All this month, we’re taking you on a road trip. Bid your city and your stresses adieu. Grab some friends, jump in the car and take the scenic route with us. Find brilliant little stops, surprises tucked away, and tips to make the road trip experience complete. Do you already have a favorite road trip that you took? Let us know!
Hard to believe it but fall is here! Hot and steamy summer nights make way for colorful days and cozy evenings.
Fall follows summer, meaning beach memories and tan lines remain fresh, but you’re ready for vineyard tours, bonfires, and foliage drives with your special someone. Now’s the perfect time to plan a long weekend or week — you deserve it! — exploring a gay-friendly city and its surrounding Technicolor countryside towns.
Destination:
Southeastern PA: Philadelphia, Bucks County, New Hope, Kennett Square
Directions:
Anyone traveling from New York and north (that’s you, New Englanders), take I-95 South; anyone from Washington DC area and south needs to do the opposite and ride I-95 North.
The Itinerary:
Venture to the mid-Atlantic region for a kaleidoscope of autumn colors and activities. Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside hosts fall festivals practically every weekend in the season.
Philadelphia throws the biggest National Coming Out Day with OutFest (October 7), a block party in the heart of the Gayborhood featuring drag shows, games, bar crawls and shopping. The Midtown Village Fall Festival (October 6) also drives lots of gaiety, mostly because the daylong celebration takes place in the Gayborhood.
Outside the city, couples find plenty of inspiration for hand-holding.
Drama types can put on their own version of Bridges of Bucks County by discovering the 12 historic covered bridges in the bucolic towns in this part of the Keystone State. The athletically inclined can rent bikes and ride along the peaceful Delaware River Canal to take in the reds, oranges, and yellows.
While in Bucks County, make your way to the artist colony of New Hope. Pop in and out of the funky shops, galleries restaurants, bars and cafes along the town’s lively Main Street.
To really delve into this suburban oasis, book a night or two at a quaint B&B.
Also near Philadelphia, Chester County’s Longwood Gardens is the Madonna of gardens. You could spend an entire day strolling through the gardens, exploring the conservatory and admiring the dancing fountains.
No matter where you take your trip, remember to pack your camera and your most comfortable pajamas. Fall provides the perfect backdrop for a new Facebook profile pic and lots of cuddling.
RELATED LINKS:
Skip the Chips and Dip for These Healthiest Road Trip Snacks
Find Healthy Food on Your Road Trip (There’s an App for That)
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: If Dolly Can do It, So Can We!
Hit the Road, Jack: Road Trip Through Midwest
Hit the Road, Jack: Making a Run from the Border to the Desert
Hit the Road, Jack: California Colors
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: Road Trip Through New England
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: Road Trip Through Northern California
Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia™