When you live in the city, it's easy to feel like you're missing out on the stunning fall foliage. Sure, you can go up to the Poconos and see the mountains bathed in red, orange, and yellow - but if you don't have a chance to get away for a whole weekend, we've got a solution! The Wilmington and Western Railroad offers the closest fall foliage train ride near Philadelphia, and it is breathtaking. Travel back in time to the late 1800s with this historic railroad, and enjoy the routes along scenic Red Clay Creek!
For over 50 years, the Wilmington and Western Railroad has been dedicated to being the only rolling museum in the area.
This fall foliage train ride near Philadelphia will take you miles away from it all in an old-fashioned way. It's a great trip for kids and adults alike.
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Delaware's Chateau Country shows off the underrated state's hills, meadows, and forests -
It's an easy drive to The Wilmington and Western Railroad, so this is one trip you won't want to miss. The Autumn Leaf trains begin in October, and will run on weekends. Towards the end of the month, when fall foliage is at its peak, they run the trains on Wednesday, too.
There are two ways to see the best fall foliage around - the Mt. Cuba train or the Hockessin train.
The Mt. Cuba trip is shorter. You'll spend an hour on the train and have a half-hour stop at the Mt. Cuba picnic grove in a beautiful garden park. The other ride is longer; the full length trip runs for 2.5 hours and has a layover in the quaint town of Hockessin, where you can browse local shops or grab a bite to eat in one of the cafes.
You can find Greenbank Station at 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808. Visit their website for more information and to book tickets!
There's no city in the world quite like Philadelphia. From our history to our cuisine, and even the unmistakable Philly attitude, you'll certainly know you've made it to a unique city when you arrive in the City of Brotherly Love. Here are a few things about what makes Philadelphia special and unique, and why there's no place like home.
The United States was founded in the streets of Philadelphia! The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights were all written and signed in our city. Information about the historic sites where you can learn more about these historic documents can be found at the city's Independence Visitor's Center.
In Philly, you can drink in the same bar where the Federalist papers were argued, you can walk the cobblestone streets that our founding fathers drove carriages down, and you can even run into Ben Franklin in Old City! There is so much to see, do, and learn about what makes Philadelphia special!
3. You'll never meet anyone quite like a Philadelphian.
Philadelphia is full of characters. You can meet strangers who give you interesting unsolicited advice, die-hard Eagles fans, Philly Jesus, or some of the best chefs, restauranteurs, and bakers - all on the same day.
Where else would you find a parade like the Mummers, where people dress up in elaborate costumes for the ultimate performance competition, in the freezing cold, on New Years' Day? It is definitely one of the most favorite holiday traditions in the entire state.
When you delve into what is Philadelphia historically known for, it is definitely for its public art. Murals like this one decorate thousands of buildings in Philadelphia and interesting mosaics—among a wealth of other artistic ventures—are easy to find because Philadelphia is home to more public art than any other city in the country.
7. We've got a ton of green space, despite being a very urban city.
Philadelphia's park system includes Fairmount Park and Wissahickon Gorge, which combine to make it one of the greenest cities in the country. These are just two of the most beautiful places to spend some time in and around the city.
8. We are extraordinarily creative when it comes to #savesies.
In Philadelphia, you've got to take a side in the #savesies vs #nosavesies debate - the city’s quirky, unofficial, reserved parking spot culture. The Philly police will be quick to ticket anyone using a vacuum, chairs, stroller, or anything else to hold their parking space, but in some neighborhoods, you'd better not take anyone's shoveled out spot. Anything to help you survive winter in Philadelphia!
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9. And also when it comes to finding parking spots.
You can park pretty much anywhere in South Philly... including the median on Broad Street - which by the way, is one of the most walkable streets in the city. This is something that throws off out-of-towners for sure.
What's your favorite place in Philadelphia? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there. If you're a resident, tell us what you think about this list! You can also learn more about the city on the official convention and visitor bureau Facebook page.
