Fall Traditions in the Lehigh Valley, PA

The sight of brilliant fall foliage punctuating the hillside landscape.

The smell of sweet apple cider wafting from homes in Allentown and Bethlehem.

The feel of the first frost covering a large pumpkin.

If there is one fall tradition of the Lehigh Valley, it is the use of all five senses to welcome in the season.

Nestled in the rolling hills that define Eastern Pennsylvania, small-town charm exudes the autumn warmth generated by communities in the Lehigh Valley. From popular leaf viewing vistas to renowned family-friendly festivals, the Lehigh Valley attracts visitors from as far away as New York City to join in the celebrations.

Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn put I best when she said “Fall in Lehigh Valley is both charming and breath-taking. A quick drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City, our region welcomes guests to escape bustling cities and relax among picturesque small towns. There is also a perfect fall activity for everyone. Whether it’s indulging at PA Bacon Fest, enjoying handcrafted cocktails or pumpkin ales at one of our local distilleries and breweries, or taking in amazing views of vibrant fall foliage and having some fruit-picking, family fun at one of our many fall farm experiences.”

Let’s look at some of the fall traditions of the Lehigh Valley.

1.     Some of the best soil to grow pumpkins defines the landscape in eastern Pennsylvania. Each fall, Grim’s Orchard and Family Farm is one of the go-to locations to pick out the most robust pumpkins for carving a memorable jack-o-lantern. More than 17 acres of land produce a wide variety of crops the farm offers for sale during the harvest season. Every September, Grim’s is host to a fall festival that includes attractions such as cattle rides, apple picking, and a corn maze.

2.     Birdwatch by climbing to the top of Hawk Mountain to watch birds perform their annual migrations to southern destinations

3.     Delicious Chambourcin wines fermented throughout the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail produces a unique citrus finish that you cannot find in other types of red wine varietals

4.     Ride the train sponsored by Colebrookdale Railroad to catch a glimpse of the beautiful fall foliage that defines the picturesque postcard vistas of the Lehigh Valley. You should also see white-tailed deer, great blue heron, and the majestic flight of the bald eagle.

5.     As the oldest outdoor market in the United States, the Easton Farmers Market has become a fall staple in the Lehigh Valley

6.     Scale new heights when you arrive at Summit Aerial Park located at Blue Mountain Resort.

7.     Pumpkin flavor craft beers dominate the tasting menus at the microbreweries operating in the Lehigh Valley. Highly-rated Weverbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale is considered one of the best fall craft beer traditions in Pennsylvania.

8.     In addition to Grim’s Orchard and Family Farm, you can pick apples at the following locations:

9.     Bob White Acres (3879 East Mill Hill Rd., Coopersburg)

10.  County Line Orchards (9200 Kings Highway, Kempton)

11.  George Schmidt Berry Farm (5681 Berry Dr., New Tripoli)

12.  Gogle Farms (5017 Mulberry St., Coplay)

13.  Gulick's Orchard (6317 Kaylor Rd., Bangor)

14.  Bike or hike along the scenic Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which provides one of the most spectacular views of the stunning fall colors that make The Lehigh Valley famous.

15.  Warm-up on a chilly fall morning by stopping by LIT Coffee Shop & Bakery or any one of the other coffee shops located in Allentown and Bethlehem, PA.

16.  Baked fresh apples finished with handmade vanilla ice cream keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more at the Bethlehem Dairy Store.

17.  Take a glass blowing class at the Banana Factory, which also gives visitors the chance to design unique pumpkin figurines.

18.  Held at the Lehigh Valley International Airport, the SteelStacks Oktoberfest features genuine German food and music, as well as popular wiener dog races.

19.  Finally, flop on a pile of colorful leaves to engage in the oldest fall tradition in the Lehigh Valley.

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