Delaware is a top family destination for a reason, and if you want to have a good time, all you have to do is head to the beach! The fastest go-karts in Delaware can be found at an exciting and expansive speedway just a short drive from the coast.
Are you looking for a unique adventure, or maybe a thrilling family day trip destination? Head to Midway Speedway and you'll find miles of fun.
You'll find Outlaw Midget Karts, Super Stock Mini-Cup Karts, an over-and-under Super-8 track, a Family Track, and two tracks for kids - one Kiddie Track and one Kiddie Dune Buggy Track. There really is something for everyone.
There's no other spot in the First State where you can find so many options and drive miles and miles, whipping around turns at top speed and racing for the cup.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities and Attractions in Delaware
Autumn in the First State packs a lot of fun into a small space, so we put together this list of the fifteen best things to do in Delaware in the fall.
I look forward to fall all year - there's just something magical about this time of year, and there are few better places to enjoy it than the state of Delaware. The First State might be small, but it has a little bit of everything - great beaches, beautiful state parks, charming farmland, and bustling cities. It all comes together into the perfect place to enjoy the changing season - and you'll find so many great things to do in Delaware in the fall. You'll find great fall festivals, bountiful pumpkin patches, and of course, stunning fall foliage that takes over the state parks and forests like a transformation of red and gold. We put together this list of the fifteen best fall activities in Delaware to help you make the most of this enchanting season.
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Delaware Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Delaware For Fall Foliage
Delaware packs some amazing surprises within its small borders, and that includes some seriously beautiful state parks and natural refuges. Naturally, they become especially stunning in the fall when the colors change. Here are some of our favorites - and a unique way to see Delaware fall foliage.
Wow Factor - An expansive park filled with stunning views and unique water features, it's one of the best places in the state for peaceful leaf-peeping.
Need to Know - This state park is free to visit, with camping options available on the grounds for a fee.
One of the largest state parks in Delaware at over 3,600 acres, this is a fantastic spot to experience untouched nature. There are dozens of miles of hiking trails at White Clay State Park, almost all of them covered with canopies of stunning fall foliage during this time of year. This is a tranquil place with plenty of peaceful creeks to sit by and take in the beautiful scene, along with some small cascades.
Wow Factor - Delaware's signature botanical garden and museum, this place is an always-changing plant wonderland that looks stunning in the fall.
Need to Know - Open 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Non-members pay $25 to visit with discounts available for students and seniors.
Winterthur is more than just a botanical garden, it's a Delaware institution designed by H. F Dupont and preserved in time. The garden's many unique plants, like Japanese Maples, look their most beautiful when the leaves are changing and the thousand-acre garden is full of new surprises with each season. When you're done exploring the garden, there's also a museum and library to visit - this is easily an all-day destination.
Wow Factor - Known for their signature Bald Cypress trees, this park is one of the most beautiful camping spots in the state.
Need to Know - Open 8 AM each day, with general closing varying. A campground is available on-site.
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The best spot for camping in Delaware, Trap Pond State Park is a beautiful and isolated state park ringed by stunning Bald Cypress trees that turn into a rainbow of colors during the fall. The year-round campground is less crowded during this time of year, which means there should be plenty of RV and traditional camping spots available for you to spend a few days in nature's splendor and kayaking on the water or hiking the many trails here.
4. Wilmington & Western Railroad's Autumn Leaf Special
Location - Wilmington, Delaware
Wow Factor - See the state's fall foliage from an old-school recreational railroad!
Need to Know - Multiple dates in October and November are available. Adult tickets are $20, with discounts available for kids and seniors.
This popular recreational railroad is a top attraction in the state year-round, but the Autumn Leaf Special might be their crown jewel. Taking place through October and the start of November, it allows you to choose between a steam-powered or diesel-powered train, as well as journeys of different lengths. No matter what you choose, the entire journey is charming and beautiful - and the perfect fall tradition. Make sure to return for the railroad's holiday train in December!
Best Pumpkin Patches In Delaware
A vintage flatbed truck loaded with crates, surrounded by hay bales and pumpkins.
Delaware might not have a large number of pumpkin patches, but the ones it does are truly unique! This fall, you can explore a sprawling family farm, visit an old-fashioned rustic patch, or even get your pumpkin from one of Delaware's most unique event venues.
5. Ramsey's Farm
Location - Wilmington, Delaware
Wow Factor - The largest pumpkin patch in Delaware, this destination is full of fun fall activities and the largest pumpkin selection in the state.
Need to Know - Open 9 AM to 6 PM Thursday through Sunday. A day pass to the farm is $17.
A sprawling fall wonderland, Ramsey's Farm is a popular destination each autumn as soon as their fall activities kick off. Pumpkins are available by weight here, and the farm is full of thrilling activities like a corn maze (complete with a smaller one for kids) and a nighttime hayride. There are also plenty of lighter activities for the kids, and delicious farm-fresh food and drinks on hand.
6. Fifer Orchards
Location - Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Wow Factor - An old-fashioned country store and farm, Fifer Orchards is known for its delicious fall treats and rustic charm.
Need to Know - Open 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday. Fall fest admission is $10.95 online and $19.95 at the gate.
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Fifer Orchards may be best known for its delicious apple cider and other treats such as apple dumplings and cider donuts, but the other crop of the fall doesn't get a short shift here either! The pumpkin patch here is a huge you-pick field, and it's joined by fall fun like a corn maze and play area for the youngest kids. It's no surprise it's a big fall tradition in Delaware!
7. Mr. Pepper's Pumpkin Patch
Location - Laurel, Delaware
Wow Factor - This old-school pumpkin patch and farm is like taking a trip back in time, and is a great stop for families.
Need to Know - Open 10 AM to 6:30 PM all days but Friday, when it closes at 5. All activities are pay-as-you-go.
