Visit a riverside town that inspired two great pieces of early 19th-century literature. Tour historic homes and learn about an important event in American history.
Enjoy a trip to Tarrytown, a small village on the eastern bank of the Hudson River with a lot of history. Learn about the inspiration behind two literary masterpieces and visit the site of a significant event in the American War of Independence.
Tarrytown is a good place to come to explore literary and actual history. Start with a visit to Sunnyside, the former home of Washington Irving. The beloved American author penned The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, both of which are set in the area. Costumed guides take you through the mansion and give you insights into Irving’s life.
The village of Sleepy Hollow, namesake of Washington Irving’s short story, is less than a mile up the road. Originally called North Tarrytown, its name was changed to honour the famous literary work.
Lyndhurst is another iconic mansion, a Gothic Revival country house that belonged to railroad baron Jay Gould. Take a tour of its rooms, which are filled with period furniture, antiques and art.
As you make our way round Tarrytown, stop by Patriot Park to see the famous Captor’s Monument. It marks the spot where three Patriots captured British spy John André during the American War of Independence. This is also where Ichabod Crane first encounters the Headless Horseman in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
At night, dine in a downtown restaurant and catch a play, concert or movie at Tarrytown Music Hall. This theatre has been hosting cultural events since 1885 and it is one of the few remaining theatres in the country to have been built before 1900.
Tarrytown is a pretty riverside town with a lot of history, just 30 miles (48 kilometres) north of New York City. You can easily get to Tarrytown via the Metro-North train line. If you drive from the Big Apple, your route will take you across the Tappan Zee Bridge, which spans the Hudson River in Tarrytown.
