Take a Christmas Shopping Break: Fun Things to Do in Chadds Ford and Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Christmas is meant to be a joyous time of year filled with the love of family, friends, good times and great food. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring the added stress of crowded mall parking lots and over-used credit cards. When it's time to take a break from your Christmas shopping, there are some exciting things to do and places to see along Route 1 in Delaware and Chester Counties.

Fend off the frenzy by surrounding yourself in beauty at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Long known for their spectacular Christmas trees, fountains and holiday-themed gardens, Longwood will captivate your imagination. Longwood Gardens' Holiday Wonderland celebration runs now through January 11th. The gardens are located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square. Check out all that Longwood Gardens has to offer this holiday season by visiting their website at www.longwoodgardens.org.

Will you be out after work today, making the mad dash through Sears in the Granite Run Mall in Media? Will this weekend find you in nearby Wilmington, frantically looking for bargains at Macy's or Boscov's in the Concord Mall? Go ahead, purchase that new Blackberry, Wii, radio-controlled truck or last pair of Isotoner driving gloves then head for the exit. With the holiday shopping season already in full swing, it's a good time to check out a few of those places that can help us slow down, relax and get into the Christmas spirit.

The Brandywine River Museum is located on Route 1 at Hoffman's Mill Road in Chadds Ford. Their extensive fine art collection is showcased in a restored 19th-century grist mill. The family-friendly destination features the artwork of three generations of Wyeths. The museum also hosts several annual holiday-themed events.

One of Brandywine River Museum's most popular Christmas displays features dozens of new and antique O-gauge Lionel trains. The model engines run on 2,000 feet of track and pull up to 100 cars through an ever-expanding, highly detailed train display. During your visit, be sure to check out the exhibit of stunning, 18-karat gold jewelry made exclusively for Bettsy Wyeth. Each custom piece is based on the artwork of her husband Andrew Wyeth. Learn more about the museum's Brandywine Christmas at www.brandywinemuseum.org or call 610-388-2700 for more information.

History buffs can visit the site of the Battle of Brandywine which was fought on September 11, 1777. Led by General George Washington, the Continental army faced British troops under the command of General Howe. Walk the historic grounds near Washington's headquarters then explore the visitors center, museum and gift shop . The Brandywine Battlefield and museum are located at 1491 Baltimore Pike, Rt 1 in Chadds Ford, PA.

For the over-21 crowd, Chadds Ford Winery offers an array of wines with daily tours and tastings. A holiday favorite, be sure to try the Spiced Apple Wine. With hints of nutmeg and cloves, it's best served warm with a cinnamon stick. Visit Chadds Ford Winery at 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA. For more information, call 610-388-6221.

A visit to Simon Pearce Glass provides a unique blend of shopping and glass blowing demonstrations. The shop and showroom, which sit on the banks of the Brandywine, is the second location for Pearce. The original Simon Pearce store was featured in the movie Sweet Home Alabama starring actress Reese Witherspoon. Simon Pearce Glass is located at 1333 Lenape Road in West Chester, just a few minutes drive from Route 1.

Before returning to your shopping spree, stop and have lunch or dinner somewhere that will be both convenient and memorable. Built in the 1830s, the Chadds Ford Tavern sits adjacent to the Brandywine Battlefield. The restaurant serves up great food in a warm, casual atmosphere.

The tavern's walls are lined with the paintings of many talented, local Delaware Valley artists. The menu is diverse with a nod toward fresh seafood. Chadds Ford Tavern's burgers, soups and crab cakes are especially good. For my full review of the restaurant, visit the link in the resources section accompanying this article.