7 Fall Festivals Around Wilmington, Delaware Scheduled in September-November

Delaware, though smaller than other New England hotspots, is home to a handful of amazing fall festivals.

Some of the best can be found around the Wilmington area, along with other seasonal experiences. For example, you can explore the area’s covered bridges, step into the luxury trappings of a duPont Estate, and wander the trails in Brandywine Creek State Park and the Ashland Nature Center.

But if you want a classic harvest festival, autumn-centric adventure, the best place to soak up the seasonal fun is at the various fall festivals in Delaware’s Wilmington area. Some are autumn-themed, while others give you the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the last of the warmth before winter comes.

This year, there are seven large events around the Wilmington area to keep on your radar as you check off other harvest festivals. Check them out below.

Best fall festivals around Wilmington from September – November

Oktoberfest—Delaware Saengerbund (September 19 – 21)

Part fair and part traditional beer-drinking gathering (a la the Munich Oktoberfest), this family-friendly event lets you enjoy three days of carnival-style fun. There are amusement rides and games for kids, along with parades, musical performances, traditional souvenirs, and more. Expect tons of German heritage, from the Enzian Volkstanzgruppe dancing troupe to specialty dishes like bratwurst and weisswurst.

Hagley Car Show (September 21)

Dubbed the ‘best car show in Delaware’, the 2025 Hagley Car Show will include over 500 rides from the early 1900s until the end of the century. This year, the theme is ‘pony cars’, which refers to compact, sport, and high-style convertibles.

As an added bonus, the 2025 Hagley Car Show will include a special exhibit called Du Ponts Down the Road. It will feature historic vehicles dating back to the late 1800s, along with modern cars that have stayed within the du Pont family.

Wilmington International Film Festival (October 9 – 12)

If you love film, you’ll enjoy this three-day event. This year’s lineup includes spy thrillers, comedies, dramas, and plenty more from some of the state’s great creative minds. Some, like Espina, have taken home major awards already. Make sure to take a look at pre-event and post-event gatherings, in case you like to schmooze with filmmakers and other attendees.

The River Towns Ride & Festival (October 11)

There’s no better time for a cycling event than autumn. Whether or not you want to compete in this riverside ride, the festival has plenty of appeal. Cyclists who cover the most distance are awarded medals, but all participants are able to enjoy the historic riverfront areas in places like Wilmington, Chesapeake City, New Castle, and Delaware City.

As an added perk, all cyclists over the age of 21 get a free beer when they cross the finish line.

Hagley Craft Fair (October 18)

This craft fair brings together some of the East Coast’s best artisans. They sell their wares, from crafts to gourmet treats to fine arts. Expect handcrafted items made from leather, wood, pottery, jewelry, metal, and more.

Though it’s not a traditional autumn or harvest festival, you’ll find plenty of fare that fits the seasonal mood, making this a great option for anyone who loves fall.

Diamond State Black Film Festival (November 6 – 9)

Similar to the Wilmington International Film Festival, cinephiles will enjoy the Diamond State Black Film Festival. The only difference is that works are created by people of color with the goal of inspiring and empowering the next generation of storytellers. There are also panel discussions, workshops, and even master classes from a range of artists and professionals.

Delaware Antiques Show (November 7 – 9)

Ready to step into one of the country’s most highly acclaimed antique shows? The Delaware Antique Shoe brings on more than 60 highly acclaimed and prestigious antique dealers. Whether you’re a casual collector, a pro, or just someone who enjoys classic fine arts and pieces, you’ll find something to drool over. If you’re really into antiquing, don’t miss out on the various lectures offered daily.

Hush-Hush Travel Tips from Tour Guides at Popular Destinations

What do I mean by ‘hush-hush travel tips’?

I’m talking about the types of heady advice that you won’t get from a general tour operator or even a traveler who has visited the destination multiple times.

Specifically, I’m talking about travel tips from local tour guides who have years of experience and tons of passion.

If you read my work often, you might already know that I advocate for local-led tours because they’re more exclusive and unique.

First, they’re higher-quality than general tours, as locals can take you into the fold. Second, they’re more ethical because they funnel money directly into locals’ hands and take you off the boring, beaten tourist path. Third, they give you an authentic, memorable experience.

In case you missed my recent interviews with ToursByLocals experts in Berlin, Mexico City, Athens, and Barcelona, I’m recounting the top pieces of advice from the cities’ best local guides.

