WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER KICKS OFF THE FALL SEASON AT WASHINGTON IRVING’S SUNNYSIDE ESTATE

Standing outside the historic home on the Hudson River that once belonged to America’s “founding father of literature” Washington Irving, County Executive George Latimer invited residents from Westchester and beyond to embrace the fall season – right here in Westchester County. Whether you are looking for an enchanting escape to Irving’s much-loved Sunnyside estate, a venue for apple picking, pumpkin picking and apple cider donuts, the thrill of a haunted attraction, or miles of parks and trails to enjoy beautiful fall foliage – this is just some of what Westchester County has to offer you this fall season. 

Latimer said: “With the long holiday weekend upon us, there is no better time to get out and enjoy what is always a spectacular time of year in Westchester County. With all of the activities available to your family and friends, you may find it difficult to fit them all in. Come explore the County’s farms and orchards, visit Scared by the Sound at Rye Playland, stop by the annual Halloween Train Show at Lasdon Park, and if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, hit the hundreds of miles of beautiful County parks and hiking and biking trails. There is always a new and exciting attraction to check out, so make the most of the autumn season with an escape to Westchester County.”

County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “It’s great to put the spotlight on the many programs and activities that we host in the parks year round. In autumn when the mercury drops and the sweaters come out, it’s the ideal time to stroll the parks, marvel at the spectacular foliage, get a few fun frights at our Halloween attractions, find that perfect pumpkin and just get outside and move. There are endless ways to enjoy the parks this season.”

Director of Westchester County Tourism and Film Natasha Caputo said: “The outstanding variety of experiences Westchester County offers in the fall and year-round continues to draw increasing numbers to our hotels, attractions, farms, parkland and more.  We drive tourism in the Hudson Valley. Visitor spending grew 5% in the past year alone, reaching record levels and making travel and tourism a $2 billion industry for the County.”

Vice President of Commerce and Communications at Historic Hudson Valley Rob Schweitzer said: “We are excited to kick off the fall season in Sleepy Hollow Country, celebrate Washington Irving’s legacy, and to operate some of the country’s biggest Halloween events right here in Westchester. From the 15th anniversary of The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, to the legendary frights at Horseman’s Hollow in the heart of Sleepy Hollow, Historic Hudson Valley’s events delight, enchant and thrill visitors of all ages.”

 

FALL INTO WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS WITH THESE COUNTY-WIDE EVENTS:

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

 

Pumpkin Picking Weekend

Muscoot Farm, Somers

Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Oct. 12, 13 & 14

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day

Muscoot celebrates autumn with pumpkin picking, hayrides, and much more on Columbus Day weekend. Free admission; fee for pumpkins and hayrides.

Farmers Market at Muscoot

Sundays through October

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Over 20 farmers offer local produce and food products ranging from cheeses, farm-raised meats, baked goods and specialty items like chutneys and pickles.

Hawk Watch

Lenoir Preserve, Yonkers

Saturdays, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring a chair and binoculars to watch majestic hawks and birds of prey migrating along the Hudson River flyway on the lawn behind the mansion.

Animal Embassy: Anatomy of Fear

Muscoot Farm, Somers

Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Kids ages 4 and up can meet incredible live exotic “animal ambassadors” from around the globe. Registration and fee required.

Fall Foliage Walk

Trailside Nature Museum

Saturday, Oct. 19 – guided walk starts at 11 a.m.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS AT PLAYLAND

Scared by the Sound

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during October

Beginning at 8 p.m. each night

A 12,000-square-foot enclosed haunted house and outdoor cemetery loaded with a terrifying cast of characters who eagerly await your arrival! Good for kids and adults ages 9 and up.

 

Hudson Horrors

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during October

Beginning at 7 p.m. each night

This one-hour event uses elements of live theatre and haunted houses to create physical, emotional and psychological experiences. Not recommended for children under age 16.

For more info about tickets for both events at Playland, go to Playlandpark.org.

 

HALLOWEEN IN THE PARKS

Halloween Train Show

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial

Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 19-20 and 26-27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Train layout, decorated main house, spooky “eye spy” conservatory stroll, hay maze, pumpkins for sale.

Tickets $10 adults/$5 kids – under age 2 free.

Halloween Boo Bash

Cranberry Lake Preserve, North White Plains

Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come dressed in costume for a candy scavenger hunt and Halloween crafts and refreshments. Call the park to register.

Boo Walk

Muscoot Farm, Somers

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A non-scary Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around the farm geared toward the younger set, with a Halloween treat as a prize at the end.

Pre-Halloween Celebration

Marshlands Conservancy, Rye

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Halloween fun with treats and stories for kids. Costumes optional.

Halloween on the Farm

Muscoot Farm, Somers

Thursday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wear your costume and trick-or-treat with the sheep, chickens and goats at the farm.

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Submitted by Yorktown, NY

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