Guides · Things to do
The best fall things to do in Lancaster County are a farm festival, a morning at Central Market, a walk through Lititz and a few covered bridges. They sit a short drive apart, so you can link them in one day. We rent Polaris Slingshots in Lancaster from $30 an hour, and an open-air drive is a good way to do it.
Lancaster County runs its fall season on farms. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks puts on fall festivals, and its fall season runs through November 7 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays this year. Check the farm's own festivals page before you go, since dates and hours change.
Between the bigger stops, the back roads are lined with small farm stands selling pumpkins, mums and fresh produce. You will see them on Route 340 through Amish country. Pull over and buy something. They are easy to pass if you drive too fast.
Lancaster Central Market is in the middle of the city and is one of the best things you can do on a cool day. Its own site lists it open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 AM to 3 PM, so plan a market morning on one of those days. Go early for the best pick of baked goods and cheese.
It is also close to where we meet you, which makes it an easy first stop before you head out into the country.
Lititz is a small town north of Lancaster with a walkable main street, shops and food. It is a good place to park the Slingshot, stretch your legs and warm up with a coffee. Wilbur Chocolate has a long history in the town, so the chocolate stop is a classic. Check hours before you go, because shop times shift in the off season.
Lancaster County has more covered bridges than any other county in Pennsylvania, and fall is the season they look best. Many are single lane and sit on quiet roads, so go slow and wait your turn. Our scenic routes page has a covered bridge loop north of the city, with timing so you can fit it into your rental.
If you want fall color too, our fall foliage drives page covers the river gorge and ridge roads. In early November the peak has passed, but the roads are quiet and the light is low and warm.
Here is a day that works well. Start at Central Market on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday morning. Head north to Lititz for lunch, then wind through the covered bridge roads. Finish on Route 340 past the farm stands before you return the keys.
A 9-hour rental at $180 covers that comfortably. If you only want part of it, hourly rentals start at $30 an hour with a 3-hour minimum. No motorcycle license is needed for a Slingshot. The Can-Am Spyder does need one, and we check at pickup.
It is open air, so layer up in November. Gloves, a warm jacket and a hat that stays on make a big difference. Ask us what to bring when you book.
By early November the peak has passed, but color holds into the first days of the month in places. The farm stops, towns and covered bridges are still worth the drive.
No. A regular driver's license is enough for a Polaris Slingshot. The Can-Am Spyder needs a motorcycle license.
Slingshots start at $30 an hour with a 3-hour minimum, with 9-hour and 24-hour rates for a longer day.
It is open air, so dress in layers, wear gloves and bring a hat that stays on. Pick the warmest hours of the day for your rental.