It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Kennett Square gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Kennett Square, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Anson B. Nixon Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Portabellos of Kennett Square or visit Historic Chandler Mill Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Kennett Square, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Kennett Square, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Kennett Square, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth, Chester County! Hangry Bear Creamery, a new, exciting ice cream parlor offering classic, signature, and custom flavors, is set to open its doors on December 6th at the Lofts at Kennet Pointe complex, located at 660 E. Cypress St.With the motto “Inspired by Creativity. Fueled by Hunger,” Hangry Bear Creamery promises more than just your average ice cream experience. Not only will they serve their in-house made ice cream by the scoop, pint, qu...
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth, Chester County! Hangry Bear Creamery, a new, exciting ice cream parlor offering classic, signature, and custom flavors, is set to open its doors on December 6th at the Lofts at Kennet Pointe complex, located at 660 E. Cypress St.
With the motto “Inspired by Creativity. Fueled by Hunger,” Hangry Bear Creamery promises more than just your average ice cream experience. Not only will they serve their in-house made ice cream by the scoop, pint, quart, or wholesale, but the creamery will also offer an all-day menu of breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, and snacks.
Furthermore, Hangry Bear is awaiting a partnership with Old Stone Cider of Lewistown, PA, which will bring hard English-style ciders, Pennsylvania beer, wine, and cocktails right to the creamery.
But the real cherry on top? Hangry Bear’s unique ice cream making experience. Groups of 8-16 people can book the Hangry Bear Ice Cream Studio for a two-hour guided session where they can create and package their own custom ice cream flavors.
The idea of Hangry Bear Creamery emerged from Melinda Shaw, who spent nearly 13 years overseeing the University of Delaware’s UDairy Creamery. Encouraged by her co-owner and husband, Erick, she decided to bring her ice cream-making skills and knowledge to Chester County.
“I loved teaching UD students how to make ice cream and I noticed an increasing demand from adults and non-UD students who also wanted to learn,” said Melinda. “Since I couldn’t find a solution to offer them outside of a college-level course, Erick and I decided the idea for Hangry Bear had real merit and that it was time to create the offering ourselves.”
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The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event on December 8th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The first 100 attendees will receive a free dip of ice cream.
Beginning December 6th, Hangry Bear Creamery will welcome customers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (Closed Tuesdays), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. So mark your calendars, ice cream enthusiasts – a new, delicious adventure awaits in Kennett Square! Visit the official Hangry Bear Creamery website for more information.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania heralds itself as the Mushroom Capital of the World, and in fact, nearly two-thirds of all fresh mushroom production happens in and directly around the unique and vibrant small town.But how did Chester County and Kennett Square become the center of mushroom production in the U.S.? After all, mushrooms are grown indoors, so they can be grown anywhere—and in fact, there are mushroom growing facilities all over the country. So, why Kennett Square?To coin a phrase from “Joy of Painting&rdquo...
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania heralds itself as the Mushroom Capital of the World, and in fact, nearly two-thirds of all fresh mushroom production happens in and directly around the unique and vibrant small town.
But how did Chester County and Kennett Square become the center of mushroom production in the U.S.? After all, mushrooms are grown indoors, so they can be grown anywhere—and in fact, there are mushroom growing facilities all over the country. So, why Kennett Square?
To coin a phrase from “Joy of Painting” host Bob Ross, it was really a happy ‘not so little’ accident.
Sometime around 1885, according to local lore, William Swayne was a successful florist in Kennett Square. He was bothered by wasted space under the carnation beds in his greenhouses, and thought of growing mushrooms there. So, he steamed off to Europe, where people were already farming mushrooms, and brought back some spores—or spawn—needed to grow mushrooms. The results were encouraging enough that he built the first mushroom house in the area. His son, J. Bancroft Swayne, returning from college, took over the mushroom business and made it a commercial success, eventually developing a spawn plant and a cannery in addition to the growing houses. They were Kennett Square's original mushroom farmers, and some of their descendants are still in business today.
Geography certainly didn’t hurt the new industry. Because mushrooms have a short shelf life and need to be stored in cool environments, getting mushrooms to large population centers like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York (before refrigerated trucks) was ideal. And, many of the ingredients used to create compost—the growing medium for mushrooms—could be found locally, including straw, stable bedding and chicken litter, cocoa shells, corn cobs, and more.
