Remember last month when everyone was excited to be back on campus, sporting brand new planners and the cutest fall outfit sitting in the back of their closet? Though that may feel like just last week, it is hard to believe that we’re approaching October, sweater weather, and midterms. Rather than sitting in your dorm all semester long, check out the best spots to hangout in Philadelphia this fall – and maybe even snap some amazing Instagram photos.
- Shakespeare & Co.
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A more recent addition to Rittenhouse Square, the independent bookstore is a great place to meet up with friends, have really great coffee, and take some beautiful photos on their second floor balcony. Located at 1632 Walnut St. in Center City, Shakespeare & Co. sells a wide selection of titles – from local reads to poetry to the latest fiction – and even has a printing press for authors to self-publish their work in the middle of the store. When you’re on your next trip through Center City, stop by, grab a coffee or a hot apple cider, and wander through the stacks for a while.
- Manayunk Towpath (and Main Street)
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On the other side of the highway, Main Street in Manayunk provides an adorable Hallmark-channel-esque background for photos, along with great food. Walk along the towpath, which stretches across the Manayunk canal and is decorated with mural art, trees, and mosaic-tiled staircases. As a Manayunk native, there is almost nothing better to me than strolling Main Street and the Towpath, catching up with familiar faces along the way and looking out at the river and the neighborhood around it.
- Franklin Square
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One of the most amazing things about Philadelphia – other than Eagles season – is the history of it all. Franklin Square is one of the originally planned parks in Philadelphia. Located in Old City, Franklin Square goes all out for the fall season. Other than their regular Fountain Light Show, they also have tons of events planned for October and November. Even if spooky season isn’t your thing, Franklin Square is still a gorgeous place to visit, even if you’re just going to take photos.
If you’re looking for fall events in the city, there’s basically one in every neighborhood. From Spruce Street Harbor Park (a summer favorite) to Dilworth Park’s Fall Market, there is no shortage of fall festivals around the city. The Midtown Fall Festival, located in the heart of Center City, takes place on October 5. East Passyunk’s Fall Festival ends festival season on October 26. Regardless of your plans this fall, Philadelphia has a lot to offer. Grab your phone or your camera, some friends, and have some fun this fall.