We’re in the midst of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), an ideal time to recognize the growing influence and impact of immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries and their descendants here in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s Hispanic/Latino community has grown significantly in recent years. According to US Census figures, Pennsylvania’s Hispanic/Latino population has more than doubled since 2000 and more than quadrupled since 1990. Currently, nearly 1.3 million Hispanic or Latino people live in Pennsylvania, accounting for about 9.9% of the population.

That growth has been most significant in eastern parts of the state, like the 222 Corridor, named after the highway that connects small cities and towns west and north of Philadelphia. The population in cities along the 222 Corridor, like Allentown and Reading, is now more than half Hispanic, with a majority being of Puerto Rican descent and a sizable portion of Dominican origin.

Those areas have been enriched culturally in a number of ways by the growing Hispanic/Latino communities, especially when it comes to food. From Hazleton down through Philadelphia, and from Easton along the Delaware River out to Reading in Berks County, Eastern Pa. features dozens of great eateries and specialty grocers known for dishes created and inspired by generations of immigrants.

Our food and travel writer Kalena Thomhave has some recommendations, whether you’re looking for dinner, breakfast, sweets, drinks, or traditional groceries to make your own dishes.

Now that the season of leaf-peeping (more on that below) and pumpkin spice has officially arrived, we’d like to know: What’s your favorite thing about fall in Pennsylvania? 

Here’s what you’re saying:

“I love all the fall festivals, crisp sweatshirt weather, beautiful leaves, and making homemade pumpkin seeds!” — Kathy, York County

“My favorite thing about fall is the break my utility bill gets! It’s cool enough for the AC to be turned off and it’s not cold enough for the furnace to be turned on!” — Donna, Erie

“Apple cider donuts.” — Bob L., Luzerne County (Ed. note: I’m right there with you, Bob)

“College football and the Eagles. Go Birds!” — Liz G., Phoenixville

“Eagles football, Penn State football, Phillies playoff baseball, apple cider, and hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.” — Tom G., Allentown

“I’d have to say the amazing fall foliage display in a large number of areas throughout the commonwealth.” — Douglas Graham, Montgomery County

What’s your favorite thing about fall in Pa.? Let us know below. 👇

A view from the Loyalsock Canyon Vista in Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County. (Karen Christine Hibbard/Creative Commons)

Every fall, the scenery in northeastern Pennsylvania bursts into autumn color as the leaves turn across the Pocono and Endless Mountains and through the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valleys. And because this wide region spans a range of elevations, the reds, oranges, and golds of fall appear gradually, giving you ample opportunity to catch color at its peak while leaf peeping in NEPA.

We’ve put together a guide to help you plan your fall foliage excursions across the region throughout the season. Whether you’re leaf peeping by car, rail, or foot, this guide will help you know where to go—and when—this fall in NEPA.

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• Health insurance premiums for Pennie customers will shoot up by about 16% on average in 2027, but it could have been worse, according to state regulators. Learn more about the rate hikes.

• As fuel prices continue to rise in Pennsylvania, consumers are facing higher prices for everyday goods that rely on diesel transport, like groceries and clothing. Find out more in this story.

• The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will end gender-affirming care for minors under a settlement with the federal government. Get the story here.

• Three Pennsylvania courts and the state Environmental Hearing Board were hit by a cybersecurity incident affecting case management software that may have compromised individuals’ personal information. Get the details here.

The Barronvale Bridge, at 13 feet 10 inches wide, is an historic covered bridge in Middlecreek Township, crossing Laurel Hill Creek. At 162 feet 3 inches, it is the longest remaining covered bridge in Somerset County. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

Another great spot for leaf-peeping is southwestern Pa.’s Laurel Highlands region, which finished sixth in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Destination for Fall Colors. 

We’ve got more about fall foliage destinations in the Laurel Highlands and upcoming events in the region in this story.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Peter Hall of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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