Where did our summer go? One minute, we were talking about Independence Day, and now it’s August. Mid-August, no less. Back to school, back to work, and dare we mention the holiday season that is fast approaching? Yikes. It can all seem to move so quickly. But instead of charging full steam into the winter festivities, what if we took some time to enjoy the transition? What if we slow down and celebrate fall? You don’t have to go apple picking (although we think it would be fun) or dive into all things pumpkin spice if that’s not your jam (Is pumpkin spice jam a thing?). Just take a beat and embrace autumn. The beautiful transformation of our trees from lush green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The gradual cooling temperatures that have you reaching for a cozy blanket or sweater. How about planning that autumn weekend escape you have always dreamed about? Hershey, PA, is filled with harvest festivals, farmers markets, wineries, and trails for hiking and leaf peeping. Book your stay at the Inn, and let us help you customize your fall getaway with a few of our favorites!
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Hershey Gardens. It’s a stunning place to visit any time of year, but we suggest checking out their Pumpkin Palooza event in October. They have over 200 decorated pumpkins, a fantastic 14-foot pumpkin tree, a 9-foot-tall mum tree, and hundreds of beautiful mums on display. There will be food trucks and other activities for you to enjoy. You can get all your information here – hersheygardens.org
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Hershey Park Halloween: If you want to get your fright on, you should plan on attending Hershey Park Dark Nights! Starting in September and running for 25 days (Including Halloween night). Darkness overtakes all their coasters, and creatures roam the night! They also have exceptional cuisine to get you in the scary spirit. You won’t want to miss it! You can get all your information here – Hersheypark.com
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Farmers Markets: Planning a romantic getaway? The following two suggestions are perfect for any time of year, especially in the fall.
Hershey Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square: Located downtown in what was once the old Hershey Post Office built in the late 1930s, the market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other specialty items. With over 25,000 square feet and over 40 vendors, the market is a bustling hub for artisanal foods and spirits. They provide high-quality, fresh products and foster a sense of community supported by local farmers and artisans. You can spend hours wandering through the shops and sampling the delectable cuisine. You will not be disappointed! You can find their information here – hersheyfreshmarket.com
Strites’ Orchard: They have over 100 years of family farming. You will have difficulty deciding what to try with locally grown fruit, vegetables, honey, and savory baked goods. You can shop in their market, or they have a U-Pick option if you want the whole farmers’ market experience. They also have a stunning field of flowers; you can pick and create your own bouquet. While we don’t want to get too far ahead of the season, they also have Christmas trees available in November and December (Hint – romantic winter getaway). You can find their information and schedules here – stritesorchard.com
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Wine Tasting: Looking for an immersive experience that engages all the senses? Check out these award-winning vineyards!
Cassel Vineyards: If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon outside enjoying a stunning view and tasting delicious wine, we recommend visiting Cassel Vineyards. Established in 2008, the vineyard is part of a 135-acre farm that has been in their family since 1903. Their weekends are filled with music, wine, and food. Join them for Music in the Vines while you enjoy savory bites from local food trucks or their Charcuterie shed. Sit on their porch while you sample the estate-grown wines and admire the view of the vineyards and horses grazing in the nearby pasture. They also do grape picking in the fall! Check out their site for a list of wines and a schedule of activities here – casselvineyards.com
The Vineyard at Hershey/ The Brewery at Hershey: From May through September, The Vineyards at Hershey hosts Decked Out Live every Friday night. Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy live music under the stars! If you don’t feel like packing your food, Rolling Grill is onsite to supply you with delectables to pair with the Vineyards’ award-winning wine, beer, or cider. Saturdays and Sundays are also filled with live music and drinks on their Brewery patio. Or you can schedule time for a wine-tasting tour. Get all your information and schedules here – vineyardsathershey.com
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Fall Expeditions – Looking for something unusual for your fall getaway? Check out the following two out-of-the-box options.
The AACA Eastern National Fall Meet in Hershey, PA: Whether you are a current collector or just a casual observer, you will want to check out this car show on October 8th-11th. Located at the Giant Center, it has occurred every year since 1955. Serious enthusiasts will want to check out the auto parts swap meet from the 8th through the 10th. On October 11th, the main car show will take place in the Giant Center parking lot, beginning with the parade of vehicles, which starts around 6 am. There is no admission fee, so come and enjoy this special event. You can find a list of events here: hershey.aaca.com
Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA: Established in 1999, the PNHS Foundation supports various programs, such as therapeutic riding groups, equine-assisted service organizations, and equine rescue programs. In 2023, they awarded more than $75,000 in grants to local and national non-profit recipients. The event occurs October 10th-20th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Competitions will run daily from Thursday – Sunday. Filled with some of the nation’s top horses and riders, you will not want to miss this event! You can find ticket information and a list of events here: panational.org
We at the Inn on Church Road are starting our fall festivities with an open house on Sunday, September 22! We would love for you to stop by and say hello if you are in the area. Please tour the Inn, enjoy a glass of wine and gourmet treats, rest on one of our lovely porches, and get to know us. Information about signing up for the event can be found on our website.
No matter what you choose from our list, or if you decide to find your own adventure, we would love to welcome you to the Inn. Relax in one of our five luxury suites, and let us pamper you from start to finish with cocktails in the evening and a gourmet breakfast to begin your day. You can go exploring or spend your day cozied up, reading a good book, or playing a board game. The important thing is to take some time to breathe and embrace the season upon us!
