Scenic Drives & Fall Foliage:
Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Brandywine Valley's fall foliage. Meander through winding back roads and tree-lined tunnels, capturing Instagram-worthy moments along the way. Check out Chester County Tourism's list of Instagrammable Locations for Fall Foliage to discover the most scenic spots.
Hayrides, Orchards, & Farms:
Embrace the quintessential fall experience with apple picking and hayrides at Chester County's family-owned orchards. Highland Orchards offers a delightful combination of hayrides, pumpkin picking, farm animals, and engaging activities for kids. Indulge in their fresh apple cider and homemade donuts for a sweet treat. If you're in the mood for ice cream, head to Milky Way Farm and enjoy their delicious creations made from their own milk. For an evening adventure, Sugartown Strawberries offers hayride and bonfire packages for groups.
Agritourism Events:
Celebrate Chester County's rich agricultural heritage at various events throughout the season. Join the 100th Unionville Community Fair from October 4-6 for a centennial celebration featuring Circus Incredible, hay rides, 4-H animals, live music, food trucks, and more. On November 3rd, the Good Food Fest at Kimberton Fairgrounds honors local farmers and producers with over 100 vendors, live music, cooking demos, and drinks on tap.
For a more laid-back experience, Birchrun Hill Cheese Farm hosts happy hours on fall Fridays, offering local wine and cheese pairings, live music, and special guest vendors.
Beer, Wine, & Cider Happenings:
Savor the flavors of fall with tastings at local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. With over 25 breweries in Chester County, you'll find a diverse range of atmospheres and menus to suit your preferences. Explore the Chester County "Cheers!" trail for a complete list.
Special events include the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown West Chester on September 28th, where participating locations offer $6 fall beers or ciders and themed appetizers. Chaddsford Winery's Adult Trick or Treat provides a unique outdoor walking tour with Halloween-themed pairing stations and wine tips. The Kennett Brewfest, the area's largest pour event, takes place on October 5th, featuring unlimited tastings from over 80 craft breweries.
Arts & Culture:
The fall season has inspired many local artists, and you can explore their works or shop for unique gifts at various art and craft events.
Exhibits and tours include the Brandywine Museum of Art, home to the renowned works of the Wyeth family. Opening October 13th, "The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick" explores the interdisciplinary creativity of this famed American artist. Don't miss the Wharton Esherick Museum to experience his home and studio.
For a spooky adventure, join the Chester County History Center's Dark History Walking Tour, an adults-only event held throughout October.
Special events like the Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford (October 17-19) showcase local carvers creating masterpieces from giant pumpkins. A Dickens Halloween at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library on October 19th features haunting readings by Gerald Charles Dickens. Haunted Helicopters takes over the American Helicopter Museum on October 26th, offering a fun and spooky experience for families.
The Hagley Craft Fair (October 19-20) brings together talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic region, showcasing their fine arts, crafts, and gourmet items. The Historic Yellow Springs Fine Arts and Craft Show (November 8-10) closes out the fall season with a juried show featuring original paintings and works in various media.
Chester County's Brandywine Valley is a haven for fall festivities. With its scenic beauty, vibrant events, and rich cultural offerings, it's the perfect destination to celebrate the season.
