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 chic respite at Rittenhouse Square’s Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia; a historical stay in the heart of Old City Philadelphia at Penn’s View Hotel; a Jersey Shore escape to Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, 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 the picturesque Swift 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 events and private cocktail workshops. For more information about booking a tour or tasting, visit Tamworth Distilling online here.
THINGS TO DO IN + NEAR TAMWORTH, NH
Hike Mt. Chocorua
KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY – This gorgeous, scenic drive will take travelers from just north of Tamworth over to Rte. 93 where they can drive up through Franconia Notch and see the historic site of the Old Man of the Mountain! The mountain is a namesake for many things in New Hampshire, as well as Tamworth Distilling spirits (Old Man of the Mountain Bourbon!)
Visit Neighboring Towns –One and a half hour drive from Tamworth lies Littleton, NH — home to friend of the distillery, Emshika, and her amazing restaurant CHANG THAI CAFE – where guests will find Tamworth Distilling’s collaborative spirit Emshika’s Garden (Thai Chili Gin), plus many other Tamworth spirits used in cocktails. Littleton has plenty of shops, in addition to SCHILLING BEER CO., who often feature specialty beer collaborations aged in Tamworth Distilling barrels. The riverside view is one not to be missed!
From there, travelers can drive ten minutes to Bethlehem, NH, to snag some James Beard nominated SUPER SECRET ICE CREAM and to visit LONESOME WOODS – both of whom are featured in Backcountry Cocktails, the campside-guide and cocktail recipe book penned by Tamworth Distilling founder Steven Grasse, renowned writer Adam Erace, and expert mixologist Lee Noble. In addition to plenty of apparel, home décor, outdoors gear and vintage supplies, Lonesome Woods retailers also stock Tamworth Distilling’s Old Man of the Mountain Barrel Aged Beans (a collab with friends at Wayfarer Coffee Roasters and) in stock, as well as copies of the Backcountry Cocktails book.
15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth NH | 603.323.7196 | www.tamworthdistilling.com | @tamworth_distilling
WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, the Hyatt brand’s flagship Philadelphia location, is an upscale lifestyle hotel offering 332 elegantly appointed rooms in the heart of the bustling Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. This newly launched property serves as an ideal home base for travelers seeking both luxury and convenience in the City of Brotherly Love. With its contemporary design and thoughtful amenities, guests can enjoy a refined yet comfortable stay that reflects the dynamic energy of Philadelphia.
At the heart of Hyatt Centric is Patchwork, the on-site restaurant and bar that serves as a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re indulging in a leisurely breakfast, grabbing a quick bite at the Patchwork Market, or unwinding with a craft cocktail in the evening, the hotel offers diverse dining options to suit every taste. The pet-friendly accommodations ensure that even four-legged companions are welcome, while the multipurpose fitness center caters to those looking to maintain their workout routine.
Beyond the comfort of their rooms, guests have access to state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, making Hyatt Centric an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. After a day of exploring the nearby cultural landmarks, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the historic Liberty Bell, guests can return to the hotel to relax in luxury, perhaps enjoying the views from the rooftop bar or taking a peaceful stroll through the picturesque Rittenhouse Square. With its prime location and exceptional amenities, Hyatt Centric Center City offers a quintessential Philadelphia experience.
1620 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 215.985.1234 | Website
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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
EXPLORING NEW HOPE, BUCKS COUNTY
Bucks County is no stranger to travel accolades, recently hailed as the No. 1 Fall Foliage Destination in the U.S. for 2024 by Priceline, with New Hope repeatedly noted as one of the cutest small towns in the United States.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
A JERSEY SHORE EXCAPE TO THE PINE BARRENS
For many, the New Jersey Pine Barrens barely need an introduction since playing host to one of the most revered episodes of The Sopranos. TV mob saga aside, the Barrens are truly a natural phenomenon to behold, being the largest remaining Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem. With a total span of 1.1 million acres, Pine Barrens stretch through seven counties in New Jersey, its numerous waterways and wooded trails providing visitors with ample opportunities for boating, cycling, canoeing, and hiking.
A treasure trove of history and elegance, Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, the luxurious seaside resort located in Galloway, NJ, is just a stone’s throw away from the Pine Barrens. Juxtaposing its historic charm, this 670-acre retreat boasts modern services and amenities for travelers, including two newly renovated championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, and more. Guests can soak in the sights by visiting the Pine Barrens, pop over to nearby Atlantic City for some boardwalk fun, or take a trip to historic Smithville for some antiquing. Visitors can enjoy Seaview Hotel’s lush grounds along Reeds Bay, walk the miles of trails leading from the Pines Golf Course, or head to one of the nearby beaches for an oceanside stroll. For more information about Seaview Hotel and Golf Resort and to inquire about availability, click here.
401 S New York Rd., Galloway, NJ | 609.652.1800 | www.seaviewdolcehotel.com