I am so very impressed with the dedicated volunteers of the Historical Society of the Phoenixville…read moreArea - AKA the Phoenixville Historical Society. They work tirelessly to preserve and protect the historic buildings of Phoenixville, which is especially challenging given the extensive drive to redevelop the area. When COVID hit, they lost an important source of funding in their somewhat legendary twice yearly vintage sales. Being plucky, they pivoted to online auctions using a national auction platform that graciously gave them access pro bono. Way to go MaxSold! Their sales have been so successful that they're now run regularly, with Very Cool Stuff carefully photographed, catalogued and listed. Plus, they have pickup down to a science - from reserved spaces on busy Church Street to an army of volunteers who will quickly fetch & being you your items abs amicably chat about history. Now in addition to their charity auctions they have well run, interesting and free zoom presentations. One was a cooking presentation from their recipe book, another on the history and use of animals in the American military. They are worth attending. In a time when it would have been so easy to go dormant they thrive, and more power to them.

From the owner: The Society has information about local genealogy, information and photos of some old buildings and…read morehomes, old local newspapers on microfilm, old photographs of people and the Phoenixville area, yearbooks from Phoenixville High School, many historical artifacts, a Phoenix Steel Column, and many pieces of Etruscan Majolica that were made in Phoenixville in the late 1800s by Griffen, Smith & Hill.

This was a highlight of our trip to Valley Forge! The arch was easy to find by following the hiking…read moreand biking map. The historic sites are spread out throughout the grounds with several path options- paved vs unpaved and length of total walk. The park is also easily drivable. There are parking lots near each of the major sites.

Nice historical spot to visit and catch a walking or biking trail and bring a picnic. Dog friendly…read more Bathrooms near visitor center and store. Parking lot and side parking available.

I twice toured Duportail House when I was looking to plan an event. It's a charming, historic venue…read morenestled in a quiet neighborhood, and everyone I encountered there was friendly and helpful. I especially loved that there are so many options for where to hold an event - several rooms in the house itself, the charming porch out front, and the cool barn next to the house. I didn't know that the barn was on the property but I really liked its rustic vibe. (Though I could imagine in the fall the giant trees around it raining down nuts and other seasonal tree bits!) I also like that there's a hotel nearby for out of town guests. I mostly worked with Kate, who was very responsive over email and is obviously an expert in her field. She helped me realize that there's something to be said for the personal touch you get when working with a staff dedicated to one venue, rather than some of the big event companies who can make you feel like just another number. Ultimately I decided to go with the city vibe so picked a different boutique venue in Philadelphia proper, but I'd definitely recommend checking out Duportail, especially if you're mostly having a local gathering.

We were invited to a wedding here on June 8, 2013. Beautiful day so the ceremony was outside next…read moreto the barn. Gorgeous landscaping and seating for all. TAlulas table was the caterer so the food was wonderful. Start with some passed appetizers and a taco bar. Yummy! Salmon and beef with fingerling potatoes. So delicious! Duportail house has some small rooms but they squeezed us in nicely. The front room is left for dancing and boy did we! The bride had Ben and Jerry's there with hot fudge sundaes! What a treat! If the size works go for it!!

This 65 foot span over Valley Creek in Valley Forge Historic Park, Malvern, PA, was first built in…read more1851, but flood, fire and 21st Century traffic has required rebuilding on several occasions. At only 10' wide, attention to driving is demanded as it is easy to pinball off the side burr truss, taking part of the white pine structure with you. As was so often the case in the 18th-19th Centuries, these flowing streams were often dammed and used to power mills for flour needed for survival. Those early pre-industrial buildings are gone but for a few stone foundations visible with a little close looking along the creek edge. Walking along the trail that follows the watercourse all you can hear is the creek's exuberant laughter as it scours the rocky bottom as it has for a few thousand years. Who is the bridge named for? Some historians say it is for Philander Knox who bought a farm nearby at the turn of the 20th Century. He served as a two term U. S. Senator from Pennsylvania, and before that Secretary of State in the Taft administration, and Attorney General for Theodore Roosevelt. Others say the proper Knox was Henry, a general during the Revolution who camped near here during the dark days of our War of Independence when we were losing to the British and the Redcoats occupied Philadelphia. He was also President Washington's first Secretary of War. Both had impressive credentials. Either way, it is a beautiful spot to visit on a humid weekend afternoon before afternoon thunderstorms force you to seek shelter.

