photo credit: Linvilla Orchards

Where To Do Fall Stuff Within 60 Minutes Of Philly feature image

PHLFeature

Where To Do Fall Stuff Within 60 Minutes Of Philly

Because everyone likes pumpkins and fresh air.

It’s officially fall. Bring on sweaters, crisp leaves, useless decorative gourds, and fedoras, for some reason. While Philly offers countless ways to enjoy the cooler weather (like a steamy bowl of ramen or sausage rigatoni), there are lots of autumnal adventures—both culinary and otherwise—just outside our borders. Take a day to enjoy the five best, all within 60 minutes of the city.

THE SPOTS

Shady Brook Farm

Yardley, PA - 37 minutes from Center City

Nothing says fall like watching the days get shorter with an overwhelming sense of existential dread. Or, you know, a day on the farm. Ride in a hay-covered wagon to pick your own sunflowers, pumpkins, and endless varieties of apples. Shop the farm market for fresh produce, homemade nut butters, and the best chocolate milk we’ve ever had. Plus, it’s Fall Fest from September 9 - October 30, so on select evenings, there’ll be live music and Halloween-themed events happening while you get lost in the corn maze or devour funnel cakes. 

Auburn Road Vineyards 

Pilesgrove, NJ - 45 minutes from Center City

The Shore. Diners. Bruce Springsteen. New Jersey is known for a great many gifts, and this fall, you can add “wineries” to the list. Gather a group of friends to take a vineyard tour and tasting at Auburn Road Vineyards, or take a self-guided tour with a wine flight at The Enoteca, their on-site wine bar and restaurant. On weekends, there’ll be live music to accompany the wood-fired pizza, flatbreads, and cheese boards. 

Linvilla Orchards

Media, PA - 35 minutes from Center City

Unlike some places that are essentially just autumnal amusement parks, Linvilla Orchards is an all-season farm. So after you’ve picked your own apples, taken a hayride, and pet their mini horse named Little Joe, buy some of their homegrown tomatoes, peppers, bicolor corn, and eggplant. 

Longwood Gardens

Kennett Square, PA - 55 minutes from Center City

During the day, get a bird’s eye view of the incredible fall foliage from one of Longwood Gardens’ treehouses or wander the colorful displays of the annual Chrysanthemum Festival. But Thursday-Sunday, stay until dusk to see an incredible light installation from artist Bruce Munro, featuring over 18,000 bulbs and accompanied by water and sound displays.

Highland Orchards

West Chester, PA - 60 minutes from Center City

Sure, you can come to Highland Orchards for the hayrides, apple picking, and corn maze, but you must come here for the bakery. It’s all about their fresh baked pies (we’re partial to the apple caramel walnut) and apple cider donuts, which have been famous in Chester County for over 80 years. 

Suggested Reading

Where To Eat Outside In Philly When It’s Cold & Rainy guide image
Guide
Where To Eat Outside In Philly When It’s Cold & Rainy

If you want to eat outdoors on cold and rainy days, try these 10 places.

The 25 Best Restaurants In Philadelphia guide image
Guide

Meet our 25 highest-rated restaurants.

Where To Eat In Reading Terminal Market guide image
Guide

There are a lot of food stands in Reading Terminal Market. These are the 19 best.