Kennett Square is a small, suburban town in Chester County, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles west of Philadelphia. It is home to about 6,200 people (2019) and is known for its mushroom production.
Get in
The most common means of transportation is by car. There is also the option of walking if it is a short distance, since the town is so small. For longer distances, there is the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line that runs through Downingtown and Exton to Philadelphia, and also the Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL).
Get around
Walking is the best way to get around the town center. A bike is a nice way to explore, as well, but to get much further a car will be needed.
Uber and other driving services are available if you are willing to wait a couple of minutes.
See
- Kennett Underground Railroad Center, East Linden Street, +1 484 734-0079. Kennett Underground Railroad is a non-profit and diverse organization focusing on educating the public through its learning center, exhibits, Kennett Underground Railroad Heritage Trail Tour, dramas, lectures, and education/outreach programs.
- Tour of Historic Houses
- Va La Vineyard
- Longwood Gardens
- Mushroom Festival
- Kennett Amateur Theater Society (KATS)
Parks
- Anson B. Nixon Park. Comprised of 82 acres, the park has a new entertainment pavilion, permanent restroom facilities, children's playground, 5 pavilions with picnic tables, barbecues and electricity, 4 walking trails, 2 sand and 2 grass volleyball courts, 2 tennis courts, 2 bocce ball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, and 2 ponds, stocked for fishing during season.
- New Garden Park
- Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, 39.8712°, -75.6747°, +1 610 388-1000. A thousand acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands, and meadows in the Brandywine Creek Valley, created by Pierre S. du Pont. The spectacular fountains are a particular draw. During the holidays, they decorate the property with different themed lights. Overall, a must-see for plant lovers. It also features a seasonal garden railway. Adults $23, seniors ages 62+ or college student with valid ID $20, tudents ages 5-18 $12, children ages 4 and under: free
Do
Golf
- Inniscrone: This Golf Club allows access to non-members. Non-members must pay a fee for a pass to play on the course. 1 Clubhouse Drive Avondale.
- Loch Nairn: This Golf Club also allows entrance with a fee to non-members. 541 McCue Road Avondale.
- Moccasin Run: This Golf Club similarly allows entrance to non-members for a fee, and if popular amongst local and regional golfers. 402 Schoff Rd, Atglen.
Horseback riding
- Gateway Stables: riding trails, a lesson program for all ages in both English and Western disciplines, a holiday and summer camps program, family rides, pony rides and parties, educational horse clinics, and seasonal special events. 949 Merrybell Lane.
Fitness
- YMCA: 636 South Walnut Street.
- KSQ CrossFit: 529 Rosedale Rd.
Festivals and events
- Farmer's Market: Outdoor market is open every Friday afternoon during the growing season from May to October. The market features locally grown fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, home-made cheese, European breads, and Amish baked goods. Hours 2-6PM
- First Friday Art Stroll: held the first Friday of every month. The downtown art galleries and unique gift shops stay open late and offer refreshments. Hours 6-9PM, April-December.
- Springfestinthepark: a small carnival held in Anson B. Nixon Park. Features homemade food, a talent show, live music, and activities for the family.
- Memorial Day Parade - last weekend in May
- Cinco De Mayo Festival (May 5): Kennett Square celebrates Cinco de Mayo, which is organized by Casa Guanajuato, and other local companies to celebrate the large Hispanic population in the town.
- Annual Kennett Run: In May, the famous Kennett Run occurs that ends at the Park pavilion. It begins at the Kennett Inn, and trails up route 82, through neighborhoods, and end in Anson B. Nixon park, where there is a party for all the participants.
- Movies and Concerts in the Park: During the summer season, Anson B. Nixon Park hosts movies projected in the park for free on Fridays and concerts of local bands on Wednesdays.
- Chadds Ford Day: Once a week in summer, at the Brandywine Battlefield visitors center, there are re-enactments held based on the Battle of Brandywine during Revolutionary War. Inside the houses are historical exhibits of uniforms, weapons and artifacts found on the battleground.
- Mushroom Festival: an annual celebration on State Street during mid-September. It last two days (Saturday-Sunday) and is in proud honor of the title "mushroom capital of the world". There is live music, any food containing mushrooms, games, kids activities and art. There is a small admissions fee of $2. The festival has been highlighted on Food TV.
- Microbrew Festival: This event draws over 40 breweries in autumn to promote their products and often is sold out.
- Halloween Parade
- Christmas Parade/Annual Tree Lighting: a big annual event held in mid-December that celebrates the holiday season. There is a parade during the day and a gathering on state street all day with activities, food, and free hot chocolate. At 10PM there is the tree lighting, where the town Christmas tree is lit up until New Year's.
