Indulge Your Senses in Pennsylvania This Fall

Festivals Celebrating Art, Culture, Harvest Allow Travelers to Sample Commonwealth

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 15 (GrapeVineTrail) -- From the sounds of nature and flavors of harvest desserts and wine to exclusive screenings of independent films and pumpkin-carving contests, fall in Pennsylvania is best when all five senses are engaged.

"Pennsylvania offers a brilliant, lush landscape of color with a diverse mix of harvest, film, and food festivals to create a sensory overload for travelers," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

"Every region of the commonwealth offers a unique fall experience. I encourage everyone to explore something different this fall. Take a sampling trek along a wine trail. Get a first look at the latest indie films, or introduce your children to one of our elk."

Breathe in the crisp autumn air as you venture to the Pennsylvania Wilds for the Annual Elk Expo, Sept. 19-20. The Elk County Fairgrounds will host this two-day festival showcasing the beautiful outdoors and wildlife of Pennsylvania. Guests can participate in a 3-D archery contest, elk viewing tour, arts, food, educational displays, and presentations, as well as travel the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive to view an estimated 800 majestic elk. For more information, www.visitpago.com

Boasting the distinction of the world's largest "Concord Grape Belt," Erie County will host the annual Wine Country Harvest Festival, Sept. 26-29. Visitors can participate in bus tours of the five local wineries, grape stomping demonstrations, wine and food seminars, and champagne breakfasts. For more information, www.nechamber.org/winefest

In early October, step outside and enjoy the scents and sights of fall at the National Apple Harvest Festival, Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12. Just 10 miles northwest of Gettysburg, the festival offers stages and demonstrations, including chainsaw carving, live birds of prey, and Native American dancing. Apple butter hot from the kettle, applesauce made from scratch before your eyes and apple fritters are available. For more information, www.appleharvest.com

Catch a glimpse of Hollywood close to home at the Black Bear Film Festival, Oct. 16-19. Held each year in Milford, the mission of the Black Bear Film Festival is to support and promote independent film making. Black Bear pays tribute to the environment by featuring films that celebrate preservation here in the birthplace of the American conservation movement. For more information, www.blackbearfilm.com

In late October, get ready for trick-or-treaters at the 17th annual Pumpkinfest, Oct. 25-26, in Doylestown. Come watch local artists carve giant 100- to 300-pound pumpkin squash into stunning, glowing seasonal creations in the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works' 23 porticos. Activities include a petting zoo, pony and hayrides, and magic shows. For more information, www.bccadd.org/main/pumkinfest.asp

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to fulfilling the needs and aspirations of travelers by presenting them with the information and resources they need to plan and enjoy the activities, attractions and destinations that are uniquely Pennsylvania. For more information about Pennsylvania's tourism industry, go to www.VisitPA.com, or call (800) VISIT PA.

CONTACT: Michael Chapaloney
(717) 720-1301

SOURCE Pennsylvania Tourism Office