Dear EscapeMakers -- Surrounded by the beauty of the Hudson Valley, Westchester County offers a bounty of activities this fall for your next adventure. For those looking for a locavore-themed tasting experience, several local restaurants and breweries offer handcrafted IPAs, hard ciders and small batch spirits. For the adventurous, try Spins Hudson, the newest 40,000-square-foot sports and entertainment complex. This unique destination overlooks the scenic Charles Point Marina, offering exceptional dining, event space and a satellite Captain Lawrence Brewery.

(Car-less travelers - Take Metro-North train to Peeksill station (under an hour from Manhattan) where cabs wait to meet each train. The Marina is a 5-minute cab ride or 25 -minute walk away).

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is the tri-state area's biggest, most electrifying fall event. This year, the Blaze returns with more pumpkin power than ever before -- over 7,000 to be exact! Wander along our main street Pumpkin Promenade and stroll across the Pumpkin Zee Bridge. Around the next corner, discover an awe-inspiring Jack O'Lantern Statue of Liberty rising to the sky! This is the perfect time for family and friends to experience a truly magical evening. Tickets sell out, so get yours now by visiting hudsonvalley.org.

(Car-less travelers - Take Metro-North or the Amtrak train to Croton-Harmon station (under an hour from Manhattan) where cabs wait to meet each train. Van Cortlandt Manor is a 5-minute cab ride or 10-minute walk away - The walk is NOT pedestrian friendly).