I went here and I loved it. But, we went into one of the huts, and a bat was hanging on the…read morefireplace. It was really scary. And funny.

The total package! Valley Forge National Historic park offers the history, the scenery, its hands…read moreon and educational, the photo opps, and it's great for work outs with biking running/walking or hiking. Can't ask for more as you're able to spend a perfect day at this park. The welcome center is a great start as they offer a great orientation video in a large theater that runs often. Then you can tour the museum for little bit of more history to absorb in! Gift shop offers great souvenirs! The park is clean and easy to get around as you may go at your own pace in your own car touring the park stopping at attractions. The map is easy to use and follow. Or you can purchase an audio tour or rent bikes. Love the history and the information provided. Great attractions that makes you feel in the moment when visiting. Love George Washington's quarters and the barracks around the park along with the artillery park. Hands down one of the best major attractions that you must visit when in the area.

This is quite a find. I'm so glad I got to wander around this trail before I left our hotel…read more(Fairfield Inn). This walking trail is right in the rear of the hotel and is built on the former railroad trax. Besides finding out there are some cool birds nesting on the trees along the main walking trail I found out there's a side path, that strays off the main trail that most people don't wander off to and probably don't even know about. And so there's a really cool pond with an amazing fountain like water sprouting out as you can see in my photos. This is a must see!

Beautiful and quiet place for a walking. People go for walks and bike rides but it's very quiet to…read morewalk around.

Random first thought on entering the parking lot: I've never been to a place like this where the…read moreeducation center is the same size as the actual arboretum. Jokes aside, while that hyperbole is of course not true, thematically it is. As another Yelper pointed out, this is not Tyler or Morris by a long shot. This is basically a small down and back loop with a few short side trails that crisscross the main path, Jenkins Road. The below is a good map that shows that every trail they have here is 1/4 mile or less (sometimes much less) and that the main path is paved blacktop. www.jenkinsarboretum.org/visit/map/ During our 75ish minutes here, we didn't see anyone (I didn't expect to considering it was a Friday afternoon in winter still with snow on the ground) and the parking lot was nearly empty. In terms of what lives/grows here, the below from their site lays it all out. www.jenkinsarboretum.org/garden-highlights/ If you go, thankfully it's free and the hours are basically 9am until dusk year-round. By no means is this a destination stop but we had some time to kill before the next activity and Jenkins provided some nice alternative programming that was enjoyable.

lovely walk albeit a little hilly. great and friendly volunteer staff. Going back for fall foliage…read morephoto opportunities

Lorimer was a regular destination for me when I was a kid and had to go everywhere my mom went…read more Only a few minutes from our house, we used to take our dog Reggie here to stretch, swim and frolic. Now I'm older and dogless (for now), but thank goodness, the nature preserve is still just as it was. The wide trails circle around and through an 80-acre piece of land that's otherwise dense with trees, bushes and plenty of assorted undergrowth. The only downside was how close the park bordered with nearby houses, as a few times I found myself accidentally wandering into people's backyards. This preserve is perfect for doggies, and a beautiful, relaxing place for humans, too. And best of all, there's a good chance you'll have the place to yourself.

(5) ~ Excellent Outdoor Basketball Courts! Probably the Best Outdoor Courts in the Area, including…read moreall the proper lines(Three Point, Foul, etc.) And the Backboards are Full Size too. Note: It's kind of hidden, but worth the find:)

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.

Intro to Rock Climbing with Valley to Summit on September 18, 2022…read more This was my second trip to Chickies Rock with VTS and it was wonderful! There were only 5 of us, so plenty of time to climb. Our Guide, Bob, was so patient, engaged and informative. I learned a lot of great things that I had not known before about clothing, ropes and technique. Bob was so patient with me and was there with his " green pointer" to help me over the tough spots. You should know that I am 74 years old and tho I have climbed indoors for a few years, my stamina was not that of the youngsters who were there! Nonetheless, it was a great time! I highly recommend Valley to Summit, this being my 3 rd trip with them. They Rock!

We were scheduled to do a 1/2 day ice hike at Ricketts Glen. I had spoken to the owner Dave and…read morelet him know of my disabilities. He asked a few questions, then determined that it should be OK for me to go on the hike. Shortly before the hike we received an email from Dave saying that because of the warm weather the trip would not have as much ice as it normally does. He offered to reschedule or refund our money if we wanted, but also said we could go if we wanted. We wanted. When I got there Dave and the guides were fantastic. Very personable. They were helpful but without being intrusive. One of them carried one of my forearm canes in his backpack in case I needed it. (This was to have one hand free for the ice axe.) The hike was great. At the end of the hike I asked one of the guides if he thought I could do the repelling they offer... he conferred with the owner and the lead repeller guide, and they agreed that I would be allowed to do that in the Spring. I highly recommend Valley to Summit for a great time. I look forward to a full day ice hike in February.

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!!