Near the shores of the Hudson River, in The Shadow of The Tappan Zee Bridge lies a small village in the state of New York. “Named Sleepy Hollow in The olden days as it was very quiet and made people sleepy.”
In 1820 Washington Irving immortalized this town when he wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. In modern times this quiet little village wakes in October to celebrate The Headless Horseman and the Havoc he wreaked on the imaginations of the townsfolk and Ichabod Crane.
When my cousin pointed out the town to me on a recent road trip, I thought what a perfect place to visit for Halloween. And I was not disappointed.
Every street lamp, store front and street celebrates this haunting season, even the fire department gets into “the spirit”. There is a huge haunted house on the property of Philipsburg Manor, that turns into the Horseman’s Hallow for the month of October. This very spooky haunted house is not for the faint of heart as you never know what might jump out at you around each corner.
The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery hosts several tours. We took the evening lantern tour on Halloween night. Our host Sandy fascinated us with tales of many of the residence who have chosen Sleepy Hollow as their final resting place.
This beautiful garden cemetery is now eternal home to the remains of Andrew Carnegie, Frances Church, The Rockefeller’s, and of course Washington Irving.
I was surprised at how peaceful and beautiful this cemetery was.
From the “high rent districts” where the opulent mausoleum’s line up like homes in a cull de sac, to the simple graves memorializing loved ones taken too soon, whose lives touched others and will always be loved and remembered.
And a touch of macabre where Barnabas Collins from dark show gets a nod, because after all, this is Sleepy Hollow.
But there was no sign of the Headless Horseman on that Halloween Night, nor did we have any Ichabod Crane sightings, not even a faint whisper of one of the church psalms he would sing when frightened.
The simple Grave of Washington Irving is appropriately decorated by lit pumpkin that reminds us of the spooky, spirited tale that made this location famous.
If you’re interested in a permanent home here (when the time comes) this is a “living” active cemetery where one can still find a plot for your final rest.
There is so much to see in Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown that three days hardly seemed sufficient.
Because we were there during the week many places were closed.
The magnificent Lyndhurst Castle on the banks of The Hudson was closed for tours, but we were able to drive around the grounds and see the ghosts, scarecrows and witches that were still playing on the grounds, even after Halloween had passed.
The Rockefeller State Preserve is just out of town and offers 55 miles of paths to hike.
We found several places to get some great food and craft beers during our trip.
The Oath
We went to visit for the great beer selection promised and they did not let us down with their selection of stouts and dark beers.
But what was really cool about this place was that you don’t go there to get a stoli vodka or Jack Daniels Whiskey, all their liquor is small batch craft liqueurs from all over the country. While we were there the rep from Sonoma County Distilling was there and we tried two of their blends. I was never a whiskey fan before that sampling but am hooked now.
The Brussels sprout appetizer was delicious and we followed it up with the Oath Burger, a yummy combination of ground beef, bacon, fried egg all served on a waffle with a side of maple syrup. We ordered it as it was unique and worried if we would like it, and the flavor combination works very well.
Ask for Aaron when you arrive. Great bartender friendly and fun. I would definitely return.
Bridgeview Tavern
Another great place for a wide variety of beers.
We had an elk burger with Vermont Cheddar cheese and mushrooms that was delicious as well as disco fries.
You can wait over an hour for this great little place that overlooks the Tappan Zee Bridge, or you can sit in the beer garden, or at the bar where Chris the bartender will take care of you.
JP Restaurant and Public House has a limited menu, but they have a yummy Ruben and awesome service with Peggy.
Lefteris Gyro in Tarrytown served Greek food and offered inside or outside seating. We ordered The Lefteris Platter Nice combination of 3 flavorful meats. More then enough food for two people to share and still leave full and happy. When you walk in the door Bobby makes you feel like family visiting his home.
We stayed st The Springhill Marriott where breakfast is free and they have a shuttle that will take you anywhere in a four mile radius of the hotel. They have a nice little bar that is open until 11pm every night.
The rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Lots to do and see in the quaint little area, as we were leaving they were gearing up for Christmas. So maybe the community can do more than just Halloween.
