Plan a Fall Foliage Escape at this Romantic Bed and Breakfast
Plan the Best Getaway in Pennsylvania This Fall
There’s something about autumn in western Pennsylvania that asks to be shared with someone you love. Mornings turn crisp, the hills around Mercer County shift into gold and red, and every dinner feels a little more special. If you’re mapping out a couples getaway in Pennsylvania this year, Mercer County belongs on the list, about an hour from Pittsburgh and far enough off the beaten path that you won’t be fighting the crowds you’d find in the Poconos or Lancaster County.
Fall color in this part of the state typically peaks in late September through the first two to three weeks of October, a little earlier than the fall foliage Pennsylvania is best known for further east. It’s worth checking a current PA fall foliage map before you lock in dates, since timing shifts slightly year to year depending on temperature and rainfall. Booking a week or two ahead of peak color also means first pick of rooms, since fall weekends fill fast with couples chasing the same view.
Where to Stay: A Romantic Bed and Breakfast
Tara, A Country Inn, is a historic 1854 mansion set among old-growth trees that turn brilliant color right outside your window each fall. Individually decorated guest rooms with jetted tubs and gas fireplaces set the tone for a fall foliage getaway before the weekend even starts, and the property offers the kind of bed-and-breakfast-style amenities that couples planning romantic getaways in PA specifically look for.
Dinner doesn’t require leaving the grounds. Stonewall’s Tavern offers a relaxed, pub-style setting for a casual night in, while Ashley’s Fine Dining Room serves a multi-course prix fixe menu with live piano for a special-occasion evening. Vivien’s, a poolside restaurant new to the property, rounds out the day with casual, creative fare for lunch. It’s entirely possible to unpack once and build a full weekend without getting back in the car.
Romantic Things to Do Near Sharon and Mercer County
Part of what makes this one of the best fall getaways in Pennsylvania is how much sits within a short drive. The Trout Island Trail, the Shenango Trail, and the Big Bend Trailhead all offer easy, well-marked routes for a couple’s afternoon walk, with the Shenango River Lake just a few steps from the inn’s property. For a longer day out, Maurice K. Goddard State Park and Pymatuning State Park both deliver quiet picnic spots and some of the best foliage viewing in the region.
Guests staying at the inn also have boat parking on-site and sit minutes from Shenango River Lake, ideal for a scenic paddle or a slow drive along the shoreline. The Mercer County Wine, Brew & Spirits Trail is an easy fit for a fall afternoon, with a self-guided route through local wineries, breweries, and distilleries built for splitting a flight together. Downtown Sharon offers walkable shopping without the crowds, and the Grove City Premium Outlets are a short drive away for a bigger outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is peak fall foliage in Pennsylvania?
In Mercer County and the surrounding region, color typically peaks in late September through the first few weeks of October, slightly earlier than the peak foliage window in eastern Pennsylvania.
Where can I see fall foliage in Pennsylvania?
Mercer County offers strong foliage viewing along the Trout Island Trail, Shenango Trail, and at both Maurice K. Goddard and Pymatuning State Parks, all within easy driving distance of downtown Sharon.
Where is the best romantic getaway in PA?
Western Pennsylvania’s Mercer County offers a quieter alternative to the Poconos or Lancaster County, with wooded trails, a wine trail, and a historic bed and breakfast that make it one of the best romantic getaways in PA for couples who want scenery without the crowds.
Should I check a fall foliage map before booking?
Yes. Checking a current PA fall foliage map shortly before your trip helps confirm timing, since peak color can shift slightly from year to year based on weather conditions.