Winter visit to Longwood

last month

My friend and I finally followed through and got ourselves to Longwood and we simply loved it. It was both more and better than we expected. The extent of the property is so impressive and the style of the outdoor lights is simply magical.

One of the most magical sights is a lone mature hardwood tree in the far distance ( maybe 100+ yards away) fully illuminated. The outdoor lighting seems more elegant and natural than other displays,

We stayed in the quirky Bookhouse in Kennett Square (moody color drenched rooms are the style). Our room was the Secret Garden with two bedrooms, kitchenette, upstairs lounge, and clawfooted bathtub outfitted with bath salts and a book tray.

Kennett Square is a funny town. The holiday window decorations seemed both vintage and edgy at once. We had dinner at Sweet Amelia’s where we had good food and a nice conversation with the chef. He sent us home with packages of his locally sourced crowder beans. Here’s a map of points of interest on the Inn’s porch and the stuffed toys ready for play at Philter Coffee.

Ya’ll are sure to love the spring display (and warmer weather than we had!)

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Comments (16)

Fun2BHere
last month
So nice to hear your trip report. I'm disappointed that I can't make the spring GTG. Maybe next time.
Kendrah
last month
I'm not a fan of Christmas lights in garden and natural settings. (But, I love tacky lights on houses!) However, the green house at Longwood is my reason for a winter trip there. It is a wonderful place to be warm and remember that greenery is alive somewhere.
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Jilly
last month
Sounds like a very nice trip! It was kind of the chef to send you home with a yummy gift. :)
mtnrdredux_gw
last month
Sounds like a super trip! Why did I think you were in Chicago?

Kennet Square is cute!
lisaam
Original Author
last month
Def not from Chicago— I live in Charlottesville which likes to think of itself as one of the navels of the universe. or at least I do. we need just an ocean to be complete.

Yes, Kennet Sq is a cute town and we were impressed with the attractive options within the very concise downtown.
mtnrdredux_gw
last month
Oh I love Charlottesville, looked at UVA w/ one of my kids. Tried to figure out how we could become VA residents, LOL!

I had the "Ch" part correct!
maire_cate
last month
Glad you enjoyed your visit, it is a magical place. I'm going on Monday and this will be the first time I can stay late enough to see the light display.

This article in yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer reports on Longwod Gardens and the economic boost it provides to the merchants in the area.

https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/kennett-square-longwood-economic-boost-vibe-haus-berwyn-20251210.html
OutsidePlaying
last month
Loved hearing about your trip to Longwood at Christmas. On my list for one day but the holiday period always seems so busy. I’m really looking forward to our spring trip and the GtG!
Kendrah
last month
You should check out their calendar. I think winter lights often stay up at many places well beyond the holidays. The New York Botanical Garden keeps their Christmas train show up forever!
Jennifer Hogan
last month
This is going on my bucket list for after retirement. I love Longwood Gardens just hadn't thought of Longwood Gardens at Christmas! Less than a 2 hour drive from my house.
mtnrdredux_gw
last month
Reminder, our headcount for the spring GTG and Longwood Gardens is at 23 for the tour and the dinner, and a few more for brunch. Wow!

Three people have told me they are firmly committed to the event but have not replied to my November 23rd email, which includes a ton of info and a few requests.

I will not reveal their names, but their screen names rhyme with OldSt.Nick, Jinglebell, and Birdbath. Please check you emails if you are not sure you responded.

Thank you, the Management
lisaam
Original Author
last month
Yes, marie cate, Sweet Amelia’s where we ate dinner is not normally open on Mondays but they are in Dec due to the traffic Longwood generates. In fact, the chef accepted a late reservation for a party arriving when they’d typically be closing for the evening while we were sitting there—- making hay while the winter sun shines!
njmomma
last month
Your trip sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing what a wonderful time you had. I need to see the lights there, maybe after Christmas when all slows down
salonva
last month
Longwood Christmas goes through January 11.
njmomma
last month
Thanks Salonva!
straitlover
last month
Cute!!! Will make it up there someday.

Recommendations: if any of you are ever in the Asheville NC or Myrtle Beach SC areas, The NC Arboretum has a great Winter Lights show, and Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet has the absolutely fabulous Night of a Thousand Candles holiday show. That one sells out early, so not a last minute thing. I was able to get tickets on Groupon one year for a great price, but you can't do that anymore. I believe you can get in early with your tickets, so you can see the gardens during daylight before the lights come on, see the animals in the petting zoo area & possibly do the boat ride and see the old rice plantation stuff (haven;t done that yet). Also, Huntington Beach State park is across the road with remnants of Atalya Castle (haven;t been there yet, either, but pics are great).