Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania to Upper Chichester Township, Pennsylvania
Have you ever taken a road trip and found yourself wondering what unexpected places you could explore along the way? If you’re traveling from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania to Upper Chichester Township, Pennsylvania, we’ve got you covered. This journey takes roughly an hour and a half, but it’s worth making a few stops along the route to explore the diversity of the region. Here are the five unexpected places you should consider stopping at:
Villanova, PA - The Halfway Point
Before we dive into the remaining unexpected destinations, make sure you stop at Villanova, which serves as the halfway point. Located in Delaware County, Villanova University offers a beautiful campus that is worth exploring. The campus architecture is of great importance and tells the story of the history and transformation of American Catholicism. Its unique history includes several events that occurred on the grounds, including a visit from Pope Francis in 2015.
Don't miss the Falvey Memorial Library, which is home to over 1.5 million volumes, including carefully curated collections of rare and valuable materials, and is considered one of the best university libraries in the country. The campus also hosts a variety of programs, events, and activities that are open to the public throughout the year.
1. Tyler Arboretum - Media, PA
A short drive from Villanova, you'll find Tyler Arboretum, the oldest and largest arboretum in the Philadelphia region. Offering 650 acres of picturesque landscapes to explore, you can catch stunning views from the scenic tower or stroll through the diverse gardens and collections.
The Arboretum is open 365 days a year and hosts numerous family-friendly events and festivals throughout the seasons. Don't miss the Butterfly House or the Lagoon, which offers an opportunity to observe the community of amphibians and reptiles that call it home.
Food: The Arboretum does not offer food service, but a visit to the town of Media will offer a variety of delicious options. For a quick, grab-and-go option, try out the delicious paninis at Arianna's Gourmet Cafe.
2. Linvilla Orchards - Media, PA
Just a short drive from Tyler Arboretum, Linvilla Orchards has been family-owned since 1914 and offers quality local products in a beautiful country setting. The orchard spans 300 acres, and visitors can enjoy apple and peach picking, indulge in fresh-baked pies from the bakery, or explore the garden center, which offers unique plants, flowers, and garden supplies.
Linvilla Orchards is open year-round, offering seasonal activities for all ages, including hayrides, cornfield mazes, and even outdoor movie nights. During the fall season, don't miss the Pumpkinland attraction, which offers a fall family fun destination experience that also includes a variety of fall-themed foods.
Food: Don't leave without trying the famous apple cider donut or a slice of their delicious apple pie.
3. Ridley Creek State Park - Media, PA
If you're a nature lover, be sure to take a leisurely drive through the serene Ridley Creek State Park. The park offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park spans over 2,606 acres of woodlands, meadows, and streams and is home to a variety of wildlife that you may encounter along the way.
Don't miss several historical destinations within the park or the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, an 18th-century living history museum where visitors can see firsthand the life of a Pennsylvania Colonial Farm family.
Food: Stop by Pepper Mill Cafe & Catering for a delicious sandwich or wrap that can be enjoyed in the park's outdoor picnic areas.
4. Valley Forge National Historical Park - King of Prussia, PA
If you're a history buff, then a visit to the Valley Forge National Historical Park is a must-do. This renowned park was the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The National Park Service offers various tours and programs year-round that are both educational and engaging.
Hiking, biking, and fishing are also available throughout the park, making it easy to explore the historical grounds, as well as the streams and trails that run through it.
Food: The Park's café and food truck offer a variety of delicious snacks, meals, and drinks to fuel your exploration. Don't miss the Impossible Burger or the Butternut Squash Flatbread.
5. Spiral Bookcase - Philadelphia, PA
Our final unexpected destination is for book lovers. Just a short drive from Upper Chichester Township, you'll find the charming, independently-owned Spiral Bookcase in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia. The bookstore offers a unique collection of vintage, rare, and published and self-published works that are both engaging and inspiring.
The Spiral Bookcase serves as a community gathering space that hosts a variety of author events, readings, and discussions. Be sure to check their events calendar to catch on the latest talk or workshop.
Food: The neighboring Taqueria Feliz offers some of the region's best Mexican fare, including street tacos, smoked brisket enchiladas, and margaritas on the rocks.
Conclusion
When planning your next road trip from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania to Upper Chichester Township, Pennsylvania, consider taking some time to detour and explore these unexpected destinations. From picturesque gardens to a Revolutionary War historical site to a charming independent bookstore, these destinations are worth the extra stop. So, get in the car, put on your favorite playlist, and embark on this unique adventure to discover some of the region's hidden gems.