From the sounds of nature and flavors of harvest desserts and wine to exclusive screenings of independent films and pumpkin-carving contest, fall in Pennsylvania is best when all five senses are engaged.

September 22 is officially the first day of fall.

"Pennsylvania offers a brilliant, lush landscape of color with a diverse mix of harvest, film, and food festivals to create a sensory overload for travelers," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

"Every region of the commonwealth offers a unique fall experience. I encourage everyone to explore something different this fall. Take a sampling trek along a wine trail. Get a first look at the latest indie films, or introduce your children to one of our elk."

Breathe in the crisp autumn air as you venture to the Pennsylvania Wilds for the Annual Elk Expo, September 19-20. The Elk County Fairgrounds will host this two-day festival showcasing the beautiful outdoors and wildlife of Pennsylvania.

Guests can participate in a 3-D archery contest, elk viewing tour, arts, food, educational displays, and presentations, as well as travel the 127-mile Elk Scenic Drive to view an estimated 800 majestic elk.

Boasting the distinction of the world's largest "Concord Grape Belt," Erie County will host the annual Wine Country Harvest Festival, September 26-29. Visitors can participate in bus tours of the five local wineries, grape stomping demonstrations, wine and food seminars, and champagne breakfasts.

In early October, step outside and enjoy the scents and sights of fall at the National Apple Harvest Festival, October 4-5 and October 11-12. Just 10 miles northwest of Gettysburg, the festival offers stages and demonstrations, including chainsaw carving, live birds of prey, and Native American dancing. Apple butter hot from the kettle, applesauce made from scratch before your eyes and apple fritters are available.

Catch a glimpse of Hollywood close to home at the Black Bear Film Festival, October 16-19. Held each year in Milford, the mission of the Black Bear Film Festival is to support and promote independent film making. Black Bear pays tribute to the environment by featuring films that celebrate preservation here in the birthplace of the American conservation movement.

In late October, get ready for trick-or-treaters at the 17th annual Pumpkinfest, October 25-26, in Doylestown. Come watch local artists carve giant 100- to 300-pound pumpkin squash into stunning, glowing seasonal creations in the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works' 23 porticos. Activities include a petting zoo, pony and hayrides, and magic shows.

For more travel ideas and to see the peak time to see Pennsylvania’s beautiful fall foliage, visit the www.FallinPa.com website.

9/19/2008