State Street, Kennett Square, PA
Did you know that mushroom farming in the region produces over a million pounds of mushrooms a day? This is about 60% of the mushrooms produced in the entire country. It is why Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Kennett Square is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and has been in existence even before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It has been featured on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999 due to its heritage and history, with 507 protected buildings that were built in a variety of popular architectural styles including Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Federal Between 1875 and 1924.
The region known as Kennett Square was originally occupied by Lenape Tribe members before it became a camp for British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In addition, the town became a military encampment during the War of 1812, and many prominent citizens aided with the Underground Railroad, making this a site with a very rich history.
STATE STREET
At the center of Kennett Square lies a charming main street thoroughfare known as State Street. This street is the home of many different eateries, shops, and locally owned businesses. Many locals and visitors alike gather here for the welcoming atmosphere and small-town feel that can be hard to come by in a more industrial and modern age. This area is enjoyed by many outside visitors due to its proximity to Longwood Gardens, a popular attraction that features 1,077 acres of beautiful gardens, meadows, fountains, exhibits, and more, that tourists enjoy year round.
UNIQUE EVENTS AND COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY
Each year, Kennett Square is the site of many unique events, including the annual Mushroom Festival that takes place in September. This nationally-recognized event takes place over two days and attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year. Through a grants program, the Mushroom Festival awards proceeds to local non-profit organizations, which has added up to over $1.1 million to date.
The community in Kennett Square cares deeply about the town and works to ensure that each of its residents and visitors feel that they can belong and thrive. Organizations like Kennett Collaborative show the dedication that these individuals have to building a prosperous community through events and programs that cater to all walks of life. They introduce many different initiatives to nurture a flourishing neighborhood, including:
- Kennett Blooms: A placemaking initiative that takes place in the spring and summer months to install new planters and gardenscapes
- Christmas in Kennett: A placemaking initiative that takes place in winter to set up lights along State Street, put up a town Christmas tree, and install seasonal planters
- Memorial Day Parade: This is the area’s largest and most diverse hometown parade that is both fun and family-friendly
- Kennett Summerfest: This Summerfest Wine and Food Festival provides locals and tourists with an opportunity to taste fine local wines, culinary delights, view floral displays, and listen to live music
STATE STREET SMALL BUSINESSES
MRS. ROBINSON'S TEA SHOP
A welcoming specialty tea shop in the heart of Kennett Square that features over 250 teas in both loose leaf and tea bags
THE MUSHROOM CAP
Sellers of fresh mushrooms as well as mushroom snacks, sauces, and recipes in the Mushroom Capital of the World
LA VERONA RESTAURANT
Refined Italian restaurant serving pastas, pizzas, and more made from authentic ingredients and handmade dough
TALULA'S TABLE
A gourmet market that offers a selection of homemade specialty foods as well as imported goods from around the world
SHOPPE MARCHÉ
Unique lifestyle goods boutique that carries an assortment of furniture, home décor, women's clothing, and more from around the globe
PHILTER COFFEE
Modern-rustic coffee shop serving high-quality, handcrafted coffee and espresso as well as gourmet pastries, breakfast, and lunch