As Halloween creeps upon us and the days rush by like a swift breeze through golden trees, it’s often hard to find time to go to cute places around the city. However, Philadelphia is beautiful in the fall, and we happen to be close to many places that might make you feel like grabbing your flannel and diving into piles of leaves. Â
This season, please don’t just stay inside curling up in a sweater watching Gilmore Girls. Explore the city as warmer colors and cooler air descends. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Â
- Chestnut Hill/GermantownÂ
Hop on the Chestnut Hill Regional Rail all the way to the Chestnut Hill station.Â
Chestnut Hill might just be Philadelphia’s very own Stars Hollow. While you won’t find Luke behind the counter pouring coffee, you will find dozens of cozy coffee shops, family-owned bookstores, thrift stores, and the perfect autumn photo spots. Some popular, homey locations include Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, Greene Street Consignment, and Baker Street Bread Co. Chestnut Hill is a quick train ride away and the perfect place for the girls who want to have their Rory Gilmore moment. Â
- Ambler Â
Hop on the train from Temple University train station to the Ambler station. Â
Ambler is a town that is as cinematically autumn as it is cute. Step into the Ambler theater for a movie and get transported back to the 1920s with its vintage projectors on display and Art Deco design. Ambler has a walkable main street with plenty of cafes, an adorable floral and live plant venue called Ambler Flower Shop Florists (complete with a cat named Finn), the Bookshop on Main, and plenty of little shops to explore.  Â
- FishtownÂ
Take the Broad Street Line from Cecil B. Moore Station and get off at City Hall/15th Street, then catch the Market Frankford Line east toward Fishtown. Â
Fishtown is for the ladies who want that indie girl, artistic vibe. Stop at Gilda, a little European cafe, and grab a coffee and a pastry. Maybe go to Harriet’s Bookshop, a unique store named after Harriet Tubman and featuring women authors, or swing by the new Fishtown Books for your next read. Walk through the streets of Fishtown and look at all the colorful murals and art while visiting the eclectic shops. Fishtown is perfect if you want to dress trendy, discover hidden gems, and soak up October colors.Â
- The GayborhoodÂ
Take the Broad Street Line from Cecil B. Moore Station to City Hall, then take a quick walk!Â
Fall colors look even better on the rainbow.  I saw this firsthand a few days ago when I went for a trip to the center of Midtown Village in Philadelphia, fondly known as the Gayborhood.  I passed rainbow street signs and stopped at Philly AIDS thrift at Giovanni’s room, which is the oldest LQBTQ+ and feminist bookstore in the county!  More than just a bookstore, this beautifully structured building has floors of unique decorations and well-priced treasures. Neighboring streets featured adorable pumpkin decorations on doorsteps tucked beside quaint cafes, such as Sofi Corner Cafe, a perfect place for spiced latte. Homey and vibrant, the Gayborhood is a picture-perfect hang out with lots of comfort food and a little slice of fall. Â
- Rittenhouse SquareÂ
Take the Broad Street Line from Cecil B. Moore to City Hall and then take a short walk!Â
The classic, quintessential option for autumn in all its splendor is good old Rittenhouse Square. Sit with friends on a bench in the park surrounded by beautiful trees, with their leaves changing into shades of red, yellow, and orange. Rittenhouse Square is home to high-end shopping and upscale restaurants. Â Although the price tag might be steep at many of the locations, a girl can always crunch on leaves and window shop while visiting places such as Open House gift store, 1-900 ICE CREAM, and of course Barnes and Noble Center City. For an afternoon right out of a Hallmark movie, Rittenhouse Square is a perfect place to fall in love with the season.Â
While fall can be a busy season with midterms and course registration, Temple University is surrounded by cozy spots, homey shops, and welcoming neighborhoods that are just a few Septa stops or a short train ride away. Â Take advantage of sweater weather and save Gilmore Girls re-runs for a rainy day.