Enchanting Fall Weekend Getaway in Historic Sleepy Hollow, NY
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.
Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required by state guidelines. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available.
Updated 08/31/21
To Do:
Start your weekend early with a morning guided tour of historic Lyndhurst Castle, whose exterior was used for movies based on the classic vampire soap opera Dark Shadows. Advanced reservations are being accepted for outdoor landscaping tours Friday-Sunday at 9:30 am- 2:30 pm.
An afternoon visit to Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate allows you to take an outdoor tour of the grounds of the author’s riverside home and admire its unique architecture (advanced reservations and masks are required). You’ll hear about what led Irving to write his most famous short story and go on a literature-themed scavenger hunt.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing (New York state fishing license required), picnicking, photography, and painting. Parking is limited and capacity is reduced, so download the New York State Parks Explorer app and check availability before visiting.
During the day, the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 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 outdoor beer garden and is open for dining with advanced reservations.
To Stay:
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa, located in a picturesque setting with lovingly landscaped flower beds and grounds. (The Sankara Spa and fine-dining restaurant Equus are temporarily closed.)
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 is open with limited outdoor dining and curbside pickup, and indoor dining with advanced reservations.
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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