Another adventure with my mother. This weeks flavor is locating and visiting 'Covered Bridges, if…read morethey still exist'. Well my they do and there are quite a few in the area. Today we visited two in Chester County that are about 10 miles apart. When driving that's a breeze! The first Covered Bridge was Bartram's Covered Bridge in Newtown Square, PA and this bridge, Knox Covered Bridge in Malvern, PA. This bridge is actually functional, we drove over and through which caused great excitement and happiness for my mother. The other bridge was protected and not in use. It was a little scary as the bridge begins on a curvy road and once you are over and through more curves. This bridge is far off any main roads or highways so you would probably have to make a special trip to enjoy its splendor.

What a fun thing to do! We didn't know what to expect and want to say we all really enjoyed the…read moreexperience! Admission was reasonable and enjoyed the self-guided part while waiting for the next tram departure time. There was everything you could imagine - except one thing! A TELEX MACHINE (which I used to operate). When I asked the staff if they had one none of them even knew what I was talking about (early 20's)! We took the tram tour and really enjoyed it. The tram moved at a nice pace so you could really take in everything. So much to see - everywhere. It was a really fun way to spend a few hours on a rainy day! But I urge you to visit rain or shine!

It's like an I-Spy book came to life! This collection is massive but I really appreciate how well…read moreorganized and categorized it is. It makes it easier for the eye to take in. The tram car goes at a super slow speed so you have time to take everything in. The tour is guided by a pre-recorded audio track but sometimes the driver will provide information as well. The museum also has a small walkable area to explore. There's also popcorn, candy, and drinks to purchase. Some of the items are truly impressive and there's definitely plenty for everyone to point out and find and enjoy. Highly recommend this fun attraction.

Beautiful historical landmark that reminds me of New York city's archway. Amazing carvings on the…read morearch and nice cobble stone road around it. Street right next to it allows you to drive by, park, and look at it

Had to go here for a passport acceptance. The woman that took my photo and handled the acceptance…read morewas lovely. So kind, professional and really made the process pleasant. Very different than previous passport experiences over the years at blue bell post office and the local courthouse. Highly recommend going here if it is fairly local for you.

We got our passport done for our child. It took 10 mins. Debra was very professional and efficient…read more I called previously for information and made the appointment with Mark, who was helpful and friendly. Seems like a nice library although we did not peruse the stacks. Front desk had only one person manning the phones and the front so I had to wait a few minutes to inquire where passports are done. They definitely need another person in the front and should put up a sign to help direct the foot traffic.

For something different and fun to do - take this ghost tour of historic downtown Phoenixville…read more They run tours on Friday and Saturday nights in the month of October. We did it last year and plan to do it again - it was SO much fun! We were looking for something active to do (it's a 90-minute walk) but not go dancing, for a Girls' Night. This was perfect. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave good stories and really set it up for us to have a good time. Plus we probably learned stuff too! We met down on Bridge street. The walk was not too hard but not really for someone who can't walk a good bit. They let children go, but I think the one we were on was too spooky for kids. I think they make it less scary if there are kids in the group. We DID call in advance, which they recommend and we were glad we did, b/c there were people there hoping to get in on the tour. But because we had reservations, they took us and gave them spots for the next night. They keep the groups small, which I appreciate. I went on a ghost tour in Savannah and the group was so big, we could never hear the guide. Some of the people came from surrounding areas, not just Phoenixville: Valley Forge, Downingtown, West Chester, King of Prussia. They said it was something different to do. Which I agree - it's hard to find something great to do besides just restaurants & clubs! This was fun!

This tour was more of a historical tour of downtown Phoenixville. Very informative of…read morePhoenixville's background and what buildings are basically still standing in original form, thus, possibly (and notedly) being haunted. The tour was not scary. Nobody pops out at you. No one hiding in costume along the trail. Flashlights and cameras aren't required, but it's fun to try to capture orbs or manifestations on camera. I was born in Phoenixville and did not know some of the history explained on the tour. I was glad I chose to participate, however, this is not a gut wrenching haunted attraction at all.

PROS: very nice collection of log cabins that are replicas of what Washington's secret service…read morestayed in. Inside them has some relics of what the soldiers and secret service had CONS: these are replicas and not originals OVERALL: if you drive by and want to see some relics or even get a perspective of what the secret service lived in, then you should stop by

Love this place that broke away from corporate Great…read moremovies, nice wine for $7 Comfort seats. Affordable prices This place cares

Great theater. Polite employees. Great prices. Same as any…read moreother theater but cheaper. What more can you ask for a movie theater but a seta and a movie that doesn't cost $50 for 2? $7 Tuesdays