Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Nestled into the hills of southern Pennsylvania, halfway between the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia and the quiet Amish country of Lancaster, Longwood Gardens is one of, if not the premiere horticultural destinations anywhere in the United States. These gorgeously maintained outdoor gardens and indoor greenhouses can transport visitors to the brilliant beauty of the tropics, the breezy air of the Mediterranean, and everywhere in between.
And since Longwood Gardens is so close to Lancaster County, it’s the perfect centerpiece of an entire RV-driven vacation to Amish country and the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. As you prepare to pack the family in to your next RV rental and head for the flowers, here’s everything you need to know to make it a vacation you won’t soon forget
Longwood Gardens is home to no less than 25 distinct outdoor gardens to get lost in—offering tranquil wooded walks, beautifully flowered meadows, peaceful lakes, and stunning architecture. Start with a jaunt through the Meadow Garden, which is home to thousands of flowers and the birds and bees that are attracted to them. Attractions like the Peony Garden, Flower Garden Walk, and Rose Arbor shine a spotlight on specific flower species in a blazing display of color. Trails through the park’s wooded areas promise meditation and a glimpse of beautiful buildings like the Canopy Cathedral and Birdhouse, which offer bird’s eye views of the gardens below.
There are guided tours available, which might be the best way to see everything the gardens have to offer. Tours like the Longwood Story offer a look into the history of the gardens and educate visitors in horticulture and the great diversity of plant life to be found throughout the grounds. Click here to learn more about scheduling a tour.
A walk through Longwood Garden’s 20 different indoor gardens is like a trip around the world. Inside the climate-controlled facilities, the horticulturists of Longwood are free to construct self-contained microcosms of flora from every corner of the globe. The Bonsai Display introduces guests to the ancient Japanese art of bonsai growing. The Mediterranean Garden features plants grown around the great sea itself, and the Banana House transports visitors to the tropics with its 30-foot banana trees and gorgeous flowers.
Other indoor gardens specialize in offering a look at specific types of plants rather than regions of the world. Case in point: The Estate Fruit House, which is home to nectarines, grapes, lemons, figs, tomatoes, and all kinds of delicious plants. The Orchid House is awash in a colorful display of orchids, the Fern Passage is a cool walk through leafy green plants, and the Rose House is the destination for fans of roses in any color. Learn more about the park’s many indoor gardens here.
Though it’s technically one of Longwood Gardens’ many indoor gardens, the Indoor Children’s Garden is worth its own spot on its list for its uniqueness alone. While people of all ages can enjoy botanical gardens for their peaceful beauty, this special garden is a place for kids to cut loose a little while learning about horticulture in an environment that’s designed just for them.
The entire Indoor Children’s Garden was built with small bodies and hands in mind, offering hands-on water displays and secret stairways just waiting for your little ones to discover. Families enjoy putting on scavenger hunts in the garden, which are often facilitated by the staff and help kids make the most of their visit. Learn more about this special exhibit here.
The Main Fountain Garden in Longwood Gardens is reminiscent of the beautiful landscape of the palace at Versailles. The namesake fountain rests atop the garden’s promenade and has to be seen to be believed, especially when it’s time for a fountain performance. Throughout the day, the fountains come to life in a beautiful, 12-minute show that’s sure to wow visitors of all ages. On Friday and Saturday nights, there’s a special illuminated fountain show that dazzles in all the color you’d expect to see in the flowering gardens themselves.
But the fountains aren’t the only performers who put on shows in Longwood Gardens. The park’s special Theatre Gardens are a world-class music venue, hosting excellent acts like The Indigo Girls, Straight No Chaser, and other local and global acts. To see what’s happening in the Theatre Garden during your visit and get a schedule for the fountain performances, click here.
As the seasons bring changes to the plant life in Pennsylvania and around the world, so, too, do they bring with them special events and displays at Lancaster Gardens. No matter when you’re planning your visit, there will be some form of seasonal event or attraction meant to highlight the spirit of the season and the changing nature of plant life.
In the winter, Orchid Extravaganza paints a stark contrast between the colorful orchids on display inside and the barren, white landscape buried beneath the snow outside. From November to January, Longwood Christmas adds gorgeous light displays throughout the entire gardens, plus seasonal plant displays like poinsettias. From March to May, the Spring Blooms season shines a light on the explosion of color outside as flowers first bloom and paint the landscape. With the crisp autumn air, the colors begin to change again as trees blaze in reds, yellows, and oranges, and the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum indoor display celebrates the beauty of fall. Learn more about these and other seasonal events here.
Located on 115 acres in New Holland, Pennsylvania, Spring Gulch Resort Campground is a true RV getaway in the heart of Amish country. Spring Gulch offers full hookup sites, plus great amenities like two Olympic-sized swimming pools, a fishing lake with white sand beaches, and special themed weekends for family fun year-round.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, and the one in Quarryville is no exception. If you’re bringing little ones along for your trip to the gardens, a stay at Jellystone offers a massive waterpark playground. With the fishing, hiking, hot tubs, mini golf and jumping pillow, this is one campground all ages are sure to enjoy.
Bird-in-Hand’s Country Acres Campground in Lancaster is the perfect RV park for anybody looking to enjoy everything Amish country has to offer. Not only is it close to Longwood Gardens, but also to all of the Dutch theatres, shopping, and famous smorgasbord restaurants that attract visitors from near and far.
A visit to Oma’s Family Campground in tiny Kirkwood, Pennsylvania is truly like a trip to grandma’s farm. Snag one of the park’s shaded RV sites with full hookup and watch the Amish farmers work their fields in the distance. The roads in and out of this park are also dotted with Amish merchants selling fresh produce, breads, and other goodies sure to complete your stay.
Hidden Acres Campground is a quiet oasis in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Off the beaten path, this quaint park offers 30-amp and 50-amp RV hookup sites and plenty of amenities to make for a true getaway from the everyday. Kids love the super long slide at the playground, and you’ll love the swimming pool, on-site laundry facilities, camp store, and freshwater fishing pond.
The Terrace at Longwood Gardens offers several dining options depending on what you’re looking for. 1906 is a reservation-only restaurant offering prix fixe lunch and dinner options that are sure to delight. For a more casual experience, the Café and Beer Gardens offers an
à la carte menu perfect for families as well as a chance to enjoy a local brew in a gorgeous setting. Learn more at the Longwood Gardens website.
Longwood Gardens maintains close partnerships with many restaurants in the local area that often offer discounts when you show up with your Longwood Gardens admission ticket. Get a full list of participating restaurants, including seafood, international, brewery, and other options, here. Also keep in mind that Longwood Gardens is a short drive both from Philadelphia and from the Amish eateries of Lancaster County. In other words, a trip to Lancaster Gardens means you’ll be able to find something incredible to eat, whatever you’re in the mood for.