Local communities in Westchester County are blazing with energy and in some cases, pure adrenaline during the fall season. Whether it is the changing leaves, emerging windowsill jack o’lanterns or overall vibrant neighborhood glow that goes along with a constant buzz of activities around town, this area is just bursting with exhilarating ways to stay busy throughout the autumn months.
Here are some local happenings that make the most of every brisk day the season has to offer. From haunted corn mazes and spooky tours, to hayrides and of course, a trip to the best fall foliage spots, everyone will be in the spirit of fall this year in Westchester County.
Get your Spook On
It may seem like a peaceful neighborhood, but during its autumn months Westchester County offers countless ways to jump start that adrenaline and keep those blood-curdling cries echoing through the night. If you love ghostly stories of the past, then you’ll greatly enjoy the only indoor Halloween venue in Westchester known as Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosity at Lyndhurst Mansion. Experience a spooky night tour through the gothic mansion led by long-dead members of the Lyndhurst family. The infamous legend of Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman continues to keep the fright of Halloween alive for the fifth year in a row at the historic Philipsburg Manor’s Horseman’s Hollow event, where the site’s transformed grounds offer scenes of a town driven by the petrifying Headless Horseman. In Scarsdale, there is a chance to be a part of a haunting local thrill at Southern Westchester’s Fright Room Haunt production, where volunteers are currently being accepted. Have you ever conquered a corn maze? Now try navigating your way around when you don’t know what lies around each bend. Be sure to stop by The Haunt at Rocky Ledge in North White Plains to get lost in the darkness and mysterious thrill of the season.
It’s Not All About The Fright
October doesn’t only have to be about ghouls and goblins. For all those individuals who enjoy a more upbeat, cheery spin on the autumn months, check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor. This iconic Westchester experience features over 5,000 hand carved pumpkins that add a creative, festive atmosphere to the site’s beautiful riverside landscape. There are also multiple fall festivals throughout the area including one this weekend at Grace Baptist Church, where American Idol season seven finalist Jason Castro will perform for free along with the church choir and other local musicians. For more information on other upcoming fall festivals in your local community, click here.
Nature’s Wonders
For all nature enthusiasts who want to make the most of this crisp autumn weather, here are some nearby spots where the season’s fall foliage is just full of color and breathtaking views. Grab your walking shoes and head out for the day with the family to enjoy the brilliance of nature and all it has to offer during this invigorating time of year. You can also visit Katonah’s Muscoot Farm for a fun-filled day of hayrides, pumpkin picking and more, all while in an authentic autumn harvest environment. Stop by Scarsdale’s Greenburgh Nature Center with the kids to enjoy great outdoor fun, where children are encouraged to go for a walk through surrounding nature trails and breathe in the fall air while using friendly scarecrows as their guides.
Happy Fall!
