The beautiful village of Tarrytown is located on the eastern side of the Hudson River.
It’s about 45 minutes away from New York City.
Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was inspired by Tarrytown and, of course, the famous village of Sleepy Hollow, located nearby.
Tarrytown boasts beautiful tourist-friendly attractions like beautiful gardens, scenic river trails, and exquisite heritage buildings.
It’s also a gateway to Sleepy Hollow, which is referred to as one of the most haunted places in the world.
Are you interested in checking out this fascinating destination?
Here are the best things to do in Tarrytown, New York:
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No trip to Tarrytown is complete without a visit to the estate of the famous poet that once resided here.
Washington Irving’s work is famous all over the world and continues to captivate generations after generations of readers, making this estate a must-visit site.
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Located on the banks of the river, this beautiful vast green estate is also a stunning work of architecture.
Sunnyside provides lots of beautiful tidbits of information about Irving’s personal life and insights into how he became one of the most reputed authors of the 19th century.
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The house of America’s “Founding Father of Literature” is an ode to the literature and writing of the olden times.
Ona is both a gift shop and an art gallery.
Ona Cohn owns and operates it, and it’s a bit as charming and unique as the village where it is located.
Having a store stocked with uncommon, handmade goods from all over the globe (Michigan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Kyrgyzstan, and England), Cohn’s unique travel experiences add to your shopping experience.
Instead of missing out on the right present, stop by this magical location and be surprised.
Ona’s Cohn also sells personalized garments for weddings and special events.
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A vast estate spread over 67 acres, Lyndhurst Mansion is also known as the Jay Gould estate.
The most beautiful aspects of this piece of architecture are its vintage and Gothic details, which were very famous during the 1800s.
The house itself is over 175 years old and still boasts the astonishing beauty that it had during its prime.
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Its premises served as the home of three influential families, earning it a spot on the National Historic Landmarks list.
The most exquisite and depicted details of this Gothic structure are its narrow hallways, arched windows, and vaulted and ornamented ceilings.
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These elements give it a spooky yet charming feel.
Lyndhurst also has a conservatory where various species and specimen trees are planted.
This quaint little coffee shop will serve you some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste.
Coffee Labs Roasters is a small company that opened its doors in 2003.
Its coffee has an authentic taste and is famous among locals and visitors alike.
What makes the coffee shop and roastery unique is that its main principles are centered on sustainability.
All its coffee beans are sourced from various local farms, ensuring that customers enjoy only the best quality at a fair price.
What also makes Coffee Labs Roasters’ coffee special is that it is freshly roasted every day.
Located on the border between Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown is Patriots Park, known to host the TaSH Farmers Market.
Short for the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market, TaSH occurs every Saturday from June to October.
You will get the fresh and healthiest produce here, so make sure you buy some to take home.
Patriots Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the various historical monuments and walkways found here.
The park also features a typical garden and a playground for kids.
Apart from the TaSH Farmers Market, many different community events are held at Patriots Park, so you can partake in them if you are around during that time.
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With a long history, this 41-mile underground aqueduct was later preserved for historic and recreational purposes.
Built during the mid-19th century, it was used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to the city of New York until 1968.
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After this, about 26 miles of this trail were preserved as a reminder of the olden times and became a recreational spot.
It’s a long trail that starts from the New Croton Reservoir and continues right up to the city of New York.
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Enjoy a beautiful walk as you pass tourist attractions like Kykuit and Ossining Historical Society Museum.
Demeter’s Tavern & Sports Bar is also known as The Great Old Tavern.
Westchester’s longest family-owned company has been in operation for more than three decades.
After a long day of touring, this is an excellent place to rest and unwind.
The Tavern kitchen serves up all-American fare prepared fresh to order.
You may catch a sports game on the TV screens as you dine and drink.
Locals and visitors alike regard this establishment as one of the area’s busiest.
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Situated over the Hudson River, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge connects the villages of Tarrytown and Nyack.
It’s more commonly known as the Tappan Zee Bridge: “Tappan” refers to the Native American tribe, while “Zee” is Dutch for “sea.”
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The three-mile-long bridge offers majestic views on each side.
Take a cab ride over the bridge, or make use of the bicycle or pedestrian paths that span its entire length.
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The LED lights on the bridge light up during special days like Christmas or Memorial Day, creating an even more breathtaking sight.
Try some exciting new cuisines like Cantonese at this eatery.
With fresh and organic produce used to make all the signature dishes from Hong Kong, Goosefeather‘s dishes could not get any better.
Do try out the barbeque and authentic noodles while you’re at this restaurant.
Pair your orders with some special cocktails from their menu to end your meal perfectly.
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Head to Tarrytown Lakes Park if you’re looking for things to do in Tarrytown, including spending time outdoors.
This 72-acre nature area has two magnificent lakes, pleasant walking and bike routes, unique bird-watching possibilities, and good canoeing alternatives.
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In the winter, you may enjoy ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Tarrytown Lakes Park, located about 35 miles north of New York City, is a popular picnic and fishing spot well-maintained by the local government.
Bring the whole family for a fun day in the sun!
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Are you an art and music enthusiast?
You will love to watch performances in this music hall in Tarrytown.
It is maintained by the Friends of the Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory, Inc., a cultural non-profit founded in 1979.
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This 843-seater theater is the region’s busiest cultural draw.
The oldest theater in Westchester, this extraordinary historic venue offers various music, dance, drama, and cinema.
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Staying overnight or a few days at Tarrytown?
Make Tarrytown Estate on the Hudson your home away from home.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of New York City from Tarrytown Estate.
This stunning Lower Hudson Valley accommodation and conference facility is located on 26 acres of property with historic charm and contemporary comforts.
It includes an outstanding 19th-century home, a carriage house, and a cottage, as well as a modern atrium-style structure.
American cuisine is served in the tavern-style restaurant and a business center and conference area with 30,000 square feet of room.
Other amenities include a health club with both indoor and outdoor pools and a spa and massage services.
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Located in Pierson Park, the Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park offers amazing vistas along the river in Tarrytown, which stretches to the Manhattan skyline.
You’ll be rubbing shoulders with a riverside esplanade, beautiful lawns, grass terraces, and an eco-corridor loaded with native plants.
And since it’s a walkway along the Hudson River, spending a fine afternoon here watching the sunset is unbeatable.
You can also see the Tappan Zee Bridge from the boardwalk, which becomes more vibrant when the lights are turned on.
The Scenic Hudson Riverwalk Park is part of the county’s 51-mile Riverwalk project.
If you love art, the Union Church of Pocantico Hills preserves the works of Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall; two of the world-famous stained glass artists.
The church was built in 1921 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and is a one-story neo-Gothic style structure with a fieldstone foundation.
Tours at the church are offered although it’s not allowed to take photos inside.
But you can feast your eyes on stained glass artwork on the church’s windows.
The Union Church of Pocantico Hills entered the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
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Share a delicious meal with your loved ones at Pierson Park, which has a picnic area with a pavilion and grills for cookouts.
Picnics are even memorable here, especially since its located along the banks of the Hudson River with terrific views.
The little ones can also enjoy playing and interacting with each other at the playground.
In the summer season, the splash pad opens to the public, which is perfect for kids to cool down when the weather is hotter.
Pierson Park also has sports fields and hosts several summer concert events.
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Located on Main Street, Botanic Face & Body offers therapeutic and relaxing massage services, which are badly needed when you have a long day in Tarrytown.
You can choose from Deep Tissue, Sports, Swedish, Medical, Prenatal, Scalp Massage, Hot Stone, Foot Reflexology, and Myofascial Release.
For an hour or two, you’ll experience deep relaxation and the spa’s calming aroma makes it even more inviting.
Botanic Face & Body also specializes in facial spas using organic and plant-based beauty products to ensure non-irritant beauty care.
So after a day of getting around the village, take solitude in the calmness of Botanic Face & Body.
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On a quiet and fine afternoon, you can soak in the peaceful atmosphere that Losee Park offers with amazing views of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
The park has benches to sit on while you’re watching people get past you, as well as taking advantage of the relaxing vibe by the Hudson River.
If you’re into sports, there are fields on both ends of the park where local athletes practice and play softball.
Sunsets are also gorgeous at Losee Park, which is a great addition to your relaxing afternoon.
Losee Park is located off Green Street.
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The quaint yet vast Tarrytown Light was constructed to help warn locals against the dangerous shoals of fish that used to roam the Hudson River.
This magnificent structure will be one of the highlights of your visit to Tarrytown.
Geographically, it’s located in Sleepy Hollow, just two minutes away from Tarrytown.
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It is also known by other names like Kingsland Point Lighthouse or the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.
You’re free to go on a tour of the lighthouse on your own.
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You may even meet some locals who’d happily guide you to the best part of the lighthouse to view the sea.
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Given that it’s known to be home to the infamous Headless Horseman, it comes as no surprise that Sleepy Hollow is counted among one of the world’s most haunted places.
Surprisingly, it is located very near the bustling New York City.
This legendary place was the inspiration behind Washington Irving’s story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
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The village is also featured prominently in a lot of folklore and American history, so you’re bound to spot some significant landmarks here as well.
Sleepy Hollow has all the calm you’d want in a village, along with the spooky and frightening thrills.
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Those looking to get their adrenaline pumping might be interested in taking a walk on Sleepy Hollow’s road at nighttime.
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The majestic home of the Rockefeller family was mainly built under the vision of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
It was then converted into a historical museum.
With as many as 40 rooms, it is especially famous for its vast array of art collections, including artworks gifted by the governor of New York and the United States Vice President.
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The tours are guided and conducted by the Historic Hudson Valley.
The word “kykuit” is a Dutch word that means “lookout.”
Kykuit is located on the Pocantico Hills and looks out on the Hudson River, hence its name.
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The estate and its lovely green gardens are perfect for exploring.
There are also empty basement passages, which were transformed into a private art gallery featuring works by various notable artists like Warhol and Picasso.
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If you are in Tarrytown, it’s impossible to escape The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
The Old Dutch Church was a prominent feature in the story.
You can see this beautiful architectural piece in real life when you visit Sleepy Hollow.
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You can tour the church grounds or even attend their Sunday sermons.
On some days in October, the church hosts a performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
If you are lucky enough to visit Tarrytown during Halloween, make sure to head to Sleepy Hollow and visit this church.
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Located in Sleepy Hollow, Phillipsburg Manor was home to one of the wealthiest families, the Philipse family.
The manor is open only from May to November, with tours strictly regulated by the Historic Hudson Valley.
Make sure that you book your visit in advance.
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Some of the interesting things that you’ll learn about during the tour are how flour was made and what techniques were used during ancient times.
The exhibit also gives insight into the hard lives of the enslaved people who worked on this plantation.
Close to Phillipsburg Manor, you’ll find the famous Headless Horseman Bridge, which inspired the one mentioned in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
The Puzzle Parlour offers a fantastic and memorable experience you can enjoy with your whole family.
It hosts a game room according to your group size, where you can have fun figuring out clues and solving the puzzles as you move forward.
Moreover, there are various themes that you can choose from, including vampires or surgical rooms, as per your set of interests.
There are also interesting props on your way as you key through the locks and unlock each new room.
The Puzzle Parlour is highly recommended for its queer yet fun experience.
One pro trip is that your per head cost will be less if you go with a larger group.
So, grab as many friends before going.
Visit this dynamic city, which is home to numerous historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and lively local pubs, exudes a sense of romance no matter what time of year it is.
Tarrytown, New York’s rich history and cultural legacy contribute to this appeal, setting it apart from its neighboring areas.
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