For teens
- YMCA Youth Dance: One Saturday a month, the local YMCA hosts a dance for kids between sixth and eighth grade.
- The Garage, 115 S Union St, a youth center that hosts local bands for the adolescents on weekends.
Buy
- Shops on State Street: The main street of Kennett Square consists of many small, individually owned art shops, gift shops, and clothing/accessory shops. A list of all the shops and their links can be found at
- Exton Mall: A small, two-story mall that includes popular stores and department stores. 260 Exton Square Parkway Exton (off Route 30-Business and Route 100. Mall hours are M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM
- Longwood Crossing: This shopping center includes T.J. Maxx, Famous Footwear, Equinox, and other small shops. Route 1 (East Baltimore Pike) in Kennett Square.
- The Shoppes at Brinton Lake
Eat
Budget
Diner/cafe
- Fran Keller's: This is a mainly breakfast diner that is very family oriented. State Street in the center of town.
- Magnolia Deli: 207 Magnolia Street.
- Sam's Sub Shop: One of Kennett's oldest and well-known sub shops. State Street in the center of town.
- Country Butcher: This small cafe is a cafe, deli, and butcher shop. 145 South Walnut Street.
- The Terrance: This is a nice cafe in the heart of Longwood Gardens.
- Capriotti's: a sub shop at 345 Scarlet Road.
- Sinclair's Sunrise Cafe and Tea Room: in the heart of historic Kennett Square at 127 East State Street.
Mid-range
American
- Newton's on State Street: on State Street in the center of town.
- Manny Hattan's: in the Logwood Crossing shopping center on East Baltimore Pike.
- Longwood Family Inn: Route 1 past the shopping centers, near Longwood Gardens.
- Grain: On State Street in the center of town.
Italian
- Giordano's: This local-family owned restaurant is a great place to get real Italian food. On East Baltimore Pike, just outside of the borough.
- Portabello's: On State Street in the center of town.
Hispanic
- Taqueria Moroleon: a real Mexican food restaurant at 9173 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale.
- El Ranchero: 305 West State Street.
- La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream. This small ice-cream shop is locally owned by a Kennett family that produces and sells their own homemade ice cream, ranging in flavors from chocolate to corn. On State Street in the center of town. They also have a small grill just a walk away.
Chinese
Pizzeria
- Gran Sasso: A small restaurant where you can eat in or take out. 473 East South Street.
- Kennett Pizza and Pasta: On West State Street.
- Pat's Pizzeria: In the Giant shopping center.
Other
- Philter: Coffee shop/cafe in center of town.
Splurge
- The Kennett Inn: On State Street in the center of town.
- Lily Asian Cuisine: Sushi and Asian restaurant in center of town.
Drink
- Giordano's Sports Bar: bar with big-screen TVs. 21 and older.
- Italian American Club, 30 Ways Lane.
- The Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley: Open Mic Night on Fridays; concerts on Saturdays and Sundays, local bands.
- Newton's: Quizo on Tuesday nights, a trivia game.
Sleep
Bed & Breakfast
- Bancroft Manor: On a very quiet and convenient location, all bedroom have individual air conditioning units, hot water radiator heat, TVs (and video player available upon request), antique period furniture throughout the entire house, off-street parking available, complimentary refreshments and snacks and complimentary breakfast every morning. 318 Marshall Street
- CornerStone: This B&B is a historic house that has been converted into a lodging facility. Each of the nine guest rooms is furnished with an antique bed, has a private bath, cable TV and wing chairs for sitting. Third floor rooms also include a window seat, gas fireplace and Jacuzzi. In summer there's air conditioning. 300 Buttonwood Road Landenberg.
- Kennett House: This historic B&B features beautiful chestnut and rosewood woodwork, antique furnishings, and oriental rugs. A few minutes from town. The Kennett House is also a few minutes from Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum, Brandywine River Museum, Hagley Museum, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens. 503 West State Street.
- Stebbins-Swayne: 221 S. Union Street in the heart of town.
Hotels and inns
- Sunrise Suites: 214 N. Union Street. Connected to the Sunrise Cafe and Tea Room.
- Hilton Garden Inn: 815 East Baltimore Pike, +1 610-444-9100.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites: 719 East Baltimore Pike, +1 610-444-8995.
- The Motel at Kennett Steak and Mushroom: South Broad Street & Birch St.
Cottages, condos, and vacation rentals
- Cottage at Fox Quarry: 640 North Walnut Road.
- Tree Top Suites: 112 W. State Street.
Go next