Use their advice to put together a better trip in any city. Or, better yet, book one of their tours to learn the difference between a general tour and one that’s led by local experts.

Travel tips from tour guides in Berlin, Mexico City, Athens, & Barcelona

Marriette in Berlin wants you to dig into the city’s complex culture

As Marriette puts it, Berlin is ‘layered, strange, honest, rebellious’, and that’s not an easy identity to crack into—especially when you factor in German culture’s usually stand-offish nature. Remember: much of Berlin’s most impactful history is very, very recent.

With its historic significance, pivotal role in the Cold War, and modern status as a hub for street and party culture, taking a bite out of Berlin isn’t something you can do with a general tour. Make sure you book a tour that will take you deeper into the city’s underbelly. And don’t forget Marriette’s favorite part of the city: it’s semi-hidden courtyards.

Enrique in Mexico City wants you to stay longer—and get out of the city

Enrique has two key pieces of advice for anyone visiting Mexico City. First, the longer you stay, the richer your experience will be. Enrique has organized multi-day tours, including a memorable 11-day adventure with visits to CDMX, Puebla, and Oaxaca. It was an immersive experience for the family he was guiding, and a fulfilling trip for him as a guide.

Second, staying longer lets you get out of Mexico City. Enrique loves getting to take visitors out of the city and into some of the lesser-known areas around it. There are lush forests, colorful villages, and plenty more that many never hear about.

Panos in Athens wants you to actually learn something

What’s the big deal with booking with qualified, local guides in Athens? They should have a solid academic background that allows them to succinctly give you a rundown of Ancient Greek history and how it still impacts our modern-day lives.

Panos, for example, has a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in Ancient Greek Civilization, Mediterranean history, and hospitality. On top of that, he’s fluent in four languages. In short, if you’re heading to a destination with thousands of years of history, then you need a local guide who has at least one degree… if not several.

Cayetano in Barcelona wants you to book with a licensed guide

Similar to Panos in Athens, Cayetano in Barcelona has academic degrees and a background in hospitality that separates him from the rest of the city’s general guides. Most importantly, he also has the official qualifications from the City of Barcelona and Catalonia.

These don’t just mean that he has the correct paperwork to give you a great tour. They also give him priority access to major sites and landmarks. As Cayetano puts it, “Time is money when you’re traveling.” You don’t want to waste time waiting in lines with guides who don’t have the right licensing to get you in the door faster.

Brand USA Launches ‘America the Beautiful’ Campaign to Kickstart Tourism

It’s been an up-and-down year for inbound US tourism.

Though Americans have been flocking abroad in steady numbers, inbound US travel has slowed across many metrics. Though business trips haven’t taken a dent, many international tourists have set their sights elsewhere.

In response, Brand USA, the country’s official tourism authority, has launched a new campaign called ‘America the Beautiful’. Like you might be able to tell by the title, the marketing push is focused on introducing visitors to the country’s vastly diverse landscapes, along with its lesser-known urban destinations.

First rolled out in mid-June, the campaign is also part of a gear-up for 2026’s busy calendar. The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup while it also celebrates its 250^th anniversary, along with the 100^th year of Route 66. In 2028, Los Angeles will also host the Summer Olympics.

The goal of the campaign, according to Brand USA CEO Fred Dixon, is also to foster emotional connections between US-bound travelers and the places they visit. Since announcing the launch of America the Beautiful, Brand USA’s ‘Visit the USA’ site has changed the website’s URL to reflect the new campaign.

A closer look at America the Beautiful

One huge reason that visitors to the US will visit the Brand USA website is to learn more about entry and visa requirements. However, much of the website is designed to help visitors discover lesser-known US destinations.

You can search for destinations based on ‘incredible views’, ‘bucket-list restaurants’, ‘family road trip’ itineraries, and ‘top arts destinations’. In short, you can generate travel ideas that you can use to expand your trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Summer Olympics.

There’s also a map feature that lets you search for destinations and things to do. There’s even a category for USA Territories that highlights which places around the world are technically US overseas territories.

The 10 Unspoken NYC Subway Rules

Once upon a time in New York City, I finished my shift in Midtown Manhattan and got on a busy, packed subway train to go home.

I accidentally stepped on the edge of someone’s shoe as I was taking a seat. This person stared daggers at me, their fist clenching and their gaze glowering enough to be felt.

