While everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, we argue that there’s no prettier time to explore Philly than the fall. The leaves are changing, the wardrobes are getting swapped out and there’s a chill in the air that promotes exploration, exercise, and exciting outdoor adventures. The ease of access to places where fall is fully apparent is also worth taking advantage of. Whether you’re headed south to stroll the Italian Market, northwest to trek along Kelly Drive or east to take in the views along the Delaware River, the opportunities are almost endless. In this article, we’ll offer some tips on sightseeing and event attendance in Philadelphia during the fall — and maybe even grabbing an authentic cheesesteak from Geno’s along the way.
Picture-Perfect: Who isn’t looking for that perfect Instagram photo these days? If you want to encapsulate the charm of Philadelphia with the sights of the fall season, then we suggest Old City. The “Old City Fest” is a free street festival and currently scheduled for Oct. 13, 2019. This event promises a showcase for “local designers, creative firms, restaurants, retailers, galleries, and theaters, as well as the neighborhood’s culture, history and architecture.” The brick buildings rooted in the American Revolution will make the perfect backdrop for any day out with family and friends.
On the Menu: Fall is ripe with beer-centric Oktoberfest parties happening across the city. Blocktoberfest, now along Washington Avenue away from its usual South Street home, as well as the South Street Oktoberfest, have both already been held. Geno’s, at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, is just a stone’s throw from both so we hope quite a few attendees of either event made the trip before or after to fill up. For those still looking to celebrate the German tradition, the art museum hosts a similar event every Wednesday in October. Grab some local brews from the beer garden and take in the beauty of Eakins Oval. Fresh Air, Falling Leaves: While it’s not impossible to find peaceful bits of nature around the city, it’s arguably easiest along Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail. The approximately 10-mile stretch from Locust Street in Center City to destinations above Manayunk will take walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and rollerbladers past Boathouse Row, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Laurel Hill Cemetery to name a few milestones. According to SchuylkillRiverTrail.com, it’s possible to travel as far as Reading, Pennsylvania along portions of the trail. While we wouldn’t suggest going quite that far, we would recommend that residents and tourists alike immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this area just outside Center City.