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The Perfect Pennsylvania Getaway
What better place than Pennsylvania for a fall getaway? With endless rolling hills, valleys, and mountain ridges covered in dense forests (not to mention dozens of bed and breakfasts in every region), Pennsylvania is prime leaf peeping material and the perfect autumn destination.
Ready to get away, but don't have a specific place in mind? We've got you covered. Take a look at these popular destinations offering risk-free attractions, choose your B&B, and then hit the road.
Lancaster County: Experience authentic Pennsylvania Dutch life first-hand, from buggy rides, “contactless” tours of local farmlands, and even visiting a local Amish house and home business. Absorb the simply scenic side of Lancaster through visiting the area’s 29 covered bridges or taking a self-guided bicycle tour of a picturesque route in Lancaster County. Bike the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail or walk up to The Chickie Rock Overlook. Lancaster City offers a phenomenal food scene of unique dining opportunities and his home to the oldest continuously running farmer’s market offering fresh produce from rich local soils, exotic selection of prepared foods, and locally sourced meats and cheeses.
Hershey: Stroll through Hershey Gardens, a 23-acre botanical garden displaying spectacular flowers, manicured shrubs, and signature trees. Take in the local culture and history in nearby Lancaster’s Amish Country and historic Gettysburg.
Kennett Square: Visit the celebrated Longwood Gardens, an 86-meadow garden which provides trails to discover its rolling fields, verdant wetlands, and wide variety of local flora and fauna. Several local parks and preserves, such as Brandywine Creek State Park, Marsh Creek State Park, and White Clay Creek Preserve, deliver opportunities to observe wildlife and improve one’s fitness. For a more romantic outing, plan a visit to one or all of the 14 covered bridges in the area.
New Hope: Enjoy the beautiful fall colors in gorgeous Bucks County, a region designated by the government as a viticultural district for producing world-class wine. With a wine glass in-hand, take in the views of nature from the outdoor seating at nearby wineries such as Buckingham Winery, Bishops Estate Vineyard & Winery and Wycombe Vineyard.
Jim Thorpe: The Victorian history of the town and breathtaking views of the Pocono Mountains is a must visit. Stroll through Jim Thorpe’s historic Race Street, tour mansions and a Gothic church, and take a ride on a steam-powered train to get a view of the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The nearby Mauch Chunk Lake Park is a beautiful destination for a delightful picnic.
Lehigh Valley: Easton’s historic town square is notable for being one of the first three places in which the Declaration of Independence was read, and the town itself was an important military center throughout the Revolutionary War. Take advantage of the many outdoor and scenic activities including the Karl Stirner Arts Trail and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. For a scenic destination, the Covered Bridge Trail is an opportunity to journey back in time to a quieter, more peaceful way of life.
Gettysburg: Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center to view one of the largest collections of Civil War relics, watch a short film about the battle, and then set out for a walking or biking tour of the battlefield. Downtown Gettysburg is home to an array of unique shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Carlisle: For those that hike to explore their surroundings, The Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world (ranging from Maine to Georgia), provides stunning panoramic views, up-close views of plants and animals, and perhaps a new perspective on your own life. Experience the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, which follows the 13-mile abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor, by walking or biking. Cumberland Valley offers a variety of scenic drives to take in the fall foliage and nearby fruit orchards.
Boalsburg/State College: Partake in self-guided walking tours of former governors' mansions, hike one of the many trails at Bald Eagle State Park and Bellefonte Central Rail Trail, or view the most breath-taking vistas on the east coast along the scenic Purple Highway (Route 45) or Route 192.
Pittsburgh: Explore one of the city’s 90 unique and welcoming neighborhoods. Enjoy biking the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile hiking and biking trail spanning from Maryland to Pittsburgh. The trail soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rivers on its nearly level path, while also providing breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
Erie: Take advantage of patio seating at several award-winning wineries on the Lake Erie Wine Trail. Sample wine at 23 wineries along a 53-miles of shoreline, providing not only vintages, but views and brews worthy of the trip. The Lake Erie Ale Trail encompasses 10 of the area’s finest microbreweries.
