Pennsylvania

Flower Show, Barnes Foundation & Gardens: Three Nights in Philly

Program No. 20363RJ
In Philadelphia — home to America’s first horticultural society — experience the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show. Plus, enjoy insider access to iconic Longwood Gardens!

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

The fabulous Philadelphia Flower Show, an internationally renowned treasure, is America’s oldest and grandest indoor horticultural display. Explore breathtaking exhibits presenting the talents of designers and landscapers who “force” perennials, shrubs and trees into bloom to create full-scale gardens and floral displays.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on busy city streets. Extensive walking at the Flower Show itself; wheelchairs are available at the show if needed.

What You'll Learn

  • Attend the Flower Show with limited free time to explore on your own.
  • Explore the unique Barnes Foundation at its magnificent new Philadelphia campus.
  • In a private exploration of Longwood Gardens, see what it takes to maintain its indoor and outdoor gardens, then enter another time at Winterthur, with its priceless art, antiques and 60-acre garden.

General Notes

An extended five-night version of this program which gives you early morning access to The Flower Show is also available on "Flower Show, Barnes Foundation & Gardens: Five Nights in Philly" (#20362). For details, see www.roadscholar.org/20362 or call toll free at (877) 426-8056.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Jenny Rose Carey
Jenny Rose is an educator, historian, author and former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. An avid, hands-on gardener who has worked in both England and the United States, she has lectured nationally and internationally for many years. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series 'The Victory Garden' and in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grow magazine and the Pennsylvania Gardener. Her latest book, 'Glorious Shade,' was released in 2017.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth Anderson View biography
Elizabeth earned a master’s in Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she served as curator, for 40 years. She presented lectures on art history and gallery talks at the museum and has taught at LaSalle, Drexel and Princeton Universities. Elizabeth is a former secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Museum Council of Philadelphia. She also serves as trustee of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
Profile Image of Tish Byrne
Tish Byrne View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Profile Image of Mitchell Kramer
Mitchell Kramer View biography
Mitchell Kramer has a B.A. in playwriting from Hampshire College and attended Circle in the Square acting conservatory. He has worked off-Broadway and in regional theater including the New York Theater Workshop and Dorset Theater Festival. He is a costumed Historic Interpreter portraying Benjamin Franklin in Old City Philadelphia. Mitchell has written and produced plays for children and adults and a series of historically accurate stories about 18th century Philadelphia for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. He is on the Board of Directors of Mount Sinai Cemetery.
Profile Image of Jenny Rose Carey
Jenny Rose Carey View biography
Jenny Rose is an educator, historian, author and former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. An avid, hands-on gardener who has worked in both England and the United States, she has lectured nationally and internationally for many years. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series 'The Victory Garden' and in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grow magazine and the Pennsylvania Gardener. Her latest book, 'Glorious Shade,' was released in 2017.
Profile Image of Lauren Kain
Lauren Kain View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Profile Image of Kirk Brown
Kirk Brown View biography
Kirk Brown has won landscape design awards from the Perennial Plant Association, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, and Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association. He represented Joanne Kostecky Garden Design as a leader in the design/build industry. He is a past president of www.GardenComm.com and in 2021 was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He worked as Outreach Coordinator for America’s Oldest Ornamental Garden. He has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses, guest lectures, teaching symposiums, and certified instruction over the past quarter century.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2025
  • 2025
Date
Mar 07 - Mar 10
  • Mar 02 - Mar 05
  • Mar 07 - Mar 10
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Please note that the program itinerary will vary by date.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2025
  • 2025
Mar 07 - Mar 10
  • Mar 02 - Mar 05
  • Mar 07 - Mar 10
Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2025 Itinerary Differences: Please note that the program itinerary will vary by date.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
4 days
3 nights
7 meals
3 B 1 L 3 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Philadelphia, PA
D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 4:30p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to- date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader, presenting lectures and conducting field trips. + local experts. Program-related travel and transfers will be by private bus unless otherwise specified. We will have meals in the hotel dining room and local restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a restaurant close to the hotel. If arriving late, please email Lauren Kain, lkain@philalandmarks.org

Evening: We will be joined by a local expert for a lecture on the history of the Flower Show. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Flower Show, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Performance
Philadelphia, PA
B,D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 4 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Extensive walking at Convention Center; wheelchairs are available at no charge but must be reserved in advance via Philadelphia Landmarks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to explore the Philadelphia Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor flower show in the world, whose theme is always a celebration of the blending of culture, and art relating to the designs of gardens. During this self-directed exploration, we will have time to view the floral displays of our choice and to participate in available demonstrations and lectures. Those who wish to stay on at the Flower Show to explore independently during the afternoon (and forego the Philadelphia Museum of Art field trip) are welcome do to so.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We recommend Reading Terminal Market, adjacent to the Convention Center where the Flower Show takes place. This historic urban farmers’ market had its origins in the 19th century. It is now a foodie paradise, replete with locally grown produce, Amish merchants, and exotic specialties from around the world.