I kept her head down while quietly taking note of which hand the person was clenching in case a brawl happened. (Always look for the dominant hand, my friends!)

At the same time, I was staring at the pair of shoes in question. They were the ugliest pair of shoes I’d seen in a long time—and I couldn’t believe someone was about to start swinging because those shoes got stepped on.

Thankfully, I got off the train without incident.

It wasn’t my first time surviving mayhem on the New York City Subway.

And it wasn’t the most dramatic incident I’ve survived in the subway.

Years before, during my first month in the city, another skinny subway rider and I managed to snag the last open spots in another packed train station in Midtown. A large man sidled over to where we sat, angry that he’d lost his spot to the two of us.

He looked at the man sitting at my side and prattled off one of the most racist things I’ve ever heard in my life. (Stunningly racist.)

He looked at me next and, with a grimace, burped on me. I know it’s a little dramatic to say I was the victim of a biological attack, but I struggle to find the words. I guess I should be happy he didn’t vomit.

Welcome to the New York City Subway, America’s last vestige of the Wild West.

Don’t fear the subway

I hope my two little New York City Subway nightmares haven’t frightened you.In both cases, I was acting a little aggressively to get a seat, which is par for the course for most locals.

That’s not the case for most visitors who are in town for a few days; most are very respectful, meaning you aren’t likely to have any issues on the subway. Millions take it every day without incident.

Still, you might want to know the rules if you want to feel empowered and in-the-know on your next subway ride.

And while you might think you can get around NYC in taxis, that’s not always the case.

New York City’s subway system is one of the most comprehensive forms of public transportation in the United States. Some stations are full of artwork that you’ll want to stare at for a while. Others are home to thieving rats and what look like bio-chemical spills.

Regardless of what the station looks like, the MTA’s trains will take you where you need to go—faster than a taxi, in most cases, and for a sliver of the cost.

In short, you need to know how to take the New York City subway if you’re going to visit. While Google Maps or a similar app can help you figure out which train to take and which station to get off at, I’m focusing on the more ineffable elements of New York City subway culture, like its unspoken rules.

Here’s your crash course on NYC subway rules.

Unspoken NYC Subway Rules

New York City subway train is approaching an elevated subway station in Queens. Raining day in New York. Manhattan skyline in the background.

Rule #1: Try not to step on any shoes—and be respectful of space

The thing about stepping on shoes in New York City is that it’s not necessarily about the shoes. (Sure, if they’re brand new and lightly colored, you might enrage someone by dirtying them.) In reality, it’s about respecting someone else’s personal space and belongings.

New York City is incredibly dense, meaning locals go out of their way to be mindful of how much space they take up. If you step on a shoe or bump someone, make eye contact, and apologize—that type of acknowledgement and humility will usually do the job.

Rule #2: Don’t hold the doors

This is one rule that tourists actually tend to break—usually because they’re waiting for someone to board the train and don’t want to get separated, which makes sense.

Always wait until your group is together before jumping on a train.

The New York City subway doesn’t run on time for a range of reasons. Holding the doors will piss off locals and the train conductor, and throw the timetables even further off schedule. You might even be pulled away from the doors.

Rule #3: Stand aside to let people off before getting on

Clear the doors so that people can exit the train before you try to get on. Stand all the way to the side so that passengers can get off. This isn’t an unspoken rule by any stretch—you’ll see quite a few reminders.

I’m just letting you know that people exiting the train probably won’t be polite if you’re in the way. As in, you might get bowled down.

Rule #4: Give up your seat

If you see anyone who has mobility issues or looks uncomfortable, it’s common courtesy in New York City to give up your seat. The younger and healthier you are, the more expected it is for you to give up your seat.

By contrast, if it’s a busy subway car and everyone looks mobile and healthy, you’re allowed to be cutthroat to nab the last seat. Just watch out if you beat a businessman in Midtown to the punch—there’s at least one man in New York City who burps at his enemies.

Rule #5: If no one is in that subway car, it’s for a reason

Probably a really, really stinky one. Don’t think you’ve discovered Eden when you find an empty subway car. There’s probably someone in there, and they’ve likely claimed the space with their scent.

Rule #6: If you see someone who needs help, offer it

Local New Yorkers tend to stop to help mothers with strollers and bags get up and down the stairs, because many subway stations don’t have elevators. The same for elders who are carrying large bags—or, really, anyone who needs the help. You won’t be viewed as weird for offering to help.

