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Longwood Gardens - A Winter Wonderland

Walking in a winter wonderland is possible at Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, Pennsylvania.

Millions of glistening lights lit the paths throughout Longwood Gardens and we couldn't help but feel that Christmas spirit in the air.

We picked our kids up a little early from school last Friday(shh, don’t tell) and visited this popular holiday destination.

We decided to eat dinner as soon as we got there to beat the crowds and that was a good move. We ate in the "Lodge Room" of the Café, a cozy room with a fireplace, rustic atmosphere and views of the gardens. The outside lights were just turning on so it was quite pretty to see. The Café is cafeteria style but the food is not. Our dinner was delicious. They had soup, sandwiches and fancier entrees too.

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The conservatory was our first stop. It was adorned with giant poinsettias in peach and red and white. There were beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Some were all green and gold. Others were white and silver. There was a holiday table set up in one of the rooms in the middle of decorated trees and colorful flowers. It was amazing. I don’t know what kind of function was taking place but what an event it must have been.

We wandered around inside for a little while and enjoyed the fragrant air along with the sparkling lights and festive plants and flowers. The children’s area was buzzing with boys and girls running and playing, you know how kids act the week before Santa comes.

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We headed outside and stopped at the convenient hot chocolate stand. My husband and I shared a hot chocolate with Baileys, perfect to sip while walking on a chilly night and the girls had their own cups of cocoa.

We strolled along enjoying the crisp air and the Christmas energy. There were floating trees, trees wrapped in colored lights, giant snowflakes and a fountain that turned colors and danced along to Christmas carols.

The gardens were elegantly decorated with a touch of whimsy here and there. My favorite part of the display was what looked like flowers on one side of the lake. There were long stemmed lights that seemed to wave with the wind as the colors changed from white to yellow to orange to pink to purple and blue - so pretty.

Longwood Gardens was a perfect place to spend the late afternoon and early evening. I needed a little Christmas and I got it. We would definitely do this again as it felt like we were really walking in a winter wonderland.  The only thing missing was a little snow.

This week we will drive around town and check out the lights, any suggestions?

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