Last October, I went all the way to Croton-on-Hudson without buying tickets in advance and ended up turning back at the entrance. I won't make that mistake again this year. Once bitten, twice shy, as they say.

I'm talking about The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, held at Van Cortlandt Manor. You can't mention fall in Westchester without this event.

This year's schedule runs from September 18 to November 8. In October, it's open every night, while in September and November, it's only open on select evenings.

To give you an idea of the scale, there are over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins lit up. Just hearing that number is a bit mind-boggling. When I first heard it, I wondered who carves all of these.

This event started in 2005 as a small fundraising effort by Historic Hudson Valley. The local nonprofit has been dedicated to this for over 20 years, so they deserve some credit for their perseverance.

The layout consists of a single path that you walk along, and it's about half a mile long. You won't get lost, so no need to worry.

Inside, there are life-sized dinosaurs, a working carousel, and even a planetarium made of pumpkins. The lights move in sync with the music, and the soundtrack features original compositions created just for this event.

This year, new additions include sculptures of movie monsters and fairy tale characters, as well as a pumpkin dance party area. There's also a separate exhibit themed around the Hudson Valley, which I'm curious about.

Now for the most important part: you must buy tickets in advance. There are no tickets sold on-site.

General admission tickets start at $24, and prices vary depending on the date and time. Weekend evenings sell out quickly, so if you have a specific date in mind, don't hesitate.

If you can't decide on a date, there's a FLEX ticket option. This allows you to enter any evening without a reservation.

For those looking to enjoy a bit more, there's a combo ticket for the Headless Horseman's Hideaway pop-up lounge starting at $39, which is open to everyone regardless of age.

The Gourd & Goblet Tavern combo ticket, which is for ages 18 and up, starts at $64. It offers a cocktail and food experience in an 18th-century tavern atmosphere, which could be nice for an adult outing.

If you're a member of Historic Hudson Valley, general timed admission tickets are free. If you visit every year, signing up for membership could actually save you money, so it's worth crunching the numbers.

Admission times vary by date, so be sure to check the booking screen. I choose a time after sunset because the pumpkins look their best in the dark.

If you're worried about parking, taking the train is a good option. The Croton-Harmon station on the Metro-North Hudson Line is within walking distance, and the organizers provide a walking map from the station.

Dress in layers. It can get surprisingly cold walking outdoors by the river at night in late October. I've gone out in light clothing and regretted it more than once.

There are souvenir shops and places selling fall snacks inside, but I recommend having a hearty dinner before you go. If you're hungry, you won't notice the pumpkins.

And our bulldog will be staying home again this time. Bringing a dog to a crowded evening event can be stressful for them, so I recommend checking with the organizers about their pet policy before you go.

However, there are fall trails where you can bring your dog, like the Rockefeller State Park Preserve near Sleepy Hollow.

This area is over 1,771 acres according to the New York State Parks Department, with 45 miles of wide, easy-to-walk carriage trails. The gentle slopes make it easy for short-legged bulldogs to keep up.

You can bring up to two dogs on a 6-foot leash, but there are exceptions for areas marked as prohibited.

Parking is $6 per car, and it's collected daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The park itself is open year-round from dawn until dusk.

People say mid-October is usually the best time for fall foliage. However, it varies each year, so checking the New York State Tourism fall report is a good way to pick your date.

So here's my planned itinerary: on Saturday morning, I'll take my dog for a walk on the Rockefeller carriage trails. In the afternoon, I'll relax at home, and in the evening, I'll head to Croton without the dog.

Visiting on a weekday morning is much quieter. Weekend afternoons can get crowded, so if you have the flexibility, aim for a weekday.

Honestly, I thought 7,000 pumpkins might be a bit excessive. But when you see those lights along the dark riverbank, that thought disappears.

This fall, I plan to buy tickets in advance, dress warmly, and walk through to the end. Once I set my mind to something, I see it through, so I won't be turning back at the entrance this year.