To kick off the nice and cozy climate journey season, we thought it was time to take slightly highway journey. Nothing that was an excessive amount of of an extended haul, however had stunning surroundings, enjoyable issues to do with fascinating stops alongside the way in which, and loads of nice meals, wine, and craft beer. We selected a drive by means of Southeastern Pennsylvania with stops in Gettysburg, Lancaster, and Chadds Ford. Whether or not you’re searching for a enjoyable roadtrip, romantic weekend, or household trip, there’s loads of superior issues to do in Southeast Pennsylvania!
Day 1: Gettysburg, PA
In case you aren’t up in your American historical past, it’s possible you’ll not understand that Gettysburg is likely one of the vital areas within the United States in phrases of our nation’s historical past. It’s additionally not in Virginia, as three totally different folks thought after I informed them I used to be going there. Positioned in Adams County, Pennsylvania, Gettysburg is most effectively generally known as being the placement of the Civil Warfare’s bloodiest battle, generally known as the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a optimistic turning level within the battle for the North, resulting in the Confederacy’s retreat to the South and finally the north victory. Gettysburg can be the well-known spot the place President Lincoln gave his most transferring and well-known speech in 1863, the Gettysburg Deal with.
Whereas everybody who will get to Gettysburg ought to completely go to the Gettysburg Nationwide Army Park and Gettysburg Museum and Customer Heart, there’s additionally much more to see and do right here. On this cool little historic city, you’ll uncover an attractive scenic countryside, farm stands, and markets, a incredible meals scene, boutiques, artwork galleries, in addition to loads of craft beer, cider, and native wine to style and luxuriate in. Try the place we stopped whereas on this nice little city.
The place To Eat And Drink In Gettysburg, PA
Springhouse Tavern within the Dobbins Home
89 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Dobbinhouse.com
If it’s a historic eating expertise you’re after, the Springhouse Tavern and Dobbins Home Tavern on the historic Dobbins home delivers. In-built 1776, listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, and Gettysburg’s oldest constructing, the Dobbins Home was initially constructed by an Irish Reverend named Alexander Dobbin who emigrated to America for a greater life. It actually has all of it: an extended and fascinating historical past, nice meals served by candlelight and employees sporting interval gown. You may’t get any extra of an immersive eating expertise. We loved a scrumptious informal Colonial type lunch served within the decrease stage of the house known as the Springhouse Tavern named for the three pure springs situated there. Open every day for lunch and dinner, within the Springhouse Tavern, you’ll additionally discover darkish wooden, candlelight, fireplaces, yummy informal tavern fare, and a scorching pecan pie to die for.
Don’t miss their French Onion Soup, which is likely one of the greatest I’ve ever had. The key: it’s made with prime rib. In case you’re searching for a extra upscale eating expertise, make a reservation to dine within the Dobbin Home Tavern, which opens at night time for dinner, and is situated within the higher flooring of the house. You should definitely try the tiny museum devoted to a small part of the home that was a part of the Underground Railroad. There’s additionally an inn for lodging and a present store with a deal with Irish items. A terrific expertise throughout, the Dobbins Home is to not be missed in Gettysburg.
Blue And Grey Bar And Grill
2 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
fb.com
A scorching spot that pulls locals, school college students, and vacationers every day, The Blue And Grey Bar And Grill gives up nice bites, craft beer and wine in a enjoyable and relaxed environment. Plus, they’re open till 2 am on daily basis whenever you’re in want a late night time chunk. Positioned on Lincoln Heart within the coronary heart of downtown Gettysburg, the Blue And Grey Bar serves artistic pub meals, wings, salads, sandwiches and burgers the place most every thing on the menu has a Civil Warfare-themed title.
In case you’re actually courageous (or possibly slightly loopy) and up for a problem, order their Pickett’s Cost Burger Problem. For $25.00 you’re tasked with consuming their large 5.5-pound multi-stack monster burger with a number of patties, grilled cheese sandwiches, and a Philly cheesesteak. In case you end this burger described on their menu as being “as giant because the Military Of The Potomac and Military of Northern Virginia mixed,” in below 20 minutes, you win the problem and it’s free. Though you would possibly pay in different methods later within the day. I had some touring to do, so this wasn’t within the playing cards for me. Perhaps subsequent time.
