Things to do in Chester
Today, Chester has become a city on the rise. It’s an economically dynamic place with plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved and serve their community. The housing market is on the upswing, new businesses are moving in, and public spaces have been getting a face-lift. If you find yourself in this historic city, here are 10 things to do while exploring the borough. Chester has much to offer visitors who are ready to explore beyond its bridge, either side of the river, and its main attractions. From breweries and wineries to movie theaters and museums, there’s something for everyone in this fast-growing borough just south of Philadelphia.
Enjoy the outdoors If you’re looking for an activity that’s easy on the wallet and good for both your body and your mind, consider visiting one of Chester’s parks. One of the most beautiful parks in Chester is Blue Heron Park, which sits on the banks of the Delaware River. Here, you can go fishing, feed the ducks, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Another great place to go if you want to enjoy the outdoors is the Chester County Farm and Village. Visit this historic site and see how Chester County residents lived and worked in the mid-1800s.
Go to a baseball game If you’re visiting from the end of May through the middle of June, be sure to check the schedule of the Chester Waves, one of the oldest baseball teams in the United States. For more than a century, the Waves have been playing baseball at Frawley Stadium, a venue that can seat up to 2,800 spectators. While you’re in the area, be sure to sneak over to the nearby Brandywine Zoo. Founded in 1925, it’s one of the oldest zoos in Pennsylvania. You can also drop by Joseph Weinroth Park and Gardens, which sits right beside the zoo.
Check out a brewery One of the fastest-growing industries in Chester is the craft beer industry. In fact, the borough’s mayor has said that Chester is now known as “the Brewery District.” If you’re visiting Chester and looking for a place to sample the city’s craft beers, be sure to check out these breweries:
Chester County Brewing Company: This is the most popular brewery in Chester. It’s located in an old train depot and has a wide selection of craft beer and cider.
Brandywine Brewing Company: This brewery specializes in German-style beers and has a full menu for food.
Liberty Brewing Company: This brewery is a little more laid back and is open for drop-in tastings and tours.
Imperial Brewing Company: This is another laid-back brewery where you can sample some of Chester’s best craft beers while enjoying the view of the Brandywine River.
A Scenic Drive Along the Shores of the Delaware River If you’re visiting the Chester area, be sure to take a drive along the shores of the Delaware River. There are a number of scenic roads that run along the river, but the best one is State Road 401, which you can access by turning onto State Road in Chester. This picturesque drive will take you through the southernmost part of Pennsylvania, where you can see a wide variety of plants and animals. You’ll even cross a few bridges that cross the river.
If you want to stop along the way for a bite to eat or a quick photo opportunity, be sure to check out these places:
Brandywine River Museum: This is one of the most popular museums in Pennsylvania. It’s located in Chadds Ford, which is about 10 miles from Chester.
Wilmington, Delaware: This is Delaware’s second-most-populous city and is about 15 miles from Chester. It’s a great place to shop for antiques and souvenirs.
Uwchlan Open Space: This is a great place to hike, bike, or just walk along the river. It’s located just a few miles from Chester.
Catch a show at the Chester Theatre Company the oldest-running non-profit theater in the state of Pennsylvania. It’s been in operation since 1935 and is currently located at 101 W. 9th Street in Chester. The theatre company hosts performances of both classical and modern plays and musicals throughout the year and is definitely worth a visit. If you’re visiting Chester in the spring or summer, be sure to check out the annual Strawberry Festival. This festival is one of the city’s most popular celebrations and includes live music, a parade, a strawberry shortcake eating contest, and more.
Celebrate Hispanic Culture at La Festa Latinoamericana One of Chester’s most popular annual events is La Festa Latinoamericana, a two-day celebration of Hispanic culture that takes place every Labor Day weekend. This event showcases the different cultures, traditions, and foods of Latin American countries. If you want to enjoy some authentic Hispanic cuisine, be sure to visit the La Festa food court, where you can sample food from a wide variety of Latin American countries.
Dine at one of Chester’s many eateries If you’re looking to dine out while visiting Chester, you have plenty of options. Whether you want a quick bite at a diner or want to go to a sit-down restaurant, there’s something for everyone. You can’t leave Chester without trying its famous cheesesteaks. If you’re in the mood for Italian food, you can’t go wrong with Luigi’s Italian Eatery. This eatery serves some of the best pasta, pizza, and chicken wings in the borough. If you want to try some authentic Chinese food, be sure to visit Imperial Wok. This eatery serves a wide variety of Chinese dishes and is definitely worth a visit.
Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and Cpl. Michael Ollie Black Memorial Statue The city of Chester is widely known for being the birthplace of the famous poet and short story writer Edgar Allan Poe. If you’re a fan of Poe’s work, be sure to visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, which is located at the intersection of W. 10th Street and W. Franklin Street in Chester. Inside the museum, you’ll find a wide range of Poe-related artifacts, including his first writing tablet, a cast of the poet’s skull, and more. You can also visit Cpl. Michael Ollie Black Memorial Statue is a life-size statue of a soldier who served in World War II. The statue is located in the heart of Chester and is dedicated to those who served in the armed forces.
See an artisan at work in the Chester Art Guild studio The Chester Art Guild is the oldest guild of artists in the United States. It was founded in 1893 and is currently located at 11 W. 10th Street in Chester. If you’re interested in seeing how art is made, be sure to visit the Chester Art Guild. Here, you can observe artists at work and see how they create their masterpieces. If you want to learn more about the history of the guild, be sure to ask the tour guides to tell you the story behind the guild’s founding.
Walk along the Brandywine River and through Chetwynd Heritage Estate The Brandywine River, which runs along the southern border of Chester, is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. It’s also part of the Chester Valley Nature Association, a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and protect the river. If you want to enjoy a scenic walk along the river, be sure to visit the Chester Heritage Area Visitors Center, which is located at W. 9th Street and W. 10th Street in Chester. Here, you can walk along a pedestrian path that runs along the river.
If you want to learn more about Chester’s history, be sure to visit Chetwynd Heritage Estate. This historic house, located at 614 W. 9th
