My horse is at NBC for a couple of weeks (doing well). I have a list of hikes and walks to do in between visiting him but anything horsey or not horsey I can’t miss? I have a lot of time to fill and the weather is gorgeous.
I visited Gettysburg, the national park and town
Ooooh ooooh oooooh!
Sorry about your horse but you’re asking about my hometown and stomping grounds. (Literally started my career at NBC).
Places to go:
Plenty of parks! Too many to list to hike and explore. I can get more specific if you have an idea what you want.
Longwood Gardens
Go tack shopping: Bartville Harness is a short drive through the beautiful Lancaster county countryside. Dover Saddlery is minutes from NBC over the DE line (tax free). Fair Hill Saddlery. Rick’s is still there but I haven’t been in ages.
Go to the Dansko outlet if you like their shoes.
Outback Adventure Co store in Oxford, although I’m not sure if the new store is as good as the old outlet.
Plenty of little breweries and wineries all over now.
So many Amish markets in Chester county and over the line in Lancaster county. Big ones, little ones, etc.
Side note: are they letting owners back in at NBC? It’s been rough since covid not being able to go in with my horses. As of summer 2023 they still weren’t allowing owners, but I thankfully haven’t been in a minute. Hoping my horses don’t read this.
3 Likes
I already have a long list of great walks. Spent hours in Laurel’s Preserve yesterday. Love suggestions for the shops and any horsey things to do.
The answer on the letting owners back in is… kind of. The website says they do verbally they are telling me they don’t. Every day we are having a discussion about it and negotiating. Also, yes, your horses better not read that!
You’ve got a few more days of racing at Delaware Park, which truly is a very pretty track.
Watch the horses work in the morning at Fair Hill Training Center.
It’s fox hunting season…
See if you can maybe watch some lessons with top caliber riders. They are surprisingly generous much of the time.
Big breeding farms like Iron Spring will do tours.
Horse shows galore. I think there’s a local show out at Devon if you have interest in seeing the place.
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill next Wed-Sun… highly recommend
Winterthur, Brandywine River Museum, Brandywine Battlefield…
Apple Butter festival this weekend.
2 Likes
I would also add (if you are not too far from Lancaster) the PA Renn Faire. http://www.parenfaire.com/
Longwood gardens is great.
Adding to the Brandywine//Chadd’s Ford area, would be NC Wyeth’s property that you can tour.
Boyd Martin is not far at Windurra, do they allow visitors?
You are also not far from Philly. All of the museums, food, and culture there is a train ride into Center City via SEPTA.
2 Likes
A third vote here for the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadd’s Ford, with the property tours. There are also walks on the property to break up your visit; I easily spend all day there.
2 Likes
Thanks for the great suggestions!
