KC On The Go

Another week, another blog post. With Halloween being this week, it’s a rather timely post. And, it’s my favorite time of year, so how could I possibly resist? The leaves are falling, the weather is getting crisp and the smell of warm apple cider and cinnamon is filling the air. I’m pretty sure I’m my best self in the Autumn. I get to dust off my impressive scarf and hat collection, don my boots and enjoy evenings in cozy pubs with the glow of lit fireplaces radiating. It’s a magical time. 

Between leaf peeping, pumpkin picking and stuffing yourself with cider donuts, there are plenty of reasons to get out there and enjoy the season. A fun tradition in the New York City area is one illuminating event – the annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in the Hudson Valley. Now in its 15th year, you don’t have to like pumpkin spice to appreciate a walk through this yearly extravaganza. I’m talking pumpkins that are carved, designed and assembled into complex structures and then lit. Thousands of them!   

After years of wanting to check this out for myself, I finally made it up there last year. Yes, this post has been a year in the making! To say I was impressed would be an understatement. To prove my point, this event has gotten so popular that they’ve extended it to the end of November and start a presale for it in August. I’m not kidding. If you find yourself on the wrong end of October and still don’t have a ticket, well there’s always next year!

For all you lovely people, I did a little research – I do it all for you. There are an extremely limited number of tickets available on stubhub but what is normally a $22 ticket will cost you upward of $50. I actually saw one ticket available for this past Monday for $9,999. I’m not kidding. I certainly hope this ticket comes with a share of the profits from the event because although it’s impressive, it’s not quite worth that much. Your best bet as of time of publication is getting a coveted ticket for Halloween night. Makes sense, everyone is too busy getting their trick or treat on.

Located about 40 miles north of midtown Manhattan in Croton-On-Hudson, it’s a quick trip by car or Metro-North trains. It’s definitely worth the trip, just to get away for a bit. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this part of New York is absolutely beautiful, especially with all the leaves changing color.

Not only is this area historical, it’s also quite popular this time of year. About 10 miles south of Croton-On-Hudson is Sleepy Hollow where the legendary headless horseman wreaked havoc. If you’d like to make a day trip out of it, there are plenty of activities to partake in in this part of the Hudson Valley – historic sites to visit and seasonal events to enjoy. Touring the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a festive way to spend the day…if you like that sort of thing.  

But back to The Blaze! It’s comprised of over 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns that are designed and hand-carved on site. As you can imagine, it takes a village to build this. To be more precise – thousands of volunteers scooping and lighting pumpkins. 

I hate to rain on everyone’s Halloween parade but as the bearer of information, I feel I must inform you – not ALL the jack-o’-lanterns are made out of real live pumpkins. Many of them are real and continuously carved throughout the run of the Blaze to keep them fresh. The others are Funkins, which are carvable artificial pumpkins. Don’t let that dissuade you, it’s still quite an undertaking. The process is started with the art pumpkins in June…incredible. After last year, I’m contemplating getting in on the action myself – I can carve a pumpkin with the best of them.  

When you arrive, the first sight that greets you is a little marketplace of tents selling the delights of autumn – I’m talking about that aforementioned hot apple cider and cider donuts plus hot chocolate, pumpkin flavored treats and much more. This year, you’ll be able to wet your whistle with some pumpkin flavored beer, amongst other options, from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, whose brewery is located in nearby Elmsford.

If you can pry yourself away from the snacks, there are more treats…and tricks awaiting you. Once you’ve entered the Blaze, you’re in store for about an hour and a half of magic and wonder. Walk through a maze of the most amazing structures – from New York landmarks like the “Pumpkin Zee Bridge” and Lady Liberty to scarier fare like a giant spider web with a field of spiders and a spooky graveyard. Each sculpture is more impressive than the last. While some sculptures are spookier than others, have no fear, the entire Blaze is suitable for all ages.

You can walk through the souvenir shop on your way out and stock up on some Blaze merch – I know you all want it – as well as fall themed items, like pumpkin scented candles. Who doesn’t love a pumpkin scented candle? Just saying – if you’re not a fan, don’t even bother coming to my house. Then grab another cider donut for your troubles. I mean you’re walking right by them, it would be rude not to. If you don’t leave filled with amazement…and lots of sugar…I will be shocked.

If you do decide to make the trip to check this event out, be sure to wear shoes that can withstand a little dirt as you’ll be trudging through the stuff. Take it from me, I made the mistake of wearing my knee high black suede boots not thinking of the elements. Well, it had rained earlier in the day and my poor boots kept sinking in the mud. I still have a bit of mud stain on them a year later. Pesky stuff just won’t come out. 

So, who has fun Halloween plans this year? Unfortunately, I don’t have any parties but I always have 2 costumes at the ready, just in case – a black cat and Hermione Granger. On a non-Halloween related note – I am so happy to be back with you all and I have so many adventures I want to share. Though I can’t promise that I will post weekly, I will be posting on a regular basis. And, I’m off again on another trip in a few weeks. Any guesses where I’m heading?

Well, until next time – hope you have a spooktacular (I can’t help it, it’s the promo writer in me) Halloween! Cheers.