As the spooky season approaches, many travelers are looking for places that will scare them into submission. Some will head to Salem in search of their favorite witch, while others will stay at hotels said to be haunted.
None of those travelers will have as much fun, however, as the lucky few who choose Sleepy Hollow, New York for their autumn getaway. The legend of Sleepy Hollow is famous for a reason, and the tales of the headless horseman have kept many a reader up all night.
If you want to live out your fondest nightmares, you will find the town of Sleepy Hollow spookily accessible. Located just over an hour from the hustle and bustle of New York City and easily reachable by both car and high-speed rail, Sleepy Hollow is close by, yet it is also a world away.
When you see the town of Sleepy Hollow for the first time, you would be forgiven for thinking that you had just stepped back in time. From the historic churchyards and cemeteries to the museums and the surrounding wilderness, there is something almost otherworldly about the adventure you are soon to enjoy.
No visit to the town of Sleepy Hollow would be complete without a nod to its most famous resident. Indeed, the most well-trodden path in the town is the one that leads to the famous Headless Horseman statue, a lovely representation created by local artist Linda Perlmutter.
You will also want to make time for Kykuit, famous as the home of noted philanthropist John Rockefeller. That majestic home is just a short drive from another of his gifts, the lovely Rockefeller State Park Preserve. When you visit the estate, be sure to take the Classic Tour, a two-hour in-depth look at this amazing home and an exploration of the man and the life who made it possible.
The town of Sleepy Hollow is also blessed with a vibrant downtown, a great place to shop, people watch, and grab a bite to eat. When you are well rested, you will want to check out the nearby town of Irvington, home to Washington Irving in the day, and his Sunnyside Estate today. This is the name who brought the headless horseman legend to life with his pen, and when you visit the estate, you may feel the ghost of Washington Irving looking over your shoulder, but don’t be scared.
The entire Hudson Valley is an architectural wonder, with its historic churches and stunning courtyards, its museums, and its monuments. Even so, there is nothing that compares to the Armour-Stiner Octagon House. This is the only eight-sided fully domed residence in the world, and it is truly a thing of beauty. Halloween is the perfect time to visit this famous home, and once again, you may feel a ghostly presence in the air.
The town of Tarrytown is also worth a visit, and you will want to spend some time there exploring another famous home. Tarrytown is home to Lyndhurst, an elegant and stately mansion and the perfect representation of the Gothic Revival style.
When you are done with your adventures for the day, you will want to lay your head down in luxury, and that means staying at the Hudson Valley Luxury Resorts. When you stay there, you will be pampered, wined and dined, and treated like the very special visitor you are.