Trade the city for crisp fall air, legendary stories, extraordinary art and thousands of glowing pumpkins on the ultimate Hudson Valley autumn escape.
Join Women of Culture for a members-only day trip to Historic Hudson Valley, bringing together some of the region’s most fascinating cultural treasures—and ending with one of New York’s most spectacular fall traditions.
Our adventure begins at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, the enchanting riverside home and landscape designed by the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. We’ll step inside Irving’s world and discover the place where one of America’s most enduring literary legends came to life.
Next comes an unexpected artistic gem: Union Church of Pocantico Hills. Hidden inside this intimate country church are breathtaking stained-glass windows by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, commissioned by the Rockefeller family—including Matisse’s final commissioned work and nine windows by Chagall.
After soaking up the history and art, we’ll slow things down over drinks & bites at Twenty 105, with time to relax and connect before the grand finale.
As night falls, we’ll head to Van Cortlandt Manor for The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze—an immersive wonderland of more than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins, brought to life with elaborate installations, synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. It’s bigger and brighter this year, with an expanded trail and new displays alongside beloved Blaze favorites.
This isn’t simply a day trip—it’s a chance to experience the very best of the Hudson Valley in one beautifully curated fall day, without having to plan the route, tickets or transportation yourself.
We have limited spots available in our rental car departing from Maman at 67 University Place, or you can sign up for the activities only if you have your own transportation.
Please note the NYC Marathon is taking place that day, so if you live along the route, you may want to allow for extra travel time to our meeting location.
Why You’ll Love This
🍂 Experience the Hudson Valley at its most magical time of year
🎨 See remarkable works by Matisse & Chagall in an intimate, unexpected setting
📖 Step into the world of Washington Irving and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
🎃 End the day surrounded by 7,000+ glowing pumpkins at the legendary Blaze
Full Schedule:
11:30am | Departure from Maman
67 University Pl.
(arrive early and get brunch or a snack for the road!)
1pm | Tour at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington
3pm | Tour of Union Church at Pocantico Hills
555 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills
4pm | Drinks & bites at 105 Twenty
120 Grand St, Croton-On-Hudson
6pm | Jack o’lantern blaze at Van Cortland Manner
525 S Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson
8pm | Approx. return to Manhattan
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Art-full Member Tickets:
Full experience with round/trip in rental car from Manhattan: $160 first release; $175 full price
Activities only (self-driving): $120 first release; $135 full price
Premier members save an additional 20%
Spaces will be limited for this members-only fall adventure, so grab your spot and come experience the art, stories, flavors and seasonal magic that make the Hudson Valley unforgettable.
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The Art-Full Membership
If you are not yet an Art-full member, we would love to have you join us for as little as $45/month for the basic membership, or $65/month for the upgraded premier membership. You can learn more about all membership levels and join here or reach out to alex@womenofculture.org with any questions.
The membership provides:
Access to member exclusive events
Complimentary tickets to all online events, and select in-person events
Priority access to & discounts on ALL events
Premier members also get priority access to 'culture-tunities' including free VIP passes to exclusive after-hours events at cultural institutions all over the city
All designed to help you live your best, most art-full and socially connected life!