Experience the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Halloween is a time for spooky creativity to thrive, but whether you love to spend weeks putting together an elaborate costume or just appreciate the creepy spirit of the season, it’s hard to resist the appeal of the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Each fall, the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor transform into a Halloween spectacular, featuring more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, local food and drink, souvenirs, and family-friendly nighttime fun, making it one of the best things to do near Croton-on-Hudson.

In addition to individual pumpkins, the event includes large-scale creations like life-sized pumpkin dinosaurs, a giant pumpkin spider web, a pumpkin planetarium, and a pumpkin carousel. Pumpkins completely dominate in authentic autumn fashion.

The easiest Croton-on-Hudson, NY, directions from Albany take drivers south through lush greenery alongside the Hudson River and on through New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, and Fishkill for a lovely two-and-a-half-hour journey to a terrific Halloween event. Tickets for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze must be purchased in advance and have a designated time. Visitors are only allowed to park within 30 minutes of their ticket time. A limited number of flex tickets that allow entry at any time are available for pre-purchase.

Van Cortlandt Manor

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze takes place on the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor. The manor was built in the 17th century by the Van Cortland family and is a museum and National Historic Landmark. Prior to the Revolutionary War, the site was home to an apple orchard, dairy farm, kiln, tavern, and blacksmith shops. After being ransacked by the British army, the manor was eventually restored and modernized with additions like a drive-in movie theater. It was ultimately purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1953 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

In addition to hosting the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, the manor frequently hosts tourists and school groups who want to get a glimpse of life in the immediate aftermath of the Revolutionary War.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Between Albany and Croton-on-Hudson, travelers have the chance to stop at Walkway Over the Hudson, which is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the communities of Poughkeepsie and Highland across the Hudson River. The Walkway measures 1.28 miles from one gate to the other and is 212 feet above the river.

Traversing the bridge on foot or bicycle is completely free and offers wonderful views of the surrounding communities. During the Halloween season, beautiful fall foliage fills the region. The walkway also hosts many special events throughout the year, including a July 4 fireworks display, an annual Starry Starry Night Gala, the Hudson Valley Marathon, and Walktoberfest.

Shadows on the Hudson

Walking across a mile-long bridge can certainly help you work up an appetite. Visitors to Poughkeepsie may want to consider a stop at Shadows on the Hudson, an award-winning waterfront restaurant. The riverside location offers views of the river as well as the Mid-Hudson Bridge. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (as well as weekend brunch), the restaurant features fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and plenty of vegetarian options.