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Summer is hot in more ways than one, and it’s no different for Philadelphia, the ‘City of Brotherly Love’.
While there’s far more to do than take selfies with Rocky Balboa and indulge in savory cheesesteaks, nobody would blame you for booking fall travel plans a bit early.
This is especially true when one such destination down the road is being hyped by Priceline as the #1 fall destination this year.
No, we’re not talking about Pittsburgh either.
There’s another region of Pennsylvania that tends to fly under the radar except for locals in the know who’ve kept Bucks County as their treasured fall escape.
But hey, don’t blame me! Blame Priceline!
It’s time so say ‘so long’ to cheesesteaks and ‘hello’ to Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Take the back roads this fall through seemingly untouched nature less than an hour from Philly.
Nockamixon State Park: Crowds Wind Down As Colors Begin To Pop
Bucks County’s Nockamixon State Park may not be a household name, but it’s very popular amongst locals.
As summer winds down, so do the crowds. During the heat of summertime, many visitors flock to the park to enjoy a variety of water activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing.
Unfortunately, swimming in the lake is not an option due to many safety hazards unless you’d like to take a dip in the seasonal swimming pool.
Late September onward is a fantastic time to take advantage of kids going back to school, as there should be fewer crowds.
Also, this is when fall foliage begins to make its presence known.
However, don’t expect a full bloom of lush colors until mid-October at the earliest.
The Government Is On Team Foliage
Whether we’re all in a patriotic spirit as the Olympics conclude or Pennsylvania is just as big a fan of the fall season as we are, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases 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 colors, and that’s why this region is best explored by car.
Sure, you could visit pretty parks in Philadelphia, or Pittsburgh for that matter, but there’s nothing like going out into the wild on an adventure.
You never know what delights you’ll stumble upon, from natural wonders to northern Pennsylvania’s charming small towns.
Obviously, since we are still in the throws of summer, there are no foliage reports just yet, but stay tuned!
For what it’s worth, it appears the first report was released on September 28th last year.
New Hope: A Delightful Small Town With An Epic Fall Excursion
Big cities are cool, but after a while, we all want to escape the concrete jungles for fresh air and open spaces. What better time to do so than fall?
We’re not here to knock Philly. It’s a beautiful fall city, but exploring the back roads rather than sharing a park bench seems the best way to go.
One such town is New Hope, beaming with down-home charm and a concert of colors once October rolls around.
Rather than splurge on high-end hotels in the city, why not treat yourself to cozy boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts?
The Bridge Street Inn holds a near-perfect 4.8 rating on Google. Nestled in the midst of a row of historic buildings, there’s 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.
For fall, however, they offer a special package – the Fall Foliage Excursion.
Ranging from private rooms to a private caboose, make sure to snag a window seat to absorb all the stunning scenery as you chug along top natural sites on an antique train.
The journey takes 2 hours total, 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, beginning at $69 for Coach.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.