top of page

The Extras

Optional Wednesday tour (additional cost), open private gardens, and assistance on sightseeing (gardens or otherwise).
Make the most of your visit to Philadelphia!
Optional small-coach Wednesday tour: Philly self-tour
June 20, 10:00 - 3:30
Cost: $35. Maximum 60 attendees. SOLD OUT! (Taking names for waiting list.)

Bringing you the best of Philadelphia! The trip includes mini-bus transportation for:

A visit to the arboretum of the Barnes Foundation (site of the original gallery), where you'll see the only American Hosta Society National Display Garden on the East Coast. The arboretum also houses an extensive fern collection, and over a dozen Pennsylvania state champion trees. Free entry for AHS.

A scenic drive into the heart of Philadelphia, where you can board a Big Bus tour to take you to all the major Philly sites, or just to visit a single museum. Big Bus tickets may be purchased in advance for a discounted price. Art lovers may instead choose to hop off our mini-bus at the renowned Barnes Collection gallery; pre-purchased tickets are required (estimated arrival time 12:30 p.m.).

Lunch on your own, which could mean a visit to the incredible Reading Terminal Market. Visitors to the Barnes Collection might choose Pizzeria Vetri's location on Callowhill, just behind the museum.

If there is sufficient interest, we may be able to negotiate for discounted rates at the Barnes or for the Big Bus passes.

Self-drive Tuesday or Wednesday tours
June 19-20
A visit to America's Garden Capital

With 34 public-access gardens on that list (including MillFleurs and Longwood, already on our itinerary), there are too many to fit into a day.

We suggest visiting one or two of these:

  • Barnes Foundation Arboretum, which includes an American Hosta Society National Display Garden
    (Note: while the Arboretum is not typically open to the public these days, they will open for AHS Conventioneers on Wednesday.)

  • Chanticleer, an eye-popping estate garden that has become one of the most photographed gardens in America

  • Jenkins Arboretum

  • PHS Meadowbrook Farms, an arboretum and retail nursery run by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (of Philadelphia Flower Show fame)

  • Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

  • Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College, site of the first convention of AHS members.

Each of these is within about 30 minutes of the convention hotel. Use our Facebook page to find other attendees for carpooling, or reach out to us using our contact form for assistance.

A visit to AHS member gardens on the way (or off the way) (tentative listing; details provided to registrants)

A number of hosta gardens outside the convention area will be open to convention attendees on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Sunday.

  • Roberta and Dave Chopko, Boonton, NJ. Worth a special trip to see one of the most extensive hosta collections in the country .
    Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday noon - 6 pm.

  • Gail and David Russo, Cedarville, NJ. Another of the most extensive collections in the country, in south Jersey. See the astounding pictures on Gail's Facebook page. Monday &Tuesday 8 am-dusk, Wednesday 8 am-3 pm, Sunday 8 am-?

  • Steve Buckwalter, Landisville, PA. Steve is building a nice collection. Stop here if you're making a visit to Amish country for sight-seeing.
    Sunday 10 am - 6 pm.

  • Don't forget Russell Gardens Wholesale, open for sales to convention attendees on Tuesday (AHGA gathering 10 am - 3 pm) and Wednesday.

 

Philadelphia is Phantastic!

If you just want to Visit Philly, go to the source: Top 25 Attractions. Craft your own itinerary or reach out to us for advice!

bottom of page