Afternoon: We will ride to the Philadelphia Museum of Art where a local expert will introduce some of the highlights of its incomparable galleries. Among the greatest in the U.S., the Museum has a collection of more than 227,000 works of art spanning the creative achievements of the Western world since the first century CE and those of Asia since the third millennium BCE. Its European holdings date from the Medieval era to the present, and the American collections are among the finest in the country. Following our expert-led exploration, we will have some time to see what interests each of us most. The motorcoach will return to the hotel at 4:00 p.m. Alternatively, those who wish to return independently are welcome to do so. The #38 public bus leaves from the West Entrance steps of the museum and stops at Broad and Locust Street, the location of the Doubletree Hotel. Seniors with Medicare cards can travel for $2.50 on SEPTA public buses.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: We will walk two blocks from the hotel to the Kimmel Center for a performance from current offerings at the time of the program. Our program was planned far in advance when details were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

DAY
3
Winterthur, Longwood Gardens, John Bartram Lecture
Philadelphia, PA
B,L,D
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Extensive walking at Winterthur according to personal preference; generally even terrain At Longwood, wheelchairs available for rental fee of $4; electric scooters $25.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out by motorcoach for a full day of field trips. Our first study site will be to one of America’s treasures, the Winterthur estate in the Brandywine Valley. The first members of the du Pont family arrived in America from France on January 1, 1800, settling in the Brandywine Valley. Winterthur (pronounced winter-tour) began in 1837 as a 12-room house on 450 acres. It remained in the family, growing and developing over several generations. The magnificent estate we see today is largely the work of Henry Francis du Pont, who was born at Winterthur in 1880. Throughout his life, he added to the facilities, the exquisitely landscaped gardens, and his beloved family home. H. F. was an avid collector of American antiques and decorative arts, expanding the house and filling it exceptional rooms and museum quality pieces. He opened it to the public in 1951. Winterthur is now the premier museum of American decorative arts. Its 175 rooms are filled with nearly 90,000 objects displayed much as they were when the du Pont family lived here. We will divide into small groups for private explorations with Winterthur educators. Depending on the weather, we may also have an opportunity to meander through a re-created woodland path offering vistas of the lovely Winterthur Garden.

Lunch: At Winterthur.

Afternoon: Next, we will then to Longwood, one of the world’s great gardens, for an expert-led exploration. The Lenni-Lenape people — ancestors of the Delaware Tribe of Indians — lived and cultivated these lands for thousands of years. In 1700, a Quaker family acquired several hundred acres they began clearing and farming, eventually establishing an arboretum. Pierre S. du Pont, a passionate gardener, bought it in 1906. Inspired by his travels to see great gardens of Europe, he set about transforming the farm into what would become Longwood Gardens. He built a grand, 4-acre conservatory housing a perpetual flower show, added fountains to the expanding outdoor themed gardens and landscapes, and in the process became one of America’s most influential gardeners. Longwood is his living legacy, now spanning 1,077 acres. We’ll return to the hotel from Longwood with expected arrival before approximately 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, we’ll gather for a lecture on John Bartram, a Philadelphia botanist known as “greatest natural botanist in the world.”

DAY
4
Barnes Foundation on the Parkway, Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
B

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 4 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. At Barnes Foundation, wheelchairs available at no cost; benches for sitting in every gallery. Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. Bags can be stored with the concierge.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board the motorcoach and ride to The Barnes Foundation on the Parkway where we will explore the collection and galleries with a Barnes educator. This extraordinary collection, one of the greatest private art collections anywhere, got its start in 1912 when Dr. Barnes sent an artist friend to Paris to acquire modern paintings. Dr. Barnes himself began collecting what became a sophisticated trove of artistic treasures including old masterworks, Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and early modern paintings with numerous works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso — the greatest collection of Post-Impressionist art outside Paris. Dr. Barnes also collected Native American fine crafts; early American furniture and decorative art; and African sculpture. Uniquely, he displayed his collection in self-designed “ensembles” where he arranged masterpieces amid other objects. The exceptional, state-of-the-art Barnes on the Parkway facility opened in 2012. There are 15 viewing galleries with benches in each room; wheelchairs available at no charge. We will return to the hotel at 12:30 p.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






Recommended For You

loading spinner