AGP Executive Report

Fall Foliage: Peak colors are arriving in south-central Pennsylvania. DCNR says Cumberland, Franklin, Juniata, Mifflin and Perry counties are at peak, with nearby forests a good bet for a hike or camping trip. Rail Travel: Pittsburgh is set to get a second daily Amtrak train, adding another option for visitors heading to the city. Airport Amenities: Pittsburgh International Airport has opened a post-security outdoor terrace for passengers. Heritage Rail: Sen. John Fetterman announced a $10 million investment in Colebrookdale Railroad, supporting a local rail attraction. Trail Safety: A falling rock killed a cyclist on the Great Allegheny Passage in southwestern Pennsylvania, a sobering reminder for riders to stay alert. Gettysburg in November: The battlefield and Soldiers’ National Cemetery offer a timely history stop, with the town marking the anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address on Nov. 19.

Travel Access: Pennsylvania is doubling its Amtrak service, with Pittsburgh gaining a second daily train. Pittsburgh International Airport has also opened a post-security outdoor terrace for passengers. Outdoor Safety: Dry October conditions have raised fire danger in Erie County; campers should check local restrictions and fully extinguish fires. A falling rock killed a bicyclist on the Great Allegheny Passage, highlighting the need for caution on trails. Heritage Tourism: A $10 million investment announced for the Colebrookdale Railroad could support one of the state’s heritage rail attractions. Nature and Regional Tourism: Fall bird migration offers viewing opportunities across Pennsylvania, while Great Lakes cruise tourism generated a record $310 million in regional economic impact this year.

Fall Gardens: Longwood Gardens’ Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum is a single plant shaped into a floral dome, the result of about 18 months of careful cultivation. Sports Tourism: Visit Johnstown and 1st Summit Arena won the bid to host Pennsylvania’s junior high wrestling championships in 2028 and 2029, bringing a major youth sports event back to the city. Rail Travel: A newly announced $10 million investment in Colebrookdale Railroad could support a popular heritage-rail attraction in southeastern Pennsylvania. Outdoor Escapes: Fall bird migration offers a timely reason to explore Pennsylvania’s viewing spots, while Tioga County’s quieter Beechwood Lake appeals to anglers seeking a less-crowded fishing trip. Airport Amenities: Pittsburgh International Airport has opened a post-security outdoor terrace, giving passengers a new place to relax before flights.

Outdoor Recreation: Municipalities in Potter and Tioga counties are joining a regional ATV trails council as it prepares to manage the network in 2028, with plans to expand trails and connect riders to local businesses. Rail Travel: Colebrookdale Railroad will receive $10 million in federal funding to rehabilitate about five miles of track on its tourist and freight line between Berks and Montgomery counties. Air Travel: Pittsburgh International Airport has opened a post-security outdoor terrace, offering travelers a new place to relax. Winter Road Trips: State officials urge drivers to check forecasts and road conditions and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles as Pennsylvania prepares for winter weather.

Arts & Events: The Centre Film Festival runs Nov. 2–8, bringing international and Pennsylvania-made films to State College and Philipsburg. Organizers say the event supports local businesses and tourism. Philadelphia Attractions: The Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania’s oldest zoo, spans 42 acres and features more than 1,300 animals, overhead wildlife trails and historic grounds. Wildlife Watching: Fall bird migration is underway in Pennsylvania, offering another reason to plan an outdoor outing. City Exploration: Visit Philadelphia has unveiled 11 installations honoring Hispanic and Latino changemakers. PA Wilds: The annual PA Wilds Makers Market is set for Nov. 7. Regional Tourism: Tourism contributed $619 million to Valley counties in 2025, according to a recent report.

