PHILADELPHIA, September 18, 2000 – Whether the perfect fall day involves a picnic basket or roller blades, a camera or a canvas, a convertible or a bicycle, your sweetheart or the whole family, here are eight Philadelphia adventures that showcase the region’s beauty.

Once the headquarters of General Washington’s Revolutionary army, Valley Forge is now the peaceful setting of 3,600 acres of rolling hillside. Meander along the looping paths. Explore the 18^th century encampments. And be sure not to miss Washington’s stone headquarters, framed in brilliant fall colors. Enjoy lunch (weekdays) or dinner (Mon.-Sat.) in the historic Kennedy Supplee mansion and restaurant right in the national park. Rt. 23 and N. Gulph Rd., Valley Forge, PA, (610) 783-1077.

Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway Display – the centerpiece of the Fall Garden – is a family favorite running through October 29. Other favorites include walking paths, a rose garden, whimsical statuary, and a glorious fall palette made up of trees from around the world. The arboretum is within city limits. (Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, 100 Northwestern Ave. between Stenton and Germantown aves. (215) 247-5777.

Peddler’s Village (Family Fun, Shopping)

Fifty scarecrows are hanging around Peddler’s Village this fall, making this charming destination of 75 specialty shops in nearby Bucks County a perfect fall outing site. For even more fun, visit during the free Apple Festival on Sat. - Sun, Nov. 4 – 5, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Apple Festival activities include craft-making demonstrations, apple butter cooking, live music and a pie eating contest. Rts. 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA, (215) 794-4000.

Route 32, also known as River Road, is one of the most scenic passages in the region. Stretching along the Delaware River through northern Bucks County, River Road is dotted with bed & breakfasts, country inns, wineries, small shops, and of course, breathtaking foliage. Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau, (215) 345-4552.

Bucks County has 12 covered bridges, as well as a guidebook with driving and biking routes for exploring these rustic, romantic passages. Thirty minutes from Philadelphia, Bucks County is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage. Request the Bucks County Biking Guide at (215) 345-4552 or view it online at www.bccvb.org/recreation.

Take a hot air balloon ride over the spread of reds, yellows and oranges of Philadelphia and its countryside. Sunrise, sunset or midday rides promise breathtaking views. Providers include: Lollipop Balloons, Inc., Chester Springs, PA, (610) 827-1610 and United States Hot Air Balloon Team, St. Peters, PA, (800) 763-5987.

Autumn’s colors paint the landscape of this 1,050-acre horticultural showplace created by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. Wander the gardens, pack your own lunch for the picnic grove (or eat in the Terrace Restaurant) and check out the gardening demonstrations, flower shows, organ concerts and other daily programs. US. Rt. 1, Kennett Square, PA, (610) 388-1000.

Fairmount Park (Family Fun, Romantic, Exercise)

Fairmount Park is ten times the size of Central Park (8,500 acres, not 850), but what’s even better than its size is its versatility. Take in the fall foliage while jogging the gravel path along the Wissahickon River; hike the park’s wilderness trails, steal away onto Forbidden Drive or simply stroll the short path towards brunch at Valley Green Inn. See the park’s glory without leaving Center City with a bike, blade, walk or picnic along Kelly Drive, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. For park maps and general park information, call (215) 685-0000.

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more information and travel packages to Philadelphia visit www.gophila.com or call (888) GO-PHILA.

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Note to Editors: For photographic images or B-Roll of Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside, visit the photo gallery section of www.gophila.com/pressroom.

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