PHILADELPHIA, September 4, 2001 – Whether the perfect fall day involves a picnic basket or roller blades, a camera or a canvas, a convertible or a bicycle, 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.) at the historic Kennedy Supplee mansion and restaurant in the 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 (at least) Oct. 9. 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

Fifty scarecrows will be hanging around Peddler’s Village this fall for the Scarecrow Competition and Display,
Sept. 10–Oct. 28. Later, apples are the focus of the fun during the free Apple Festival, Sat.-Sun., Nov. 3–4, from
10 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Festival activities include craft-making demonstrations, apple butter cooking, live music and a pie-eating contest. Don’t miss Peddler’s Village’s newest attraction, the three-level, indoor Giggleberry Fair, featuring the Grand Carousel, Giggleberry Mountain, Discovery Land and the Painted Pony Restaurant. Open year round, Giggleberry Fair is suitable for ages 2 to 99. Peddler’s Village is a charming community of 75 specialty shops in nearby Bucks County, PA. 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.

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 Pierre S. du Pont. Wander the gardens, pack lunch for the picnic grove (or eat in the Terrace Restaurant) and check out the flower shows, gardening demonstrations, organ concerts and other daily programs. U.S. Rt. 1, Kennett Square, PA, (610) 388-1000.

Fairmount Park is ten times the size of Central Park in New York (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 to brunch at Valley Green Inn. Bike, blade, walk or picnic along Kelly Drive, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, right in Center City, Philadelphia.
For park maps and general park information, call (215) 685-0000.