Arts & Events: The Centre Film Festival returns Nov. 2–8, with screenings in State College and Philipsburg, Pennsylvania-made films and special guests. Organizers say the event draws visitors and supports local businesses. Holiday Travel: Thanksgiving weather looks favorable for Pennsylvania, with cool, mostly fair conditions forecast and a chance of flurries in northern areas and higher elevations. Parks & Open Space: Delaware County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize up to $120 million in borrowing for conservation, parks and greenways, including plans for hiking and mountain-bike trails at Delco Woods. Trail Safety: A falling rock killed a bicyclist on the Great Allegheny Passage in southwestern Pennsylvania, underscoring the risks visitors may face on the popular route. Heritage Tourism: Carbon County named Jim Thorpe’s Asa Packer Mansion its Tourism Business of the Year, recognizing the historic home’s tours and role in the region’s visitor appeal.

Erie Waterfront: The Bicentennial Tower marked its 30th anniversary with a new America 250 bell celebrating the region’s aquatic life, adding another draw to the bayfront. Trail Safety: A Wisconsin visitor died after a rock fell on her while she biked the Great Allegheny Passage near Connellsville; her husband was rescued and flown to hospital. Philadelphia Experiences: Visit Philadelphia’s new self-guided audio trail, Las Huellas, links 11 installations to Hispanic and Latino changemakers and the places that shaped their stories. It runs through Nov. 19, with audio in English and Spanish. Historic Attraction: Lynnewood Hall has opened to the public for the first time in 80 years, featuring a Gilded Age floral exhibition.

Erie Waterfront: The Bicentennial Tower marked its 30th birthday with the unveiling of the final America 250 Bells Across Pennsylvania installation at Dobbins Landing. City leaders hope to make the waterfront more inviting and better connected to Perry Square. Great Allegheny Passage: A 79-year-old Wisconsin cyclist died after a falling rock pinned her near Connellsville. Her husband was rescued and flown to hospital. Philadelphia Culture Trail: Visit Philadelphia launched Las Huellas, a self-guided audio trail with 11 installations sharing Hispanic and Latino changemakers’ stories in English and Spanish. The trail runs through Nov. 19. Rail-Trail Connections: The completed 350-mile Great American Rail-Trail route links Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh via the C&O Canalway and Great Allegheny Passage; organizers are working to close more than 80 gaps nationwide. Erie County Projects: More than $5.37 million in state tax credits will support local community projects, including a Corry brownfield redevelopment designed to connect with trails and recreation.

Tourism Economy: Tourism generated a $619 million impact across Valley counties in 2025, underscoring the sector’s importance to local communities. PA Wilds: The annual Makers Market is set for Nov. 7, offering a fall outing centered on regional makers. Accessible Outdoors: New viewfinders at Kinzua Point aim to make the scenic stop more accessible. Historic Attraction: Lynnewood Hall has opened to the public for the first time in 80 years, with a Gilded Age floral exhibition. Spooky Getaways: Pennsylvania’s haunted destinations and eerie stays are drawing attention as travelers plan Halloween trips.

Dining Detour: Mercer’s Iron Bridge Inn is drawing diners for its slow-roasted prime rib, a tempting stop for a western Pennsylvania road trip. Tourism’s Economic Impact: Tourism generated $619 million for Valley counties in 2025, underscoring the industry’s local importance. Seasonal Getaways: Pennsylvania’s haunted destinations are being pitched for spooky fall escapes, while the PA Wilds Makers Market returns Nov. 7. New Ways to Explore: New accessible viewfinders at Kinzua Point make it easier for visitors to take in the scenery. Historic Visit: Lynnewood Hall has opened to the public for the first time in 80 years, with a Gilded Age floral exhibition. Erie Stay: The Inn Down Town adds a new boutique lodging option for visitors to Erie.

Outdoor Plans: Lancaster’s weekly outdoors calendar lists birding trips, sporting-clays sessions and other activities across the region, including a flora-and-fauna outing at Swatara State Park. Tourism Impact: Tourism generated $619 million for Valley counties in 2025, according to a new report. Accessible Attractions: New viewfinders at Kinzua Point aim to improve access to the scenic overlook. Historic Visits: Lynnewood Hall has opened to the public for the first time in 80 years, with a Gilded Age floral exhibition; Gettysburg Railway will host a steam locomotive for a Lincoln commemoration. Local Makers: The PA Wilds Makers Market returns online Nov. 7, featuring artists and sellers from across the 13-county region.

