The Brandywine winds past forests, meadows and hillsides in a rural, almost Vermont-like strip through encroaching exurbia. Side by side with pastoral landscapes that are the backdrops of Wyeth paintings lie the du Pont estates, substantial tract houses, shopping areas and office parks of the Philadelphia-Wilmington corridor. Busy U.S. Route 1 traverses the area's midsection and crosses the Brandywine, as did the British at the Battle of the Brandywine, at Chadds Ford. Strangely for such a touristy area, this region long lagged in providing country inns and good restaurants in which travelers could rest their weary bones and sate their appetites between expeditions to the valley's attractions. The situation is much improved lately, however.
Most visitors are aware of the valley's museums and gardens.
And they probably are not aware of the newer inns and fine dining opportunities away from the tourist attractions. All rights reserved.