Top 8 Places for Leaf-Peepers & Fall Fanatics in Central Pennsylvania

20th-century American novelist Thomas Wolfe said that all things on earth point home in old October. In central Pennsylvania, you don’t even have to wait until old October to point yourself home -- and you don’t really even have to be from central Pennsylvania to feel like you’re home.  In autumn, usually beginning in mid-September, as the sun tucks itself away earlier each evening, the cool summer winds from the north turn just a little chillier and the leaves begin to offer a hint of the spectacular fall foliage artwork they are about to unveil, the area offers residents and visitors more than enough reasons to slow down, explore nature and enjoy autumn-related events. To take full advantage of this special season and this special place, here are 8 places and events for fall fans and fanatics for your trip to central Pennsylvania and your stay at The Wilson House.

Folk Fests, Craft Shows and Fall Fairs
Lots of folk fests, craft shows and fall fairs are scheduled in autumn — and are all close to The Wilson House. Here’s one: DelGrosso’s Amusement Park holds several special events during its fall calendar, but perhaps its most popular is Harvest Fest. Typically held in late September, you can check for the dates and times and, if it doesn’t match the dates of your stay, you can see what other events they’re holding during September.

Fall Football Fun
Nothing says autumn quite like a college football Saturday. At The Wilson House, you are just about a half-hour from Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, which plays host to what many considered the best college football experience in the country. And, don’t worry if you’re not a big football fan. Tail-gating is considered an art form around here. The whole town gets into the fun and excitement, you can find shopping and great restaurants. Also. Pro tip -- well, actually, amateur tip -- Friday nights is high school football nights in central PA, so check out a game under the lights for an official kickoff into fall.

Fall For Mount Nittany
Speaking of Happy Valley, the best view of Happy Valley just happens to be on Mount Nittany. A rite of passage for many Penn State students, a hike up the mountain has become a rite of autumn for people of all ages. The trailhead is in Lemont, Pennsylvania, just outside of State College. Mount Nittany Conservancy is a great resource for your Mount Nittany fall (see what I did there.)

Wine-Tasting Excursions
The area just outside of State College has become a mini-Sonoma Valley. But, Sonoma Valley doesn’t have the extensive artist brush of fall colors quite like central Pennsylvania. There are several wineries that dot this autumn landscape, so you can make a day of checking out the fall foliage, tasting wine and learning about wine-making. Just a sample of the wineries in the area: Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery, Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery and Seven Mountain Wine Cellars Wine Bar.  

Autumn to the Core
Apple cider. Apple fritters. Apple pancakes. Apple butter. Apple dumplings. As the apple harvest comes in, usually late in September and early October, this Pennsylvania delicacy will be turned into every food and drink imaginable. You can make a day of visiting the orchards and farms that are a few miles from The Wilson House. Some of our favorites include Way Fruit Farm, Wasson Farm Market and Leidig's Farms, near Warriors Mark. Roadside stands crop up -- I’ll just keep pointing out the jokes -- all the time, too.

Trails to Rails
Railroads played an important part of the history of central Pennsylvania. For historians, in general, and railroad historians, specifically, the area offers a list of must-visit markers, museums and historic sites. Within a half-hour drive from The Wilson House, rail fans can find The Horseshoe Curve, the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the site of the Walter L Main Circus Train Wreck and lots more areas of interest. Visiting these sites in autumn is particularly desirable because the sites offer unmatched views and vistas for pictures that will earn you “likes” and seriously up your personal social media brand.

Rails to Trails
Most of the railroad history for the area is just that… history. But inventive residents have converted the miles and miles of unused railroad tracks into hiking trails, called Rails to Trails. Bell’s Gap Trail is considered one of the best. The Lower Trail receives a lot of votes for the best trail, too. All of the trails are near The Wilson House -- and all of them make great fall strolls or bike rides.

Back Road Rambles
Nothing beats a fall excursion into the countryside and -- guess what? -- The Wilson House is surrounded by woods, farms and quaint rural communities. An autumn road trip through these scenic vistas can be an aesthetic journey filled with unexpected surprises, like Amish roadside stands, or a pop-up yard sale.

We hope this selection -- though incomplete -- of the fun things fall has to offer in central Pennsylvania will get you started on your autumn adventures. We hope this start begins with a stay at The Wilson House, too!