Philadelphia, PA
- Montgomery County is home to plenty of historic mansions and farmsteads, along with tons of scenic, fall-friendly roads perfect for a long Sunday drive. Where you can take in the many historic inns and battlefields which happily promise you that “George Washington slept here.”
Montgomery County Fall Staycation
Start your day with breakfast in Philadelphia before heading out on a scenic trip along Kelly Drive until you arrive at Church Road/Route 73.
Follow Route 73 for around five to seven minutes until you eventually arrive at Fort Washington State Park. You will find an observation deck — positioned at the spot where General George Washington constructed his fort during the 1777 encampment and overlooking the park’s 493 acres of forest.
After taking in the sites, take a short drive up Route 73 to The Highlands Mansion & Gardens, a Georgian mansion dating back to 1796. Enjoy the formal gardens and impressive tree foliage. Then, continue onto Route 73 West to Peter Wentz Farmstead. A preserved historic farm that George Washington stayed at while preparing for the battle of Germantown.
Visiting Skippack Village
You are most likely getting hungry at this stage, and the good news is, Skippack Village is merely five minutes away. This shopping village is located in restored 18th– and 19th-century buildings, with numerous lunch options. Most notable: Brothers Kershner Brewing Co., Cabbage Vegetarian Cafe, and Carisma Restaurante (Mexican and Latin American).
Consider grabbing a quick “dessert” at The Wooden Duck gift shop, Le Butlers Pantry for kitchen wares, and Accent on the Rocks for jewelry and accessories.
Visiting Schwenksville and Pennypacker Mills
After some lunch and shopping, resume your trip west on Route 73 until you arrive at Schwenksville. For individuals looking to take in more local history, Pennypacker Mills, the Victorian country estate of Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker.
Next, continue even farther north on Route 73, then 29, to Upper Perkiomen Valley County Park, where wooded hills offer sweeping views of two bodies of water.
Visiting John Audubon's Mill's Grove Estate
Follow, Perkiomenville and Fagleysville Roads south to Ridge Pike till you reach Trooper, Pennsylvania. Next, take Park Avenue south to close out the fall foliage portion of your day at Mill Grove. The residence of naturalist John James Audubon, who provided the Audubon Society its name.
Spending The Day a Valley Forge
Following a long day of enjoying nature’s beauty, you will undoubtedly want to check into your hotel. The Crowne Plaza Philadelphia at Valley Forge and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge is close.
As are dinner choices, including Chadwicks’s Restaurant & Bar, Creed’s Seafood & Steaks, and Peppers Italian Restaurant and Bar. Get a great night’s sleep considering you will probably want to spend most of the next day driving, walking, or even biking through Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Also, See... Where to Get The Best Pizza Montgomery County
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly.