Garryowen Irish Pub
126 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
garryowenirishpub.web
For recent, genuine, and simply throughout tasty Irish type pub meals at its best, Garryowen Irish Pub is the place to go in Gettysburg. Known as the “The Go” by locals, Garryowen is Gettysburg’s solely Irish-owned Irish pub with lots of that are the proprietor’s family recipes. Most of the substances used within the dishes are even straight from the Emerald Isle. The meals right here tastes recent and genuine and there’s love put into the meals right here. We loved one other scrumptious French Onion Soup (it’s arduous to discover a menu in Gettysburg with out one), a recent Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese with Candied Walnuts and an improbable selfmade Reuben. For a effective Irish drink, Garryowen’s has over 100 Irish whiskeys, an awesome number of Irish and native craft beers on faucet together with a global wine listing. In case you occur to be right here on a Sunday, you is perhaps handled to some Irish music to take pleasure in along with your nice Irish fare.
Adams County Vineyard Gettysburg Wine Store
25 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
adamscountywinery.com
When strolling by means of downtown Gettysburg you don’t must stray too far for an awesome glass of native wine. Adams County Vineyard, Gettysburg’s oldest vineyard, has been making its award-winning wines within the space since 1975 and grows its grapes on the South Mountains overlooking Gettysburg. You may decide to go to the vineyard on website and do a tasting of their submit Civil Warfare period barn, or simply cease into their wine store within the downtown space whereas performing some procuring. Tastings are complementary and so they have bottles accessible for buy so that you don’t must go dwelling empty-handed. Insurgent Purple is their hottest bottle that’s candy, fragrant, flavorful with a number of Harmony Grape taste. We cherished their whites too and ended up with a bottle of their Riesling which was bursting with honeysuckle, citrus and orange blossom. For a cool deal with, remember to cease in and check out their frosty and scrumptious wine sorbet. It’s slightly cup of wine heaven.
Journey Tip: Adams County the place Gettysburg is situated is dwelling to Pennsylvania’s largest fruit-growing area. You should definitely go to destinationgettysburg.com the get tips about which farms help you decide your personal fruit like blueberries in the summertime and apples within the fall.
The place To Store For Contemporary Farm Items In Gettysburg, PA
The Historic Spherical Barn & Farm Market
298 Cashtown Rd, Biglerville, PA 17307
roundbarn.farm
For our final cease within the Gettysburg space, we headed to The Historic Spherical Barn & Farm Market. Positioned about 8 miles west of Gettysburg, lies this family-owned stunning historic farm and market that was inbuilt 1914. The attraction right here is seeing the distinctive spherical structure of this fantastically preserved white barn. These spherical type barns grew to become common within the 1820’s and remained so till about 1920 after they fell out of trend.
Whereas the market choices weren’t intensive right here, they did have an awesome number of distinctive and conventional jams, jellies, sauces, cheeses, snacks, and native produce. Additionally they have a number of farm-style antiques right here and there. In case you’re into cookbooks, there’s so much to select from with a deal with Pennsylvania and country-style recipes. We purchased some horseradish mustard, scorching sauce, fig preserves, and beef jerky. Every thing was scrumptious and we’d like to return within the fall for apple selecting season. Earlier than we left, we visited with their candy and pleasant goats and waved goodbye to their mules and horse within the distance.
💡 Tip: In case you go to the barn, and have time to unwind, head throughout the road to the Thirsty Farmer Brew Works the place you possibly can order a lightweight chunk to eat and pattern their small-batch handcrafted ales, lagers, and ciders on a small household farm.
