West Chester is considered the 10th-largest city in Pennsylvania and is home to the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. It's located just outside of Philadelphia and is an independent city and borough full of culture and arts.
West Chester began as a village named Turk’s Head, and it was named after the original inn that was placed in the very center of the city’s limits. In 1799, the city became incorporated as West Chester, now named after its location. After becoming an official city, West Chester became a center of industry thanks to its clock production in the 1700s, then it became a center for wheel-making over the next century. During the early 1900s, Sharples, a cream-separating company, provided the people of West Chester with plenty of opportunities for employment. In the 1980s, the tradition of industry in West Chester continued with a pioneer of home computers, Commodore International, setting up headquarters in the city.
Today, the popular shopping channel QVC has its studios and headquarters in West Chester. Visitors to the area can take a tour of the studios, some of which once were once part of Commodore International headquarters. There are also many historic buildings located in West Chester, most of which are inside of the West Chester Downtown Historic District. Other historic places in the city include the Bank of Chester County, the Butler House, the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, and the New Century Clubhouse, all of which were constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors to West Chester can peek further into the history of the city by visiting the Helicopter Museum, Chester County History Center, and Brandywine Battle Museum. After a day or two of diving into the history of the area, visitors can also enjoy the local arts and culture by seeing the Brandywine Ballet or visiting the Brandywine River Art Museum. There are also many breweries and wineries to check out, from the Victory Brewing company to the Penns Woods Winery.
Chester County Restaurant/Food Truck Festival - Annually in September, West Chester shows off its local cuisine with a day-long festival downtown.
Movies in the Park Night - On the first Friday of every summer month, West Chester presents a classic film in one of their community parks. The event is free to attend.
Concerts in the Parks - During the summer months in West Chester, you can catch a band playing a concert in one of the community's parks during their scheduled concert days.
Nearby Washington D.C. is Shenandoah National Park, a park home to vast mountain ranges and scenic views. Inside the park, visitors will find part of the Appalachian Trail and forested canyons ready for hiking.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is another great national park to visit for hiking and biking opportunities. With over 125 miles of marked trails and more than 100 waterfalls to explore, visitors can spend days seeing what the park has to offer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a park that encompasses sections of Tennessee and North Carolina. This park may be known for its population of bears, but it's also the largest national park in the eastern United States. Hiking and biking in the mountains are popular activities here as well, and there are multiple ranger-led events hosted regularly.
French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania is home to two lakes and is the ideal destination for water sports. Hunting is also permitted on this 6,000+ acre land.
Lums Pond State Park in Delaware is known for its fairly new zip-lining course that cuts through the woods. It's also centered around a fishing pond that visitors young and old come to enjoy.
Susquehanna State Park in Maryland is another nearby park that has an on-site campground with full hookups and water lines. Here, you can go fishing, hiking, and biking any time of year.
Perhaps some of the most popular landmarks near West Chester are the city's historic buildings like the Joseph Price House and John Chads' House. These buildings are homes for city residents that were built in the 1700s and 1800s but are now open for public tours and are listed on the national historic building registry.
There are some covered bridges to see in West Chester, too, like the Hayes Clark Covered Bridge and the Bartram Covered Bridge. The majority of these bridges were built in the 1800s and are adjacent to park and picnic shelter areas. Plenty of locals enjoy taking family photos at these bridges as well.
When you're in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, area, be sure to check out the National Memorial Arch. This large concrete arch is dedicated to the first U.S. president, General George Washington, and his continental army that fought in the United States Revolutionary War.
The Philadelphia/West Chester KOA campground is a top pick for RV users in the West Chester area. This campground includes all hookups and an on-site mini-golf course and a swimming pool. You may also want to check out the Brandywine Creek State Park Campground, which is a state-owned campground close to plenty of hiking trails. Another great option is the Hidden Acres Campground in Coatesville, a site that also features a pool and bathroom facilities.
When renting an RV in West Chester, PA, you can expect to pay around $250 a night for motorhomes and $110 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my West Chester, PA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my West Chester, PA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my West Chester, PA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.