July 2026

A Garden Lover’s Guide to the Brandywine Valley

You can never go wrong with the beauty of nature; the Brandywine Valley offers a great selection of gardens that are a short distance from The Francis. A stay in our hotel will present you with an experience like no other. Following our itinerary will give you a weekend full of seeing some of the most beautiful and well-known gardens. It will also allow you to buy your very own native plants and learn more about caring for them. We provide you with some of the best food places and their menu items that are a must try when staying in Kennett Square. Consider this jam-packed itinerary as a reason to book a room with us that will make your weekend vacation not only memorable, but worth it.

Day 1: Garden Beginnings

For your first attraction of the trip, head to Longwood Gardens and experience their orchid house, waterlily court, and the countless other attractions they have to offer. You won’t get bored with the different scenery, but you may get lost in its beauty. With that, check out their conservatory which features a Bonsai Courtyard with displays of rare miniature trees; and a Cascade Garden inside that takes inspiration from a coastal forest. Be sure to see the Chimes Tower District that includes award winning trees, a historical bell tower, and majestical waterfall.

For dinner, head into their very own restaurant,1906. Located right on their campus, surrounded by fountains and plants. Make sure to book a table in advance since seats fill up here quickly. Don’t worry if you miss scheduling, their Café is open late, and you will be guaranteed a delicious meal. End the visit with their famous water fountain shows or fireworks that are sure to amaze you. 

Once 3pm rolls around, check in at The Francis. A contactless hotel makes it easy to check in and out without going through a front desk and instead accessing information online. Learning about the rooms and their own stories will keep you entertained and teach you something new about the town's history. Each has a unique theme that will suit yourself and your trip. To go along with the itinerary, we recommend staying at “The Gardener” which features its own courtyard entrance. It also tells the story of Kennett Square’s title, “Mushroom Capital of the World”, and what it means to the town.

 For the evening, take a walk to The Creamery for dinner. The garden theme continues to be the center of this trip, since the restaurant has a lovely beer garden. You will be met with plants and flowers around the dining area, inside or out; that brings life to the overall building. Enjoy their delicious food and drinks. Be met with the charm of their staff and community. Live music is also usually available; be prepared to jam out to whichever band plays that weekend. 

Day 2: Paths & Petals

Start with a morning walk back in Kennett for a nice breakfast at Cafe Emis, a popular breakfast spot including Greek inspired cuisine. We recommend ordering their Ice Cloud Banana Brúlée Latte, a regular favorite that includes in-house made banana mousse. 

Then you can make your way to the main event for the day. The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Delaware, opens at 10am. Created with the artistic vision of Henry Francis du Pont, their garden is bound to amaze you. Attend an event in the morning or visit the museum to be enlightened by history during the 18th century. If you are found with extra time, swing by their library and browse books from the 17th through 20th century. Grab a quick sandwich, salad, or wrap for lunch at their Visitor Center Café. Enjoy a picnic on sight for the full experience. 

If you are still up for sightseeing and exercise, take a walk along the Kennett Greenway, which offers beautiful scenic routes that connect you to the natural environment of Kennett Square. Start your journey anywhere on their map; you’ll see art pieces and maintained trails that highlight the beauty of our town. It is especially useful for people who prefer traveling on foot; since its mission is to provide an accessible, good quality, and healthy community. As you navigate, you will walk through Anson B. Nixon Park. Locals love to run on these paths, settle and play a round of basketball, pickleball, or even fish. Get close with nature as you pass through these routes. 

If you start craving a snack or sweet treat, visit Nomadic Pies in the center of Kennett. Their menu rotates weekly, but provides many options that include pies, quiche, cookies, pot pies, and hand pies. Or you can visit Philter, delight in a handcrafted coffee and other pastries. 

Day 3: Boutiques, Blooms, and Bites

Start the day with breakfast at Café Americana 2, a delightful restaurant located 6 minutes away from the Francis. Their menu offers a diverse selection of traditional American breakfast and lunch dishes. The cozy atmosphere and welcoming setting are a great overview of the Kennett community. 

A few minutes away, catch the Mt. Cuba Center‍ once it opens at 10am. Learn more about their long history behind the creation of the foundation dating back to the year 1935. Also observe their mission to sustain and preserve native plant habitats. Take a hike on their 1,000-acre land, passing by ponds and grasslands. Or just walk through their various gardens and visit the Copeland House that once belonged to the founders. Plan to attend a class and learn how to draw a hummingbird, care for plants, and other fun gardening activities that will make sure your trip is worth it. Once lunchtime rolls around, organize a meal in a picnic area and enjoy light refreshments from the center. Don’t leave empty-handed and buy a native plant right on campus!

As the afternoon begins, start heading back to Kennett Square and visit their local shops for a guaranteed cute find. Some favorites are locally owned shops on State Street where you’ll find clothes and accessories that will make you look great while visiting!

After that, pick up some souvenirs from The Mushroom Cap. A great shop in Kennett that embraces the towns title of “Mushroom Capital of the World”, which you won’t be able to miss! History ties into the trips’ theme of gardening as well, local Quaker florists began growing mushrooms which later became 70% of Americas supply of them. You’ll be surrounded by it anywhere you go as you walk in the small town.

To end the evening and night, enjoy dinner at Portabellos right across the street. They have a patio where you get to appreciate the town while savoring your meal. Their menu is also “mushroom centric”, so it features the history that was mentioned before. To get in the spirit of Kennett, start off by ordering the Roasted Mushroom Soup. For a main entree we love their signature Portabello Ravioli, and so will you! 

Day 4: Bouquet of Memories

If you have time before you head home at the end of your trip, Terrain in Chadds Ford is worth a stop! Don’t miss out on a Brunch in their Café which has a lovely display of plants all around you. Many visitors adore their menu and the garden scenery that they indulge in. Once you're done eating, walk around their garden and notice the shop that they have where you can buy your own plants and supplies.