Winthur versus Longwood: or both??

Old Sep 1st, 2009, 02:04 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Winthur versus Longwood: or both??

We have a half day in midOctober, including lunch, in the Lancaster area and were wondering how to decide whether to go to Longwood or to Winthur on our way to Philly. Any suggestions? It seems unlikely we could do justice to both and still be in Philly at 5ish for dinner.
milkmaid46 is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 02:40 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've only been to Winterthur - just this past July - and we had limited time too. I thought it was wonderful. We took a docent led tour and it was very worthwhile. Our tour included a garden tram tour that took us from the parking area to the mansion. That docent was also very interesting. My regret was that we didn't have more time.
Centralparkgirl is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 02:40 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would definitely pick Longwood. I've been to both - Winterthur in the spring is gorgeous when their Azalea Woods is in bloom.

Longwood is quite big - there are many outdoor gardens, and several conservatories. I think you will really enjoy it.

With a half day, you really should not (cannot) do both - you wouldn't get a chance to really see either one that way.
karens is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 03:12 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree that you can't do both. I haven't been at Longwood in mid-October, but you really can't miss there; the gardens and grounds are so lovely. I think the conservatories rival any I have seen anywhere in Europe. The last time I ate in the restaurant for lunch it was good. There is also a lovely picnic grove if you want to pick up something on the way - you enter the picnic grove by car prior to actually gaining admission to the grounds.
I envy you the experience of seeing it for the first time.
Baz
Bazonia is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 03:25 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've been to both Winterthur and Longwood Gardens years ago, but Longwood sticks out a lot more as a place I enjoyed more. It was so big and so beautiful, and I've always wanted to go back but haven't had a chance.
cheryllj is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 04:05 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
3 out of 3! Now, I guess I'll have to get to Longwood one of these days!
Centralparkgirl is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 04:45 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, I have to disagree. I've been to both and I prefer Winterthur, BUT I'm not a gardener. Longwood was nice and all, but not as great as Winterthur. Actually, my favorite in that area is Nemours.
artsbabe is offline  
Old Sep 1st, 2009, 04:53 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Neither Longwood nor Winterthur is "on the way" from Lancaster to Philadelphia, but Longwood is definitely less out of the way. So, I guess that's a +4 vote for Longwood.
MLTimes is offline  
Old Sep 2nd, 2009, 12:21 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks so much for the input... we are actually taking a little detour on the backroads to Philly to do either sight!

What is "nemours" in the area?

I guess we will have to wait and see what the weather does ... is dining a factor if choosing Winterthur? It all sounds enticing.

Your help is indispensable and SWIFT!!!
milkmaid46 is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2009, 04:26 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've never been to Winterthur but have been to Longwood in Oct and there is always something to see there in every season. I believe the fountains are turned off on Oct 18 this year. I remember they had some serious pumpkin displays and the amazing handmade glass pumpkins they were selling at the conservatory last fall. I'm really hoping to go there for their holiday displays this year. It's not a big of a detour to visit Longwood from Lancaster to PHL. US 30 to PA 41 (GAP)to US 1, prob about 50 min drive, 35 miles or so.
Anthony7 is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 06:22 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.nemours.org/mansion.html
artsbabe is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 08:17 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Frankly, I think EACH deserves a day. But if you have 1/2 and love flowers, go to Longwood and visit the Conservatory first. If a room of cacti, a room of orchids, a room filled with seasonal flowers and decor doesn't suit you, then walk around outside. It is large but well-marked.

If architecture and furniture is your thing, go to Winterthur (pronounced winter tur). It is my fave because of the house filled with pre-factory-made American furniture. Check online about reservation times though.
TDudette is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 08:22 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Nemours is the name of another duPont home that has recently reopened and it is pretty spectacular. Check on line for directions and reservations.

I believe that Nemours was the area or town in France where original duPonts came from.

Oh, the Hagley (Hegley??) house is pretty cool also. Family's first home and more tied to their gunpowder factory.

Both of these houses could be "done" in half days as well.

It's a very interesting area.
TDudette is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 08:33 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In short, Longwood is best for those who love long leisurely walks through beautiful gardens. Winterthur is better for you if you prefer what is mainly a house and antique collection tour in a beautiful setting. Let us know which you choose!
GinnyJo is offline  
Old Mar 20th, 2010, 07:13 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You CAN do both in a single day - but you'll be disappointed in the result if you're trying to LEARN.

In prime season (April & May through early June) Winterthur & Longwood will tug at your sleeve in equal measure. The difference between them is the allure of the naturalistic gardens at Winterthur - most evident in March through May - & the annual garden + conservatory at Longwood - the former of interest May through September & the latter of interest year round.

What's missing in making a decision is knowing about the Henry Francis du Pont Museum - his home donated to become a museum in 1951 that contains the world's finest collection of American Decorative Arts - antiques from 1640 to 1860 - arranged in room settings that leave you feeling that the owner of the home has just nipped out for a moment...

The Museum is a miracle year round - just as the Longwood Conservatory intrigues year round. Visit both, but learn about America's past at Winterthur.
shedridt is offline  
Old Mar 21st, 2010, 03:56 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wonder where OP ended up.
TDudette is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DMBTraveler
United States
9
Dec 11th, 2012 06:17 AM
sarge56
Europe
5
Mar 6th, 2012 05:01 PM
historytraveler
Europe
7
Jan 13th, 2011 01:03 PM
Ozarksbill
Europe
17
Jun 27th, 2009 07:52 PM
Karen
Europe
12
Sep 30th, 2002 03:07 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -