The days are getting shorter, the apples are ripening, and there is that slight nip in
the evening air that says fall is on its way. It’s the perfect time to come to
Westchester, see the foliage, and celebrate the county’s agricultural past. Fun-for-
the-whole-family harvest festivals are being offered throughout the season – you can
plan a whole weekend around any one of these events that you will remember for
years to come.

• Step back in time at the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle to experience
the high point of the colonial year --- The Colonial Fair! With the crops all in, the
community has its last fling before winter sets in. Visit an 18th Century doctor,
cooper, or try your hand at weaving. Have your silhouette made, your face painted,
or decorate a pumpkin. And, don’t be late for the one room schoolhouse or the
schoolmarm will have you hauling wood or water! Enjoy refreshments and browse the
white elephant sale. Saturday Sept 18, rain date Sept 19, Thomas Paine Cottage in
New Rochelle, (914) 633-1776; thethomaspainecottage.org.

• Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend with Heritage Crafts at Van Cortlandt Manor.
Craftspeople showcase vanishing skills and hands-on demonstrations on the charming,
tree-shaded grounds of this historic manor. Candle making, spinning, weaving,
blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, woodworking, and cider pressing are just a few of
the crafts displayed. Tour the historic buildings and gardens, sample delicious food
available for purchase, and enjoy a picnic along the Croton River.
October 9 & 10 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (914) 631-8200 ext. 618; historichudsonvalley.org.

• Sample the beauty of Union Church Harvest Fair at the Union Church of Pocantico
Hills. While enjoying the bounty of the fall harvest, be sure to note the church’s famous
stained glass windows created by two celebrated modern masters, Henri Matisse (1869-
1954) and Marc Chagall (1887-1985). October 16 & 17, for hours call (914) 631-2069.

• Celebrate the season at Muscoot Farm’s Autumn Celebration. Visit this working farm
and enjoy the music, pumpkin painting, demonstrations, hayrides and more. Be sure to drop
in at the Main Farm House, once the Hopkins family home, where a small gallery displays
paintings by local artists. October 17 - 11 a.m. -3 p.m., (914) 864-7282.

• Washington Irving's famous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, immortalized the Hudson
River towns of Westchester as the mysterious region where the Headless Horseman rides.
A highlight of fall in Westchester is Legend Weekend at Washington Irving's Sunnyside
& Philipsburg Manor. Legend Weekend is a prime destination for frightful fun; this haunted
hollow offers unique entertainment both day and night during the Halloween season. During
the daylight hours enjoy spooky walks, magic shows, ghost songs, corn shelling, pumpkin
carving and more. When the sun goes down you can witness the evening ride of the Headless
Horseman, watch ghost dancers, a mandolin-playing pirate and many more spooky surprises.
October 29, 30 & 31; visitors should purchase tickets for Legend Weekend events in advance
by calling (914) 631-8200, ext. 618; historichudsonvalley.org.

Whether you come with the whole family or come alone,
Westchester is the place for harvest time fun!