The most charming towns to visit on your fall weekend getaway: Our list

If you say that you've never wanted to feel like you're in a scene from "Gilmore Girls" before, you're probably lying.

Regardless, there's nothing like spending a crisp fall day filled with seasonal activities, from ghost tours and hayrides to exploring a small town as the leaves become bright orange. And while you can do all of these things right here in North Jersey, sometimes it's nice to getaway and see somewhere new.

If you find yourself in this boat, we're here to help. We've come up with towns that are within driving distance of North Jersey and will make you feel like you've arrived straight into Stars Hollow. Outlining everything from what to do, where to stay and where to eat, these are four places to take a day trip or weekend getaway to this fall:

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Known as the "Little Switzerland of America," Jim Thorpe is a charming small town nestled in the southern Pocono Mountains. Originally founded in 1818 as Mauch Chunk, the town merged with a bordering community in 1954 to create Jim Thorpe, named after the first Native American Olympian to win gold for the United States, who is buried there.

Today the town is filled with quaint streets, historic buildings, unique restaurants and local shops. Jim Thorpe is also about two hours from northeastern North Jersey, making is the perfect destination for a fall getaway.

What to do : Take a scenic train ride through bright fall foliage on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, tour the Old Jail Museum or the Asa Packer Mansion Museum and partake in seasonal festivities at the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, which runs on the first three weekends in October. Get a coffee at Muggles Mug, a Harry Potter-themed café, or sample beers and spirits from Nomad Distilling Co., Bright Path Brewery and Hairy Guys Brewing. Wander the town's historic streets and shop local stores like Sellers Books, Emporium of Curious Goods, The Country Cottage, Dreisbach House, Mulligan's Unique Toys & Gifts and more.

Where to stay: The Harry Packer Mansion Inn, The Dolon House Bed and Breakfast, The Inn at Jim Thorpe, Hotel Switzerland and Kelly Suites on Broadway, to name a few. There are also an abundance of independent vacation rentals available throughout Jim Thorpe.

Where to eat: Marion Hose Bar, which serves modern American comfort food in a restored firehouse, or enjoy traditional Irish fare at Molly Maguire's Irish Pub. There are also restaurants like Stone Row Pub and Eatery, Notch Eight Craft House, The Mad Hatter Winery & Smokehouse and Moya. And for a sweet treat, get a speciality donut from Donerds Donut, candy and chocolate at Rainbows End or ice cream from Annie's Ice Cream, Woods Ice Cream or Curiosities Coffee and Ice House.

Sleepy Hollow, New York

Located in the southern end of New York's Hudson Valley, Sleepy Hollow is a quiet village that runs along the Hudson River. The community's claim to fame is being the setting of Washington Irving's classic 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," and is said to be haunted by a variety of ghosts, including the infamous Headless Horseman. Because of this lore, Sleepy Hollow is a must-visit fall destination less than an hour of northeastern North Jersey.

What to do: Sleepy Hollow and the surrounding areas are known for their abundance of Halloween-themed events, making it a popular spot during the fall season. Visit The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze just nearby in Croton-on-Hudson, where you can see more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, or explore the more than 1,000 vibrantly colored glass pumpkins at the whimsical Glass Pumpkin Patch. Participate in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours, Hulda's Night at Rockefeller State Park Preserve or a haunted hayride. Explore historic mansions like Sunnyside, Washington Irving's estate, and Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate. Be on the lookout for the elusive Headless Horsemen, who could appear at any time, and consult visitsleepyhollow.com for a full calendar of events.

Where to stay: Sleepy Hollow Hotel, the Castle Hotel and Spa, Tarrytown House Estate on The Hudson and more. You can also go to visitsleepyhollow.com for a list of recommended accommodations, which include details about amenities and distance from Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

Where to eat: Enjoy casual American fare at Bridge View Tavern or fresh seafood dishes at Hudson Farmer & The Fish, both with views of the Hudson River. Or you can stop by restaurants like J.P. Doyle's Restaurant & Public House, Santorini Greek Restaurant, ChuChok Thai, Sabrosura Peruana and more. For dessert, pick up a pastry from Los Andes Bakery and Sweet Ambateño Bakery, treat yourself to ice cream at Carvel.

Cape May

All the way at the southernmost point of New Jersey is Cape May, a charming beach town known for its classic Victorian architecture, family-friendly attractions and relaxing lifestyle. And while you may picture Cape May as solely a summer destination, visiting during the fall season will give you a whole new perspective on this small town. For traveling, Cape May is about two hours and 45 minutes from northeastern North Jersey.

What to do: While things start to wind down in Cape May during fall, there are still plenty of things to do. Participate in an after-dark ghost tour, either by a lantern-lit walk or by trolley, which are held year-round. Peep the bright fall foliage and see the Cape May Lighthouse at Cape May Point State Park. Take a private horse and carriage ride tour of Cape May's Victorian architecture on a fall weekend. Sit back and relax with a beverage at Willow Creek Winery, Cape May Brewery or Nauti Spirits Distillery. Go dolphin and whale watching on the Cape May Whale Watcher, or go shopping on the Cape May Walk Mall.

Where to stay: Congress Hall, Grand Hotel of Cape May, La Mer Beachfront Resort, The Chalfonte Hotel and more. There are also many bed and breakfasts at some of the area's Victorian homes, as well as a variety of independent vacation rentals.

Where to eat: You can get your seafood fix at The Lobster House, Louisa's Café or Ebbitt Room. Or you can enjoy some classic American fare at Blue Pig Tavern or Exit Zero Filling Station. Other restaurants to visit include The Mad Batter, 410 Bank Street, The Rusty Nail, Beach Plum Farm Kitchen, Iccara Italian Bistro and more.

Princeton

While Princeton is known for being home to Princeton University, the area offers visitors the intimacy of a small town amongst the hustle and bustle of college life. The town is known as one of the country's most historic communities and is filled with landmarks like Princeton Battle State Park, the Albert Einstein House and St. Paul's Catholic Church. In addition to that, there's an abundance of local shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants to visit. For traveling, Princeton is about an hour and a half from North Jersey.

What to do: Take a guided ghost tour with the Princeton Tour Company on Fridays and Saturdays during the second half of October. See a show at the McCarter Theatre Center. Explore the campus of Princeton University and all of its historic buildings amongst the changing fall foliage. Take a public tour of The Drumthwacket Estate, a mansion built on the grounds of the historic Battle of Princeton that is now the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey. Go shopping at Palmer Square, or enjoy a day at Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery.

Where to stay: The Peacock Inn, Nassau Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton and The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. There's also several independent vacation rentals available.

Where to eat: You can stop by the Nassau Diner for casual eats, or enjoy more upscale dining at Agricola Eatery, Witherspoon Grill or Roots Ocean Prime. Other food options include Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Mistral, Salt Creek Grille, Brick Farm Tavern, Kristine's and Winberie's Restaurant and Bar.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay , on X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: The most charming towns to visit on your fall weekend getaway: Our list