As summer slips away, it’s the perfect time to start daydreaming about the upcoming fall season, pumpkin spice everything, leaf peeping road trips, and weekend getaways. We’ve targeted some of the most beautiful spots in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, not only for stunning fall foliage viewing but also for a cozy weekend riverside stay at Ghost Light Inn in Bucks County, PA; a charming stay at the Brandywine Valley’s quaint, idyllic Inn at Grace Winery; an urban respite in the heart of Philadelphia at Hilton Penn’s Landing, Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia, Kimpton Hotel Palomar, or Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square; a Jersey Shore escape to Seaview Hotel & Golf Club, and more autumnal activities easily accessible from Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond.
EXPLORING FALL IN THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA AREA
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. 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 | Website | Instagram
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Nestled into the Brandywine Valley and spread over 50 acres on a private estate in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, the Inn at Grace Winery offers the perfect retreat for embracing the beauty of the season. The picturesque property boasts a tasting room and event space housed in a rustic barn, a vineyard, winery, plus a variety of accommodations combining historic elegance and pastoral charm, including the Manor House, the Cottages and the Sweetwater House; with scenic walking trails perfect for bird watching and leisurely walks through the leaves just a short trip away. A seamless fit for fall travel plans, the Inn at Grace Winery is the ultimate cozy hub, whether indulging in perfectly roasted s’mores around the fire-pit or sipping a robust autumnal red wine en-suite.
Grace Winery produces boutique-style wines inspired by French traditions but deeply rooted in Pennsylvania. Handcrafted by head winemaker Andrew Yingst, the wines are primarily estate-grown, capturing the unique flavors of the Brandywine Valley. The name “Grace Winery” and the dragonfly logo honor proprietor Chris Le Vine’s sister, Gracie, who previously owned Sweetwater Farm before Chris and his wife Vicki took over the property in 1999. In addition to its award-winning wine program and charming accommodations, Grace Winery is also a renowned and coveted wedding venue servicing the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Bookings for the Inn at Grace Winery can be made HERE.
50 Sweetwater Rd, Glenn Mills, PA | 610-459-4711 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA
Nestled along the scenic Delaware River, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing offers a modern urban retreat just steps from the city’s historic waterfront and vibrant downtown attractions. Guests can enjoy stylish accommodations with river or city views, a fitness center, and on-site dining featuring seasonal menus perfect for a fall getaway. The hotel’s prime location makes it easy to explore the nearby Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence National Historical Park, and the bustling restaurants and shops of Old City. Pet-friendly rooms, flexible meeting spaces, and curated seasonal packages ensure a stay that’s both comfortable and convenient for families, couples, and urban explorers alike.
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215.521.6500 | Website | Instagram
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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 | Instagram
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Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, a stylish boutique hotel located just steps from Rittenhouse Square, boasts a sophisticated home base for exploring Philadelphia this fall. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed accommodations, curated dining at Square 1682, and signature Kimpton amenities including nightly wine hours, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary bikes for urban exploration. Perfectly situated for leaf peeping in Rittenhouse Square, strolls along the Schuylkill River Trail, or visits to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia also offers curated packages to elevate any stay:
- End Zone Escape – Cheer on Philadelphia’s teams from the comfort of your room or head to the stadium with the subway just steps away. Includes six local beers, early 1:00 PM check-in, and bonus points for game day fun.
- Advance Saver with Breakfast – Full breakfast for two adults, flexible cancellations, and no deposit required.
- Visit Philly Overnight Package – Enjoy free hotel parking and an upgraded Philadelphia experience.
- Pampered Paws Retreat – Pet-friendly accommodations with a welcome “Bark”cuterie board and optional dog amenities, ideal for a family fall getaway.
Click HERE to explore Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia’s full offerings.
117 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 215.563.5006 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, the upscale luxury hotel known for blending French elegance with contemporary flair, blends timeless French elegance with contemporary style for an exceptional Philadelphia stay. Steps from Rittenhouse Square and the city’s top dining and cultural attractions, Sofitel Philadelphiaoffers a refined urban escape complemented by curated packages designed for every traveler in the fall season. Highlights include the Romantic Getaway, the Family Offer Inspired by Le Petit Prince—featuring 50% off an adjoining room for children, breakfast, and late checkout—and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Package, which pairs French luxury with access to world-class art through included tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rodin Museum. Guests can also enjoy Have a Suite Stay, offering 25% off suite accommodations, and seasonal promotions.
Click HERE to explore Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square’s full offerings.
120 S. 17th St., Philadelphia | 215.569.8300 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
A JERSEY SHORE ESCAPE 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 & Golf Club and to inquire about availability, click here.
401 S New York Rd., Galloway, NJ | 609.652.1800 | Website | Instagram