The place To Keep In Gettysburg, PA
Federal Pointe Inn
75 Springs Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
FederalPointeInn.com
Whereas in Gettysburg we stayed at The Federal Pointe Inn, an award-winning boutique Ascend Lodge. One other Gettysburg historic gem and situated simply a few blocks from Gettysburg’s heart, The Federal Pointe Inn has its personal wealthy historical past. Initially inbuilt 1897 as Gettysburg’s first highschool, it was bought and renovated in 2012 by Peter and Elizabeth Monahan who remodeled it right into a luxurious inn whereas preserving the distinctive structure of the constructing. As a substitute of school rooms, you’ll now discover 18 tremendous comfy and extremely spacious visitor rooms and suites. Many have grand four-poster beds, giant granite loos with spa tubs and all include excessive ceilings match for a palace.
Whether or not you’re coming or going, complimentary espresso, tea, and lemon water are served all day within the foyer and freshly baked scones are set out at 4:00 for tea time. If you need an off-the-cuff chunk to eat or a glass of wine or craft beer with out stepping off-site, simply head to The Pointe Pub situated within the backside stage of the lodge open Wednesday by means of Sunday.
And should you love antiques, artwork, and historic pictures then don’t be stunned if you end up wandering by means of the delightfully scented hallways of the Federal Pointe Inn, admiring their spectacular assortment. A health heart, free on-site parking, and WIFI all through the property are true conveniences right here and also you’ll discover the employees authentically pleasant and useful whether or not you want a dinner or exercise advice.
Day 2-3: Lancaster, PA
Subsequent cease on our highway journey was Lancaster, PA. Whereas Lancaster County is understood for its Dutch nation attraction, Amish farms, bakeries, meals markets, and total affect within the space, Lancaster’s downtown is to not be missed with nice eating places and procuring. Lancaster can be a city that loves its beer. And baked items. And cheeses. And farm recent something. So meaning there’s loads of locations to indulge. Right here’s the place we ended up:
The place To Store In Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Central Market
23 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Centralmarketlancaster.com
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Positioned within the coronary heart of the town at Penn Sq., Lancaster Central Market is a foodie’s dream come true and should go to if within the space. Thought-about America’s oldest farmers’ market constructing, farmers have been promoting their recent meats, greens, fruits, and different merchandise on this very website because the 1730’s. Most of the vendor’s there at the moment have been promoting their items “on market” because the early 1900’s by means of the generations of their households.
Entering into Central Market (because the locals name it), you’ll discover row after row of recent meats, dairy and produce (principally natural), proper from the native farms the place they’re grown. It’s as recent because it will get. There’s additionally chocolate and sweet distributors together with recent baked items to attempt like breads, pies, whoopie pies, cookies, truffles and scones. Love cheese? There’s loads of farm recent cheese to pattern and take dwelling. Don’t miss the Linden Dale Farms stand and get a pattern of their wealthy and creamy goat cheese.
In case you’re touring by means of the realm, Lancaster Central Market is a superb place to cease earlier than you make your method dwelling to replenish on some farm recent meals, a bouquet of recent farm flowers or nation items. Plan your go to accordingly as a result of it’s solely open 6 am-4pm Tuesdays and Fridays, and 6 am-2 pm Saturdays.
Highway Journey Cash Tip: Many stands on the Lancaster Central Market don’t take bank cards, so remember to have loads of money available. Even should you overlook, there’s an ATM on website. Don’t you hate these ATM charges although? That’s why we love our Needham Checking Account debit card for touring. With the NB Checking Card, you’re by no means charged any ATM charges irrespective of the place you withdraw cash out of. Even when touring internationally! It’s the proper journey card. Click on right here to open an NB Checking account.
The place To Keep In Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Arts Lodge
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
www.lancasterartshotel.com
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In case you want someplace to remain within the Lancaster space, we suggest the Lancaster Arts Lodge. Positioned within the northern a part of the town, there’s so much to like about this former 1800’s tobacco warehouse now turned hip fashionable lodge with uncovered brick partitions and reclaimed wooden flooring. The Lancaster Artwork Lodge gives supremely comfy and trendy lodging with loads of luxurious facilities. If you wish to keep match in your travels there’s a fitness center in home or you possibly can head over to the YMCA throughout the road for which entry is complimentary along with your keep. However, it’s the celebration of native artwork discovered on show all through the lodge that offers this lodge it’s true attraction and persona. They even encourage company to get artistic, by supplying each visitor room with a sketchpad and pencil. Depart your personal little masterpiece behind with the lodge and it’ll develop into one of many many artistic endeavors displayed on rotation all through the lodge. The placement on the Lancaster Arts Lodge is admittedly handy and is inside strolling distance to a wide range of nice eating places and cafes, each informal and upscale together with Beilers Donuts and Meduseld Meadery.
