NEWSLETTER
Credit: @arturoexplores on Instagram
With a famous name that appeals to the Halloween fan in everyone, Sleepy Hollow is a great weekend getaway destination, and not only on October 31. As the birthplace of the Headless Horseman, and with neighboring Tarrytown being the former home of Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving, the village goes all out for Halloween, with weekly festivals, hayrides, and parades. The area also offers a plethora of multi-season attractions that travelers can enjoy all year round.
Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.
Originally published 10/31/2017
To Do:
Credit: @jahv on Instagram
Start your weekend early with a morning guided tour of historic Lyndhurst Castle (pictured), whose exterior was used for movies based on the classic vampire soap opera Dark Shadows. See the mansion draped in candlelight during Lyndhurst After Dark in October.
An afternoon visit to Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate (pictured) allows you to take a tour of the author’s riverside home, which is decorated for the season, and admire its unique architecture along with the expansive Hudson River views. You’ll hear about what led Irving to write his most famous short story, see an original shadow puppet short film, and enjoy lawn games on the Explore “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” tour, happening September 15-November 5. (Advance tickets required)
Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing (New York state fishing license required), picnicking, photography, and painting. Special events, including fishing workshops and stargazing, are also available. Download the New York State Parks Explorer app to plan your visit.
Credit: @arturoexplores on Instagram
During the day, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (pictured) offers a tour focusing on Washington Irving and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Advanced tickets required. The cemetery is also offering its classic evening lantern tour, visiting the gravesites of impressive residents such as William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, John Dustin Archbold, as well as Washington Irving.
Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow is the stone church and adjoining burial ground featured in Irving's tale, the haunt of the headless horseman. Self-guided visits to the grounds are available until 4:30 pm.
To Eat:
Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown have a deep immigrant history resulting in a rich mix of cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, French, Portuguese, Irish, Japanese, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Thai, Moroccan, and Chilean. Don't miss the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow farmers market at Patriots Park Saturdays from 8:30 am-1:30 pm, where you’ll find fresh Hudson Valley produce, meat, bread, and wine.
Lefteris Gyro along Tarrytown’s charming Main Street offers the perfect lunch option—it’s casual and easy, suitable for the whole family.
Sweet Grass Grill is a gorgeous farm-to-table restaurant that offers something for everyone.
Tarry Tavern is a classic American Tavern with a menu that showcases the bounty of the Hudson Valley.
Bridge View Tavern is perfect for beer lovers with at least 15 beers on tap and an emphasis on craft and regional brews. Order any of their award-winning beers or try a limited-release specialty and pair it with delicious food from their seasonally fresh menu. Local brewery Captain Lawrence has an expansive outdoor beer garden and 2,500 square foot beer hall.
To Stay:
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa, complete with the Sankara Spa and fine-dining restaurant Equus, is located in a picturesque setting with lovingly landscaped flower beds and grounds.
With a mindful use of ecological materials and thoughtful attention to detail, the award-winning Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn and its beautiful grounds exude a quiet elegance, befitting its charming past. The wine-focused restaurant serves up an elevated, farm-to-table menu and the cozy wood-paneled Tap Room features a rotating bar program and seasonal pub fare.
Super 8 is a great budget option. Located just over the river, it's about six miles from Tarrytown, seven miles from Sleepy Hollow.
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