Great Show for the whole Family!

September 24th & 25th, 2011

10AM – 4:30PM

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center
1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, PA 19380
610-436-9600

Three Air Shows Daily featuring:

United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team
Military Helicopters, Coast Guard Choppers
Police, News and Medevac Helicopters
Helicopter Rides offered, Amusement Rides, Tours, Food, Music and Fun for the whole Family!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
12:00PM-5:30PM

(Rain Date September 25^th, 2011)

Gay Street between Matlack and Darlington St.

60+ Restaurants & Food Venders
110+ Crafters & Info Booths
3 Stages with 7 Great Bands

Chester County Culinary Cook Off:
Kicks Off at 2:30PM- Historic Court House Steps on High St
4 Chefs will compete to win the title of “Best Chef In Chester County.”

more…

If you are trying to decide which projects have the best return on investment, Remodeling Magazine

Cost vs Value report shows the top home renovations in 2010-2011 that might add  value to your home. They are:

BASEMENT REMODEL

MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL

GARAGE ADDITION

ATTIC BEDROOM

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (WOOD)

SIDING REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL

DECK ADDITION (WOOD)

GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT

ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (STEEL)…

more…

Are you hungry and looking for a place to eat in Chester County? Here is a list of some restaurants in Chester County with links to their web site.

Chester County Restaurants:

Barnabys
Club Mezzanine
Fresh Works

more…

by Prudential Fox and Roach

As the weather warms, so does the real estate market! What better way to kick of the season than learning about ways to better market your house when selling it?

Staging your house is a necessary step when selling it and many people tend to neglect it.  If done correctly, your house can look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer and, best of all, it makes a home buyer want to buy it!

Here are 4 tips to help you stage your home this selling season: more…

While you’re enjoying playing games in the garden, give a thought to decorating your outside space. There are lots of fun and interesting things you can do without spending tons of money…

1. Wind-Chimes – There are some beautiful wind chimes on the market, and you should be able to find some that suit your style and budget. However, you could go one step further and make your own. Study how they are made and get the kids to join in! Wind chimes are soothing and very compatible with gardening, so position your chimes well.

They must be in at least a slight draught, which you should be able to find outside with ease. Also, they can scare the birds away from your fruit bushes. Hang them on the patio and in the vegetable garden.

more…

Have you visited a stunning International Orchid show in Longwood Gardens this year? In case you did miss it here is a chance to see some pictures I took at this event.

The show had dazzling orchids showcased by the best collectors and growers from Hawaii to South America.  Just imagine yourself walking  into a world of  breathtaking displays with orchids of every imaginable size, shape and color. Thousands of orchids were available for sale by international growers and there was a wealth of information available in the form of literature and lectures.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT ORCHIDS?

The beauty and diversity of orchids have fascinated people for ages. As long as 5 centuries before Christ, Confucius compared the pleasure of seeing good friends to entering a room full of “lan” or fragrant orchids. more…

When it’s time to get together for good food and fun, Brandywine Picnic Park has it all. Located along the scenic Brandywine Creek in historic Chester County, the park plays host to some of the most beautiful scenery in the tri-state area. Tube or paddle down the Brandywine, relax in the shade, or bask in the sun. The Park is open from May to September. It is a great place for corporate picnics, family reunions, school activities, team-building events, theme parties, birthday parties, class reunions, meetings, weddings, and church gatherings.

Notice: BPP is not open to the public every day. Please call ahead to verify available public admission dates. 610-793-3198 or check their website: www.picnic.com

Longwood Gardens is sure to delight anyone who loves exquisite flowers, majestic trees, fountains, and opulent architecture. Here, amid 1,050 acres with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, you’ll find beauty at every turn. The distance covered within the outdoor gardens is about 1 mile and the estimated walking time is about 1½ hours. Longwood Gardens is renowned for its extraordinary fountains. The astonishing shows gather attention from far and wide, and are a favorite among visitors of all ages.

The Open Air Theatre has been used since 1914 for theatrical performances, concerts, and garden parties. Inspired by outdoor theaters in Europe, Longwood’s version has dressing rooms for about 100 performers beneath the stage, and an auditorium lawn that holds chairs for 1,500. The stage is framed with clipped arborvitae. Kentucky coffee-trees and Canadian hemlocks tower over the stage from behind. An unusual water curtain rises 10 feet in front of the stage during performances, which include all types of music and theater from folk and jazz to Gilbert & Sullivan operetta and Broadway musicals.

See Longwood’s Fountain schedule.

There are about 11,000 taxa (including different species, varieties, and cultivars)of cultivated plants growing at Longwood,

representing more than 200 different plant families. Some of the most notable families represented by the largest number of taxa include:

Orchidaceae with about 3,000 taxa, Rosaceae with more than 700 taxa, and Ericaceae and Liliaceae, both with over 400 taxa each. Nearly 300 different types of ferns can be found in the Gardens. About 60 species and varieties of palms grace indoor areas. On the other hand, there are 32 lesser-known families represented by only a single species each.

Plan your visit by going to Longwood Gardens website.