Kennett Square’s Annual Mushroom Celebration

Settled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley, Chester County’s Kennett Square has a unique reputation; the borough farms more than half of the mushrooms in the United States, producing over one million pounds a week. It’s a reputation that has earned it one of its nicknames, “The Mushroom Capital of the World.” But there’s more to this single square-mile town than toadstools. It’s repeatedly found itself to be a focal point for warfare and a crossroads for armies both foreign and domestic that fought throughout the region. In the Revolutionary War, British soldiers camped here before the Battle of the Brandywine. In 1812, it acted as a military encampment. And in the years before the Civil War, the abolitionists of Kennett Square helped slaves escape on the Underground Railroad, which earned the borough its second moniker, “The Hot Bed of Abolition.” Such a rich history deeply centered around the nation’s most pivotal moments has made Kennett Square a National Historic Place and one of eastern Pennsylvania’s best destinations for history buffs and mushroom-lovers alike. So whether it’s savory fungi you seek, a garden or gallery, or a bus tour through the historic downtown district, Kennett Square has all of that and more.

There’s no better way to get to know Kennett Square than by discovering its extraordinary restaurants, stores, and events. Savor your favorite food (or try something new) at Portobello’s, one of Kennett Square’s favorite restaurants. Choose from a variety of mushroom dishes like the Roasted Mushroom Soup, Mushroom Frittata, and Exotic Mushroom Crepe, or dine on fresh salmon, Crispy Duck, or Scallops Pesto. View the full menus for lunch and dinner here.

Take home a gift or treat yourself to the Mushroom Cap, a store that specializes in mushroom-themed gifts and treats including clothing and grow-your-own-mushroom kits. You can also find mushroom cookbooks so you can give whatever delicious dish you had at Portobello’s your best try back home (and don’t forget the souvenir cutting board). Visit the Mushroom Cap’s display of artifacts, models, and memorabilia from the mushroom industry throughout the decades including the life-size photographs of a mushroom house and delicious mushroom treats for sale and samples. Visit the store’s website for more information.

This town has a lot of love for its largest cash crop; the only way to celebrate is the two-day Annual Mushroom Festival on Saturday, September 9th, 10AM-7PM and Sunday, September 10, 2017 10AM-5PM. This mile-long fair has been named one of America’s Best (as well as one of the Most Strange) Food Festivals in the country. It features culinary events, growing exhibits, children’s entertainment, and over 250 vendors selling merchandise and wares to more than 100,000 visitors. On Saturday, enjoy such opening events as the Fried Mushroom Eating Contest, the Old Fashioned Carnival by Houghton Enterprises, and a 4:30PM Culinary Demo where you can practice, learn, or hone your mushroom-cooking skills. On Sunday, visit the Grower’s Exhibit on Broad Street or bid at the Painted Mushroom Silent Auction at 4PM. Starting at 11AM, you can attend the Soup and Wine Fest at the Special Events Tent until 3:15PM, making it a great stop after your noontime Culinary Demo. Admission is only $3.00 for persons over the age of 12. For more information, go to the Mushroom Festival’s website.

Visit the official website of Kennett Square and plan your visit today with a Pennsylvania bed and breakfast stay.

Downtown Kennett Square

100 West State Street

Kennett Square, PA 19348