This wildly popular event returns for twenty-two evenings, including Halloween night! The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is simply more fun than any squash should be allowed. Over 5,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins are set against the mysterious backdrop of Van Cortlandt Manor’s 18th-century buildings and riverside landscape. Followed by hot cider and pumpkin cookies. 6:30 pm to 10 pm (last admission 9 pm). Admission ONLY by advance timed ticket.

Where: Van Cortlandt Manor, 500 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
2012 dates: October 6-8, 12-14, 19-21, 25-31; November 2-4, 9-11.
Cost: Adults $16, children 5-17 $12 (Saturdays $20 and $16). Free for children under 5 and members of Historic Hudson Valley.
For reservations: buy tickets online, 914-631-8200

Martha speaks: