Our fall foliage is perhaps at its peak in the Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pa., area, providing a stunning backdrop for whatever adventure you choose to explore. The following suggestions are a good start.

"The Plantation Whereon I Live" describes the history-buff-themed program at Pottsgrove Manor, Saturday, October 25. Experience the chores, trades, pastimes of the 18th century with a number of hands-on activities, living history demonstrations and take-home crafts. Beyond its history presentations, Pottsgrove Manor is a great place to just unplug for a while. The grounds are at their autumnal best, with its massive trees showing off an impressive display of color.

 

 

Our canine friends seem to love this time of year. Celebrate the change of seasons with your four-legged friends at the "Calling All Dogs" day, October 25, at Wilson Farm Park. This 9-to-noon event benefits the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House by featuring agility dog demos, therapy dog appearances, a top-dog trick competition, a dog walk and a beauty contest. National Dog Show commentator David Frei will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, signing autographs, posing for pictures with your pooch and offering his gentle but knowledgeable advice and expertise. The festivities are a precursor to the Philadelphia Kennel Club National Dog Show Sponsored by Purina, which trots into the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center November 15-16, 2014.

Many locals remember with fondness the Pottstown Symphony, which disbanded in 2010. Its 45-year musical tradition has now been revived and reimagined in the form of the Pennsylvania Philharmonic, drawing musicians from Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties. Under the baton of conductor Michael Butterman, the orchestra will present the first of a series of debut concerts on October 25 at Pottstown Senior High School. The program, entitled "Fascinatin' Rhythms," brings to life the music of George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel and new Millennium, composer Jennifer Higdon.

Gather around the fire at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park on October 26 and partake in a tradition as old as civilization itself. The program of "Fireside Fables" presents spooky, yet family-friendly tales from days gone by. Relive Oaks-area fables from days gone by; escapades of native tribes along the Perkiomen River; and a Revolutionary-era soldier saga. The event is weather permitting, and a blanket might be a good idea as the sun begins to go down.

Attend, Lords and Ladies! The Medieval Festival this year at Glencairn Museum, part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District, demonstrates that Vikings are much more than a football team. The day-long celebration, October 26, includes performing minstrels, the demonstration of a Gutenberg-style printing press and the clang of knights engaged in mighty sword battles. Art from the period will be displayed, and fledgling scriveners can try their hand at writing their name using Runes. Costumes are encouraged (dig out that Brunhilde helmet with the horns from the closet), or participants can try on the Viking-wear onsite.

 

 

 

When the sun sets on your fall escapade, escape the encroaching chill by retreating to a restive room at one of our area hotels. Our website has numerous suggestions.