Temperatures dropped to a two-year low across the Philadelphia metro this week. If there was ever a time to avoid outdoor activities, this is it. But if you’re feeling cabin fever and looking to get out of the house, we have the perfect Main Line staycation for you. Go on an indoor adventure and take a day to explore these museums around the western suburbs. From art to greenery, history and more, there’s a little something for everyone around the region.
9 a.m. – Valley Forge Park Visitor’s Center
1400 N Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia
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Debuted only two years ago in February 2022, the Valley Forge National Historic Park Encampment Exhibit is a brief tour through the lives of the soldiers who lived through the brutal winter there in 1777-78. View historic objects, murals and interactive features that demonstrate how the men, women and children of Valley Forge persevered to overcome hardship and eventually win independence. This short exhibition is a great way to start the day before taking the short drive to the John James Audubon Center just three miles down the road.
10 a.m. – John James Audubon Center
1201 Pawlings Rd., Audubon
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Like the Encampment Exhibit, the museum at the John James Audubon Center is a smaller exhibition attached to a larger park that’s best toured during warmer months with a wildlife sanctuary in the interior of the park. However, the visitor’s center doubles as a museum for both migratory and local birds that call the region home. Explore artwork from John James Audubon himself and learn a little bit about our avian friends along the way.
11:05 a.m. – American Helicopter Museum
1220 American Blvd., West Chester
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If you spend 40 minutes at John James, you’ll have timed your arrival at the American Helicopter Museum perfectly following a 25-minute drive. Located about four miles northeast of downtown West Chester, this unique museum features dozens of rotary aircraft. Exciting and immersive activities are great for the little ones in your group while adults will be fascinated by the history of the helicopters on display. Be sure to plan accordingly if you visit on Sunday as the museum opens at noon instead of 10 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday.
12:15 p.m. – Brunch at Two Birds Cafe
653 Downingtown Pke., West Chester
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A 10-minute drive to the other side of West Chester brings you to this quaint eatery perfect for a midday pickup. The all-day breakfast includes various Benedicts and a can’t-miss sausage, gravy and biscuits platter. If you’re in the mood for lunch, try the Monte Cristo or buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, though it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu here.
1:35 p.m. – Brandywine Museum of Art
1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford
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A little less than 20 minutes south of Two Birds Cafe is the region’s most prestigious art exhibit, the Brandywine Museum. Preserving creations from centuries of local artists, the Brandywine Conservancy was founded in 1967. By 1971, it had transformed a local gristmill into the museum we all love. Today, the Brandywine Museum of Art boasts an internationally recognized collection that features art from the multi-general Wyeth family, as well as upcoming exhibitions that spotlight the works of Todd Webb, Robert Frank and Barbara Shermund.
3:45 p.m. – Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
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Though it’s easy to get lost in the Brandywine Museum for hours at a time, we recommend keeping your trip to under two hours if you want to leave time to see Longwood Gardens. The conservatories close at 5 p.m., so be sure not to miss the latest exhibit, Winter Wonder, which launched just last week. Experience an architectural marvel that brings color and light to a dreary season, letting the soothing sounds of running water transport you to a more refined world. With sunset beginning just a few minutes after 5 p.m., you’ll be able to catch the last warm glow of sunlight filtering in through greenhouse windows at the end of the day.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner at The Naked Olive
759 W Cypress St., Kennett Square
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Once the museum trip is finished, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Kennett Square Mediterranean eatery The Naked Olive is an underrated local BYOB casual enough for families to enjoy, but refined enough to appeal to a finer depth of taste. The warm and intimate atmosphere welcomes diners to enjoy dishes like the chicken Marco Polo, corn velouté soup and seared salmon. Don’t miss shareables like the grilled octopus or spanakopita before wrapping up a well-earned meal and heading home after soaking in a day full of enthralling culture.
Related: Longwood Gardens’ $250 Million Makeover Is a Must-See