We are thinking about renting a car during a weekend visit to Philadelphia to see the Christmas display/gardens at Longwood Gardens; is it worthwhile? Is it easy to find?

Easy to get to right down I-95 and worth the visit.

Check out the website..the place is west of 95...

www.longwoodgardens.com

and DEFINITELY worth a visit, especially at Christmas.

I agree! I think Longwood Gardens is worth a visit any time of year but during the Christmas season it is even more special.

I've gone most years to Longwood at Christmas and I have some advice. Try to arrive when there is still 45 min-1 hour of daylight....head straight to the conservatory and see the sights in there. By the time you finish it will be dark and you can see everything outside at your leisure. It's a lot less crowded, easier to park if you arrive before it gets dark and it doesn't much matter light or dark for the conservatory. There is a good restaurant there and you must make a reservation. There is also cafeteria style and that's not bad either. Have a great time!!

It is wonderful at Christmas

Enjoy

Melissa

Directions: From Phila, head south on I-95, take 322 west, then Route 1 south.

If you go at some time other than rush hour, the trip should take about 45-60 mins, depending on what part of the city you're in.

It was/is wonderful; everyone should see it! We did arrive as it was getting dark, saw the fountains, the trees, the ice-skating show...wow!

I agree with a previous poster - the trick is to get there about 1 to 1.5 hours before dark. We generally go straight into the big green house.....you will be in the Christmas line with lots of people, but you will get to see everything.

Then when you go outside - it's like you are in a different world. All the trees are lighted and beautiful.

They generally have choirs and performances over the holiday season - check there website for schedules.

Also - right down the road is the Brandywine Museum. This area is home to Andrew Wyeth and family. If you like his paintings - you must go here. Also Andrew's granddaughter Victoria does quick tours - very impressive to get first hand knowledge of the paintings. Also they have quite a nice Christmas display. Check out the website at:

www.brandywinemuseum.org/

And for meals - there's a million places:

Simon Pearce , Buckley Tavern, Brandywine Prime, The Gables

My husband and I go to this area quite a bit and we love it.