A Dream Trip to Winterthur & Longwood Gardens

After diving deep into the history of Philadelphia, we shifted gears and headed toward the quieter elegance of Winterthur and the breathtaking beauty of Longwood Gardens. This stop was extra special, not only because of the history and scenery but also because we picked up my mom so she could experience a lifelong dream of visiting Longwood Gardens. As a passionate gardener, she had always dreamed of walking through its grounds, and seeing her light up as we explored together was a memory I’ll treasure forever.

Winterthur: A Step into American Elegance

Our first stop was Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont. Once a 60-room mansion, Winterthur has been transformed into a museum dedicated to decorative arts and American history. Walking the grounds felt like stepping into a different time, with sprawling gardens, rolling meadows, and beautifully curated exhibits inside the estate. Learning about du Pont’s passion for collecting and preserving America’s artistic heritage added another layer of appreciation—it wasn’t just a beautiful estate; it was a legacy dedicated to telling the American story through design and craftsmanship.

Longwood Gardens: A Gardener’s Paradise

Then came the highlight—Longwood Gardens. Spanning more than 1,000 acres, it’s one of the most spectacular botanical gardens in the world, originally founded by Pierre S. du Pont. With carefully designed landscapes, breathtaking conservatories, and endless blooms, it’s impossible not to be inspired here. The fountains, however, stole the show. Their intricate designs and graceful displays added a magical element to the already stunning grounds. Watching my mom take it all in, pointing out plants and flowers with the kind of enthusiasm only a true gardener can have, made the experience even more special. It wasn’t just another stop on our journey—it was her dream come true.

Everyday Joys: Wawa & Airstream Life

Of course, no trip of ours would be complete without some daily rituals. One of the funniest (and most delicious) parts of this leg of the journey was how quickly we became obsessed with Wawa. Every morning, without fail, we’d grab a café con leche and a bagel, and honestly, it became one of the highlights of the day. My husband, who has a long-standing love for gas stations (probably stemming from his military and trucking days, where gas stations meant fuel, food, and a quick break), was in heaven. He declared Wawa the king of them all, and I can’t say I disagreed.

And then there was Indy, our sweet old girl, who got her own special treat. We stopped at Orvis and picked up a luxurious orthopedic dog bed for her. She was already spoiled beyond measure, but seeing her curled up comfortably in her new bed inside the Airstream made us so happy. She deserved nothing less than the best, and it felt good to make sure she had her own cozy space as we traveled.

As we packed up and hit the road again, our sights turned toward the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. promised a mix of history, culture, and iconic landmarks, and we couldn’t wait to trade gardens and fountains for monuments and museums. With the memories of Winterthur and Longwood Gardens fresh in our minds—and a slightly overstuffed Airstream full of snacks, souvenirs, and a very content Indy—we were ready for the next chapter of our adventure, discovering the stories and sights that make D.C. such a unique and unforgettable destination.

One of the many gardens and fountains at Longwood Gardens

Winterthur House

One of the gardens at Longwood Gardens

Pretty view of the flowers in the greenhouse in Longwood Gardens

Our sweet Indy girl enjoying her dog bed from Orvis