Rule #7: Don’t put your feet up if someone is in the seat next to you

You can put your feet up on the subway seats—the New York City subway makes no claims at being clean. That being said, be mindful about when and where you put your feet. Once again, it’s about respect and personal space.

Don’t put your feet on a seat if someone is seated beside them—it’s a little too close for comfort. Similarly, if you have your feet on a seat, take them down when you reach a busy subway station.

Rule #8: Respect the quiet—but expect some noise, especially during Showtime

Here’s one of the most precious NYC subway rules: if the train is nice and relaxed, especially before 10 am, don’t be noisy and mess up the vibe.

You might be stunned to find that New York City subways are usually silent during the morning commute, often up until 10 or even 11 am. Don’t be the one to ruin it.

By contrast, you should expect noise at pretty much any other time of the day.

‘Showtime’ is the informal name for performers who take to subway cars to dance, sing, and otherwise delight/terrify commuters before asking for tips. There are different tiers to performers: New Yorkers usually adore the old-timey singers, respect the young and athletic dancers (these are the Showtime guys), and hate the acoustic guitarists. Don’t ask me why.

If you see the old-timey singers, take a video and tip them well—they’re a staple of the New York City subway that lightens everyone’s day. The same for the Showtime guys—they’re athletic acrobats!

Rule #9: Look elsewhere

New York City subway commuters are experts at avoiding eye contact. I think anyone who spends a lot of time on public transportation is pretty good at avoiding eye contact—just know that you’ll be expected not to stare or make too much eye contact with people while commuting. Again, it’s about personal space and respect in a city as dense as NYC.

Rule #10: People might ask you to ‘swipe’ them through—it’s normal

Subway cards (called MetroCards) are constantly changing, but if you have an unlimited MTA prepaid card, you might notice people asking you to ‘swipe them through’ when you exit. As in, you’re leaving via the stall and they’re on the outside, asking you to use your card to let them enter the subway.

This is totally normal because it won’t cost you a thing to swipe someone through if you already have an unlimited pass; you can swipe through any station after 18 minutes have passed since your last swipe. I always had one with me, and always swiped people through if I could.

Subway entries also have emergency exit doors. You can open these, and an alarm (usually) won’t sound, meaning some people open them to let others through so they can get a free ride.

One way to do this casually is to exit through the emergency door and then let it swing shut behind you; someone will likely catch the door before it closes and head to the platform. It won’t look like your fault at all, as commuters who have strollers or large bags always have access to the emergency exit door.

Here’s my point: you don’t need to share your swipes or let someone through the emergency door, but don’t worry if you see it happening or if someone asks you. It’s the Wild West, remember?

Here’s What I Packed for a One-Week Trip to Sicily

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sicily for a much-needed week of loafing around an elegant pool with views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Only a two-hour flight from where I live in Spain, Sicily has become the place to vacation for me and my partner. It’s guaranteed to be affordable, relaxing, and chock-full of all the right things—like small restaurants with Nonna cooking in the kitchen, quaint beaches with views of ancient towns, and dramatic views.

If you’ve been to Sicily, I’m sure you felt the type of sleepy magic that keeps me and my partner coming back.

If not, I’d like to take you behind the curtain—not to explore my favorite towns and tours, but to show you how I pack for my annual one-week trip to Sicily.

And, no, I’m not going to tell you to pack X amount of shirts and X amount of pants. Instead, I’m going to cover what I packed from a more qualitative perspective. In other words, not what you should pack but how you should approach packing, using Sicily as an example.

Want to see how I pack my Muji 36L Carry-On? Here’s how to pack for a one-week trip to Sicily.

Packing for a one-week trip to Sicily in September: the weather

If you’ve read any of my packing guides before, you know that my main focus is on packing appropriately for the weather. Not what the weather should be like, either, but based on the most accurate forecast you can find. (No wishful packing!)

For my trip to Sicily, temperatures hovered in the high 80s during the day. Some days were hotter with temperatures in the 90s, while nights would cool off into the 70-degree range. The heat is dry.

That means one thing: time to bust out the silks, linens, and other long, breathable, and flowy materials. The same for men—a trip to Sicily or another place prone to dry heat is the ideal time to bust out linen pants, shirts, and similar pieces.

