Imagine: your first class ends at 10:00 a.m., and your next class is in the same building, but doesn’t start until 11:00 a.m. You don’t have enough time to take a nap or even binge watch some Netflix, but an hour is a long time to just sit still and wait for your next class. Long story short: it’s awkward.
Well, that’s the entire month of November. It isn’t exactly a thrilling month. The festivities of Halloween are over, yet it’s still a tad too early to be blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.”
It seems that once the night of October 31 passes, and before December starts, we’re left in the limbo of all seasons. However, this belief is incorrect.
Autumn doesn’t expire after trick-or-treating season ends and the cat ears come off. Just because Halloweentown isn’t on every TV station doesn’t mean fall is no more. Your carved pumpkin may be starting to rot, but not all hope is lost. Here are 5 various fall-friendly activities to keep busy with right here in Philadelphia.
1. Philadelphia Marathon and Half-Marathon
When: November 17-19, 2017
Where: 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19102
There are few activities as beneficial as physical activity — and marathon races are a perfect example. This event takes place over the span of three days, with different events happening throughout the time. A Health and Fitness Expo will be held on Nov. 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also taking place throughout the weekend will be an 8k race, a half-marathon, and a marathon, with varying times that can be found on the Philadelphia Marathon website. The Philadelphia Marathon passes famous Philly landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, the streets of Old City, and more. Is running not your thing? Well, there are plenty of places to stand and cheer on the 30,000+ runners in the marathon. Registration for the races ends on Nov. 10, with each race costing a different amount. However, the Expo is free of cost and open to the public.
2. Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary
When: Select dates until November 11, 2017
Where: N. 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130
Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get (extremely) spooked at Eastern State Penitentiary. A former famous prison, Eastern State is now a complete haunted house with sound effects, lighting effects, props, and over 200 performers that are more than ready to terrify you. Prices vary depending on the day and cost more if bought at the door, as opposed to ordered online. There are also various VIP packages, ranging in price from $39- $115. So, if you don’t want to be able to sleep at night for at least a week, Terror Behind the Walls is the perfect fall activity for you.
3. Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: November 23, 2017
Where: 20th and Market Streets starting point; parade route runs along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
If you’re in the city for Thanksgiving, you can celebrate Thanksgiving Day with Philadelphia’s 98th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is complete with floats, special guests, numerous performances, and more. Whether you’re watching from the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Logan Circle, you’re sure to enjoy the holiday event.
4. Rittenhouse Square Farmer’s Market
When: Open year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m – 3 p.m. from May through November, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. from December through April
Where: 18th and Walnut Streets
A great way to spend a chilly, November morning is browsing through various vendors at the Rittenhouse Square Farmer’s Market. Over 25 local farmers and artisans sell seasonal vegetables, various teas, delicious pastries, and much more. Luckily, the farmer’s market is an outing you can enjoy year-round.
5. Wissahickon Valley Park
When: Year-round
Where: 206 Lincoln Drive Philadelphia, PA 19144
Staying busy in November can be as simple as taking in some beautiful, fall foliage while exploring Wissahickon Valley Park. Autumn weather is ideal for a long walk, run, or bike ride along this 57-mile-long trail. The bustling city of Philadelphia is wonderful, but everyone needs a little escape into nature.
Try out some of these never-ending activities to fulfill your last-minute fall bucket list, because we all know the month of November always flies by.
Philadelphia’s endless attractions and events are sure to hold you over until December, when it will finally be acceptable to blast some holiday Mariah Carey.