Kennett Square, PA

OK, it’s been great having temperatures in the 50’s this winter. But when it gets below 30 degrees and the wind blows so hard it keeps me awake at night, I need some respite for my weary mind. So I take myself back to Longwood Gardens in nearby Kennett Square, PA and recall the gorgeous orchids on display in the conservatory in the past.

I know it’s orchid time again, but until I can get myself over there (waiting for a warm and sunny day when the long walk from the visitors’ center won’t freeze my nose off), I will bask in the glory of these orchid photos I took a couple of years ago.

Kennett Square PA 19375 Real Estate Homes for Sale listed by Subdivisions Neighborhoods

Once a year, the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) presents "a pantomime in the British tradition." This means the "dame" is played by a man, the "principal boy" is played by a young woman, and a friendly animal or two are played by, in this case, two girls playing the front and back of a cow.

This is the eleventh year of this madness, begun by imports from England who also imported silly songs, silly jokes, and lots of audience participation. I love to go to the Saturday matinee performance (there is also one Friday night and Saturday night) where there are lots of children in the audience. This year, one of my friends brought eight year old twin grandchildren, and we sat in the front row. What a hoot! The kids loved it, especially Frankie, who said it was the best play he had ever seen!

I downloaded a song near the end of the performance to the tune of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Model of a Modern Major General" from The Pirates of Panzance. See for yourself!

The temperatures have turned cold but there's a warm welcome in the galleries, shops, and restaurants of Historic Kennett Square.

Many businesses are open late on First Friday, this Friday, January 6th 6-9 p.m and offer special exhibits, light refreshments, and good company. Some of the activities happening "around the Square" include:

THE PAPER MARKET ECO BOUTIQUE at 106 West State Street announces a showing of mixed media, watercolors and oil pastels by Unionville artist Charlene Thomforde. They will offer light refreshments throughout the evening.

BYRSA BISTRO at 102 East State Street will have live music on First Friday and is introducing a new chef's specialty.

THE CENTRE FOR VIBRANT LIVING at 115 Marshall Street (behind the post office & library) presents a photographic exhibit of Jose Avila, inspired by poetry, as well as some of Jose's unique pottery. Light refreshments will be served.

WILLOW ON STATE at 331 East State Street is featuring the paintings, sculpture and photography of emerging artists under 25 years old! Pottery, photographs from Kennett Square and the surrounding local region, jewelry by Silvie Waals, sculpture from artist Jeffrey Thomas Bell, and wood carvings from John Rush.

Since our market includes the adjoining state of Pennsylvania, it is interesting to look at the market report for Southern Chester County and compare it to New Castle County, Delaware.

While new listings in NCCo were down for the year 13%, Chester County new listings were down only 3%. For 2011, Closed sales in Delaware were up almost 3%, while the total up to November in Southern Chester County were down almost 5%. Days on the market were up 23% in Delaware, while the number was only half that in Pennsylvania. Median sales prices are similar, with prices down 7.3% in Southern Chester County, while the New Castle figure is down 9%.

So it looks like we need a little Christmas to get things moving in our adjacent markets in Pennsylvania and Delaware!

Since we share the benefits of having Longwood Gardens in our area, I will close with some Christmas trees seen at this great botanic garden and conservatory. The first is from the children at Mary D. Lang School in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and the second is from Carrcroft School in Wilmington, Delaware.