The farms hired laid-off workers from nearby stone quarries—mostly of Italian descent—to handle some of the hard physical labor. Soon, this group started their own farms, and then their sons and cousins joined in. By the 1950s, there were hundreds of mushroom farmers in Chester County, mostly of Italian descent.
Today, if you have mushrooms on your pizza, in your salad, or blended into your burgers, there’s a good chance those mushrooms were grown in Chester County. According to the latest data, Chester County mushroom farms produced 317 million pounds of white button mushrooms—the most popular mushroom.
Mushrooms are big business in Pennsylvania. They are the number one cash crop in the state, with a total economic impact of $1.3 billion, supporting more than 9,300 jobs with $313 million in employee compensation. In addition to the direct, indirect, and induced impacts—meaning the industry impacts other industries like health care, retail, accommodations and food services, other ag segments, and more, the mushroom industry also generates considerable tax revenue to the state; more than $18 million annually.
Meet some of the Chester County mushroom farms.
Buona Foods & Bella Mushroom FarmsFor the Love of Mushrooms
Gale Ferranto and Peter Ferranto are siblings who operate Buona Foods, which grows, harvests and packs local Pennsylvania mushrooms every day and ships them out to your local stores. Buona Foods has spent nearly 50 years growing mushrooms in Chester County. Their family-owned and operated farm and processing facility has spent three generations supplying our retail and foodservice partners across the country the highest quality mushrooms available.
Forget about Harry and Sally. The story of Rosemarie “Roro” Ferranto and mushrooms is truly one of love at first sight. A daughter of Italian immigrants, Roro grew up working on her family’s farm and founded Buona Foods in 1975 by selling mushrooms to local grocers and restaurateurs.
While Roro’s love of mushrooms helped her business grow steadily, it was the other love of her life that helped Buona Foods become a premier East Coast mushroom supplier. Roro’s husband Robert “Bear” Ferranto joined Buona Foods in 1975, bringing 26 years of production management experience along with him. Together, Roro and Bear grew the business in size and scope.
Today, three generations of Ferrantos take a hands-on approach to ensuring Buona Foods packages and distributes fresh mushrooms from their PA farm to store shelves in the same day.
Buona Foods has a booth at the Mushroom Festival serving their famous breaded mushrooms.
To-Jo MushroomsAll in the Family
In 1932, Joseph A. D’Amico was a stonemason by trade. In the early 1930’s he purchased a Stone Quarry in Avondale, which happened to include a small mushroom house located on the property. Shortly thereafter he began growing mushrooms on the farm, producing 50,000 pounds annually. Joe’s sons Alfred and Anthony J. “Tootsie” D’Amico took over farming operations in the 1950’s and expanded the farm to 550,000 pounds of mushrooms annually. Nearly 30 years later, in 1980, To-Jo Mushrooms was formed when Anthony’s son John D. and Joseph D’Amico, Sr. split the business into JD Mushrooms, the growing operation; and To-Jo Mushrooms—the Sales and Marketing operation, naming the business after Joe’s sons Tony and Joe. Over the years, the company grows, and in 2007, Joe’s sons Tony and Joe Jr. take over the company.
Although To-Jo has evolved over the years its culture and success can always be traced back to the roots of the D’Amico family. Its name and logo are great examples of this; the name To-Jo literally means Tony and Joe, and the five mushrooms symbolize Joseph Sr., Louise, and their children Tony, Joe, and Anita.
Phillips Mushroom FarmsSomething Special
In 1927, William Phillips started with a small mushroom growing business in Kennett Square. Before this time, mushrooms were a winter crop, in part due to temperature. William was one of the first to use ice for temperature control—making it possible for mushrooms to grow year-round—providing a significant breakthrough for the mushroom industry. Williams’s passion for growing top-quality mushrooms and his dedication to customers is what encouraged his drive for innovation. It inspired many in the area including his sons, Donald and Marshall.
The tradition of Phillips family innovators continued. In 1962, William's sons, Donald and Marshall, formed a partnership and expanded the family growing operation into the packaging, marketing, and transportation of white mushrooms throughout New England.
