Tarrytown lies in the historic Hudson Valley region just 25 miles north of New York City. The area was home to Washington Irving and the fictional home of Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones. With its scenic vistas and close proximity to the city, wealthy businessmen built large estates along the banks of the Hudson River. Some of these spectacular buildings are open to the public for touring.
Visit beloved author Washington Irving’s home, Sunnyside, situated along the banks of the Hudson River. The grounds contain his home with original furnishings, museum and gardens. Stroll the paths Irving laid out. Picnickers are welcome. Wisteria, which Irving planted long ago, grows up the walls of the house. Docents in period costume lead tours. Youngsters may be interested to learn that Irving met his namesake, George Washington, when he was a first-grader. Explore the neighboring village of Sleepy Hollow, formerly North Tarrytown, to visit Irving’s grave at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Irving, a New York City native, wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” before he moved to the Hudson Valley area.
3 W. Sunnyside Lane
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-591-8763
www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/13/43
This piece of ground has two famous history connections. It is the site where Washington Irving’s fictional character Ichabod Crane is met by the horrible headless horseman. Patriots Park is also the spot where British spy Major John Andre was stopped by three American colonial patriots and caught with the plans of West Point, which American traitor Benedict Arnold had provided him. The park sits on the border between Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
Patriots Park
Route 9/Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-631-8389
tourism.westchestergov.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=
Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival mansion, was built about the same time as Sunnyside, 1837, but on a much grander scale. The riverside estate has extensive grounds that include many linden trees, the origin of the mansion’s name. The house was designed and built by Gen. William Paulding Jr., a New York City mayor and member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Paulding was also cousin to John Paulding, one of the three patriots apprehending traitor John Andre at Patriots Park. Railroad tycoon Jay Gould was the third owner. Beginning in 1880, he used Lyndhurst as a country retreat. It stayed in his family for many years.
635 S. Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-631-4481
www.lyndhurst.org
Castle on the Hudson is a Norman-style castle built between 1897 and 1910. Originally named Carolcliffe after the first owner and builder, Howard Carroll. Designed to resemble Norman fortifications along the border of Scotland, it remained in the Carroll family until 1940. The castle sits at the highest point of elevation in Westchester County and served as a sighting and listening post during World War II. Today, Castle on the Hudson is a luxury hotel, restaurant and special-event facility.
400 Benedict Ave.
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-524-6366
castleonthehudson.com
