Monica Weymouth

Everyone raves about summer, but we’ve got a special place in our hearts for fall. After all the wild holidays and the parties, the fall weather is a welcome change. And as soon as the greenery begins to change color, Pennsylvania becomes a cozy haven, just waiting to be explored.  In Pennsylvania, there’s a whole load of picturesque towns to discover, and long, scenic nature hikes to take. The best part is it’s not on everyone’s radar, so it won’t be overrun by day-trippers (unlike the likes of New York and New England). We’ve rounded up the best fall getaways in Pennsylvania to experience the state in all its natural beauty. Enjoy.  RECOMMENDED:🍎 The best fall getaways from NYC📍  The best things to do in Philadelphia🍝 The best restaurants in Pittsburgh Monica Weymouth is a writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The Jersey Shore isn’t exactly known for its luxurious accommodations. Best-case scenario, there’s no sand in the bed, the vending machines are well-stocked and the lava lamp is in working order. One notable exception? Cape May. Dotted with quaint Victorians and almost synonymous with the term bed-and-breakfast, this historic beach town is home to a handful of upscale boutique hotels, as well. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a spa getaway or a family vacation, there’s a room in one of these Cape May hotels with your name on it.

In a previous life, Dobbin House Tavern served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, Gettysburg’s oldest home is a Colonial-influenced restaurant with both candlelit dining and a more casual tavern menu. Is it a little kitschy? Yes. Is there a giant crock of cheesy, hug-in-a-bowl baked onion soup? Hell, yes.

With a menu starring house-made vodka, rum and corn whiskey, this small-batch haven is the kind of place where the second round orders itself. A full selection of snacks, small plates and sandwiches makes sure that you won’t drink on an empty stomach.

Catering to both history buffs and nature nerds, Gettysburg has a little something for everyone. The site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and Abe’s iconic address, Gettysburg National Park is also home to scenic trails lined with flashy oak, hickory and poplar trees. For a real behind-the-scenes look, hike, bike or book a horseback tour with Hickory Hollow Horse Farm. Their guides will take you off the beaten path to some of the park’s lesser-known nooks.

Frank Lloyd Wright was a fan of Laurel Highlands; he built his iconic Fallingwater house on the Bear Run stream. Nearby, Polymath Park is home to the famed architect’s Duncan House—which is available to rent if you’re looking for a more private getaway—as well as Tree Tops. Tucked into the forest canopy, this Wright-inspired restaurant leans toward traditional steakhouse fare, but keeps vegans and gluten phobes in mind as well. Reserve a table on the deck, but be warned—it’ll put Philly’s sidewalk dining scene to shame.

Some people like exploring. Others prefer to check in, order a drink and let their vacation come to them. If you’re in the latter camp, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has your name all over it. Situated on 2,000 wooded acres, this sprawling complex features a variety of accommodations plus a spa, golfing, five-star dining, a casino, horseback trail rides and a Wildlife Academy for kids complete with lions, tigers and bears. (Seriously—you’re not in Kansas anymore, Philly.)

Start your weekend in New Hope off right at Blue Moose with a hearty brunch menu of omelettes, build-your-own burgers and their oft-Instagrammed cornflake-crusted French toast. And psst: This cozy neighborhood fave is BYOB, so don’t forget the bubbly.

With three bars, a pool club, an after-hours lounge and a Golden Girls drag revue, gay bar the Raven Resort shakes things up after an afternoon of antiquing in New Hope. There are rooms available to book too, in case you drink too much to drive home.

There’s no shortage of cozy B&Bs in New Hope, but those with an interest in ghost stories should book a room at the haunted Logan Inn. As one of the country’s oldest continually operating hotels, it’s reportedly occupied by a handful of restless spirits: Request room six if you’d like to meet Emily, a Civil War–era guest who forgot to check out.

Nearby Lake Wallenpaupack offers plenty of scenic fall hikes, as well as a hidden gem for dinner. Ledges Hotel might not look like much from the parking lot, but walk through the doors and you’ll discover Glass, a restaurant and wine bar at the foot of a secluded waterfall. Grab a seat on the deck—and don’t skip the selection of local cheeses.

Just a short drive from Lake Naomi, Barley Creek Brewing Company serves handcrafted ales and lagers, as well as a selection of guest brews, wines and cocktails. Enjoy free tours and tastings every afternoon, or get things started early at the Morning Toast, a daily boozy breakfast.

Nestled in the woodlands surrounding Lake Naomi, the historic Mountaintop Lodge has charm that gently winks to your days at summer camp. The bed-and-breakfast is part of the Lake Naomi community, meaning guests can enjoy amenities including a golf course, a fitness center, boat rentals and tennis courts.

Vegan in Lancaster? It happens. Although the area has a meat-and-potatoes reputation, Root has you covered with dishes including eggplant bolognese and Caribbean jackfruit tacos.

Try serving something called “butter cake” in New York or Los Angeles, and you’d be exiled. But in Philadelphia? Pass another piece this way, friend. Legend has it that a German-American baker invented this ridiculously rich treat after mixing up the proportions of butter and flour, a mistake that Philly was all too happy to forgive. These days you can find the decadent dessert—essentially a thin layer of sponge cake covered in sugary, buttery goo—at enlightened bakeries across the city, including Port Richmond mainstay Stock’s (2614 E Lehigh Ave) and Fishtown darling Whipped (636 Belgrade St). That said, if you want the real deal, a trip to the great Northeast is in order. There’s a reason everyone is wearing sweatpants in Mayfair—and it sure as hell ain’t the gym. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bakeries Philadelphia has to offer