That means one more thing: you can usually overpack a little bit. Unlike traveling in the winter, traveling to hot areas with dry heat means you’ll be packing clothes made from lightweight materials. I didn’t just pick out one or two flowy pieces—I had three skirts, two dresses, and two pairs of silk-blend pants, plus a few silk bandanas that I used as shirts. (Very cute.)

Consider this your reminder that silk-blend and linen-blend articles of clothing, though not often pitched as travel-friendly, are some of the most packable pieces out there. Plus, they look effortlessly stylish—and that matters if you’re heading to Europe, especially the Mediterranean.

Packing for a one-week trip to Sicily: the activities

The weather dictates most of my packing list. The next important consideration for me is the type of activities I’ll be doing. Like I already mentioned, my annual one-week trip to Sicily is all about downtime. I don’t plan a single thing beforehand. Usually, my partner and I show up, start relaxing, and then see if we can be bothered to book a tour or restaurant date.

Most of my packing list for Sicily consisted of casual, lightweight pieces that I could wear to and from the pool and/or beach. But I also made sure to pack a few nicer pieces and, most importantly, a pair of lightweight but formal shoes.

Do not forget to pack nice shoes. They don’t need to be formal, but they need to be acceptable. My partner and I booked a table at a highly rated restaurant, only for the manager to call us and let us know that they were hosting an ultra-special three-part meal with three separate Michelin-starred chefs.

We were thrilled—until I realized my partner only had slides with him. We went, we were welcomed warmly to the dinner event, and nobody made a fuss about his slides. (I like to think my silk dress made up for it.) But if we had been turned away, I wouldn’t have been surprised, either.

Final packing list

Now that we’ve covered the weather and activities, let’s get into brass taxes. What ended up in my carry-on for a one-week trip to Sicily? Here’s the list.

4 swimsuits
3 lightweight, flowy dresses
2 lightweight skirts
2 lightweight pairs of pants
1 pair of jeans (for the plane)
6 shirts, from formal to tank tops
2 pairs of shoes, including one semi-formal pair
3 hats, mostly for sun protection
1 nightgown (also silk)
1 pullover
1 scarf (as a cover-up or for cool night)
2 huge fantasy books for poolside entertainment

Why is Ryanair Cutting One Million Seats to Spain?

If you’re visiting Europe later this year and were planning to buy budget airline tickets to Spain, take note: Ryanair is cutting one million seats to Spain this autumn and winter.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Ryanair announced plans to slash its services to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands for the rest of the year and into next year. According to Ryanair, the budget carrier will suspend 400,000 seats from the Canary Islands and another 600,000 seats to mainland Spain.

That’s a 10% dip from traditional Canary Island numbers, and a 41% dip for the rest of the country.

Why has Ryanair decided to nix so many routes to and from Spain? And which budget airlines should you fly in and out of Spain on your next Euro trip?

Inside Ryanair’s decision to cut routes to/from Spain

Earlier this year, Spain’s airport operating authority, Aena, decided to raise airport charges across the country. This is partly in response to ongoing anti-tourism sentiment, which has been particularly rampant throughout the Canary Islands. (Islands have less space, meaning the impacts of irresponsible tourism are even more blatant and problematic.)

Aena is raising its airport fees by 6.6% starting in 2026, which Ryanair has dubbed as too non-competitive for their budget needs. With the increase, Spain’s airport fees will reach their highest rate in ten years.

As CEO Eddie Wilson put it, the ‘monopolistic airport operator has no interest in developing traffic at Spain’s regional airports’. To clarify, Ryanair will only be nixing or limiting its operations in smaller airports, like Zaragoza. Meanwhile, it will look to increase traffic at hubs like Madrid and Barcelona.

But this situation isn’t new; early this year, Ryanair planned to cut almost 20% of its flights to/from Spain due to ongoing issues with Aena. In response, Aena told the airline to ‘calm down’, saying that the company’s tone and approach was ‘difficult not to interpret as blackmail’.

What does Ryanair’s new operational outlook mean for the average traveler?

Given Ryanair won’t be altering its service to and from major hubs, I think the average American traveler won’t notice the change in service. Additionally, Ryanair is only one of many budget carriers that offer service around Spain. Vueling is the nation’s largest domestic provider, followed by Easyjet and WizzAir.

Book a flight with another carrier, if needed. You won’t notice much of a difference in terms of pricing or experience.