In 1979, Donald and Marshall felt a need to diversify their business and began experimenting with shiitake mushrooms that were grown indoors on supplemented sawdust logs. Their commitment to this project enabled them to become the first successful indoor shiitake growers in the U.S. Additional mushroom varieties, innovative packaging and nationwide promotional campaigns expanded the specialty mushrooms division dramatically over the next 13 years.
Over the years, Phillips Mushroom Farms has expanded facilities, and today is the largest specialty mushroom farm in the country, in addition to their growing white button mushroom business.
Basciani FoodsA Growing Tradition of Quality
Basciani Foods does everything. They grow all sizes of white mushrooms and specialty mushrooms, pack for national retail grocery store chains as well as for foodservice distributors, we have multiple processing and storage facilities in the U.S., all under the guidance of third generation Richard A. Basciani Sr., Mario J. Basciani Sr., and Michael J. Basciani Sr. Together they have more than 150 years of experience working in the production and wholesale of mushrooms and other produce, shipping more than 1.5 million pounds of mushrooms every week.
The family shares a vision of continued growth and success for the Basciani Family and the mushroom industry as a whole. With their persistent, unrelenting care and guidance, the Basciani brothers hope to construct more growing rooms and expand Basciani Foods facilities to accommodate tens of millions of pounds of mushrooms more annually, over the next decade.
Masda Mushrooms/First Generation FarmsLand of Opportunity
In 1980, Daniel Beltran, then 16 years old, left his family’s small dairy farm in Jalisco, just north of Mexico City, for opportunity here in the U.S.
Daniel first worked in agriculture in California but moved east for better pay. His first job was in Avondale, PA, laying down compost in the beds used to grow mushrooms. Then he moved up to becoming a harvester with Avondale’s Elite Mushroom Co., where he eventually became a supervisor. But he aspired to do more, and in 1994, with the encouragement of his wife, he rented three standard mushroom houses, each with 8,000 square feet of growing beds. He farmed mushrooms part-time—sometimes full time—until the winter of 1995, when he left Elite to become a full-time mushroom grower.
Over the past 40 years, Daniel and his family have built a mushroom business with more than 600,000 square feet of growing space and more than 100 employees.
And speaking of family, MASDA is an amalgam of Beltran family names. “M” is for Daniel’s wife, Maria Beltran. “A” is for Alberto, Daniel and Maria’s son, “S” is for Sonya, who holds a master’s degree in business organization from Immaculata University and works at First Generation Farms, and “D” is for Daniel, the patriarch. For a decade or so, the “A” at the end of Masda was just there so the company name would be pronounceable. Then, a little over 15 years ago, the family was blessed with a baby girl whose name just happened to be Avril.
The ExperienceNamed the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights (for the fifth year in a row) in 2022 by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, A Longwood Christmas features over 550,000 glimmering lights, live musical performances,...
Named the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights (for the fifth year in a row) in 2022 by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, A Longwood Christmas features over 550,000 glimmering lights, live musical performances, an outdoor railway display and other big surprises.
The theme for 2023’s winter extravaganza? “A Very Retro Christmas.”
This year’s throwback celebration evokes the Norman Rockwell vibes of holidays past, with vintage décor, glistening tinsel, old-school ornaments and nostalgic children’s toys.
Twinkling trees and brilliant light displays span hundreds of acres of outdoor gardens, indoor conservatories, misty lakes and intimate passages across the attraction.
Plus, guests can enjoy Christmas music and festive fountain shows, wander through the brilliantly illuminated displays, grab pay-as-you-go refreshments, or warm up beside the fire pits.
The 2023 edition of A Longwood Christmas debuts a vintage holiday street, a holiday party scene, new outdoor installations and plenty of classic ornaments.
Inside, the main conservatory becomes a merry 1940s- and 1950s-era holiday street scene, with decorated street lamps, shiny tinsel garland and retro ornaments.
Elsewhere, the Music Room transforms into a swanky holiday party scene, complete with gold accents, a mirrored bar, a champagne-colored tinsel tree and handcrafted glassware (including candy dishes, glass leaves, etc.).
