Top Ten Experiences

From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the expansive gardens, from tax-free shopping on branded clothes and shoes to exciting outdoors and golf courses, and also world-class dining, there is more to the Countryside of Philadelphia than you can imagine.

1. Elmwood Park Zoo

Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe. Highlights of the collection include giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas. A number of species in the collection are managed pursuant to an international SSP (Species Survival Plan). The zoo also showcases several significant wildlife conservation success stories, such as the American bison, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and American alligator.

2. Longwood Gardens

Nestled in the Countryside of Philadelphia, also popularly known as America’s Garden Capital, the Longwood Gardens is often named among one of the world’s great gardens. The Longwood Gardens is often called the world’s premier horticultural showplace. Spanning across 1077 acres of woodlands, majestic gardens, a 4.5 acre opulent conservatory among others, and dancing fountains, this masterpiece is ranked as the largest display gardens in the United States. Open around the year, explore the different colors of nature across different seasons, and also enjoy the dining experiences located in the gardens. Also not to miss is the extraordinary show of the dancing fountains.

3. Brandywine Battlefield Park

The Brandywine Battlefield Park is the site where the Battle of Brandywine was fought on September 11, 1777, during the American Revolution. The Brandywine Battlefield offers visitors a 20-minute movie on the history of the battle, a museum and two historic house tours seasonally. Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site is a National Historical Landmark.

4. King of Prussia Mall

One of America’s most iconic shopping malls and one of the largest malls in the East Coast of USA, King of Prussia Mall draws visitors from throughout the world. With 7 department stores and a collection of luxury retailers unsurpassed in the region, King of Prussia is a premier shopping and dining experience not to be missed. At King of Prussia, you’ll find offerings for every taste and budget, from luxury to your favorite national and international brand retailers.

5. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor LEGO® play experience. Families can enjoy a world of creativity, color, and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO playground with features including local landmarks made from over a million LEGO bricks in MINILAND® to a fun and exciting LEGO themed ride. Families can also watch their favorite LEGO characters come to life in the 4D Cinema. Then get hands-on with the thousands of LEGO bricks in themed build-and-play areas where children can bring their imaginative LEGO creations to life.

6. Valley Forge National Historical Park

The focal point of Valley Forge attractions is the 3,500-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the difficult winter encampment of 1777-78. Today, the park is a lush, 3,500-acre expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees. Washington’s original stone headquarters has been restored and furnished; log huts have been reconstructed; and statues and monuments throughout the park that remind visitors of their national heritage. The Park is also extremely popular for walking and biking trails

7. The Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail

The perfect wine tasting experience, all located in close proximity, these Chester County wineries offer the very best in Pennsylvania wines. Each with estate grown vineyards, state-of-the-art wine-making facilities and a new generation of young passionate award-winning winemakers dedicated to making exceptional, unique wines. Explore the wineries, vineyards, and wine bars that form part of the Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail and celebrate the art of wine and the artistic heritage of the beautiful Brandywine Region.  They present artisanal themes every month during the year for your enjoyment.

8. Hot-Air Balloon Rides

Experience the exhilaration of flight over the Schuylkill River Valley in a hot air balloon.The United States Hot Air Balloon Team is the area’s officialhot air ballooning service, fully staffed with their own experienced pilots who take you up in their own hot-air balloons. They manage, guide, and direct your entire experience from booking through the champagne toast at the end of your flight.

9. Golfing

The Countryside boasts of over 60 golf courses in the region with a mix of public and private clubs, historic courses rich in history and beautiful new greens, and golf courses that can challenge golfers of every skill level.

10. Brandywine River Museum of Art

Discover an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th century mill overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River. The Museum’s outstanding Heritage Collection is a cross section of American art, with a special focus on artistic practice in the Brandywine valley. Nineteenth- and twentieth-century landscape paintings testify to the beauty which drew well-known artists to the area. Important portraits, still-life paintings and notable holdings in American illustration add diversity and breadth to this unique collection.