Experience Sleepy Hollow

Credit: @arturoexplores on Instagram

Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow was voted one of the Prettiest Towns in America and is home to Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

If you’re there at the right time, book a “Lyndhurst After Dark" tour, perfect for the spirited season. Then, settle in for the night at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, so you’re well-rested for exploring the town the next day. On your final day, explore this haunting haven full of tricks and treats.

Be sure to visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the Old Dutch Church, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve, where you can enjoy seasonal activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and fishing.

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.

To Do:

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.

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.