The Chadds Ford Historical Society will offer free tours and cooking demonstrations by costumed colonial guides at the Barns-Brinton House and the John Chads House on Memorial Day weekend, May 28 & 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. 

Visitors will learn about the colorful past of the Barns-Brinton House, an historic tavern that once sheltered travelers and provided food and drink on “Ye Great Road to Nottingham.” Colonial culinary experts will show how to make popular 18^th-century beverages such as mead and hot toddies and several seasonal dishes. Junior guides will demonstrate candle dipping. The Barns-Brinton House is located on Route 1, two miles west of Route 100, next to the Chaddsford Winery. 

At the John Chads House Quaker domestic life will be highlighted. Veteran breadbaker Lise Taylor will be turning out fragrant loaves from the beehive oven in the kitchen. The John Chads House is on Route 100, ¼ mile north of Route 1, opposite the Chadds Ford Historical Society. 

The free tours are sponsored by the Chadds Ford Historical Society which owns and operates the two restored 18^th-century houses. The Historical Society’s headquarters on Route 100 will also be open and currently features an art exhibit entitled “Changing Times: Chadds Ford People & Places.” For information call 610-388-7376. 

Also on tap for Memorial Day Weekend: Next to the Barns-Brinton House the Chaddsford Winery will hold its annual Brandywine River Blues Fest, a three-day wine and food festival featuring six blues bands under the big top, wine tastings and picnicking. For information call (610) 388-6221 or visit www.chaddsford.com.

Links: Cooking Demos Page