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Summer is hot in more ways than one, and that’s no different for Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love.”
While there’s a lot more to do than take selfies with Rocky Balboa and enjoy savory cheesesteaks, no one would blame you if you book your fall travel plans a little early.
This is especially true if such a destination is hyped further down the road Priceline as the #1 fall destination this year.
No, we’re not talking about Pittsburgh either.
There’s another region in Pennsylvania that tends to fly under the radar, except for locals who know about it Bucks County as their precious fall escape.
Anyway, don’t blame me! Blame Priceline!
It’s time, so say “goodbye” to cheesesteaks and “hello” to pumpkin spice lattes. This autumn, take the back roads through seemingly unspoiled nature less than an hour from Philly.
Nockamixon State Park: The crowd thins out as the colors start to pop
Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County may not be a household name, but it is very popular among locals.
As summer comes to an end, so do the crowds. During the heat of summer, many visitors flock to the park to enjoy a variety of water activities such as kayaking, boating, and fishing.
Unfortunately, swimming in the lake is not an option due to the many safety hazards unless you want to take a dip in the seasonal pool.
Late September is a fantastic time to take advantage of children going back to school as there should be less crowds.
This is also the time when the fall foliage begins to make its presence known.
However, don’t expect a full bloom of luscious colors until mid-October at the earliest.
The government is busy with team foliage
Whether we’re all in a patriotic spirit as the Olympics end or whether Pennsylvania is as big a fan of the fall season as we are, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources publishes weekly foliage reports.
Don’t know where to go in Bucks County?
The government has your back. If only we could say this during tax season…
Bucks County is teeming with places to immerse yourself in Mother Nature’s tapestry of color, so the best way to explore this region is by car.
Sure, you can visit beautiful parks in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but nothing beats adventuring in the wilderness.
You never know what delights you’ll encounter, from natural wonders to the charming small towns of northern Pennsylvania.
Obviously, since we’re still in summer, there aren’t any foliage reports yet, but stay tuned!
For what it’s worth, it looks like the first report was released on September 28 last year.
New hope: A Beautiful town with an epic fall excursion
Big cities are cool, but after a while we all want to escape the concrete jungle for fresh air and open spaces. What better time to do that than in the fall?
We’re not here to beat Philly. It’s a beautiful autumn city, but exploring the back roads instead of sharing a park bench seems like the best way to go.
One such town is New Hope, beaming with homey charm and a concert of color as soon as October arrives.
Instead of splurging on luxury hotels in the city, why not treat yourself to cozy boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts?
The Bridge Street Inn has a near-perfect rating of 4.8 on Google. Set amidst a row of historic buildings, there is no better location to enjoy the simple life away from the hustle and bustle.
Better yet, New Hope offers the New Hope Railroad, one of the best ways to explore the area any season.
However, for the fall they offer a special package: the Autumn leaves excursion.
Ranging from private rooms to a private caboose, make sure you get a window seat to take in all the breathtaking scenery as you chug along the most beautiful natural sites on a vintage train.
The trip takes a total of 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to hit the open road or enjoy all the delights of New Hope.
Tickets are on sale now for the first service on September 28th, starting at $69 for Coach.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
