We’ve got to admit, nothing rivals the Hudson Valley in its autumnal season: the turning leaves bursting in reds and golds; beloved storytellers breathing ghoulish tales to life (Jonathan Kruk, we’re lookin’ at you); and, of course, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze — that three-week-long illuminated extravaganza featuring more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, alight in all their glory — all make the area a can’t-miss destination in the fall.
But the team at Historic Hudson Valley, which produces the Blaze at the 18th-century Westchester County historic estate Van Cortlandt Manor, has perhaps one-upped itself (gasp!) with its latest creation. Dubbed LIGHTSCAPES, the exhibit swaps spooky skeletons, spiders, and monsters for dreamy fairies, flowers, butterflies, and giant toadstools in all colors of the rainbow. Perhaps even more intriguing than the special effects and sound is the fact that the sculptures are made from recycled materials — surely a detail that would delight any plucky pixie.
Speaking of delights, we’re suckers for sweet things, and LIGHTSCAPES does not disappoint. A hospitality tent offers goodies like organic sorbet and locally sourced ice cream from the Blue Pig in Croton, homemade candy from Geordane’s in Irvington, and other tasty treats from shops in the area.
For those looking to make the exhibit part of a grander getaway, Tarrytown House Estate offers a LIGHTSCAPES package, which provides overnight accomodations, tickets to the light show, and breakfast for two for just $200. Kathryn Walsh, Managing Editor of our sister pub Westchester Magazine, recently fancied a stay at the estate and confirms it’s a “pretty great Westchester-style bargain.” (Check out her experience here.)
The show runs on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. from May 2-31 (and includes Sunday, May 25). Tickets are $16, $12 for children 3-17 (add a few bucks if purchasing onsite), and free for kids under 3. For more on Van Cortlandt Manor and all of Historic Hudson Valley’s events throughout the year, visit www.hudsonvalley.org. Check out the video below for a sneak-peek.