The Brandywine Valley is home to world-class museums, lavish "American castles", formal and natural gardens and several unique events. Listed below are capsule descriptions of the Brandywine's top attractions. You can click for more information, admissions prices, hours of operation, contact information, directions and links to their Web sites. As we are fond of saying, "We invite you to explore and discover".

Longwood Gardens This world-renowned horticultural showplace and former duPont family estate offers magnificently planted conservatories and a thousand acres of gardens, fountains and woodlands year-round.

Winterthur Museum & Gardens Home to an unrivalled collection of American furniture and decorative arts, this former duPont estate also includes hundreds of acres of naturally landscaped gardens and a renowned research library.

Nemours Mansion & Gardens Built by one of the du Pont family's most renowned philanthropists, this beautifully preserved French villa is surrounded by magnificent formal gardens. Experience the good life of the early 20th century.

Brandywine River Museum A grist mill on the Brandywine has been converted to house an unparalleled collection of art by the Wyeth family, and a fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.

Brandywine Battlefield Park The Revolutionary War era comes to life through authentic displays amid the rolling, wooded hills near where the Battle was fought. Visit Washington and Lafayette headquarters.

Hagley Museum & Gardens Go back in time to the original du Pont gunpowder mills, estate and gardens on the banks of the rolling Brandywine and experience the flavor of 19th-century industrial and domestic life.

Chaddsford Winery Pennsylvania's largest and most recognized winery, the Chaddsford Winery is open year-round for tours, tastings and sales.

Christian Sanderson Museum The Sanderson Museum is a tribute to Christian C. Sanderson; historian, poet, actor, teacher, musician, humorist, writer, traveler, radio commentator. The museum's collection of objects is as unique as the man who collected them.

Delaware Art Museum Noted for its unrivaled collections of English Pre-Raphaelite art and the works of Howard Pyle, the museum also features extensive collections of American art.

University Museums - University of Delaware Unique collections in 20th and 21st century American art (with particular strengths in the Brandywine School, African American art, and photography), minerals and pre-Columbian ceramics.

Chester County Historical Society Visit the History Center in downtown West Chester, steps away from many restaurants and stores. More than 300 years of Chester County history come to life in their museum collection that contains over 70,000 objects.

QVC Studios QVC, the No. 2 network in America, is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes from the heart of the Brandywine Valley. Click for information about their studio tours and shopping.

Kalmar Nyckel The Kalmar Nyckel is a sea-going Ambassador of Good Will for the state of Delaware. A fully functional replica of the ship that landed on the banks of the Christina River on March 29, 1638.

Rockwood Mansion Built in 1851 by Joseph Shipley, this Rural Gothic mansion museum is maintained on 72 of the original 300 acres along with the porter's lodge, gardener's cottage, barn and other outbuildings.

Olde New Castle Established in 1651, this colonial town was where William Penn first set foot in the New World. It's just 20 minutes from the heart of the Brandywine Valley and well worth the trip.

Newlin Grist Mill & Park A 1704 grist mill, one of three operated in Concord Township, PA was built by Nicholas Newlin and his descendants. Watch corn being ground and see what the life of a miller was like in the 18th century.

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation One of the oldest working colonial farms in Pennsylvania, the Plantation brings 18th century Pennsylvania farm life to the public through its special events and living history weekend activities.

Delaware Natural History Museum The Delaware Natural History Museum's permanent exhibits include dioramas illustrating mammals and birds in their natural habitats, as well as the museum's internationally famous collection of seashells.

Delaware Children's Museum The Delaware Children's Museum provides children and their families with a comfortable, accessible, fun and stimulating environment where they enjoy spending time together. They encourage imaginative minds through technology-based playful learning.

Mt. Cuba Center A 650-acre, non-profit horticultural institution set in the rolling hills of northern Delaware. Mt. Cuba Center is recognized as having the region's finest woodland wildflower gardens. Guided garden tours by reservation only. Call 302.239.4244

Wharton Esherick Museum Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) was a sculptor who worked primarily in wood. His hilltop studio/residence is a National Historic Landmark for Architecture with more than 200 of his works on exhibit. Reservations are required for guided tours. Call 610.644.5822

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail Explore five estate vineyards in the rolling hills of Chester County, PA, united by a common terroire and distinct wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Brandywine Valley.

American Helicopter Museum The Museum's growing exhibitions and collections include over 35 helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes, eight of which are fully accessible for hands-on experiences. Voted "Best Scientific Outing for Kids" by Philadelphia Magazine