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When you live in West Chester, PA, you’re never too far from fun activities. With its museums, restaurants, shops, and other attractions and landmarks, there are many things to do in the area. As you search for the best things to do in West Chester, there are some activities you simply can’t miss. These include:
1. See a Show at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Location: 226 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
For music, dance, and film in downtown West Chester, the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center on North High Street is the place to go. Since 2017, Uptown! has hosted Broadway-style theater, comedy shows, classical and contemporary musical performances, films, and much more.
Uptown! constantly adds to its events calendar, giving you plenty of opportunities to see a show on a weeknight or weekend. It also offers $5 film screenings, so you won’t have to spend big to watch a movie at Uptown!
Of course, no visit to Uptown! would be complete without stopping by Mac’s Foxhole bar and lounge. Open one hour before showtime, Mac’s offers a calm, cozy setting where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the drink of your choice before your show begins.
“This week was my first visit to Uptown! It is a very nice venue! Very friendly staff. Great size for concerts! I’ll be back.”—Stephanie Bean
2. Go to a Museum
American Helicopter Museum
Location: 1220 American Blvd, West Chester, PA 19380
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm
If you’ve always been fascinated by helicopters and are looking for fun things to do in West Chester, check out the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center on American Boulevard. Dedicated to the history of rotary flight, this museum features one of the world’s largest collections of rotorcraft.
Here, you’ll be able to get right up close to a wide range of rotary-wing aircraft. Along with this, you can climb into the cockpit of an aircraft and imagine what it’s like to be a pilot.
“Very cool museum. Unless you actively dislike helicopters you’ll find something interesting here. Excellent interactive displays with well done multimedia content for each helicopter and related exhibits…Plan on at least an hour, or more if you’re reading the displays.”—Tony Schmidt
Chester County History Center
Location: 225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
If you prefer local history over helicopters or want to learn about them both, there’s the Chester County History Center on North High Street. The center is home to a massive collection of manuscripts, photographs, and other materials that highlight the area’s history.
Walk through the history center to see rotating exhibits that showcase life in the region as early as the 1600s. At different times during the year, you can also attend educational seminars, conferences, and many other center events. “The Chester County History Center is one of the most incredible Historical Museums and research centers I’ve ever been to. The scholars and exhibits featured here explore all aspects of American History. The staff is exceptional knowledgable, friendly and invite you into the history…It is a hidden gem.”—Stephen Lyons
3. Shop in Downtown West Chester
Shopping downtown is far and away one of the top things to do in West Chester, PA this weekend or during the week — and for good reason. With more than 65 boutiques in downtown West Chester, there’s lots to discover. In many cases, you’ll likely find that there are many items at these shops that you won’t be able to buy at a mall.
Take a look at the downtown West Chester shopping directory before you visit. From stores offering fine jewelry to ones that sell premium apparel and accessories and everything in between, there are many shops to explore. If you can’t do them all in one day, you have the perfect excuse to return downtown yet again.
In addition to its shops, downtown West Chester features 75 award-winning restaurants. Whether you want a delicious meal after a full day of shopping or are looking for a snack to satisfy your hunger pangs, these restaurants offer something for everyone. Some also provide entertainment at night.
“West Chester was a very quaint town with many outdoor restaurants and shops. This town was very upscale and friendly. There was quite a lot of free parking on the street. Many streets were actually closed down to let the pedestrians have unlimited access to the open streets.”—TennisStar602
4. Grab a Meal or Drink
Foodies rejoice! West Chester boasts amazing restaurants, cafés, bars, and breweries where you can sample many spectacular dishes and drinks, including:
- Sedona Tap House: If you want a locally sourced, scratch menu dining experience, make reservations at Sedona Tap House on West Gay Street — you’ll be glad you did.
- Fellini Cafe: For superb Italian cuisine that won’t break your budget, stop by Fellini Cafe on Waterview Road.
- Penn’s Table Restaurant: Visit Penn’s Table Restaurant on West Gay Street to enjoy a mouthwatering three-egg omelette and other brunchtime and breakfasttime favorites.
You don’t have to be a foodie to enjoy a meal or drinks in West Chester. Regardless of the foods and drinks you like, you’re sure to find venues in West Chester that’ll be able to accommodate your requests. Once you do, you may quickly become a regular at one or more of these places.
If you want to enjoy West Chester’s best foods and drinks all in one place, check out the Chester County Restaurant and Food Truck Festival. Held every September in downtown West Chester, the festival gives you the opportunity to enjoy foods and drinks from some of the area’s top local restaurants and food trucks. It also features entertainment, local artisans, and information booths.
5. Get Outside at Stroud Preserve
Location: 454 North Creek Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
Hours: Thurs – Tues, Dawn to Dusk
Featuring meadows, woodlands, agricultural fields, and several ponds and streams, Stroud Preserve on North Creek Road is the ideal outdoor getaway. Hike the trails and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Canoe or kayak to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also bring your camera and capture awe-inspiring photos of your surroundings.
The preserve is open Thursday through Tuesday from dusk until dawn. Pets are permitted, but you must have them on a leash at all times.
“Really nice place to walk around! The undeveloped hillsides that greet you from both sides of the yellow trail are welcome and calming. The parking lot was very full when we arrived, so I would suggest planning to expand that further.”—Todd M
Enjoy All That West Chester Has to Offer
These represent just five of the many things you can do if you live in West Chester. If you are exploring the local real estate market or are looking to sell your West Chester home, real estate agent Mike Ciunci can help you out.
As your friend in real estate, Mike understands the ins and outs of West Chester’s housing market. He can help you find a home, so you’ll be able to enjoy the many fun things to do in West Chester whenever you’d like. If you want to list your home, Mike can walk you through this process and help you get your house ready to sell.
Contact Mike Ciunci for help buying or selling a home in the West Chester area.
