Photo via The Sweetest Occasion; Graphic by The Styled Bride
The fall in Philadelphia is one of the best seasons to go out and explore our favorite city. The weather becomes crisp and cool, layers are definitely necessary, and there are a number of festivals and events to choose from on any given weekend, especially this weekend. With this in mind, we have a suggestion: take a step away from planning your wedding and go on a daylong fall date. Take your pick from our top 10 fall date ideas in and around Philadelphia, and we’re sure you’ll be reminded time and time again why you’re getting married in the first place (life is more fun together!).
1. Spruce Street Harbor Park: The beloved Philly park closes for the season on Sunday, September 28, but not before hosting a celebration. The weekend is highlighted by an art show, free concert, pumpkin beer at the Blue Anchor, and one last chance to lounge in the hammocks.
2. Pick Apples: There are a number of orchards near Philadelphia, but our top choice is Linvilla Orchards in Media. Spend an afternoon picking apples then bake an apple pie. Linvilla is also in the midst of their pumpkin festival.
3. Brandywine Valley Wine Trail: All six of the wineries on the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail are participating in their annual fall festival for two weekends this fall: September 27 & 28 and October 4 & 5. For $15 each, you can visit all of the wineries, enjoy a tasting, hear live music, and more.
4. StrEAT Food Festival: Featuring 40+ food trucks from Philadelphia, the StrEAT Food Festival is a full day event in Manayunk. Hosted on Sunday, September 28, from 11-5, this season’s theme is apples.
5. Manayunk Restaurant Week(s): The StrEAT Food Festival actually kicks off Manayunk’s two weeklong Restaurant Week celebration, which runs from September 28-October 10. Choose from menus at varying price points ($15, $25, $35) at a number of in town restaurants, and make sure to make reservations early.
6. Clover Market: One of the top vintage markets in the city, Clover Market is open on select Saturdays in September, October, and November. Markets alternate between Ardmore and Chestnut Hill, and each promises to be a great place to pick up pieces for your home (or your wedding).
7. Oktoberfest @ Dilworth Park: Dilworth Park is Philadelphia’s newest inner city park located next to City Hall, and it just opened at the beginning of September. Oktoberfest at the park will be highlighted with a beer garden, numerous art installations, and live music encompassing two Saturdays in October (October 18 & October 25).
8. Longwood Gardens: There are few prettier places in the area to experience fall’s colors than Longwood Gardens. Any weekend during the season is sure to not disappoint, but the Chrysanthemum Festival is definitely a highlight! The festival runs from October 25-November 23, and it’s best to purchase your tickets beforehand.
9. Zip Line: Zip lining is definitely for adventure seekers, but it’s sure to be one awesome way to see the fall foliage. Spend the day at the Elmwood Park Zoo and stop by Treetop Adventure Park while you’re there, or drive an hour outside of the city to Spring Mountain Adventures.
10. Go explore: Whether you spend the day in Philadelphia or visit one of the city’s neighboring suburbs (Bucks County is always beautiful in the fall!), be a tourist for the day. Visit a museum, try a new-to-you restaurant, go on a tour, or simply walk around and enjoy the season.
Tell us in the comments or on Facebook: what’s your favorite fall date?
