Location: West Chester
Top Things to do in West Chester
The 9 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in West Chester, Pennsylvania (PA)
The borough of West Chester is proud of its long history of hospitality, having hosted its first visitors way back in 1769. These colonial roots still show, with over 3,000 surviving structures dating from before the Revolutionary War. The tree-lined downtown area is listed on The National Register of Historic Places, with such a large collection of Greek Revival buildings that the town was named Athens of the West. It's the perfect place for a relaxing day spent walking and window-shopping.
Restaurants in West Chester
1. QVC Studio Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
QVC, the popular home-shopping network, offers studio tours that feature live broadcasts from five studio views.
2. Baldwin's Book Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By tinar143
I can’t tell you how many times I have gone past this special book store. I have read newspaper articles about the store...all the while forlornly waiting for a spare minute from working myself half to death, or driving kids, or food shopping,etc. To go in and feast my eyes on all the books. Well finally.... I was driving by (in the midst of errands, and working during ‘vacation’) and I was impelled to turn around and go back to the store...it was a delicious adventure. As far as ‘libraries’ go this has an immense diverse collection, I was there for over an hour... pouring through the book collection, walking on barn wood floors, up staircases that beckoned to a secret cache, mazes of bookshelves, all labeled and categorized. Even though there is a map, I still needed the managers help to get to the third floor:) then there were more books and a curious door (probably for hay way back when) very Harry Potter storyish. I found a novel, nuke historian book, a Linus Pauling book, a old book with pictures of travels across the world from 1700s the book was maybe 1950, another history book about local scientists, a book on American Indians, and others. The book prices were reasonable. Very thankful for the store, a gem and national treasure. The manager was very great and knowledgeable( he knew Linus Pauling won the two Nobel prizes, one for Chemistry and one for Peace). Very fun when a store can inspire one to read and have an adventure too.
3. Chester County History Center Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By DiAlJo - Hockessin, United States
The historical society puts on a summer tour series that takes you through the history of Chester County - West Chester/Brandywine Revolutionary War events. They have tour guides and some time reenactors to make the tour interesting. The tour is free and great for any history buffs.
4. American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located in the land of industry innovators in the Philadelphia region, is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes.
Reviewed By N5556OVdavidl - West Chester, United States
After an active session at the swing set we arrived at the helecopter museum. The boys. 3 and 1.5 were immediately attracted to the copters. And so was I. We climbed in those copters we could and spent time buckling up and in buckling in the pilots seat. We were delighted that other children arrived in. the play room The boys played with the other kids Built blocks and played on the small copter over and over. Well worth the visit ( three hours). A good time was had by all What a treasure.
5. Highland Orchards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By sidder - West Chester, United States
Highland Orchards is another reason I love living in Chester County. It's situated in the middle of farm land, near the Brandywine Valley Association, and the locally made food is a treat. In addition to their amazing donuts and spiced tortilla chips, their deli and hot bar are great for breakfasts and lunches. Definitely worth the 15 min drive or 45 min leisurely bike ride from West Chester.
6. Stroud Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The 571-acre Stroud Preserve is a mosaic of once-pastured grasslands, working farmlands, and woodlands that serves as a unique site for recreation, education, and scientific research. Here, you can see the needs of people and nature in balance as careful stewardship of both cultivated and “wild” areas restores vital wildlife habitat while also protecting watersheds that provide drinking water for tens-of-thousands of people. Stroud Preserve is one of many nature preserves owned and cared for by non-profit land conservation organization Natural Lands. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 43 nature preserves totaling more than 23,000 acres. Some 2.5 million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all. natlands.org.
Reviewed By 601bernieg - West Chester, United States
This preserve is a great place to take a hike without traveling far. In fact it is only a few miles from the borough of West Chester yet when you’re on a trail you feel far from the hustle and bustle. You can spend a half hour or several hours enjoying nature. Great for after work or weekend mornings. In July you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunflower display.
7. West Chester Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 58 reviews
Traces the history of the railroad in Pennsylvania.
Reviewed By Steve112975 - Downingtown, United States
Need way to see the old diesel railroad that used to run from West Chester. It is about 30 mins from West Chester to Glen Mills along some very nice scenery. Once in Glen Mills the picnic grove is a nice place to have the lunch you brought with you and then your the station and ride the train back to West Chester. This trip is the perfect amount of time and a decent price.
8. West Chester Restaurant Festival
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
9. Downtown West Chester
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
