This Small Town In Pennsylvania Is The Original Mushroom Capital And You’ll Want To Visit
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 10, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Pennsylvania and its towns boast some pretty impressive titles. Snack Food Capital of the World (PA). Christmas Tree Capital of the World (Indiana, PA). But, that’s not all. One small town in Pennsylvania is so well-known for its production of those adorable little fungi that Smurfs live in that it has earned the moniker “Mushroom Capital of the World.” Here’s why.
Stretching a little over a mile in size, the small town of Kennett Square has become well-known throughout the world for its epic mushroom production.
The farms in the small town churn out approximately a million pounds of mushrooms every day. In fact, Kennett Square produces half of all of the mushrooms sold in the United States. Pretty impressive, huh?
But, Kennett Square in Chester County became the Mushroom Capital of the World quite by accident. Mushrooms, of course, can be grown anywhere, even indoors.
Local legend tells the tale of several Quakers who, perturbed at the extra space in their gardens, decided to grow mushrooms, using spores they retrieved from Europe. They first planted their mushrooms in the late 1880s. Chester County, by the 1950s, laid claim to hundreds of mushroom farmers.
Today, Kennett Square fully embraces and celebrates its designation as The Mushroom Capital of the World. Every September, the quaint town hosts the Mushroom Festival. Festival goers watch a parade, visit vendors, and enjoy mushrooms.
Of course, Kennett Square has found other ways to celebrate the mushroom, too. Townspeople gather around a massive mushroom on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, the mushroom drops.
And, watch a video to learn more about Chester County's epic mushroom industry. The shop also features a Mushroom Exhibit, brimming with artifacts and artwork.
Another must stop on your visit to Kennett Square is The Woodlands at Phillips. The enchanting shop offers a variety of products, including fresh mushrooms, dried mushrooms, and jarred mushrooms.
After exploring the mushroom-related sights, explore Pennsylvania's most popular gardens, Longwood Gardens. Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery and Paradocx Vineyard are among other popular attractions in Kennett Square.
Have you ever been to the small town in Pennsylvania that’s earned the title of the Mushroom Capital of the World? Or, do you plan on visiting? Share in the comments! Did you know that another small town in Pennsylvania just happens to be the Christmas Tree Capital of the World? Click here to read more.
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