August 31, 2023 — As summer slips away, it’s the perfect time to start daydreaming about the upcoming fall season, pumpkin spice everything, leaf-peeing road trips, and weekend getaways. From Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, we’ve targeted some of the most beautiful spots in the Northeast, not only for fall foliage viewing, but also for a visit to Tamworth Distilling, a rural craft distillery at the foot of the White Mountains, a cozy weekend riverside stay at Ghost Light Inn in Bucks County, PA, a historical stay in the heart of Old City Philadelphia at Penn’s View Hotel, and more autumnal activities easily accessible from Philadelphia, New York City, Boston and beyond.
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Road trippers yearning for a taste of historic New England should make a stop at Tamworth Distilling, the remote New Hampshire craft distillery that focuses on using wilderness-to-table ingredients to create a collection of uniquely flavored, scratch-made spirits. Neighbor to a picturesque river, Tamworth Distilling lies nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, surrounded by lush New England foliage in the small town of Tamworth, New Hampshire — once home to luminaries of American culture including Grover Cleveland, Henry David Thoreau, and E. E. Cummings — located two and a half hours away from Boston and Maine.
On-site at Tamworth Distilling, guests can enjoy tours of distillery space including the custom built, 250 gallon copper still and sprawling outdoor grounds, as well as tastings of truly one-of-a-kind spirits, including most notably Crab Trapper Green Crab Flavored Whiskey, Deerslayer Venison Whiskey, infused with real venison; White Mountain Gin or White Mountain Vodka, named for the impressive mountain chain nearby; or fall-inspired libations, such as the Tamworth Garden V.S.O.P Apple Brandy, Graverobber Unholy Rye Whiskey, Tamworth Garden Pommeau, and more.
Leaf-peepers, hikers and history buffs alike will delight in the expansive landscape and rich American history available in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Guests are encouraged to book a room at the historic and charming Pickering House, enjoy hikes along the extensive trails of the White Mountains, and visit the Tamworth Lyceum, the distillery’s satellite location named for the American Enlightenment period and known best for offering elevated tastings, events and cocktail workshops, as well as a robust bottle shop featuring a bevy of professional-grade bar supplies.
For more information about booking a tour or tasting, visit Tamworth Distilling online here.
15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth NH | 603.323.7196 | www.tamworthdistilling.com
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Ghost Light Inn, a 12-room boutique hotel with unparalleled views of the Delaware River, in the heart of New Hope, Pennsylvania, one of the most beautiful artsy small towns in America, is the ultimate fall weekend getaway for leaf peepers. Located a 50-minute drive from Philadelphia, PA and an hour and a half from New York City, New Hope offers visitors a bevy of autumnal activities for fall foliage-seekers, families, and those looking for a quick mini getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Visitors can embark on a charming and historic covered bridge tour, a private hot air balloon ride, a scenic drive along River Road / Route 32, a ride through the countryside on the New Hope Railroad fall foliage excursion, visit Washington Crossing Historic Park, jog, walk or bike along the tree-lined 60-mile towpath in Delaware Canal State Park, and more. After a long day of leaf peeping, guests can retreat back to Ghost Light Inn, for dinner at Stella of New Hope, Ghost Light Inn’s in-house modern American restaurant, with sweeping views of the Delaware River, and a cozy night in in one of Ghost Light Inn’s riverside rooms. The best part? Ghost Light Inn is pet-friendly so Fido can join in on family fun this fall.
For a more intimate stay, Carriage House of New Hope, Ghost Light Inn’s sister property, a three-room bed and breakfast style inn, offers guests a charming experience for an autumn getaway. Carriage House boasts three suites total all with river-facing balconies for panoramic views of the fall foliage. The largest suite, Room 13, is two floors offering a fully functional in-room chef’s kitchen with Sub Zero and Wolf appliance, plus sitting room complete with fireplace. All suites boast deluxe king beds, a master bath with wave tile, 55” TVs with Netflix connection and concierge service.
For more information about Ghost Light Inn and to inquire about availability, click here, and here for Carriage House of New Hope.
50 S Main Street, New Hope, PA | 267.240.7131 | www.ghostlightinn.com
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Penn’s View Hotel, a 52-room historic European-style boutique hotel in the heart of Old City Philadelphia, provides a perfect launching pad for travelers seeking a budget-friendly exploration of the city’s rich historical heritage during the fall. From various private terraces, guests can view the spectacle of turning leaves across the Delaware River in New Jersey, then venture out to find themselves immersed in the storied past of Philadelphia. After exploring The City of Brotherly Love, guests can return to Penn’s View’s in-house restaurant, Panorama, Philadelphia’s premier wine bar complete with a Guinness World Record winekeeper offering over 120 wines on tap and 30 tasting flights. Executive Chef Anthony DiSabato’s menu draws inspiration from Northern Italian dishes.
Old City’s cobblestone streets sprinkled with colorful autumn leaves lead to iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross House – all of which can be explored free of charge. The Independence National Historical Park offers an inspiring journey through the birth of a nation, inviting visitors to soak in the spirit of liberty that shaped the United States.
For travelers seeking free cultural experiences beyond Old City, Philadelphia offers an array of options. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway houses several museums with pay-what-you-wish admission, including the celebrated Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to an extensive art collection. Ascending the iconic “Rocky Steps” is a must-do for visitors, while looking out to the skyline among bursts of fall foliage, with the added bonus of capturing a photo with the bronze statue of the legendary Italian Stallion.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Philadelphia holds hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The Schuylkill River Trail invites leisurely autumnal walks, while the Morris Arboretum offers affordable doses of nature’s beauty. In Fishtown, vibrant street art adds character to the surroundings, and Love Park’s iconic LOVE sculpture offers an excellent backdrop for memorable snapshots.
14 N Front St | 215.922.7600 | www.pennsviewhotel.com
– Madison Militello