This rustic country farm has just kicked off its fall season and will be open through November 2nd this year. It's best known for its massive collection of pumpkins - some of the biggest you'll see in the First State - but it also has a pair of fun fall activities, a hayride and corn maze. This is a wonderfully laid-back fall destination.
8. Loblolly Acres
Location - Viola, Delaware
Wow Factor - A stunning event venue that opens its doors for pumpkin-picking one day a week during the fall.
Need to Know - Pumpkin Patch Sundays run all October from 11 AM to 4 PM for $8 per guest or $20 for a season pass.
Loblolly Acres is mostly used for private venues, and this stunning mansion is one of the most beautiful spots in Delaware. But every Sunday in October, it transforms into a fall destination with a pumpkin field, a hayride and petting zoo for the kids, and live music and adult beverages for the grown-ups. It's a great opportunity to get a look at one of Delaware's best event hotspots.
Best Fall Festivals In Delaware
When fall rolls around, it's the perfect time to get out and have some fun. The best fall festivals in Delaware are a unique bunch, ranging from a traditional Oktoberfest, to a celebration of one of the state's most polarizing foodstuffs, to a one-of-a-kind Halloween event. Here are our favorites.
Wow Factor - One of the best food festivals in Delaware, featuring delicious sweet treats and some unique ways to try the state's favorite breakfast meat.
Need to Know - Held on October 11th and 12th. No tickets or admission fee are required.
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Ah, Scrapple - this unique sausage made out of ground pork and cornmeal is definitely different, but I think it's delicious fried up nice and crisp. So do all the guests at the Apple-Scrapple Festival, which features a massive selection of exclusive fair treats along with a large carnival filled with amusement rides. Live entertainment keeps things exciting well into the night, so there's something for everyone.
10. Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
Location - Newark, Delaware
Wow Factor - You'll feel like you were just transported to a Munich beer hall at this raucous event filled with fine beer, food, and music.
Need to Know - Held September 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Admission is $10 which includes amusement park rides.
Is it even really fall if you haven't attended a traditional Oktoberfest? This German festival is Delaware's largest, and it prides itself on authenticity - in addition to classics like bratwust and potato pancakes, you can try "rollmops", a marinated herring snack straight from German. The festival will be alive all three days with live music and dance, and a large amusement park is perfect for the kids. There will also be vendors on hand selling authentic German goods to keep the Oktoberfest vibe going all season long.
11. Art on the Green
Location - New Castle, Delaware
Wow Factor - A massive collection of over 200 artisans sharing their wares in Battery Park.
Need to Know - Held September 28th from 10 AM to 4 PM. No admission fee, but goods and food are available for purchase.
An art festival is always a joy to attend, and Art on the Green is Delaware's best. A huge gathering of the First State's best artisans and crafters, it's a great opportunity to find those perfect pieces of art that speak to you. Located only feet from the water, it's a beautiful event that lends itself to leisurely browsing, and there will be food vendors on hand if you want to spend the whole day here.
12. Sea Witch Festival
Location - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Wow Factor - Delaware's biggest and wackiest Halloween event located in a beautiful beach town.
Need to Know - Held October 25th to 27th in 2024, this offbeat event is totally free to attend.
For me, the countdown to Halloween begins on Labor Day, and there's no better way to build anticipation than with a good old-fashioned Halloween festival. The Sea Witch Festival is just the right mix of spooky and lighthearted, so you can bring the whole family. The pre-Halloween festivities include a costume parade - and one for the dogs! - plus trick-or-treating and a wide range of games and vendors. It's an epic three-day party that's a perfect way to welcome the ghosts and goblins.
Best Free & Cheap Fall Activities In Delaware
It's natural to have a bit of a budget crunch after Summer - that's when all the vacations are! - but that doesn't mean you've got to hunker down at home come the fall. These are some of our favorite getaways in Delaware when you're on a budget.
Wow Factor - Located in the sprawling Blackbird State Forest, this peaceful trail is an amazing short hike in the fall.
Need to Know - Open 7 AM to 6 PM daily.
Looking for a laid-back hike the whole family can enjoy? The Tybout Tract Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail with an easy rating, found in one of Delaware's most beautiful state forests. This is a lesser-known trail, so you probably won't encounter many other hikers during this time of year. The fall foliage is great in this forest and the weather is cool enough that a hike sounds inviting.
14. Lewes
Location - Lewes is found right at the mouth of the Delaware Bay
Wow Factor - One of the most laid-back beach towns in Delaware, it's less crowded but just as charming in the fall.
Need to Know - While most destinations should be open in the fall, check for hours once the summer crowds disperse.
There's nothing like a great little beach town, especially once the summer crowds are gone and you've got a lot more space to explore! Lewes is right by some of Delaware's most beautiful beaches, and the town is known for its unique boutiques and its delicious food - make sure to stop by Agave, an innovative Mexican restaurant that makes the best use of seafood in the area.
15. Cape Henlopen State Park
Location - Lewes, Delaware
Wow Factor - A family-friendly park with an interactive museum and some stunning views.
Need to Know - The nature center is open 10 AM to 4 PM all days except Monday.
Cape Henlopen State Park might just be the best park for families in the whole state, with six miles of coastline. The starring attraction, though, has to be the Seaside Nature Center - an interactive attraction that invites kids in to learn more about the ecosystem around them. The coolest feature has to be the touch tank, which allows them to examine horseshoe crabs in a safe environment and get up close with these fascinating ancient creatures.
What are your favorite things to do in Delaware in the fall? Do you have any fall traditions we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments section! If you're looking for more fall adventures during this time of year, consider a visit to the best state parks in Delaware. And if you're planning a lot of outside adventures during the Autumn, it's the perfect time to pick up a new winter coat.
