Good morning, West Chester.

Christa Barfield left medicine to start FarmerJawn and now runs a 123-acre farm with 26 workers growing tomatoes, corn, and greens in West Chester.

She will open the Kensington food-and-medicine store, CornerJawn, on Oct. 1+ aiming to offer local residents regenerative, organic food and engage schools in farming education.

Nemours Estate, a 77-room French château built in 1909 by Alfred I. du Pont with Versailles-style gardens, is located 30-40 minutes from West Chester and open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April 1 to Dec.

30; the Sunken Garden (expected to reopen in spring 2027).

County Lines Magazine explains that Chester County’s Revolutionary-era stone houses show how early families used local materials and smart design to build self-sufficient homes built to survive harsh winters and wartime uncertainty — a story that invites local residents to appreciate our shared heritage.

The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust is hosting its fourth annual Cider Fest on Saturday, Sept.

26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Mill in Chester Springs, where fresh-pressed cider, live music, traditional demonstrations and family activities including interactions with local first responders will mark the season.

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square will host its Electric 80s Fireworks & Fountains Show on Saturday, Sept.

26 at 8:15 p.m.—the event combines pyrotechnics with a live 80s soundtrack and offers a Jazz Age music performance from 5 to 7:45 p.m., with tickets including all-day admission.

Longwood Gardens has updated its membership program with five levels—from Solo at $120 to Premium at $775—offering year-round entry, two guest tickets, discounts, and various perks.

Visitors select the membership that fits their visit habits as some levels require timed reservations while Premium allows same-day re-entry during busy seasons.

West Chester University earned its sixth HEED Award from Insight Into Academia for academic excellence and community building.

The recognition will be featured in the October issue and spotlights programs like the Frederick Douglass Institute lecture & the Parenting Pathways Program.

Chester County seventh graders get a free YMCA membership through the 7th Grade Initiative, which gives access to swimming, fitness and sports during seventh grade and the following summer — parents can enroll students online or at local YMCA centers.

West Chester University is hosting free fall sustainability events that include campus tours, weekly seminars, and a plastics and health panel.

The first tour meets Sept. 22 at The Commons at noon, and the panel runs on Oct. 22 at 50 Sharpless St + the Sustainability Council meets later in October.

Drivers on eastbound U.S. 30 will face nighttime delays from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from Monday until Saturday due to pavement repairs and line painting between U.S. 322 and Route 113 as part of a $6.8 million sinkhole remediation project (financed by federal and state funds) in Chester County.

A new guide spotlights 12 local cheesesteak spots from West Chester to Oxford where diners can enjoy classic cuts and unique twists like freshly baked rolls and counters dating back to 1946.

Food lovers can explore options that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.