How to Staycation at Chestnut Square in West Chester, Pa.

Planning some time out of office but not sure where to go or what to see? There’s plenty to explore near Chestnut Square in West Chester. Here are just a few places to visit to get your staycation rolling.

Longwood Gardens

With over 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows, Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens is open to visitors year round. The botanical garden is one of the most unique places in Pennsylvania to visit to experience exotic plants and horticulture. This summer through October 30, 2022, visit in the evenings to see the exhibit Light: Installations by Bruce Munro.

Wharton Esherick Museum

What would your house look like if you were a genius woodworking artist? Wharton Esherick, the craftsman-artist of Malvern built his studio in 1926 as a place to develop his evolving sculptural style through German Expressionism. Experience the home where the artist lived and the many ways he designed furniture and the interior of the house itself to be more convenient for living. Learn more about the Wharton Esherick Museum.

American Helicopter Museum

Explore the history, science and technology of rotary wing aviation. The collection, located in West Chester, contains over 40 civilian, military, autogyros, convertiplanes and helicopters. Check out exhibits like The Whirly-Girls, which focuses on the group of women from the 1950s who formed a group to help women who had the desire to become helicopter pilots. This is just one of the many exhibits on view when the museum is open, Thursdays through Saturdays 10-5 p.m. Learn more about the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester.