Nestled between Sleepy Hollow in the north and Irvington to the south, the village of Tarrytown is located in the Hudson River Valley, around 31 miles (50 km) from New York City, which makes it a perfect getaway from the mad hustle of city life. The area, known for being Washington Irving’s home turf, is an inspiration for many of his works, most notably ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. While this is one of the prime attractions, Tarrytown is a big favorite among tourists for its picturesque locales, heritage buildings, lovely riverside trails, lush green parks, and gorgeous natural surroundings - an idyllic environment to unwind and enjoy the much-needed break from routine life.
Sounds perfect for your next destination? Book that trip and choose among the best hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals for your accommodations. Then read on to know more about the top 11 things to do in Tarrytown, New York.
1. Lyndhurst Mansion
The Lyndhurst Landscape Ramble is tomorrow at 10:30am. Purchase tickets at: www.showclix.com/event/landscape
Posted by Lyndhurst Mansion on Saturday, 7 September 2013
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Hudson River and green rolling hills, Lyndhurst is a Gothic Revival mansion and one of the top Tarrytown attractions. Spanning over 67 acres (27 hectares) of gorgeous park space, the estate, also known as the Jay Gould estate, houses America’s first steel-lined conservatory, built by its owner, George Merritt, who gave this property a complete makeover.
Surrounded by gigantic evergreen trees, the country house is a four-storey building, featuring narrow hallways, small windows, and vaulted ceilings. The dreamy location is almost like a picture out of a fairy tale book and should definitely top your touristy to-do list.
Lyndhurst Mansion
Address: 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Website: Lyndhurst
2. Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow
The Old Dutch Church, currently the oldest church in New York, and the surrounding 3 acres (1 hectare) of burial grounds, served as the inspiration for Irving’s widely-read short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. It is the final resting place of great personalities like Andrew Carnegie, Elizabeth Arden, William Rockefeller, Walter Chrysler, to name a few and, every year, the cemetery honors the remains of the locals who’ve inspired the Sleepy Hollow characters.
This legendary site sees thousands of visitors, every autumn when the Historic Hudson Valley and other organizations hold some excellent tours and performances.
Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow
Address: 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
3. Tarrytown Lakes Park
🐛🦋🐝
Posted by Jessica Buffolino on Friday, 2 June 2017
Nice time of day, 6 am. There was a turkey somewhere in the woods gobbling like a mad man.
Posted by Suzy Boudreau Allman on Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Tarrytown Lakes in panoramic....
Posted by Jerry Vallo on Tuesday, 18 October 2016
If you are an outdoorsy person and wondering what to do in Tarrytown, make your way to Tarrytown Lakes Park. For a dose of outdoor adventure, look no further than this 72-acre (29 hectare) preserve, which contains two beautiful lakes, lovely walking and biking trails, great bird-watching opportunities, excellent canoeing options and, during the winter, cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Located just 35 miles north of New York, picturesque Tarrytown Lakes Park is beautifully maintained by the authorities and has a very active picnic and fishing scene.
Tarrytown Lakes Park
Address: Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Website: Tarrytown Lakes Park
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Tarrytown Lighthouse
This 1883 cast-iron fixture, on the eastern side of the Hudson River, lends a magical touch to the entire Sleepy Hollow estate, of which it’s an integral part. Formerly known as Kingsland Point Light and the Sleepy Hollow Light, the lighthouse offers a lovely view of the sailboats dotting the river and the majestic Tappan Zee Bridge, in the distance.
A scenic walk along the river leads you to the pretty spark plug that’s played an important role in history, by acting as a navigational aid to ships, guiding them away from the dangerous shoals lining the river’s eastern shores.
Tarrytown Lighthouse
Address: Tarrytown Light-Kingsland Point Path, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
Website: Tarrytown Lighthouse
5. Musical event at Tarrytown Music Hall
Posted by Tarrytown Music Hall on Tuesday, 30 April 2013
photo by Deb Martin
Posted by Tarrytown Music Hall on Thursday, 27 April 2017
Owned and run by the Friends of the Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory, Inc - a 1979 non-profit, cultural organization - the Music Hall brings the best talents in the performing arts, to Tarrytown. The 843-seater is the busiest theater in the region and a great cultural destination that attracts over 85,000 people annually, from all across the tri-state area.
Head to this seemingly ordinary historic site, which is also the oldest theater in Westchester, for some extraordinary performances in music, dance, theater, and film. Attending a musical event here is one of the must-do Tarrytown activities.
