I’m such a lover of summer and the prospect of fall rolling around the corner always seems to put my mind in a tizzy. I don’t know about you, but the summer season feels like an extended holiday with the increased hustle and bustle of city life – kissing it goodbye is never easy.
Once I surpass my reactionary panic to the cooler morning weather and leaves changing color, it doesn’t take me long to start jotting down everything I want to squeeze in before the next season inevitably rolls around.
As my friend and I sipped wine on his apartment complex’s rooftop the other night, brainstorming and making note of all we wanted to tackle this fall, I thought maybe you’d like to share in some of the fun! Below I’ve comprised a list of some of the top things you should do in and around Harrisburg this fall. Check it out!
1. Paulus or Strites Orchard
A short drive from Harrisburg in either direction, Paulus Orchard and Strites Orchard are the perfect places to spend the day knocking out all the fall must-dos like pumpkin picking, apple picking, and apple-cider donut consuming you can do!
Check out each of their websites to see what pick-your-own fruits and veggies are in season or what activities they have going on during the weekends and weekdays.
2. Local Hiking Spots
The fall weather coincides perfectly with finally getting around to all the hikes you skipped doing because of the summer heat. Thankfully Harrisburg is centrally located to some quick and easy hikes! Pack a picnic lunch (or dinner!) because the fall view from the tops of these peaks is worth taking a pause for.
Listed from easy to moderately hard: Chickie’s rock, Pole Steeple, Hawk Rock, Colonel Denning
3. Breweries & Distilleries
There’s never really a bad season to enjoy a brewery or distillery, but as the weather dips down maybe you’ll be intrigued to try some of the specially curated seasonal beverages these local places are known to have.
Here’s some to get you started, but definitely ask about other seasonal specials if stopping in to sip a few!
- Troeg’s – Master of Pumpkins, released seasonally in October
- Millworks – Apple Spiced Saison, tastes like fall in a cup
- Evergrain Brewing – stop by the brewery to see what fall beers are on the way
- Appalachian Brewing Co. – Pumpkin Ale or Halloween Beer, ‘tis the season
- Zeroday – check out their daily infusions throughout the season
- Midstate Distillery – Midstate Fiery Apply, rum infused with cinnamon topped with hard cider sounds like an irresistible yes
4. SpringGate Haunted Vineyard & Themed Weekends
Looking to wine down throughout the fall season? SpringGate Vineyard hosts many themed weekends such as Pumpkin Palooza, Oktoberfest, and their Apple Fesitival which make for perfect weekend outings with friends and family. And gives you a chance to try their new Pumpkin Spiced Cider!
Or maybe you’re looking for something with a little more boo-ze – check out their haunted vineyard Oct. 26th and 27th, but make sure to grab tickets as the event sells out fast!
5. Seasonal Films at Midtown Cinema
A fall/Halloween season classic – Halloween films! Midtown cinema does the season right with specific showings of classic films throughout the month of October. Films like Halloween, Bram Stroker’s Dracula, Werewolf, and Frankenstein will be shown.
A personal favorite of mine – Rocky Horror Picture Show! Trust me, you’ll want to grab tickets for the one night showing of this film – prop bags included in ticket purchase 😉
6. Haunted Attractions
It’s not the fall season without a little scare-factor, right? Okay, maybe some of you would rather pass up on this one, but for those interested – Field of Screams and Jason’s Woods are within an easy drive from Harrisburg and are guaranteed to offer an adrenal rushing experience.
7. Carrie the Musical
Perfect for when the evening temp calls for an indoor activity, take a date or friends to see Carrie the Musical at Open Stage in Harrisburg, running from September 29th through October 20th. This thrilling show, based off Stephen King’s tale of Carrie White, will certainly help set the tone of your seasonal mood.
8. Knoebels & Hershey Park
If looking to add some excitement to your fall season, check out Knoebels and Hershey Park in the Dark for their seasonal thrills. Both parks offer events throughout the fall season – because summer doesn’t get to hog all the fun, right?
Fun for [F]all!
With the fall season in near full-swing, I hope this list sparked some inspiration to get your fall mood up and at it! I’m eager to hear if you have any Harrisburg fall favorites I didn’t mention here. If so, share in the comments below!
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