Yes, Halloween might be over, but the fall fun is just warming up. Before we all dive into Christmas decorating madness, here are some fun pre-holiday activities you can enjoy to make the most of this season.
#1: Apple Picking
Apple picking is a great way to support local farms while also gathering apples to make sweet treats at home. Harvest Moon, a beautiful location in Brewster, offers a variety of apples to pick. Their farm is a little far, but the scenery entirely makes up for the distance. Outhouse Orchards is another wonderful farm to support. They not only have spectacular apple picking, but various other fall activities including a corn maze.
#2: A Trip to Salinger’s Orchard
Salinger’s Orchard is a staple within the Brewster community. Its apple cider and warm donuts are delicious, and are just the right treat to get anyone into the fall spirit! This local business sells various baked goods, and sports a serene view of their apple orchard.
#3: Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking is another fun fall activity to enjoy with loved ones. Both Muscoot Farm and Castle Hill Farm are two fantastic locations, providing various shapes, sizes, and colors of pumpkins to choose from. Muscoot Farm is known for its animals on site, and Castle Hill Farm has several fall events, such as a corn maze for dogs and an ongoing fall festival that brings joy during this wonderful season. If you go pumpkin picking, be sure to enjoy the other activities at these community farms!
#4: Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin carving is undoubtedly one of the most timeless activities of the season. A pumpkin carving kit can be bought for $5.00, providing its user with much entertainment and a fantastic fall decoration. If you need some inspiration for creative and unique designs, look no further!
Jack Skellington
This design still provides the classic pumpkin face, with a few unique touches to include the classic Disney character from A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Owl
This design can be made easy or complex with simple modifications, allowing beginners or pros to create beautiful fall decor.
Fall Leaf
If you are an Autumn lover, this maple leaf design is perfect. It is wonderful for the season, and great for people who prefer a simple design over something spooky.
#5: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
You might have missed it this year, but start planning for next year! The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor is a must-see spectacle. A yearly tradition, it runs from mid-September to mid-November. Starting at $20, a ticket allows viewers to walk along the historic Van Cortlandt property, decorated with various pumpkin sculptures. Master pumpkin carvers join together to intricately create each exhibit, ranging from massive dinosaur skeletons, to the MOPA (Museum of Pumpkin Art) that houses famous works such as The Scream and the Mona Lisa. The Blaze also honors its historic location, making several references to Sleepy Hollow, where the infamous Headless Horseman tale originated. The entire event culminates at the Van Cortlandt manor, a spectacularly decorated 17th century property, often featuring a pumpkin light show, as well as a tribute to its late owners: the Van Cortlandt family. Overall, this event never disappoints, and is absolutely one of the best events of the fall season!