When we’re not buying and selling homes, we like to take advantage of everything Philadelphia has to offer. Here’s list, in no particular order, of our favorite fall activities in and around the city of Philadelphia.
#1 LONGWOOD GARDENS, FALL COLORS FESTIVAL
Till November 8, Longwood Gardens
Ochre, Sage, Bronze, Russet, Bayberry, Maize, Marigold, Mahogany, Cinnamon, Fawn, Flame, Goldenrod, Henna, Honey -Gold, Amber, Garnet, Persimmon, Oak Brown, Mustard, Vermillion, Terracotta, Gamboge, Scarlet, Crimson, Amaranth… These are only a few of the colors you’ll find strolling through the crisp air surrounded by the scent of crushed leaves.
# 2 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, SCHUYKILL RIVER, OCTOBER 6TH
Way back in the 4th Century Qu Yuan, a poet and advisor to the king was exiled for telling the king something he didn’t want to hear. Feeling dishonored he threw himself into the torrential Milou river. Local fisherman desparate to save him from being eaten by the fierce Water Dragons beat their drums and slapped their paddles against the water, until he swam to safety.
Over the centuries the re-enactment of the saving of Qu Yuan has developed in to the modern Dragon Boat Race. Amateur Dragon Boat teams compete against each other on the Schuylkill every year. ( The race is open to everyone, so next year keep a look out a few weeks ahead of time for teams looking to fill empty spot)
Attention CINEPHILES! There are over 100 films from 35 countries to screen during this 11-day event, which runs from Thursday, October 18 – Sunday, October 28, 2012. Films can be seen at Movie Theaters all over Philadelphia!
#4 FALL FASHIONS
We’re not ashamed to admit that we are sartorially minded when it comes to fall, it brings us back to shopping for new school clothes and taking sweaters out of storage. Getting to feel a bit of chill in the air just makes us feel perky! Fall Fashionistas in the know check out all the shops in Old City, Center City and the newest/oldest shopping destination in Philly, East Passyunk Avenue.
#5 OKTOBERFEST
Oddly many Oktoberfest celebrations take place in September, but we’ve found a few that actually are happening in Oktober or October as it’s known here is in the US. Most notably the GRUMPLETHORPE FESTIVAL… a traditional Oktoberfest in …wait for it…. Yes Germantown! On Oktober 6 Historic Germantown will be filled with german folk music, wursts of all shapes & sizes plus a Beirgarten (that’s German for Beergarden!) or six so grab your Leiderhosen and on head over.
If you’re looking for something less traditional and more beer focused Polka on over to Memphis Taproom On Oktober 27
Located Northern Liberties, Memphis Taproom is having it’s own version of Oktoberfest, named Thirstoberfest featuring 25 flagship & limited release beers, plus special Thristoberfest hot dogs from a truck!
http://memphistaproom.com/upcomingevents.htm
# 6 APPLE PICKING
Why is it when you pay to pick your own apples it’s fun, but when you get paid to do it it’s just awful… one of the mysteries of life, we suppose. Regardless head out of the City to Highland Orchards and pick enough apples and pumpkins for a month’s worth of pies. Highland Orchards offers much more than a chance to pick your own apples & pumpkins there are hay rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo (with a lovely llama) and a general store stocked with assorted jams & jellies, local cheeses, handmade fudge, a variety of fruits, veggies & decorative gourds plus fresh hot Apple Cider donuts. (the Deli has a great meatloaf sandwich) Fabulous way to spend the day with the kids!
#7 ASIAN PEAR MARGARITA
After a long day of picking apples, petting goats and getting lost in a corn maze you deserve a cocktail, and one of our favorite fall cocktails features a rare and fleeting item called Asian Pear Cider, available at the Fair Food Market at Reading Terminal in Philadelphia through Northstar Farms. Asian Pear Cider is more delicate than regular apple cider with a bit of florally- caramel-like afternotes…and it pairs STUNNINGLY with tequila.
Asian Pear Margaritas for 2
3 parts fresh-squeezed lime juice
2 parts asian pear cider
3 parts premium silver tequila
1 part Ginger Liqueur or Cointreau
put 5 or 6 ice cubes in cocktail shaker,
pour in above ingredients,shake vigorously until ice cold; pour thru strainer. Garnish w a slice of Asian Pear
Serve with:
Goat Cheese & Pumpkin Seed Queso Fundido
- 8 Oz Fresh Goat Cheese
- 1 Cup Toasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 Tsp Cumin
- 1 Tbls Ancho Chili Powder
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
-
Add Pumpkin Seeds, Cumin & Ancho Chile Powder in Blender or food processor
-
Pulse twice, Then add Olive Oil, Pulse 4 more times
- Place goat cheese in an oven proof dish, pour pumpkin Seed mixture over goat cheese
- Broil till bubbly
- Serve with warm corn tortillas, tortilla chips or toasted baguette.
#8 VOLUNTEER
Fall is a great time to give back. Local food banks always need a helping hand and a donation or two or three …If you have the time organize a canned food drive or a toy/school supply drive for families less fortunate. Put in some time volunteering, deliver meals to homebound seniors, cook in a soup kitchen or just spend time with people who need it.
Here’s short list of organizations in the Philadelphia Area.
VOLUNTEER WITH YOUR GROUP OR OFFICE
#9 HALLOWEEN
What’s not to love about Halloween, unless you don’t like candy, costumes or fun…then BOO on you Honey Boo Boo. Even though we are all grown up now and far more likely to hand out candy and take our kids trick or treating than go to the bar dressed up as a sexy pirate-cat-nurse, Halloween is still loads of fun!. Can’t wait till parades of princesses ghosts and goblins come a knockin’! (how freakin’ cute are these baby costumes!!!!)
# 10 PUMPKIN FLAVORED STUFF
Lattes, beer, muffins, pies, cookies, cream cheese, oatmeal, ravioli, even pop-tarts….Yay for fall and lovely warm spicy Pumpkin Lattes and Pumpkin Beers and all things Pumpkin-y !
Top 10 within a Top 10- PUMPKIN
- Weyerbacker Imperial Pumpkin Ale
- Black N Brew Pumpkin Latte
- Pumpkin Ravioli At Chloe
- Pumpkin Blendini w Nilla Wafers at Ritas (like frozen pumpkin pie!)
- B.T Baking Pumpkin Brownie
- Capogiro Pumpkin Gelato
- Severino Pumpkin Stuffed Gnocchi
- Beiler’s Bakery Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Pumpkin /Chicken Soup at My Thai
- Kauffman’s Pumpkin Butter
We're the Kate Vail Team 
So cool. Love it!
Donna Via iPhone