Sleepy Hollow, New York is in Northern Westchester County and an easy drive from New York City (less than 30 miles). Sleepy Hollow was made famous by Washington Irving in his novel “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and if the headless horseman is the only image you have of Sleepy Hollow, then you need to make time to visit and get the whole picture of this beautiful village on the banks of the Hudson. Sleepy Hollow was known as North Tarrytown from the 1800’s until 1997 when the residents voted to change the name back to Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are adjacent to each other and still share many facilities. AS a matter of fact the towns share one historical place. Right on the border of the two towns is Patriot Park, commemorating the capture of Benedict Arnold’s British agents during the Revolutionary War. Today the park is a great place to come and realx while the children enjoy the playground. Both towns are great examples of what it is like to live in a Hudson River town.
True, the legend still plays a part in Sleepy Hollow today, epically in October. After all some say the Headless Horseman still roams the valley looking for victims. But a visit Sleepy Hollow bring to life the early history of New York, before it was New York, and combined with the legend and the modern day village, it makes for an entertaining, fun and educational time for the whole family. Let’s take a look around the village and see what you will find on your visit.
First, let’s get a bit of Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown and New York history.
Lyndhurst
635 South Broadway
Tarrytown, New York 10591
(914) 631-4481
http://www.lyndhurst.org/
If you have ever wondered how the rich and famous of the 19th century lived, then you will find out when you visit Lyndhurst. It is maintained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and you can come and tour the mansion or come for one of the many special events they have going on year round. This home really defines the term mansion. Check with the Chamber of Commerce site for information on other historic mansions, including the Rockefeller Estate that are open to the public. Sleepy Hollow was one of the premier places for the rich and famous of the 19th century to build their mansions and country estates, and any of them are now owned by local state and federal agencies, keeping the history of the 19th century alive for the children of the 21st.
Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow
http://www.sleepyhollowchamber.com/olddutch.html
This is the oldest church in New York State, built in 1685 and if you look around, you will see the bridge where the Headless Horseman caught up with Ichabod Crane. Services are held here only on special occasions now, like Christmas and Easter, but wouldn’t that be an unforgettable experience. Take a walk through the cemetery . It is an historical adventure in and of itself.
Also stop and see the
The Historical Society, Inc.
Serving Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow
http://www.tarrytown.americantowns.com/servlets/WebPage?actionid=950&eid;=50891
Historical Society Museum
1 Grove Street, Tarrytown, New York
914-631-8374
Open Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat 2-4pm
There is much more to Sleepy Hollow than history. There are many recreational activities and events going on year round.
The Chamber of Commerce has all the up to date information on what will happen when.
http://www.sleepyhollowchamber.com/
There are many grand hotels in the area. Many if not all of them were at one time private residences. In some cases they will have some of the original furnishings or they have bees carefully restored with furnishings and artifacts from the time they were built. For a weekend or longer you can experience what it was like to be one of the first millionaires in America.
The Alexander Hamilton House
49 Van Wyck St.
Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520
http://www.alexanderhamiltonhouse.com/
The Alexander Hamilton House is located just 20 minutes from Sleepy Hollow and is an excellent place to stay.
Castle on the Hudson
400 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, New York 10591
http://www.castleonthehudson.com/
And that is exactly what it is, a castle on the Hudson. Spending a night or two in castle that is over 100 years old would be a great experience. The kids would love it.
Tarrytown House Estate
http://www.tarrytownhouseestate.com/
49 East Sunnyside Lane
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Check with the hotels and see what sightseeing packages they have. It is a good way to see the area for a first time visitor. They can also advise you about outsides sightseeing companies and special activities like a boat ride on the Hudson.
One of the best things about spending time in a small village like Sleepy Hollow is the shopping. There are many quaint shops throughout the village where you can buy things you cannot get anyplace else.
Weather you come for the day or for a vacation, you will be looking for a restaurant Here are some of the best Sleepy Hollow has to offer
Carlos Place
1 review
60 Clinton St
Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591
(914) 332-0134
Open for dinner and the cuisine is Italian. A very casual and warm place for a romantic dinner for two.
JP Doyle’s
http://www.jpdoyles.com/
48 Beekman Avenue
JP Doyle’s is a traditional Irish Pub with all the atmosphere and good food you would expect. Check their calendar, They have many events going on year long.
The Thai Garden
128 Cortlandt St
Sleepy Hollow, New York
(914) 524-5003
http://www.thethaigarden.com//htm/index.php
The Thai Garden is a very relaxing vegetarian restaurant. They are open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and it is best to make reservations as early as possible.
So if you come for just a day or longer, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown will make good memories for the in entire family and, hopefully, will become one of your favorite spots and a place you will return to in the future.
