Discover Lehigh Valley: Top Small Towns in Pennsylvania for a Festive Fall Getaway

September 9th, 2019

Tucked among the rolling hills and countryside of Pennsylvania, the small towns of Lehigh Valley are primed with leaf peeping scenery, nationally known festivals, and homegrown goods. Discover Lehigh Valley®, a destination organization with insider’s advice for Lehigh and Northampton counties, is sharing its top list of fall attractions and events.

“Fall in Lehigh Valley is both charming and breath-taking. A quick drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City, our region welcomes guests to escape bustling cities and relax among picturesque small towns,” says Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “There is also a perfect fall activity for everyone. Whether it’s indulging at PA Bacon Fest, enjoying handcrafted cocktails or pumpkin ales at one of our local distilleries and breweries, or taking in amazing views of vibrant fall foliage and having some fruit-picking, family fun at one of our many fall farm experiences.”

Create your perfect fall getaway with these Discover Lehigh Valley recommendations:

Relaxing, scenic views

• Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour – History and charm collide when exploring Lehigh Valley’s covered bridges. Enjoy the tranquility of country roads when discovering the region’s seven covered bridges originally built in the 1800s. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is approximately 50 miles long and allows visitors to travel back in time during a leisurely drive.
• Jacobsburg State Park – Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice when visiting Jacobsburg State Park because of its rich history, outdoor recreation, and unique habitat landscapes. Home to more than 18 miles of trails and the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, the park also welcomes visitors to experience Henry’s Woods, one of the remnant Old Growth forests in eastern Pennsylvania.
• Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor – Explore Lehigh Valley’s most spectacular colors. Bike, hike, or stroll along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor to experience Lehigh Valley. The multi-use trail spanning 165 miles runs through the region telling stories of railroads, canals, rivers, and trails. For fall educational experiences, visit the National Canal Museum for hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain the entire family.
• Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – Enjoy one of Lehigh Valley’s most picturesque and historic towns with a walking tour. Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage Designation, Historic Bethlehem is rich with stories of European influences that made their mark on colonial America before growing into a city embracing tradition and life. With stunning fall colors, 19 historic buildings, 20 acres of land, and two National Historic Landmarks, Bethlehem is a quintessential fall experience.

Small town vibes, big-name festivals

• The Great Pumpkin Fest & Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park (Weekends, September-November) – The Great Pumpkin Fest is a scare-free Halloween event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the PEANUTS™ gang, petting zoo, and more. For spooky happenings, experience Dorney’s Halloween Haunt with ghostly mazes, scare zones, and prowling monsters.
• Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival (September 27-29) – With roots firmly planted in historic Bethlehem, Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival helps preserve and promote Celtic heritage through music, athletics, piping, and dance. The Highland Games are a must see. As athletes from around the world come together, their display of strength, speed, and skill are top-notch.
• Oktoberfest at SteelStacks™ (October 4-6 and 11-13) – It does not get better than authentic German food, axe-wielding lumberjacks, and a dachshund race. Recently featured on TravelChannel.com, Lehigh Valley’s Oktoberfest has something for the entire family. Set to the backdrop of the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel, Oktoberfest welcomes guests to enjoy endless food, drinks, music, and activities.
• Chambourcin Weekend (October 19-20) – A signature grape of Lehigh Valley, Chambourcin Weekend celebrates the region’s 40 acres of Chambourcin crops, which ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Hosted along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit these eight family-owned vineyards and wineries for Chambourcin Weekend featuring wine tasting, live entertainment, and vineyard tours.
• Lehigh Valley Cider & Wine Festival (October 24) – Hosted at Coca-Cola Park, one of minor league baseball’s most celebrated venues, the Lehigh Valley Cider and Wine Festival welcomes local spirit enthusiasts. The on-field event brings together local cideries and wineries, entertainment, and food trucks during Pennsylvania Wine Month.
• PA Bacon Fest (November 2-3) – Featured on Parade.com and recognized by FEST300.com, PA Bacon Fest is home to countless bacon-centric culinary creations, Pig and Wiener Dog Races, and sample pairings of bacon and beers with Weyerbacher Brewing Company.

Unique, homegrown goods

• Good, fall family fun – Experience Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms during their fall festival. With endless family-friendly activities, as well as apple cider donuts and slushies, Grim’s is a local favorite. For one of the region’s best corn mazes, visit Seiple Farms where visitors can explore the 18-acre maze.
• Seasonal, flavorful brews – Lehigh Valley crafts pumpkin beers with precision. Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale and Fegley’s Devious Pumpkin are recognized as two of the best seasonal brews in the country and are a must-taste for beer enthusiasts. For more local brews, explore Lehigh Valley’s more than 20 breweries.
• Crisp fall wines – Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing wine region and a designated American Viticultural Area. For local fall favorites, enjoy Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery’s Autumn Gold and Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery’s Spiced Apple.
• Eight Oaks Craft Distillers – Enjoy Eight Oaks Craft Distillers’ signature fall cocktails including the Pear Mule, Brown Sugar Pecan and Log Cabin when discovering Lehigh Valley. Providing a relaxed, farmhouse atmosphere, Eight Oaks Craft Distillers welcomes guests to indulge in artisan spirits and handcrafted cocktails made from its own locally grown grains and crafted on-site.

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