The place To Eat And Drink In Lanscaster, PA
John J. Jeffries
Lancaster Arts Lodge
300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Johnjjeffries.com
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Whether or not you’re staying on the Lancaster Arts Lodge or not, remember to go to its onsite restaurant, John J. Jeffries. The meals isn’t good right here. It’s nice. With a deal with seasonal and sustainable dishes made with native and natural substances, the cooks at John J. Jeffries efficiently pull off a menu of tempting dishes which can be internationally impressed. Plus, what isn’t nice about supporting native farms? Thought-about fine-dining, but completely unpretentious, John J. Jeffries commits to sourcing their substances inside a 25-mile radius of the lodge.
A few of the standout dishes we ordered have been the Wild Caught Shrimp & Grits with lemon butter, seasonal greens, and chorizo sausage and the Lamb Kabob served with basmati rice, cucumber, tomato, and feta salad. We completed our meal with their model of a Tres Leches served with native strawberries and a caramel sauce that was out of this world. In case you go, decide to sit down exterior on the patio like we did, if climate permits. John J. Jeffries serves dinner solely and opens at 4 pm.
Beiler’s Donuts
398 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
Beilersdoughnuts.com
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Positioned adjoining to the Lancaster Arts Lodge Beiler’s Donuts is a famend donut store despatched from the pastry gods and most well-known for his or her location in Philadelphia’s well-known Studying Terminal Market. Utilizing a household recipe that was handed down for generations, Beiler’s makes their hand-rolled donuts recent every day and are adorned, glazed and stuffed making for a wide range of excellent donut creations. To me, these are the proper donut. Tremendous gentle and yeasty, with a barely crispy edge to the chunk. I’d die for certainly one of their glazed donuts this minute, however for now, we are able to drool collectively over their donut taste menu linked right here.
Lancaster Brewing Firm
302 N Plum St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Lancasterbrewing.com
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For some native craft beer and a chunk to eat, we headed to Lancaster Brewing Firm. Each time I’m going to a brewery for the primary time I at all times order a sampler for a good suggestion of what they’ve to supply. Lancaster Brewing gives 6 beneficiant samples for a completely cheap $12. Standouts for us have been their Double Chocolate Milk Stout (intense roasted malts, silky easy mouthfeel, refined sweetness, and velvety chocolate) and their Peanut Butter English Ale (wealthy caramel malts, a great deal of all pure peanut butter and Fuggles hops). For enjoyable, we thought “what if we mix these two?” Wouldn’t it style like a peanut butter cup? It did, and it was scrumptious. Notes of chocolate and roasted peanuts, not too candy, however easy and balanced. Yum and yum. In case you construct up an urge for food beer tasting, which everyone knows is tough work, Lancaster Brewing Firm has a full eating menu with nice appetizer choices to enhance its brews. We ordered their satisfying and delish Home Smoked Pork Nachos and so they made the beer tasting expertise much more fulfilling. Plan forward earlier than you go and take a look at their every day pleased hour specials to avoid wasting money. If you need an in-depth have a look at their craft beer making course of, name to ebook a tour. In case you style one thing you like, all beers can be found to buy for on the go.
Meduseld Meadery
252 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603
meduseldmeadery.com
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After a day of exploring, typically you simply must unwind. You already know, nothing loopy, simply the same old stuff like consuming some mead and throwing a few axes. No massive deal. Positioned simply throughout the road from the Lancaster Arts Lodge is Meduseld Meadery. We went in simply trying to attempt some mead and left religious, die-hard followers. In case you’ve by no means tried mead earlier than, it’s an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with yeast, water and a wide range of totally different substances like lemongrass, ginger, tart-cherries, hops and orange peels to create a vast quantity distinctive taste mixtures. Additionally known as honey wine, mead is the oldest fermented drink recognized to man. Fairly cool, proper? What’s distinctive about mead, apart from the way in which it has stood the take a look at of time, is that it may be produced in a wide range of kinds. Some are carbonated, just like glowing wine or beer, and a few are nonetheless and ideal for sipping like a effective whiskey or tequila. Meduseld Meadery expertly produces each kinds and in addition gives mead slushies and mead shakes (suppose flippantly candy and creamy) for the win. Sure, they’re all superior.
