Best of Chester County 2025
Raise a glass to the many riches of a unique part of the world.
Due west of Philadelphia, Chester County blends historical significance, natural beauty, and the charms of modernity, making it one of Pennsylvania’s most desirable places to call home. Picture a rolling countryside pocked with historic farms, small towns blessed with artisanal shops and farm-to-table restaurants, and a thriving cultural scene in which residents and visitors intermingle. Many of its towns offer a perfect balance: the peacefulness of suburban living paired with first-class amenities.
People come to Chester County to make connections—with nature, with culture, and with members of the community—and to experience something exceptional. Although we could highlight only a fraction of the special things that make Chester County such a unique place, we think the establishments featured here celebrate the many riches that make this part of the world such a wonderful place in which to live, work, and play.
The Philadelphia suburbs are blessed to have a surfeit of fine independent bookstores: The Doylestown Bookshop and its sister location in Lahaska, The Next Chapter in Sellersville, Main Point Books in Wayne, Capricorn Books in Jenkintown, Swarthmore’s newly opened Celia Bookshop. One of our favorites is Baldwin’s Book Barn in West Chester. A destination for any bibliophile, the multi-story building, circa 1820s, has shelves upon shelves of books—tens of thousands of titles—as well as maps and other printed treasures. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just want to be surprised, you will likely find it here. bookbarn.com
Bluebird Distilling’s grain-to-glass distillery in Phoenixville pours small batch spirits of its own making—whiskeys, gins, rums, and vodkas—and uses them to craft inventive cocktails. It’s a must-visit for spirit lovers, whether stopping in for a drink or taking home something from the bottle shop. Ten years after its inception, Bluebird is in the midst of an evolution, reimagining itself to offer an even grander guest experience. bluebirddistilling.com
Speaking of Phoenixville, The Boardroom Restaurant & Bottle Shop is a polished yet approachable spot to dine and imbibe. Chef George Crow has curated a scratch-kitchen menu featuring first-rate fare, from shareables to prime cuts, while a bar program in partnership with Lansdale’s Boardroom Spirits delivers an array of artisanal cocktails. The Boardroom’s historic charm, attentive service, and seasonal dishes combine to create an atmosphere that’s ideal for just about any occasion. theboardroompxv.com
Ground Provisions tends to make just about any “best of” list, and deservedly so. Chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby have long earned acclaim for redefining plant-based dining. Vedge, their flagship restaurant in Philly, remains a standout in the city’s culinary scene, well more than a decade since its opening. Their trademark creativity and precision take center stage at Ground Provisions, an intimate nine-table gem in West Chester. Expect exceptional service, a warm and inviting vibe, and a multi-course menu that will leave you stunned. groundprovisionspa.com
Every year, the undisputed mushroom capital of the world—Kennett Square—holds a festival to celebrate the versatile, sustainable, and just plain good-for-you dietary staple, the mushroom. Held in early September, the two-day Kennett Square Mushroom Festival features events such as a mushroom growers’ exhibit, live music, chef demos, and contests like the “Cute as a Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest” and a multi-round amateur cooking contest. mushroomfestival.org
Longwood Gardens is a veritable paradise for plant lovers, or anyone who appreciates natural beauty and open space. Spread across 1,100-plus acres in Kennett Square, Longwood captivates with stunning horticultural displays, elegant architecture, and its rich history, which dates back to the early 1700s. While the outdoor gardens burst into color during warmer months, there’s never a bad time to visit. Explore seasonal landscapes and a sprawling Conservatory that showcases vibrant foliage all year long—a timeless destination for all seasons. longwoodgardens.org
As far as community theaters go, Malvern’s People’s Light is a tough to beat. People’s Light has been making connections—connecting people with the arts and with each other—since its founding in 1974. Staging classics and contemporary works alike, the organization prizes creativity, collaboration, and engagement; on the contemporary side, consider The Unexpected 3rd and Tommy and Me, while forthcoming classics include A Christmas Carol and Steel Magnolias. Beyond the stage, the people who make People’s Light such a special place engage in education and community outreach in a way that fosters conversation and interaction among diverse audiences. peopleslight.org
Blending casual comfort with a touch of sophistication, Ron’s Original Bar & Grille in Exton caters to every taste. Ron’s thoughtfully crafted menu highlights flavorful, high-quality dishes designed to satisfy cravings while also promoting wellness. From customizable pasta creations and generous burgers to hearty hoagies, fresh farm-to-table salads, and pizzas made with imported Italian flour, there’s something for everyone. It’s a welcoming spot where quality meets variety, with a side of the unexpected. ronsoriginal.com
Talula’s Table in Kennett Square is the Jekyll and Hyde of Chester County’s culinary scene—a gourmet market by day and an intimate, reservation-only tasting experience by night. The market, open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., features a curated selection of artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and locally sourced meats and produce. When the sun goes down, the space transforms into a cozy dining venue offering an eight-course, farm-to-table tasting menu. Reservations can be tough to come by, to say the least—book your table a year in advance—but it’s well worth the wait. talulastable.com
Lovers of craft beer will fall for Victory Brewing’s tasting room in Downingtown. Housed within the company’s flagship brewery, the tasting room features a fantastic lineup of house beers—HopDevil IPA, Prima Pils, and the legendary Golden Monkey among them—paired with victuals from a scratch kitchen. Whether you’re scouting a casual hangout or a connoisseur thirsty for a serious tasting session, Victory is ready to pour. downingtown.victorybeer.com
Longwood Gardens photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life, September 2025.
