Brandywine Valley Businesses Receive Holiday Bonus from Longwood Gardens

As December ushers in significantly colder temperatures, the Brandywine Valley area, particularly Kennett Square, experiences a bustling season unusual for this time of year. Business owners like Jeff Hulbert, co-owner of Portabello’s restaurant in Kennett Square, compare the current vibrancy to the peak summer weeks at New Jersey’s shore. The ongoing success is attributed to the annual “Longwood Christmas” festival, which serves as a vital economic driver not only for Kennett Square but for surrounding communities as well.

Cheryl B. Kuhn, CEO of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, characterizes the festival as an economic engine, remarking on its significant role in the area’s growth. The event draws an influx of visitors, with many spending time dining and shopping in downtown Kennett Square during their visits to Longwood Gardens.

The Kennett Square area has embodied the holiday spirit proactively this year, with local merchants illuminating decorations and holding a parade a week earlier than typical, coinciding with the opening of Longwood’s 500,000-light display. This anticipation has reportedly resulted in a surge in foot traffic reminiscent of summer tourism, prompting local businesses, including restaurants and shops, to prepare for increased demand.

During the previous holiday season, Longwood Gardens attracted approximately 650,000 visitors, accounting for one-third of its annual foot traffic. Many of these visitors are expected to explore downtown Kennett Square, contributing to robust sales for the local economy. Daniel Embree, executive director of the Kennett Collaborative, noted that the early start to holiday festivities has already yielded record-breaking sales for merchants during Thanksgiving week.

Longwood Gardens itself is a prominent horticultural attraction located on approximately 1,100 acres. With a history dating back to its opening in 1921, the gardens have become a hallmark of tourism in the region. In the last fiscal year alone, Longwood welcomed around 1.78 million visitors, contributing significantly to local revenue through admissions and related spending.

The gardens’ recent 0 million “Longwood Reimagined” investment has further enhanced its appeal. Local officials maintain that this investment has not only increased tourist numbers but has also indirectly boosted property values across Kennett Square, which has witnessed a 30% rise in commercial property values over the past two decades.

Kennett Square, characterized by a diverse population and a vibrant local economy powered by the mushroom industry, currently has roughly 6,000 residents. However, the presence of Longwood Gardens generates substantial business opportunities, increasing the town’s restaurant seating capacity to 2,000 and supporting approximately 150 businesses in the downtown area. As the winter season progresses, the collaboration between local businesses and Longwood Gardens continues to shape the economic landscape, underscoring the significance of this well-known botanical garden in boosting tourism and promoting local commerce.

Overall, the synergistic relationship between Longwood Gardens and Kennett Square serves as a testament to how cultural attractions can profoundly impact local economies, especially during the holiday season.