Visitors with an extra day or so to spend should take in the sites of historic Brandywine River Valley, southeast of Philadelphia and just north of Wilmington, Del.

First on your list should be Longwood Gardens, one of the world's greatest horticultural showcases. With over 11,000 plants, 350 acres of outdoor gardens, 3-1/2 acres of heated conservatories, greenhouses, and three sets of dancing fountains, there is no such thing as an off-season. In such a beautiful and elaborate venue, you might even find inspiration from one of the many gardens for your own property.

In nearby Chadds Ford, at the Brandywine River Museum, visitors can see the greatest collection of Wyeths in the world. An entire gallery is devoted to the paintings of Andrew Wyeth, with illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, father of Andrew, and works by Jamie Wyeth, his son.

On your way back from the last stop on your tour visit Winterthur Museum and Gardens, which houses the nation's largest collection of early American decorative arts, and 1,000 acres of meticulously landscaped meadows and woodlands. If you take a close look here, you might find some garden furniture you would like for your summer house. You might want to learn about the art of wine-making and sample some of the award-winning vintages at Chaddsford Winery, a fitting conclusion to a well-spent day.

Hopefully you will realize the wealth of history, entertainment and natural beauty in this area and will choose to return for a longer look.