Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Overview

Chateau Country, a Spectacular Brandywine Valley Landscape (DE) [1]

Take an unforgettable journey through the rolling hills of the genteel Brandywine Valley landscape and discover the lasting influence of the du Pont family dynasty on the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway. This journey is a true Delaware original. The byway leads to an unparalleled concentration of historic sites, magnificent estates, glorious gardens, and mesmerizing museums where visions from a vanished century abound.

The byway begins in downtown Wilmington at Rodney Square, home of the Cesar Rodney Statue and the luxurious building that houses the Hotel du Pont and the du Pont Theatre. Visitors can explore the park and Farmers' Market or see Broadway shows in the du Pont Theatre. At the start of the 20th Century, the square was a symbol of the international stature that corporations like DuPont had brought to the city; today, it is the gateway to the byway and a modern showcase of historical influences.

Autumn Walk in the Longwood Gardens (DE) [2]

Leaving Wilmington, preserved landscapes grace several estates, including Nemours, Winterthur, and Longwood. Created and maintained by heirs to the du Ponts, these estates feature large, elegant mansions, flourishing gardens, and charming pasturelands. Nemours brags a modified Louis XVI French chateau, while Winterthur's Enchanted Woods fairy-tale garden will charm children of all ages. Longwood Gardens, just over the Delaware/Pennsylvania state border, encompasses over 1,000 acres filled with indoor and outdoor gardens, fountains, and over 11,000 different kinds of plants. At each of these places, visitors can explore rooms full of antique furnishings and discover acres of world-renowned greenery.

The works of Brandywine artists can be found in many of the museums and institutions along the byway. The Brandywine River Museum contains the largest, most comprehensive collection of works by N.C., Jamie, and Andrew Wyeth. The Delaware Art Museum features Pre-Raphaelite work, American illustration, pieces by Howard Pyle and John Sloan, and more. Internationally famous, the artwork exhibited in the Brandywine River Museum and the Delaware Art Museum reflects the scenic splendor of the Brandywine Valley.

Cherubs at Nemours Garden in Wilmington, Delaware (DE) [3]

History and horticulture, artwork and antiques, rolling hills, and open meadows are beautifully intertwined along the alluring Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway to create an unforgettable travel experience.