Other must-sees include:
Outside, you can witness captivating fountain shows with 750 water jets dancing to holiday music at the Open Air Theatre, walk through a 200-foot-long illuminated tunnel (with shifting lights!) along the Meadow Boardwalk, watch dozens of mini locomotives ride the Garden Railway and listen to festive songs from roaming carolers.
More highlights include:
Longwood Gardens is located in Kennett Square — about an hour from Center City Philadelphia.
The attraction is especially popular during the holiday season, so timed tickets are required for A Longwood Christmas. Timeslots may sell out (so advance purchase is highly recommended).
Reminder: This holiday celebration takes place both indoors and outdoors, so be sure to bundle up.
For more information about A Longwood Christmas, click the button below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Longwood Gardens provides a quick getaway from the routines of everyday life.Patch StaffKENNETT SQUARE, PA—Looking for a break from the heavy rain and snow in the middle of winter in Chester County? Longwood Gardens is the place to go.The gardens provide the beauty of winter both indoors and outdoors.The “Winter Wonder” exhibits, open today through March 24 bring new educational opportunities, captivating performances, and the chance to get away without going away.The indoor conservancy ...
Patch Staff
KENNETT SQUARE, PA—Looking for a break from the heavy rain and snow in the middle of winter in Chester County? Longwood Gardens is the place to go.
The gardens provide the beauty of winter both indoors and outdoors.
The “Winter Wonder” exhibits, open today through March 24 bring new educational opportunities, captivating performances, and the chance to get away without going away.
The indoor conservancy features a sanctuary of blooming plants from around the world.
The Orchid House showcases nearly 300 lively blooming orchids, with the display evolving each week to feature new and captivating varieties.
“Our Conservatory, embellished with colorful blooms, lush foliage, and inviting fragrance is the perfect antidote to winter’s chill,” said Sharon Loving, chief horticulture and facilities officer.
Longwood’s Conservatory serves as an inviting venue for live performances. A stellar winter lineup features renowned artists in classical, jazz, and organ music for those looking to expand their musical horizons.
Highlights include performances by the likes of Nicole Keller on February 9, the Martha Redbone Roots Project on March 14, and more. Limited tickets for performances include all-day Gardens Admission.
Longwood also offers education programs, including this science series:
Winter Wonder runs January 20–March 24, 2024.
More information is available here.
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — In a demonstration of preservation and respect for history, Longwood Gardens successfully relocated the historic Cox House on Wednesday. The house, which once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, was moved 100 feet from its original location in response to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project to widen Route 1.The Cox House, standing in Kennett Square, PA, is named after John and Hannah Cox, Quaker farmers and social justice reformers who lived there from 1829 to 1880....
KENNETT SQUARE, PA — In a demonstration of preservation and respect for history, Longwood Gardens successfully relocated the historic Cox House on Wednesday. The house, which once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, was moved 100 feet from its original location in response to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project to widen Route 1.
The Cox House, standing in Kennett Square, PA, is named after John and Hannah Cox, Quaker farmers and social justice reformers who lived there from 1829 to 1880. The couple, known for their active participation in the Underground Railroad, risked their lives and prosperity by providing refuge for escaped enslaved persons and aiding them to reach other safe houses.
The operation to move the Cox House was a meticulous process involving the creation of a new foundation that mirrors the original in size and structure. The house was carefully raised from its base, placed on temporary rails, and then transported 100 feet away. Throughout this delicate process, the integrity of the historical structure was ensured by the use of steel cables, temporary walls, and strategic bracing.
This feat not only preserved a piece of Chester County’s rich history but also demonstrated the community’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the Underground Railroad and the brave individuals who risked everything in the fight for freedom.
While there are currently no plans to open the Cox House to the public, its successful relocation ensures that this tangible reminder of the area’s past will continue to stand as a testament to the courage and dedication of those involved in the Underground Railroad.
The preservation of the Cox House is a meaningful nod to the past, a recognition of the turbulent times during which it served as a beacon of hope for many seeking freedom. As Route 1 expands to accommodate the future, this historic home will remain a visible reminder of Chester County’s role in a pivotal chapter of America’s history.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.
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