And didn’t I point out one thing about axe throwing? Inside Meduseld is an axe-throwing cage the place you possibly can dwell out your wildest axe throwing fantasies. Sound scary? It’s really tons of enjoyable. They actually have a coach there that can assist you along with your axe throwing approach. You already know you need to attempt.
Day 4: Lititz, PA
Lititz is a kind of nice little cities that can have you ever wanting to go to time and time once more. Voted America’s Coolest Small City by Funds Journey in 2013, and about 8 miles north of Lancaster, a visit to Lititz makes an awesome place to spend a day or the complete day. The massive draw to Lititz, apart from its quaint historic downtown, is its vibrant meals and craft beer scene. Don’t overlook to walk over to the historic Lititz Spring Park to admire the surroundings and feed the pleasant geese. No journey to Lititz is full with no go to to 2 of their most well-known historic food-centric institutions: Wilbur’s Chocolate and Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Each companies began within the 1800’s and are going sturdy at the moment. You may guess that whereas we have been right here, we checked in.
Wilbur Chocolate
45 N S Broad St, Lititz, PA 17543
wilburbuds.com
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Wilbur Chocolate is the form of place chocolate goals are product of. Initially based in 1865, Wilbur Chocolate is known for his or her signature chocolate Wilbur Buds which they debuted again in 1893. Related in form to a Hershey’s Kiss (which got here out later), however rounded on the underside in a form that resembles a flower bud, Wilbur’s is a Lititz establishment. The one disappointment right here is that they’ve moved out of their authentic historic manufacturing unit to a retail house throughout the road. The unique manufacturing unit is now being developed into luxurious condos, however you possibly can nonetheless catch a glimpse of it from the surface. Whereas procuring round their new house, watch as chocolate treats are handmade earlier than your very eyes. There’s a small chocolate museum devoted to Wilbur’s scrumptious and spectacular historical past and loads of free chocolate samples to go round. Plan to go to Wilbur’s any day besides Sunday.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
219 E Principal St, Lititz, PA 17543
juliussturgis.com
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It’s arduous to search out somebody who doesn’t love a pretzel. And on Principal Road in Lititz, we paid a go to to America’s first business pretzel bakery situated in the identical historic dwelling bought by Julius Sturgis in 1861. An extension to the home was added to accommodate the Sturgis household pretzel bakery, however the authentic a part of this stone dwelling dates again to 1784. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. Most of their pretzel varieties are bagged arduous pretzels, however there’s additionally recent gentle pretzels for buy. If in case you have time to spend right here, undoubtedly take their pretzel making tour, the place you possibly can tour the unique manufacturing unit, study the pretzel making course of and have a go at twisting your personal pretzel. No go to right here is full with out bringing dwelling a few of their scrumptious pretzel treats and pretzel swag from their entrance room bakery. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is open every day, however verify their web site for tour instances and hours.
Day 5: Intercourse/Gordonville, PA
Driving east out of Lancaster is the place you’ll discover lots of Lancaster’s Dutch nation points of interest like Dutch Wonderland, The Amish Farm And Home in addition to a number of smorgasbord eating places the place Dutch Nation and Amish delights are served up so far as the attention can see. Don’t be stunned should you see a horse and buggy or two go by, as that’s the Amish’s major supply of transportation. There are such a lot of nice locations to see and store right here, it deserves a few days of exploration all by itself. This was our final day on the highway, however nonetheless made time to make a cease in Intercourse, certainly one of Lancaster County’s many quaint cities.
Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Outdated Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529
kitchenkettle.com
We determined to cease at Kitchen Kettle Village because it was on our route dwelling. What began as a jam-making enterprise over 60 years in the past, is now a small village of over 40 nation eating places and retailers promoting nation goodies like cheeses, jerky jams, jellies, recent kettle corn, baked items, handmade pretzels and “Fixer Higher” nation dwelling and leather-based items in a small “village” overlooking the attractive Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. You may simply spend the higher a part of a day right here procuring, consuming and other people watching. Type of touristy? Yeah. Type of enjoyable? Positively. For the complete Amish expertise, you possibly can even get a journey in a horse-drawn buggy, which is simply hanging out within the car parking zone ready to whisk away their subsequent passengers. For an prolonged keep, there’s even an Inn right here with rooms situated over the retailers so you possibly can relaxation up.
Waltz Vineyards Tasting Room At Kitchen Kettle
3529 Outdated Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, PA 17529
waltzvineyards.com
As a substitute of hopping on a buggy, we ended up on the Waltz Vineyards tasting room situated within the Kitchen Kettle Village. The Waltz Vineyards wine is property grown on a sixth technology farm situated between Lancaster and Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the place they produce over 100 tons of wine grapes a 12 months. Right here at their Kitchen Kettle tasting room, you are able to do a wine tasting, purchase glasses or full bottles, and loosen up both inside their bar or exterior on their patio. If in case you have time to sit down and sip, remember to order cheese to take pleasure in along with your wine. We had our tasting with Amish Butter Cheese that was unbelievably creamy and scrumptious. Tastings are $10 for five wines or $2 per 1 ounce tasting. The wines listed below are on the dryer facet, so if that’s what you favor you’ll love what Waltz has to supply. I discovered their whites particularly refreshing. We actually loved stress-free right here for a bit earlier than a ultimate stroll by means of the village. You can too go to them at their winery in Manheim or extra tasting room in Lititz.
💡 Highway Journey Tip: When touring on a highway journey, keep in mind to convey a cooler bag or two in case you need to convey dwelling goodies that may should be refrigerated. They’re particularly helpful should you’re touring in the summertime months for preserving meals and drinks chilly on the highway. Go for freezer bricks or simply purchase ice-along the way in which. Both method, you’ll be pleased you made the trouble whenever you’re consuming all of your favourite journey eats at dwelling.
Day 5: Chadds Ford, PA
For our ultimate stretch of this highway journey, we headed to Chadds Ford situated in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. What’s there to do in Chadds Ford? Chadds Ford is a quaint historic little city that’s dwelling to the Brandywine River Museum of Artwork, the Brandywine Battlefield Park, vintage retailers and two wineries. Once we heard a few “Meals Truck Throwdown” at Chadds Ford Vineyard we all know we needed to see what that was about.
Chadds Ford Vineyard
632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
chaddsford.com
Chadds Ford Vineyard, situated within the Brandywine Valley in Chadds Ford is certainly one of Pennsylvania’s largest wineries within the state, producing greater than 30,000 circumstances of wine annually. With a wide range of each candy, dry and seasonal alternatives Chadds Ford Vineyard is a superb place to go should you’re within the space and trying to loosen up take pleasure in some good Pennsylvania wine in opposition to. They do tastings and excursions every day weekends, however the Saturday we visited we have been excited to move there for certainly one of their Meals Truck festivals. Not solely are there wine tastings and bars the place you should purchase, glasses and bottles of wine, sangria, wine mojitos and wine slushies, all whereas having fun with a wide range of tasty meals from a lineup of 10 or so native meals vans attempt every thing from killer BBQ, oyster po’boys, souvlaki, spanakopita, and genuine Polish pierogis. For dessert, there was even a cupcake truck and a gelato truck. It was a good time of meals and wine loved with dwell music in opposition to the backdrop of Chadds Ford Vineyard historic Seventeenth-century dairy barn.
💡 Tip: It’s greatest to convey money with you to Chadds Ford Vineyard. It makes for simple tipping and faster transactions paying on the wine bars, tasting tents or on the meals vans. There’s no ATM on website so it’s greatest to return with money earlier than you arrive.
