Just a short 40-minute drive from Philadelphia sits Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, a charming borough with a claim to fame that might surprise you. Known as the ‘Mushroom Capital of the World‘, this town produces more than half of all mushrooms grown in the United States. With fewer than 7,000 residents, Kennett Square proves that sometimes the smallest places leave the biggest mark.
🍄 How mushrooms took root here
In the late 1800s, florist William Swayne glanced at the empty space beneath his greenhouse benches and imagined something new. He ordered mushroom spawn from England, tested it out, and when the crop flourished, he built Kennett Square’s very first mushroom house.
His son, J. Bancroft Swayne, returned from college and grew the experiment into a thriving business, adding more mushroom houses, a spawn plant, and even a cannery.
That single spark of curiosity not only changed the Swayne family’s future but also set Kennett Square on the path to becoming the ‘Mushroom Capital of the World‘.
Over time, entire families built their livelihoods around mushroom houses, passing down growing knowledge through generations.
Today, Chester County –which includes Kennett Square – is home to more than 60 commercial mushroom farms, making it the undisputed center of U.S. mushroom production.
🍄🟫 Why Kennett Square?
The success wasn’t just luck. Kennett Square had:
- Proximity to major markets like Philadelphia and New York, critical for shipping fresh mushrooms before refrigeration.
- Perfect growing substrate, with compost made from horse manure, straw, corn cobs, and cocoa shells sources from nearby farms and factories.
- A hardworking community, where immigrant families and local residents built a culture of resilience and innovation.
🎉 The Mushroom Festival: A mile of flavor
Every September, Kennett Square throws its biggest party of the year- the Kennet Square Mushroom Festival.
For one weekend, the town’s Main Street transforms into a mile-long celebration of all things fungi.
Visitors can sample mushroom soup, risotto, and even mushroom ice cream, while enjoying cooking demos, live music, and quirky contests like fried mushroom eating competition.
What started in the 1980s as a small local event has blossomed into a nationally recognized festival that draws tens of thousands of visitors.
Important to note, proceeds also go back into the community, funding local nonprofits and projects.
🛍️ Beyond the festival: Explore Kennett Square
Kennett Square isn’t just about mushrooms.
The town’s walkable streets are lined with cafés, art galleries, boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants that highlight fresh, local produce.
Moreover, it’s just minutes from Longwood Gardens, one of the most stunning botanical displays in the country.
🚗 A perfect day trip from Philly
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, Kennett Square makes an ideal day trip.
Whether you’re there for the festival, a farm tour, or just to explore its small-town charm, you’ll find a community that proudly embraces its quirky title as the ‘Mushroom Capital of the World‘.