Road Safety: AAA urges Pennsylvania drivers to watch for deer as fall activity raises collision risks; the average animal-strike insurance claim reached nearly $6,100 in 2025. Outdoor Plans: The week’s Lancaster-area calendar features birding trips, park outings and sporting clays. Local Experiences: The PA Wilds Makers Market returns online Nov. 7 with 14 regional artists and deals from 40 marketplace sellers; Kinzua Point has new accessible viewfinders. Tourism Economy: Visitor spending reached $804.5 million in Washington County in 2025, supporting 8,827 jobs, while Centre County tourism has grown to a $1 billion annual industry. Places to Stay and Go: Erie has a new boutique stay, and Breeze plans Orlando and Myrtle Beach flights from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in 2027. Lynnewood Hall is opening to the public for the first time in 80 years with a Gilded Age floral exhibition, as Pennsylvania’s haunted destinations court fall visitors.

Tourism Economy: Washington County visitors spent a record $804.5 million in 2025, up 5% from the year before; tourism supported 8,827 jobs and generated $81.3 million in public revenue. Travel Connections: Breeze Airways plans to add Orlando and Myrtle Beach flights from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in 2027, while a second Pittsburgh–New York Amtrak train is set to begin service Nov. 18. Outdoor Escapes: Birding is drawing more visitors around Philadelphia, with recommended spots including John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Pennypack Park. PA Wilds: The annual Makers Market returns online Nov. 7, featuring products from regional artists and sellers, with purchases supporting local communities.

Tourism Spending: Visitors generated $619 million across Union, Snyder, Montour and Northumberland counties in 2025, up 4.1% from the year before, according to new figures. Fall Getaways: Pennsylvania’s haunted destinations are drawing attention as spooky-season travel picks, while Erie has a new boutique option, The Inn Down Town. Getting Around: A second Amtrak train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin Nov. 18, and Breeze Airways plans Orlando and Myrtle Beach service from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in 2027. Road Travel: PennDOT’s winter guidance is out; drivers in Corry should also expect round-the-clock work on Route 77 and Church Street from Oct. 19 to 21, with delays and detours as construction continues.

Accessible Outdoors: New viewfinders at Kinzua Point aim to make the scenic overlook more accessible to visitors. Fall Getaways: Pennsylvania’s haunted destinations are in the spotlight as travelers look for spooky seasonal escapes. Travel Planning: The Shapiro administration has outlined winter road preparations and travel guidance for Pennsylvanians. Rail Connections: Amtrak’s second daily Pittsburgh–New York train is set to begin Nov. 18, making a same-day round trip possible. Air Service: Breeze Airways is preparing to fly from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Where to Stay: Erie has a new boutique option, the Inn Down Town. Day Trips: Downingtown’s century-old nut-tree plantings offer a distinctive food-forest stop about an hour from Philadelphia.

Accessible Outdoors: New ADA-accessible viewfinders at Kinzua Point let visitors with red-green color blindness see more of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ fall colors. The installation adds an inclusive stop in a region with 29 state parks and the Allegheny National Forest. Fall Getaways: Pennsylvania is spotlighting haunted tours, historic sites and spooky stays, from Gettysburg’s ghost tours to Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary and Bethlehem’s Hotel Bethlehem. Winter Travel: The state has budgeted more than $219 million for winter road operations and stocked 622,000 tons of salt. Check 511PA and weather alerts before setting out. Tourism and Connections: Centre County tourism is reported to generate $1 billion a year. Breeze plans to bring Orlando and Myrtle Beach flights to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in 2027, while a second daily Pittsburgh–New York Amtrak train is set to start Nov. 18. Erie has also welcomed a new boutique hotel, The Inn Down Town.