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Best Places For A Fall Getaway Near Pittsburgh

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Fall is upon us and you've officially made it this far without using any vacation — you're likely just as surprised as your boss and the entire HR department. Therefore, this list is just for you — the best places for a quick weekend getaway, so you don't break that vacation surplus. Dip into that pot and take a day or two to visit any of these amazing destinations that will give you that reprieve you've been dreaming about all year.

Lancaster County, PA
www.co.lancaster.pa.us

This destination is, hands down, the best trip to make during the fall. Consisting primarily of highway, which offers breathtaking views of rolling hillscapes, lush farmland and the beautiful palate of the changing leaves, Pittsburgh to Lancaster is undeniably beautiful. Once you reach the county's boundaries, a plethora of things to see, do and even taste await. Excellent accommodations prevail, activities abound and there is tons of stuff for the whole family. Try your hand at family-style dining at Lancaster's infamous Good 'n Plenty, take the kids to Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster's German-inspired answer to Kennywood — and go on an authentic Amish buggy ride. Farmers' markets are as far as the eye can see, with plenty of fresh and local fare, handmade home goods and lots of goodwill to go around. The Stroudsburg railroad is also minutes from Lancaster and will delight train enthusiasts of all ages.

Gettysburg, PA
www.destinationgettysburg.com

Whether you're a history buff, a ghost adventurer, a photography enthusiast or even a wine aficionado, Gettysburg is undoubtedly your answer to fun and adventure. Everyone knows that the confederate and union forces fought in what was the bloodiest, most casualty-laden battle of the Civil War at Gettysburg, but this historical town is known for so much more than blood and gore. If history is your thing, take a jaunt onto a walking history tour that takes you back to the days after the battle, explaining how Gettysburg civilians survived day to day. A ghost hunter? Check out After Dark Investigations, a paranormal investigation with handheld electronic instruments, that takes you to each individual resting place of both Confederate and Union soldiers. Visit for a long weekend, and experience all that Gettysburg has to offer. Make sure to examine all of its amenities from bed and breakfasts, to cozy cabins and quaint inns.

Presque Isle State Park
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1
Erie, PA 16505
(814) 833-7424
www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Presque Isle State Park, a national landmark and rich ecological landscape, is Pennsylvania's only "seaside." Its 32,000-acre peninsula juts into Lake Erie, and offers an eclectic mix of nature and recreation. See historic lighthouses, dip your toe (or just peek, as the temperatures will be undoubtedly cold) into clear water from the pristine beach, fish, bird watch and hike. Boat tours are also available, and a multitude of motels, cottages and campgrounds are available for your entire party. Erie is just a short drive away if you're looking for shopping and delicious dining; your entire weekend will be just as affordable as if you stayed home.

Related:  Best Fall Family Getaways In Pittsburgh

Sandusky, OH
222 Meigs St.
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 627-5844
www.ci.sandusky.oh.us

Cedar Point might immediately come to mind when someone thinks Sandusky, Ohio. But the famed amusement park closes in late October, so you'll be forced to find other fun. Fortuitously, Sandusky is brimming with all sorts of activities and events that run year-round, so you won't be hard-pressed to find something that will please the whole family. You're already set on accommodations, since Cedar Point, well, points about 1,000,000 yearly tourists to some of the best accommodations in the country. Once you're settled in your hotel, inn, B&B or campground, check out the Harlequins Theater, Sandusky Maritime Museum or its plethora of boat and ferry cruises. Looking for shopping? Check out the Sandusky Main Street Association for out-of-this-world shopping and dining, and even sneak in an extra peek at the little black dress while the boys golf on one of Sandusky's preeminent, year-round courses.

Hidden Valley Resort
1 Craighead Drive
Hidden Valley, PA 15502
(814) 443-8000
www.facebook.com/Hidden.Valley.Resort

Likely the most luxurious destination on this list, Hidden Valley Resort cannot be beat in terms of accommodations, amenities and sheer beauty. Golfing, spa treatments and world-class dining await you, and even astonishing realty (yes, real estate for sale) is available. Plan your wedding at the resort, or just plan a weekend trip — whatever your desire, Hidden Valley has you covered. If your trip verges on the first or second snowfall of the season, skiing, snowboarding and tubing is available. This first-class resort is a mere hour and a half drive from Pittsburgh and will undoubtedly leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed at the end of your stay.

Related: Best Of Fall Foliage Around Pittsburgh

Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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