Atlantic Hyundai's Guide to Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown New York

 

 

Just 25 to 30 miles outside the city, a short drive away in Westchester County lie the beautiful villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.  We’ll be exploring all the wonderful things the area has to offer!  From historic architecture to hiking trails and parks to sightseeing stops, there’s lots of fun to be had by the entire family year round.  On less than a tank of gas, you can escape the busy city energy and enjoy a quaint and quiet weekend along the Hudson River.

 

 

Tarrytown is located along the eastern shores of the Hudson River, just 25 miles away from Midtown.  You can take a scenic drive up in your new Atlantic auto and enjoy the scenery, and your friends in the city can hop on the Metro-North Hudson Line and meet you there for a fun day out!  The historic downtown is home to charming shops and restaurants, and some much needed respite from urban and city life.

 

The village of Sleepy Hollow has been immortalized worldwide in the pages of Washington Irving’s infamous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  It’s picturesque scenery, iconic landmarks, and blend of history along with modern living makes it a very popular destination.  There are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, sailing, horseback riding, and more.  Enjoy it year round, or lean into the autumnal season by planning a visit in September and October.

 

Tour Historic Architecture, Homes, and Manors Along the Hudson River

 

Lyndhurst Mansion

This is a beautiful Gothic Revival home nestled along the banks of the Eastern Hudson River on 67 beautiful acres of park land.  Once owned by Jay Gould and later passed on to his daughter Anna Gould, the home is now in possession of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  It’s open to the general public for interior tours, special events and workshops year round, and there’s plenty of beautiful scenery on the grounds and outdoor activities.  Book a tour today and learn about its history.

 

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside

This historic house sits on 10 acres of property along the Hudson River, and was home to the famed Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  The Gothic Revival home was restored and now contains a beautiful collection of artwork, antique, and other memorabilia belonging to the author.

 

Old Dutch Reformed Church

Readers will recognize this as the iconic church featured in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  It’s a beautiful Dutch Reformed Church and historic landmark erected in the 17th century.  Built in 1685, it was home to the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church for over 150 years.  The interior has been well maintained and you can attend special service and tours all year round.  It’s seated on 5 beautiful acres and includes a historic churchyard with gravestones and monuments.

 

Philipsburg Manor

Once a bustling community of milling and trade, the Philipsburg Manor is now open to historic tours and host to educational activities.  You can view the working gristmill and take tours, or perhaps listen to a history lecture about the community and the family.  The manor contains preserved artifacts and antiques belonging to the Philips family and the 23 slaves who lived on premise and worked for them.

 

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate

A sprawling 40 room Colonial Revival style mansion that housed 4 generations of Rockefeller family and their descendants.  It’s now a historic museum in the quiet town of Mount Pleasant.    Admittance is only permitted via organized tours; tours are available seasonally and run May through November on select days.

 

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House

A magnificent one-of-a-kind and truly distinct piece of Victorian architecture, this home is located in Irvington NY and sits on 3 acres.  The house and its meticulously maintained grounds have been fully restored to their original appearance as they were in 1872.  You may tour the interior and view its beautiful antiques and home design, as well as walk the grounds and admire its landscaping and gardens.  In November and December, the home is open for tours and its Victorian Christmas celebrations.

 

Union Church of Pocantico Hills

The church was commissioned by the Rockefeller family to be constructed of stone and features incredibly creative stained glass windows created by artists Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall.  You may schedule a tour for viewing from August 6th through November 21st, and learn about the history of the church and learn about the artistic process behind the window designs.  The church is also home to an active congregation which is open to new members and the public.

 

Villa Lewaro

This former home of Madam C.J. Walker is an impressive 34 room, 20,000 square foot Italian Renaissance style mansion in Irvington New York.  Famed guests such as Zora Neal Hurston, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, and even Langston Hughes - all friends of Madam CJ Walker herself.  The villa has been privately owned for decades, but was impeccably maintained and underwent conservation efforts before being purchased in 2018 by the New Voices Foundation.  The home is currently under rehabilitation and preservation plans by local historians and organizations.  You can take a virtual tour today!

 

 

Local Arts and Cultural Destinations in the Area

In the mood for some art and music and creative entertainment?  We’ve got you covered with these landmarks, destinations, galleries, and theatres.

 

• Jazz Forum Arts at 1 Dixon Lane in Tarrytown

• Tarrytown Music Hall at 13 Main Street in Tarrytown

• Canfin Gallery at 39 Main Street in Tarrytown

• Studio A Gallery at 52 Main Street in Tarrytown

• Peep Space at 92 Central Avenue in Tarrytown

• Sleepy Hollow Museum at 540 N Broadway in Sleepy Hollow

• Sleepy Hollow Riverfront Community Mural in Sleepy Hollow

• The Weaving Center at 50 Wilson Park Drive in Tarrytown

• Clare Walker Fine Art (By Appt Only) in Tarrytown

• The Hudson Valley Writers Center at 300 Riverside Drive in Sleepy Hollow

• Sculpture of the Headless Horseman Landmark at 362 Broadway in Sleepy Hollow

• The Historical Society at 1 Grove Street in Tarrytown

• The Washington Irving Memorial at 999 Broadway in Tarrytown

• Washington Irving’s Grave in Sleepy Hollow

 

Shopping and Activities

• The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market aka The TaSH located in Patriots Park, US 9 in Tarrytown - Enjoy fresh fruits, veggies, and other delicious goodies along with artisan goods and crafts at the community-run farmers market.

• Browse the historic downtown of Tarrytown on Main Street with mom-and-pop shops, local eateries, and more!  If you’re interested in unique, one-of-a-kind goods and fantastic antiques, you’ll find it all here.  Go Shopping at Pretty Funny Vintage and Sleepy Hollow Souvenirs, The Cherry Door Thrift Shop, Bella’s Boutique, Ona Gift Shop, Shaylula Jewelry & Gifts and more!

• Visit the Orangetown Museum and check out its exhibits and archives to learn more about the Suffragists Movement, Revolutionary War History, and more!

• Plan a visit over to the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture and enjoy shopping, workshops, and programs centered on sustainable agriculture, as well as a farm-to-table experience.

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery during the day or by lantern light in the evening.  Those who prefer the darker side of history can also take a two hour long “Murder & Mayhem” tour.

• Enjoy some fine wine and spirits at the Prospero Winery in Pleasantville NY.

 

 

Explore the Gorgeous Outdoors in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow

 

• Walk Across the Headless Horseman Bridge

• Tarrytown Lakes Park at Neperan Road

• The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in Sleepy Hollow

• Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park at Tarrytown on W Main Street in Pierson Park

• Visit and Tour the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse

• Glenville Woods Park Preserve on Old White Plains Road

• Kingsland Point County Park in Sleepy Hollow

• Raven’s Rock in Tarrytown

• Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge at Westchester Landing Tarrytown

• Patriots Park in Sleepy Hollow

• Douglas Park in Sleepy Hollow

• Taxter Ridge Preserve in Irvington NY

• O’Hara Nature Center in Irvington NY

• Scenic Hudson Park in Irvington NY

• The Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Pleasantville NY

 

There’s so much to see and do in the area, it’s hard to fit it all into one day! The good news is that it’s easy to come back again and again each season to experience all the area has to offer.  Let us know your fave places to see and stay and it might make it into a future travel guide.