12 Tourist Traps Actually Worth Visiting In Philadelphia
Discover the must-visit tourist spots in Philadelphia that locals often overlook but are worth exploring for their unique charm and historical significance.
It's easy to take Philadelphia for granted. After all, we live here, so we're used to our coffee shops being in 300 year old buildings and complaining about how our cars rumble on the cobblestones. Sometimes, though it's important to step back and look at the incredible city that surrounds us with fresh eyes. These Philly tourist traps might seem played out, and you might not have them high on your "to-do" list, but if you take the time to visit them in 2018, you'll be rewarded with a newfound appreciation for the City of Brotherly Love.
This gorgeous building might be the most photographed building in the city, and for good reason. It's a stunning architectural marvel! Beyond the impressive masonry, though, you'll find a breathtaking observation deck and a courtyard filled with music and performances — and occasionally Philly Jesus.
Sure, go ahead, do the Rocky thing. But then, go inside. This incredible art museum is among the best in the world, and it's a shame that most people only know it from the famous movie cameo. In the hallways and rooms of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you'll find original paintings and sculptures from some of the most influential artists in history.
The best view in Philadelphia is worth the $14 (or $19 for a sun and stars pass) that it will cost you to ride to the top of One Liberty. Though you might scoff at the people that shop at the Liberty Place Mall, you're really missing out if you haven't been to the observation deck yet.
Let's be honest — the Moshulu rocks. And while it's somewhat considered a tourist destination due to the fact that it's actually a floating boat, don't let that dissuade you from giving it a shot. In the summer, their upper deck offers one of the best happy hours in the city, and all winter long you can enjoy fine dining below deck.
You've probably walked by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall more times than you can count, but have you visited since you were in grade school? If not, it's worth a visit. I took an out-of-state friend on a tour of both, and I was more fascinated by the history of our city than she was. It's easy to take for granted that we walk the same streets as our founding fathers did, and sometimes it's nice to take a minute to soak that all in.
No matter how old you get, it's kind of cool to dine with the founding fathers. And even if you don't run into Ben Franklin sipping pints, you can still order food that's made with his recipes! City Tavern pays so much attention to detail when it comes to a colonial dining experience that they pulled their menu and recipes from the Library of Congress archives.
Not all touristy cheesesteak places are terrible! Jim's on South Street might be a top tourist destination, but they've earned it. Their steaks are among the best in the city, and when the line wraps around the block, there are plenty of native Philadelphians waiting to get their fix.
This is one of the most talked about places in Philadelphia, and for good reason! The stunning mural artwork will take your breath away, and maybe make you feel like you're losing your mind. This is the type of place you return to again and again, and every experience is brand new.
This South Philly Italian restaurant might get some attention for its mafia-related past, but don't let that stop you from thinking that's all there is to their story. Some of the best Italian food you'll ever find is hiding behind this unassuming, historic restaurant's doors.
This fascinating science museum was a grade school field trip stable, but it is just as fun when you visit as an adult! Yes, you can still run through the giant heart, but the real thrill is interacting with the incredible exhibits here. There aren't many 8-year-olds who understand science and discovery in the same way that an adult does, and that makes visiting decades later a truly magical experience.
The Reading Terminal Market might be the best place in Philadelphia. You can try the best Philly foods — from Hershel's, to DiNic's, to Basset's Ice Cream — all in one spot! Plus, pick up some cannoli from Termini Bros. and cheese from MeltKraft. Really, it's amazing that so many iconic Philly treats are available under one roof. Don't take it for granted!
The Italian Market is South Philly's answer to Reading Terminal Market, and it's just as good. You'll find a more casual atmosphere here, but you can pick up fresh cheeses, gourmet meats, produce, tortillas, and pretty much anything else you need for a tasty meal right in the neighborhood.
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After you've taken the time to appreciate the Philly tourist traps that are actually worth visiting, you'll have worked up an appetite — so start chipping away at your 2018 Philadelphia Restaurant Bucket List!
