Chadds Ford is named after a settler, John Chads, who in 1725 built his home and operated a tavern and ferry on the banks of the Brandywine Creek near a ford, but the community is best known as the home of the famous Wyeth artist family. Three generations of Wyeths have lived in Chadds Ford since 1911. The Brandywine Valley, from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania to Wilmington, was the focus of much of their work. Those collections can be seen today at the Brandywine Museum of Art. The town is also the location for Brandywine Battlefield Park, commemorating the greatest single-day battle of the American Revolution. Just across from the Battlefield is Chadds Ford Tavern, a cozy stop for lunch and dinner. Farther west up the road is the Chaddsford Winery.

BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD PARK – Chadds Ford – 1491 Baltimore Pike (US1, 1 mile east of SR100) 19317. http://brandywinebattlefield.org/  Hours: Friday – Saturday 10am-4pm, (March-November). Closed most federal holidays. Admission. Museum shop. Plenty of picnic areas. The peaceful nature of the Brandywine Valley was shattered in the summer of 1777, when British and Hessian forces fought American Continentals and local militia under George Washington and the young Marquis de Lafayette in the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War. This defeat of American forces (led by George Washington) left the Philadelphia area open to attack and conquest by the British. However, it gave Washington a chance to see his troops were ready for war and Lafayette was a cherished new leader.

This giant park and museum focus on actual Revolutionary War events. Watch the video introduction to the park first, then drive along a tour that includes 28 historic points taking you back to 1777. Even better, catch the house tours given by storytelling guides to really understand the sacrifice of traveling soldiers and the Quaker homes they occupied.

CHADDS FORD TAVERN -1400 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Local chefs have restored the Tavern to its original wonder with a modern touch. The new owner has worked hard to preserve the tavern’s history, especially since the previous owner, Tommy Drane, had made it a gathering spot for artists like the Wyeths and George Weymouth.  https://www.thecftavern.com/  Daily lunch and dinner, happy hour. We thought the portions were huge and really liked the fresh local flavors: homemade chip n dip served instead of bread; rustic furnishings; salads, soups and sandwiches are tasty.

BRANDYWINE MUSEUM OF ART – Chadds Ford – I Hoffman’s Mill Road. US 1 & PA Rte. 100 19317. www.brandywinemuseum.org Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.  Winters: Open Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm. Admission. Tours: Kuerner Farm Tours & Studio Reserved tours only. Add $14 to ticket to museum. (April through November). American art in a 19th century gristmill. The historic Kuerner Farm has been a major source of inspiration to Andrew Wyeth. Since his earliest painting of the farm in 1932 at the age of 15, Wyeth has found subjects in its people, animals, buildings and landscapes for more than 1,000 works of art. Known for collections by three generations of Wyeths, the house where N.C. Wyeth raised his extraordinarily creative children and the studio in which he painted many of his memorable works of art have been restored to reflect their character in 1945, the year of the artist’s death. Note: Restaurant open daily 10am-3pm. Moody paintings create a feel that draws you in…

CHADDSFORD WINERY – 632 Baltimore Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317. With a tradition dating back to 1982 and an annual production of over 30,000 cases of wine, Chaddsford Winery is among the oldest, largest, and most acclaimed wineries in Pennsylvania.The iconic farmhouse and bank barn, both built in the 1800s, are quintessential examples of the Brandywine Valley’s rich history in agriculture. While their grapes are grown at several regional vineyards, all aspects of wine production – pressing, fermenting, barrel-aging, and bottling – are achieved onsite, within the thick stone walls of the cellar, which you can tour. Nice spaces indoors and a massive patio. Fruity, sweeter wines. Live on the Lawn, a brand-new seasonal outdoor music series featuring local talent, great wine, and relaxed vibes every Saturday afternoon. Daily Noon-5pm, later on weekend evenings. https://www.chaddsford.com