Chimneys are sending up fragrant wisps of wood smoke, spirits are astir in the centuries-old historic districts, and all the charm and magic of autumn is in its crisp, mellow prime. Decked in vibrant gold, brown, orange and red, the natural beauty of woodland, farmland and mountain prompts us to savor it while we can. Before we settle in to fatten up and hibernate this year, here are six fall-themed outings to make the most of the fresh fall weather, be it with ghost hunting, apple-picking or surrounding ourselves with breathtaking autumn leaves.
Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley
One of the most pleasant and relaxing ways to immerse yourself in both the radiant foliage of autumn and the region's rich local history is on a self-guided tour of the Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley. Outlined by Discover Lehigh Valley in a handy map and guide, this adventure will take you from Allentown up through Schnecksville and into Kreidersville from one stately old covered bridge to the next, set off beautifully by bright fall leaves in every hue.
Eastern Pennsylvania's German immigrants brought this style of bridge to the area, where the walls came to act as early billboards for business or religious concerns, and the shady interiors made for discreet trysting spots, hence the nickname “kissing bridges.”
Most covered bridges are constructed with the sweeping Burr arch truss, patented by Theodore Burr in 1804, and a webwork of kingpost trusses. Together with the welcoming wingwalls, these bridges form a vision of rustic nostalgia, but they also bear histories connected to and named for local landowners, businesses or neighboring families. For example, the first stop on the tour, Bogert's Bridge in Allentown's Lehigh Parkway, was named for the log cabin-dwelling Bogert family who settled there in the mid-1700s.
As you take an afternoon to wend your way along the 50-mile tour, you'll find plenty of spots on the way for a picnic, and the artist in you may want to bring a sketchpad, paints or a camera to capture the sparkling Jordan Creek, red-walled bridges and brilliant autumn leaves.
1.800.747.0561 | discoverlehighvalley.com
Historic Haunts of Bethlehem Ghost Tour
Since the Moravians founded the city almost 300 years ago, Bethlehem has built a rich history still echoing through time in the form of the lovely old architecture of its historic district. Some say there are eerier echoes of times-past lingering in the city's old structures, however, and on the Moravian Book Shop's Historic Haunts of Bethlehem Ghost Tour you can judge for yourself and see if these tales send a shiver along your spine.
The tour begins in the oldest continuously-run bookstore in the country and ventures through 12 haunted hot spots, including a candlelit visit to a shadowy graveyard. Destinations are sure to include the Sun Inn at the top of Main Street, which has stood since 1758 and seen many Revolutionary-era leaders cross its threshold, and of course the Hotel Bethlehem, where spooky sights and occurrences are common. Ghosts at the Hotel Bethlehem are so intrinsic to the place, there's even a room on the ninth floor that should only be reserved by the truly intrepid!
You can book a private tour for almost any time to learn all about this and many more historic haunts of Bethlehem, or join one of the scheduled tours starting around 6 p.m. several nights a week. On Halloween night and November 1, the Moravian Book Shop embarks on rare midnight tours, sure to be charged with paranormal presence!
$13 Adults, $10 Kids under 13 | Moravian Book Shop | 428 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.866.5481 | moravianbookshop.com
Strawberry Acres' Evening Hayride
Not all fall fun has to strike fear into your heart. If you'd prefer a lazy ride through a peach orchard bedecked with flame-orange leaves, book a trip to Coplay's Strawberry Acres this season. Since 1820 this farm has been in continuous operation and offers pick-your-own fruit throughout the growing seasons, from cherries and strawberries to peaches and pears. At this time of year their pumpkin patch can provide you with the perfect jack o' lantern for the front porch.
You'll want to get a large group together for the Evening Hayride—maybe the whole family or office. The 45-minute ride in an open-air bus or in a wagon pulled by a tractor seats at least 30 people. After this excursion under the stars, you'll return to gather around a blazing campfire, and provided with apple cider and marshmallows for toasting.
These tours begin after closing time, so if you want time to peruse the produce, get there a little earlier. Several varieties of apples are ripening on the trees this time of year, and you'll find the experience light-years beyond supermarket foraging. What they don't grow here at Strawberry Acres is provided in a farm market stocked from other local farms. There's also a bakery on the premises converting all this natural goodness into pies, dumplings, muffins and more. Stop for some hot soup and soft pretzels before your hayride for some stick-to-your-ribs sustenance.
If you do want a scare after all, a Haunted Halloween Hayride is offered on October 25, with frights and phantasms lurking in the orchard.
1767 Clear View Rd., Coplay | 610.262.1890 | strawberryacres.com
Autumn Leaf Train Excursions
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is a perfect way to see miles and miles of gorgeous fall scenery on a very special ride taking you outside the ordinary. On their Autumn Leaf Train Excursions, the route goes from the Reading & Northern Railroad Corporate Headquarters in Port Clinton up to Jim Thorpe, behind either a diesel or steam-powered engine.
After taking in the splendor of autumn's display on a course over bridges, through tunnels and along rivers, passengers have a few hours to experience Jim Thorpe before re-boarding to head back south. The historic town of Jim Thorpe is dazzling in autumn, and they know it. Your train ride will coincide with October's Fall Foliage Weekends in Jim Thorpe, when the town celebrates with food and art vendors, free music events and seasonal specials at shops and restaurants.
There couldn't be a better time to ride the pretty blue vintage Steam Locomotive No. 425 through Pennsylvania's mountains. The 1920s passenger coaches are romantically vintage, with windows you can open to let in the fresh fall air. Check out the website for diesel and steam train dates.
$39-$69 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | 1 Railroad Blvd. Port Clinton | 570.325.8485 | lgsry.com
Gaggles of Ghosts and Ghouls
Your youngsters will love a chance to explore nature on a crisp fall night at Peace Valley Nature Center in Doylestown. On October 24 they offer Gaggles of Ghosts and Ghouls, a special guided walk through spookified trails to learn more about the creepy animals associated with Halloween. Groups venture into the rustling woods on this educational adventure to find a series of educators poised to present on the myths and realities of such critters as cats, bats, spiders and snakes.
All year round, Peace Valley's 14 miles of nature trails through woods and meadows along Lake Galena offer the experience of a rich variety of life, from more than 250 species of bird to the deer, groundhogs and muskrats that make their homes near the lake. A special wildlife area offers a chance to sight osprey, herons, turtles and frogs. Whether it's to bask in the calming effects of nature or get a hair-raising Halloween lesson, Peace Valley makes a great destination.
Due to the length of the trail, rather than the fright factor, kids under seven aren't recommended for this excursion, but older kids will be up to the trek and enjoy returning to the campfire circle for roasted marshmallows afterward.
$6, $5 Members | 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Peace Valley Nature Center | 170 N. Chapman Rd., Doylestown | 215.345.7860 | peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Haunted Parkway
Another scary escapade that will appeal to kids and adults alike is Whitehall Township's annual Haunted Parkway, running every weekend in October as well as November 1. Brace yourself for an intense experience; from your seat in a hay wagon you'll witness strange, chilling scenes set amid the ruins of the abandoned cement factory, and be set upon by hideous creatures and murderous ghouls.
Loud and frightful, this ride isn't for the faint of heart, but it does raise money for a good cause. This hugely popular haunted hayride through the Whitehall Parkway Recreational Area is the Whitehall Fire Department's largest annual fundraiser and has helped the department afford life-saving resources. The display is organized and run by firefighters and community volunteers and includes concessions, particularly nice when the wait gets long on a Saturday night.
Adults $10, Kids $7 | Dark-11 p.m. | Whitehall Parkway Recreational Area | S. Church St., Whitehall | 610.437.5524
