West Chester - Pennsylvania - Home to Many Historical Attractions
West Chester is the county seat of Chester County, Pennsylvania. This quaint borough was founded in 1786 and is home to many historical attractions, including Valley Forge, Brandywine Battlefield, Marsh Creek State Park, and Longwood Gardens. It is also a popular destination for visitors to Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
Whether you are looking for a delicious bite to eat or a night of music and entertainment, West Chester has something for everyone. Surrounding the borough's historic courthouse, downtown is packed with endless bars, boutiques, and more. For an evening of theater, music, and films check out the Knauer Performing Arts Center on North High Street.
In the eighteenth century, West Chester was an important clock and watchmaking center. Its growing prosperity was further boosted by connections to the larger world brought about by the arrival of the first railroad in 1832. These new ties benefited local farmers and diversified the town's economy. Other early industries included a cream separator company and a maker of early steam-driven agricultural machinery. The borough was also the headquarters of Commodore International, a pioneer in microcomputers.
Dining in West Chester is a delight, from the crispy leopard-spotted crust at the West Chester Pizza Cafe to the delightful combinations of quality ingredients. Their BYOB-friendly patio and quaint dining room are perfect for a relaxing meal.
A visit to a historic house museum in the area is an opportunity to take a step back in time. The Brinton House Museum on West Market Street was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and is filled with period furnishings and artifacts, including a Bible box and mortar and pestle that belonged to the family's Quaker forebearers. The home is open for guided tours on weekends. West Chester, Pennsylvania
For a day in nature, Stroud Preserve on Church Street is a great place to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery of southeastern Pennsylvania. The preserve offers a variety of trails that range from 0.8 to 4.1 miles, making it easy for families to find the right amount of challenge.
If you are shopping for a unique gift for someone, a trip to West Chester's many shops will not disappoint. A wide array of goods are available in the town's shops, and some of the more exciting offerings can be found at the Artisan Exchange Marketplace on a Saturday afternoon. Here you'll find the likes of Uban Thai Foods (a favorite lunch spot among locals), Crabby Joey's (homemade pierogis), Mojo PopCo (coffee popcorn), and Pure Scents Candle Co.
If you are a movie buff, chances are you have seen at least some of the local filming locations used in the MTV television shows Jackass and its spin-offs, and Viva La Bam and Bam's Unholy Union. Other notable movies filmed in and around the borough include Haggard, The Mighty Macs, and iSteve, which parodied Steve Jobs' company, Commodore International.