The ‘end of summer’ sounds so ominous. We plan Labor Day pool parties and barbecues as a final farewell to sun and fun like we’ll never see either again. And hey, with the weather extremes we’ve been experiencing, it’s a valid fear. But, for now at least, the seasons are still alive and well—if a little wonky—and among them is my favorite: Fall. Technically, Autumn begins on September 23rd, but with temperatures already hovering in the 60s and 70s, that little chill in the air is all the encouragement I need.
As a former Long Island girl, traveling to Pennsylvania to see the leaves turn was a major event and one I am still in awe of. Beginning in mid-September and reaching its peak in early to mid-October, the fall foliage in the Poconos is a leaf peepers dream. We love watching the sunsets from the patio at Rainbow Mountain, now imagine it when the trees are burgundy and gold. Stunning, right?
Fun Fact: Leaf peeping is an informal term for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage in areas where leaves change colors in autumn.
Add in a #PSL (yes, Pumpkin Spice Latte has its own hashtag. What a time to be alive!) or maybe something a little stronger, and a blanket to cuddle with your near and dears, and it’s a perfect night in the mountains. S’mores might make it better, but then I’d have to figure out which calories I wanted more—the latte or the chocolate.
Oh, what am I saying, vacation calories don’t count! Have both, then walk the hill to the Hayloft and call it even.
Need more encouragement? Here’s what’s happening in September on the Mountain:
September 13th - Latin Weekend & Latin Weekend Drag Show
September 21st- Still Summer Swimsuit Party & F#ck Fall (obvs I didn’t organize these)
September 22nd - Splish Splash Doggie Bash (help us close the pool with this event benefiting AWSOM Animal Shelter)
Not to mention the awesome line of up entertainers appearing in the Hayloft Playroom.
Other happenings around the Poconos include:
September 14th - Pocono Crab & Seafood Festival (3 paid packages)
September 14th - SeptemberFest Music Festival (free)
September 21-22nd - Shawnee Celtic Festival
September 27th - Lackawaxen Foliage Limited ($25 adult) - All aboard for a 3.5-hour, 50-mile round-trip down to Lackawaxen. Take in the beauty of the Lackawaxen River as it flows toward the Delaware River. Keep your eyes peeled for remains of the Delaware & Hudson Canal and wildlife that inhabits the river and surrounding areas. Sit back and relax as you stroll through the Northern Poconos as the leaves are changing into an assortment of reds and oranges. The railcars are heated, and restrooms are available on the train. This train departs on September 27; October 4, 11, 18, and 25. *note this is about an hour north of the resort*
Do I need to tell you which weekend I’d pick? How about you? Book now!
Jessie G is an author, blogger, and aspiring leaf peeper.