Tarrytown Music Hall
Address: 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Website: Tarrytown Music Hall
6. Sunnyside
"Sunnyside", the historic house of the great American author Washington Irving (one of favorites). A wonderful Gothic...
Posted by Walt Sturrock on Tuesday, 15 November 2016
You cannot come to Tarrytown and not visit the home of the man behind the legendary stories of Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Spanning over 10 acres (4 hectares) of lush green land along the Hudson River lies Washington Irving’s beautiful home, which is now a scenic historic attraction. The layout and design of the romantic homestead and its gorgeous surroundings reflect Irving’s keen eye for art, history, and nature, for the man himself arranged the vistas, trees, pathways, and water features. Visiting this site is like getting lost in an enchanted world, created by the beloved writer who put this town on the map.
Sunnyside
Address: 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533
7. Patriots Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Tarrytown this weekend, consider visiting Patriots Park. This 4-acre (1.5 hectares) gorgeous green parcel comes with interesting monuments, a walkway, a basketball court, and a playground. Nestled between Sleepy Hollow and the Tarrytown borders, on Broadway, Patriots Park is not only popular for community events but also the Saturday farmers market, held between May and October, every year. Especially beautiful during fall, this lovely, open space is great for languid strolls, picnics, and spending fun afternoons with your little ones.
Patriots Park
Address: Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
8. Demeter's Tavern & Sports Bar
No plans for Super Bowl Sunday? No problem! Demeter's Tavern & Sports Bar, just a short drive from home, is a local...
Posted by The APEX at 290 Luxury Apartments in Westchester, NY on Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Playing the bride. Cheers. #ken&trish
Posted by Jessica S. Sanchez on Sunday, 7 May 2017
The Great Old Tavern, as this joint is affectionately called, is Westchester’s oldest family-run business, spanning over three generations, and is a great spot to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing. While the Tavern kitchen, helmed by the owner’s brother, constantly dishes out fresh-to-order, all-American food, the sports TVs add to the already convivial environment. One of the busiest bars in the area, this place comes highly recommended by locals and tourists, alike.
Demeter's Tavern & Sports Bar
Address: 51 Old White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
Website: Demeter’s Tavern & Sports Bar
9. Tappan Zee Bridge
Named after the Tappan Nation - the native Americans who were killed in the genocide - this engineering marvel is truly a sight to behold, from near and far. Connecting Westchester to Rockland County, Tappan Zee Bridge provides not only a smooth roadway but also incredible views of the Hudson River and the surrounding areas.
Catch a glorious sunset along the riverbank, when the architectural wonder is bathed in twilight hues, which makes for a perfect picture-postcard frame. Amidst controversy, the bridge is now to be renamed the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, after the late, three-term governor, who hailed from Queens.
Tappan Zee Bridge
Address: Tappan Zee Bridge, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
10. Ona
Posted by James on Friday, 25 July 2014
This combination gift boutique and art gallery, run by Ona Cohn, is as quaint and interesting as the town itself. With a store featuring unique, handcrafted merchandise from practically all over the world - Michigan, Madagascar, Kenya, Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan, and England - your shopping experience is made even more entertaining with Cohn’s fascinating travel stories.
So, stop by this enchanting place and you’ll end up finding the perfect gift you didn’t know even existed. Cohn has now extended her talents to custom clothing and that includes weddings as well - one more reason to visit Ona!
Ona
Address: 53 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Website: Ona
11. Kykuit
Home of the oil tycoon and patriarch of the famous Rockefeller family, John D. Rockefeller, Kykuit is now a historic landmark in Tarrytown. This mansion is situated on thousands of acres of land and has housed four generations of Rockefellers. Guided tours of the mansion, beautifully landscaped gardens, and other areas are offered to visitors. Enjoy exploring opulently decorated rooms, terraces, and gardens as you learn about the history of this illustrious family.
Kykuit
Address: Dummy address
Website: Kykuit
Price: 28 USD onwards
Discover the beauty and quaintness of Tarrytown
Made famous by Washington Irving’s classic works, this picturesque riverside town is undoubtedly one of the best getaways for city zombies. Home to many stately buildings, classic artwork, scenic parks, as well as buzzing local pubs, the vibrant city always seems to be shrouded in an air of romanticism. The rich history and cultural heritage add to this allure, which sets Tarrytown apart from other small communities and makes it a magnetic destination.
History
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