors, educational stations, and more!
• July 30th - Member-only Ride, Roll, and Stroll
Visit Tyler’s website for weekly program information, including Bluebird Nesting Box strolls and morning hikes.
One of the paved paths
The Giant Sequoia
Wildlife is also plentiful at Tyler, with a chorus of bird songs awaiting you as you enter. Throughout the entrance gardens, guests will come across butterflies and other pollinators, as well as in the Fragrant Garden and the Pollinator Preserve. Other fun insects such as caterpillars reside in the Preserve as well. When venturing to the pond, keep an eye out for Tyler’s turtles and ducks. It is also common to see groundhogs, rabbits, chipmunks, or even a fox or two throughout the 650 acres. Bird watchers will be happy to know that spottings of bald eagles, owls, and pileated woodpeckers have been reported.
Tyler Arboretum offers a variety of memberships for guests. There is so much to see and do at Tyler that it is impossible to get it all done in a day. The Arboretum is open 360 days
a year offering ample opportunity to explore the grounds in every season. Guests also have great perks in their membership such as program and merchandise discounts, free guest passes, and member-only plant sales. Some memberships even have reciprocal memberships with other area gardens.
Tyler is so much more than an arboretum, it’s a nature destination waiting to be explored over and over again! No two trips are ever alike. Grab your hiking boots to conquer a trail, bring your children to learn and explore, or grab a book to read while you sit and relax - there is truly something for everyone at Tyler Arboretum.
For more information, visit Tyler Arboretum’s website at www.tylerarboretum.org or contact them at 610-566-9134. Tyler is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Tyler Arboretum makes a great place to host an event. With five rental spaces including the historic barn, there are plenty of ways to celebrate at Tyler.
• Weddings
• Bridal and Baby Showers
• Memorial Services
• Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations
• Corporate Team Building Events and Meetings
• Group Outings and more!
Elementary School Field Trips
• For students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade, field trips are led by Tyler’s experienced naturalist guides and engage students in the living classroom with hands-on projects, nature observations, free explorations, and take-home projects which are tied directly into the lesson. Each season has a different focus for field trips, so it is always a good time to explore the property with students.
THE KIT ANSTEY REAL ESTATE TEAM
Associate Broker (610) 836-2348 kit@ansteyteam.com Associate Broker (610) 563-3861 debbie@ansteyteam.com
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WEST CHESTER LIFESTYLE ™
EXPLORING THE WORLD
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN, T&C TOURISM AUTHORITY
Travel has an amazing way of making the world a smaller place. Exploring new countries and new locations helps us form connections across boundaries. Travel helps us see that we all aren’t that different after all. One of my favorite locations to visit is the Caribbean, particularly Turks and Caicos. The islanders say that when you travel to Turks and Caicos you become part of the island. While that might sound crazy when you first arrive, once you leave you understand! Turks and Caicos will stay with you forever.
The islands of Turks and Caicos are located south of the Bahamas. It’s an easy destiantion to get to, with
multiple flights from the East Coast to Providenciales daily, including a non-stop 3 and a 1/2-hour flight from Philadelphia. Once on the island, transportation to your resort is quick, with most locations being within 20 minutes of the airport. You don’t have to wait long to get your vacation started!
The water in Turks and Caicos is infamous for being the most beautiful turquoise color and incredibly clear. It is often what draws people to want to travel to Turks and Caicos in the first place. In fact, the islands are widely known to be a diving and snorkeling
Turks and Caicos is a must-see island for all travelers!
destination because of the clear ocean and thriving marine life. Divers routinely see colorful coral and sea life such as turtles, dolphins, schools of fish, and more! Sailing is also a very popular activity for guests. The beaches of the islands have been voted as the top in the world year after year with Grace Bay being voted the #1 beach in the world consistently.
Turks and Caicos is both a family destination and a romantic couples getaway. With numerous resorts throughout the islands, guests can find the accommodations that appeal the most to them. With both all-inclusive hotel options and regular resorts and condos to choose from, guests on the island will find a wide variety of accommodations to suit their budget. Some of the most popular resorts include Beaches Resort, the Alexandra and Blue Haven, Seven Seas, Ritz-Carlton, and the Sands.
If you’re looking to escape the cold Philadelphia winters, the weather on the island is warm all year, with temperatures varying between highs of 82 in the cooler winter months to 89 in the warmer summer months. The best time to visit the island, however, is between April and June when the rain is minimal. The constant trade winds keep the islands pleasant throughout the year.
If you’re looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway, Turks and Caicos is it! Between the beautiful ocean and beaches and the extreme friendliness of the locals, one visit won’t be enough. You will want to keep returning year after year. The spirit of Turks and Caicos stays with you after you leave.
Jamie Agamalian, Travel Advisor
Jamie Agamalian has been in the travel industry for over a decade. She enjoys exploring new locations throughout the world to gain first-hand knowledge to bring back to her clients. She offers full-service travel planning for small families to large groups with custom itineraries and concierge-level assistance. Whether you’re looking for a European or Caribbean getaway or a theme park vacation to Disney Parks or Universal, she will handle all the details throughout every step of the process.
Contact Jamie today to start planning the vacation you have been dreaming about the world awaits!
• Jamie@MagicalWishesTravel.com
• Website: MWTbyJamie.com
• Follow along with her travels on Instagram at MWTbyJamie or on Facebook at Jamie Agamalian’s Magical Wishes Travel.
2
RO A D CHOW
A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easy-to-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!
DIRECTIONS:
1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups quick oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pepitas
• 1/2 cup raisins
2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.
3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)
4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.
photo: Rhinehart Photography
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive,
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”
18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-totable dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and CONTINUED >
“The views are breathtaking , and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.”
encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
