Explore Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania for a Festive Fall Getaway September 16, 2019 by Lehigh Valley PA Discover Lehigh Valley® shares the best places to enjoy fall foliage, nationally known festivals, and unique, seasonal goods LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., September 9, 2019 – Tucked among the rolling hills and countryside of Pennsylvania, the small towns of Lehigh Valley are primed with leaf peeping scenery, nationally known festivals, and homegrown goods. Discover Lehigh Valley®, a destination organization with insider’s advice for Lehigh and Northampton counties, is sharing its top list of fall attractions and events. “Fall in Lehigh Valley is both charming and breath-taking. A quick drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City, our region welcomes guests to escape bustling cities and relax among picturesque small towns,” says Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “There is also a perfect fall activity for everyone. Whether it’s indulging at PA Bacon Fest, enjoying handcrafted cocktails or pumpkin ales at one of our local distilleries and breweries, or taking in amazing views of vibrant fall foliage and having some fruit-picking, family fun at one of our many fall farm experiences.” Create your perfect fall getaway with these Discover Lehigh Valley recommendations: Relaxing, scenic views Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour – History and charm collide when exploring Lehigh Valley’s covered bridges. Enjoy the tranquility of country roads when discovering the region’s seven covered bridges originally built in the 1800s. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is approximately 50 miles long and allows visitors to travel back in time during a leisurely drive. Jacobsburg State Park – Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice when visiting Jacobsburg State Park because of its rich history, outdoor recreation, and unique habitat landscapes. Home to more than 18 miles of trails and the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, the park also welcomes visitors to experience Henry’s Woods, one of the remnant Old Growth forests in eastern Pennsylvania. Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor – Explore Lehigh Valley’s most spectacular colors. Bike, hike, or stroll along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor to experience Lehigh Valley. The multi-use trail spanning 165 miles runs through the region telling stories of railroads, canals, rivers, and trails. For fall educational experiences, visit the National Canal Museum for hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain the entire family. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – Enjoy one of Lehigh Valley’s most picturesque and historic towns with a walking tour. Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage Designation, Historic Bethlehem is rich with stories of European influences that made their mark on colonial America before growing into a city embracing tradition and life. With stunning fall colors, 19 historic buildings, 20 acres of land, and two National Historic Landmarks, Bethlehem is a quintessential fall experience. Small town vibes, big-name festivals The Great Pumpkin Fest & Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park (Weekends, September-November) – The Great Pumpkin Fest is a scare-free Halloween event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the PEANUTS™ gang, petting zoo, and more. For spooky happenings, experience Dorney’s Halloween Haunt with ghostly mazes, scare zones, and prowling monsters. Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival (September 27-29) – With roots firmly planted in historic Bethlehem, Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival helps preserve and promote Celtic heritage through music, athletics, piping, and dance. The Highland Games are a must see. As athletes from around the world come together, their display of strength, speed, and skill are top-notch. Oktoberfest at SteelStacks™ (October 4-6 and 11-13) – It does not get better than authentic German food, axe-wielding lumberjacks, and a dachshund race. Recently featured on TravelChannel.com, Lehigh Valley’s Oktoberfest has something for the entire family. Set to the backdrop of the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel, Oktoberfest welcomes guests to enjoy endless food, drinks, music, and activities. Chambourcin Weekend (October 19-20) – A signature grape of Lehigh Valley, Chambourcin Weekend celebrates the region’s 40 acres of Chambourcin crops, which ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Hosted along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit these eight family-owned vineyards and wineries for Chambourcin Weekend featuring wine tasting, live entertainment, and vineyard tours. Lehigh Valley Cider & Wine Festival (October 24) – Hosted at Coca-Cola Park, one of minor league baseball’s most celebrated venues, the Lehigh Valley Cider and Wine Festival welcomes local spirit enthusiasts. The on-field event brings together local cideries and wineries, entertainment, and food trucks during Pennsylvania Wine Month. PA Bacon Fest (November 2-3) – Featured on Parade.com and recognized by FEST300.com, PA Bacon Fest is home to countless bacon-centric culinary creations, Pig and Wiener Dog Races, and sample pairings of bacon and beers with Weyerbacher Brewing Company. Unique, homegrown goods Good, fall family fun – Experience Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms during their fall festival. With endless family-friendly activities, as well as apple cider donuts and slushies, Grim’s is a local favorite. For one of the region’s best corn mazes, visit Seiple Farms where visitors can explore the 18-acre maze. Seasonal, flavorful brews – Lehigh Valley crafts pumpkin beers with precision. Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale and Fegley’s Devious Pumpkin are recognized as two of the best seasonal brews in the country and are a must-taste for beer enthusiasts. For more local brews, explore Lehigh Valley’s more than 20 breweries. Crisp fall wines – Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing wine region and a designated American Viticultural Area. For local fall favorites, enjoy Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery’s Autumn Gold and Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery’s Spiced Apple. Eight Oaks Craft Distillers – Enjoy Eight Oaks Craft Distillers’ signature fall cocktails including the Pear Mule, Brown Sugar Pecan and Log Cabin when discovering Lehigh Valley. Providing a relaxed, farmhouse atmosphere, Eight Oaks Craft Distillers welcomes guests to indulge in artisan spirits and handcrafted cocktails made from its own locally grown grains and crafted on-site. The perfect fall getaway is a short drive away. Plan your adventure at DiscoverLehighValley.com/Fall. Follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About Discover Lehigh Valley Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley® makes Lehigh and Northampton counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the region. Discover Lehigh Valley’s official visitor website, DiscoverLehighValley.com, keeps locals and visitors abreast of all things happening in the region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, brochures and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tools. Along with Discover Lehigh Valley’s social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into one of the many visitor centers for additional information. About Lehigh Valley, Pa. Set amid gentle hills and charming country sides, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs. The region is steeped in pre-Colonial, Early American and industrial history. Lehigh Valley has an impressive range of tourist attractions including nationally-recognized events like Musikfest, wineries and breweries, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, outdoor activities, world-class sporting events, 10 colleges and universities, and is home to America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars and Mack Trucks. The region offers a diverse array of memorable things to do and plenty of dining options to fit every budget and taste. And, it’s easy to get to and around. Lehigh Valley is located approximately 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City by car. ###
Discover the Things that Make the Mid-Atlantic Unique September 3, 2019 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, September 3, 2019) — The Mid-Atlantic is packed with things to see and do, but each destination has its own claim to fame. Find out what each area is best known for – ranging from food, to outdoor recreation, and everything in between. For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org. DELAWARE Greater Wilmington Wilmington, Delaware was once home to the du Pont family. Today, their former estates delight visitors with gardens and grandeur. Hagley Museum, the original 1802 gunpowder works; Winterthur Museum, a 1,000-acre naturalistic garden and decorative arts collection; Nemours Estate, a 77-room mansion and the finest French gardens in the U.S. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarah Willoughby, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected] MARYLAND State of Maryland From the Appalachian Mountains to Assateague Island, with the Chesapeake Bay in between, Maryland is known for its outdoor recreation and culinary delights. Enjoy the iconic blue crabs and oysters along Maryland’s Crab & Oyster Trail. Along the trail, learn about the waterman heritage by visiting a maritime museum. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Baltimore Break out your mallets and lay down your newspaper for some traditional Baltimore crab picking! From steamed crab, to crab cakes, to crab feasts, if there’s one thing Baltimore is known for—it’s this sweet and tender delicacy. From catching to cracking to enjoying these crustaceans, visitors can do it all. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, Baltimore.org, [email protected] Calvert County Calvert County, Maryland: Calvert Cliffs State Park. The massive cliffs dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for 24 miles and were formed millions of years ago. Today these cliffs reveal the fossils of prehistoric species including sharks, whales and rays that you can find and take home with you. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Frederick County Frederick, Maryland is best known for its Civil War history and its 50-block walkable historic district. Home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, several battle fields, and a variety of boutique shops and restaurants located in re-purposed buildings, there are decades to uncover here. Visit Frederick, Melissa Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected] Harford County Our agriculture producers and products are second to none. Discover creameries, wineries, breweries, farmer’s markets and pick-your-own farms that are sure to satisfy. Meet the local farmer and relax with a cone in your hand (or a glass of wine) while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of a working farm. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Montgomery County Spend the weekend in 93,000-acres of abundant beauty in Montgomery County, Maryland. Book your stay at The Inn at Tusculum Farm. Visit Butler’s Orchard for the perfect pick-your-own experience. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain and savor a glass of Hazy American IPA at Elder Pine Brewing Company. Visit Montgomery, MD, Cory Van Horn, VisitMontgomery.com, [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania’s greater-than-great outdoors, vibrant communities and urban centers, thriving arts and food scene, and iconic historical attractions offer something for every kind of traveler. The Keystone State truly boasts endless opportunities for visitors and residents alike to pursue their happiness. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Lisa Zahn, visitPA.com, [email protected] Altoona Blair County, PA offers a number of bucket list opportunities only found here! Ride the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, float down a lazy river at the country’s only Italian themed waterpark and see the factory where the Slinky is made! Only in Blair County PA! Explore Altoona, Jennifer Fleck, explorealtoona.com, [email protected] Butler County Butler has an interesting automotive history and is known ‘round the world for being the birthplace of the Jeep. The county celebrates this through the annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in June. Thousands of visitors attend this event to embrace the vehicle’s past and the lifestyle it promotes. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany about Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Central Pennsylvania Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is America’s only all-water cavern & farm-nature-wildlife park. Only cave in Pennsylvania placed on National Register of Historic Places. Unique experiences for the whole family. Fully-guided cavern tour by boat, beautiful farm to enjoy nature & wildlife, an off-road mountain tour, gemstone panning, gift shop, Miners Maze, Cave Café. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, Edward Stoddard, VisitPennState.org, [email protected] Endless Mountains Home to eclectic towns like Montrose, Tunkhannock, Eagles Mere and Dushore famous for festivals, shopping and arts, the Endless Mountains lay claim to miles of trails and waterways perfect for outdoor recreation. Covered bridges, museums, and Elk Mountains’ award-winning slopes make the area a four season destination for fun! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Lancaster County Lancaster County has a rich variety of things to see and do, including several historic firsts, but is most well-known nationally and internationally as home to America’s original and largest Amish settlement, with several interpretive attractions to explore, plus buggy rides and personalized tour options. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands Immerse yourself in the works of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Stand on the cantilevered terraces of his masterpiece, Fallingwater. Visit Kentuck Knob, a stunning home built from cypress, stone and copper. End your Wright day with an overnight stay at the newly-rebuilt Mäntylä or secluded Duncan House. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Anna Weltz, LaurelHighlands.org, [email protected] Montgomery County Montgomery County, PA is home to an incredible number of amazing towns and things to do. Of all our world-famous, world-class attractions, the King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge National Historical Park, located right next door to each other, are among the most well-known and widely visited. Visit Montgomery, Emily Keel, valleyforge.org, [email protected] Philadelphia Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States and the country’s first World Heritage City. Visitors travel to see the Liberty Bell, the Rocky Steps and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia is also known for its unique foods, most notably the cheesesteak and the hoagie. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, [email protected] Potter County – Tioga County The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County draws visitors from across the country to experience “the other Grand Canyon”, this one famous for lush foliage and breathtaking panoramic scenery. Combined with stargazing at Potter County’s “Dark Skies” at Cherry Springs Park, these two attractions make for a spectacular getaway. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] Reading, Berks County When you hear Reading, Pennsylvania, what comes to mind? Reading Railroad? Outlet shopping? The PA Dutch? Others may rival our region in these categories, but no other place can lay claim to our Pagoda. This welcoming landmark delights visitors with its quirky style and fantastic views from atop Mt. Penn. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa P Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Fairfax County Connect with one-and-only experiences in Fairfax County, from the home of America’s first president and America’s only National Park dedicated to the performing arts to one of the few places you can get up close with a Space Shuttle and some of the best shopping on the East Coast. Visit Fairfax, Ali Morris, FXVA.com, [email protected] Giles County Cascade Falls, in Giles County, Virginia, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the entire East Coast. The scene is both breathtaking and peaceful as the falls combine both power and beauty. The 4-mile round-trip hike has ample viewing space at the base of the 69-foot waterfall. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, GilesCounty.org, [email protected] Hampton With several miles of waterfront, Hampton, Virginia’s relationship with the water is the city’s hallmark. Chesapeake Bay beaches boast white sands and gentle surf. Many independent restaurants feature amazing local seafood dishes. Visitors can spend the day on the water through watersports, charter fishing or by taking a harbor cruise. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Elizabeth Severs, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg Not only is the area home to a bustling farmers market, but it also houses a community of restaurants that bring farm-fresh to life. With an array of flavors to satisfy everyone’s palate, Virginia’s first culinary district will take you on a culinary trip around the world. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Lexington & Rockbridge Lexington is a historic college town influenced by presidents, statesmen and generals. George Washington and Robert E. Lee held pivotal roles at Washington and Lee University. Thomas Jackson taught at Virginia Military Institute before earning his nickname “Stonewall.” VMI graduate George C. Marshall influenced key events of the 20th century. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] Orange County The BEST and BIGGEST Corn Maze this side of the Mississippi is at Liberty Mills Farm. Their Corn Maze covers 33 acres! 2019 theme: Man on the Moon, celebrating the Apollo 11 Mission! Open from September through the first weekend of November, this Corn Maze will amaze all ages! Orange County, Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County Shenandoah County has the best variety in outdoor recreation from light hiking trails to extreme adventures. After a great day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing or ballooning, it’s best to settle in for a great meal at a local eatery and stay at a family owned B&B. Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna French, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] WEST VIRGINIA Pocahontas County Pocahontas County, WV is known as the Birthplace of Rivers. With headwaters of eight pristine streams heading up in Pocahontas County, there’s clear waters perfect for casting a line, taking a dip or enjoying a float. It doesn’t hurt we’re also known for our breathtaking sunsets and jaw-dropping scenic vistas – see for yourself in Nature’s Mountain Playground! Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chelsea Walker, NaturesMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries while promoting common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.