Every morning, I sit at my desk and look out the window at the Unicorn Building. Built in 1877, it marks the spot where the original Unicorn Tavern once stood—a resting place for weary travelers between Baltimore and Philadelphia in the early days of Kennett Square. For me, there’s something poetic about this view.
As a kid, I loved unicorns. I mean I loved them. They were among my favorite subjects to draw—dramatic swirling manes, shimmering horns, galloping through imaginary worlds that were far more fabulous and accepting than the one I lived in. At the time, I didn’t quite have the language to explain why I felt different or why I gravitated to these magical creatures. But now I understand how unicorns can represent something rare, beautiful, and free. They are a symbol of queerness!
Growing up gay can feel like being a mythical creature in a world that doesn’t always understand you. For years I tried to tone down the sparkle that made me different and hide who I was. But those unicorns I used to draw? They never apologized for standing out. And eventually, neither did I.
So here I am, years later, a proud gay man working in the heart of Kennett Square and looking out where the Unicorn Tavern once greeted visitors. I imagine it was a place of rest, warmth, and community. And while the tavern itself is long gone, I like to believe that its spirit still lives on—in the building that bears its name, in the town that surrounds it, and in Kennett Collaborative’s mission to ensure Kennett Square is a beautiful and welcoming place.
As we have for generations, we invite visitors from near and far to experience our vibrant downtown, our rich cultural events and markets, and our renowned gardens. But more importantly, we embrace people for who they are—whether you’ve been here your whole life or just arrived yesterday, whether you fit in or stand out!
We are so lucky to have a full calendar of events that highlights this incredible community we share and brings us all together. Kennett Summerfest, our wine and food festival returns June 8 (flower crowns are back for just the right amount of fabulous). We are partnering with the Kennett Underground Railroad Center and MLK CommUNITY of Greater Kennett to celebrate Juneteenth during Third Thursday on June 19. Later this year we’ll get together for the 40th anniversary of the Mushroom Festival the weekend after labor day, and then on September 13 we’ll meet for the Hispanic Heritage Festival produced by Casa Guanajuato.
Like a unicorn, this town is unique. There’s no place quite like it, and that’s not just because of our beloved mushrooms, magical holiday vibes, or incredible restaurants and retail shops (though I love all of those things!). It’s because of our people—the neighbors who wave at you when you’re out walking the dog, the shop owners who know your name, the community that says, “You belong here.”
I think about that as I look out my window each day. The “Unicorn Block” marker in the bricks across the street reminds me that a welcoming place isn’t a fantasy—it’s something we’ve been building together right here in Kennett Square.
