Sleepy Hollow, New York is undoubtedly one of America’s most storied places. Although I would personally recommend visiting Sleepy Hollow, which is actually part of the greater Tarrytown area, in the spring or summer, the beautiful fall colors and spooky ambiance are pretty difficult to resist in October. So whether you’re heading to the Headless Horseman’s stomping grounds this autumn or waiting until next year, here are 5 weird things to do in Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane and Katrina Von Tassel bid you welcome.
The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
The crown jewel of Tarrytown, this ethereal graveyard has been named again and again as one of the best cemeteries in America. And for good reason: The expansive grounds are imbued with an otherworldly elegance. A myriad of mausoleums, elaborate gravesites, and, of course, the nearby Old Dutch Church make this worth an entire day’s visit. For the truly intrepid, try an evening lantern tour.
Lyndhurst
Built along the Hudson River, Lyndhurst is a beautiful Gothic mansion dating back to 1838. The former home of various luminaries, including an NYC mayor and a railroad tycoon, is open Fridays through Mondays for tours. Plus, throughout October, the mansion transforms into a House of Curiosities when the grounds become a Victorian haven for ghouls of all kinds. This eerily gorgeous estate is not to be missed for those visiting in the fall–or any other time of year for that matter.
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
This former home of seminal American author Washington Irving is a must-see, especially when paired with the cemetery and grounds that inspired his most famous story. Docents in period costumes will show you around the residence Irving himself helped to draft. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from May to November, Sunnyside is truly a step back in time.
Horsefeathers Restaurant
Every tourist–and local–gets hungry sometime. When you need to refuel in Sleepy Hollow, be sure to visit Horsefeathers. The menu is replete with both traditional and unusual offerings (traveler’s tip: try the Count of Monte Cristo sandwich; even Headless Horsemen say it’s to die for). And with an ambiance that’s half old-time tavern and half library–complete with an mural of famous authors overlooking diners–this eclectic restaurant has Old World style to spare.
Bella’s Boutique
When it’s time to gather souvenirs and other unique gifts, Bella’s Boutique is the place to go. A must-visit shopping spot in Sleepy Hollow, Bella’s offers an array of items, from the typical T-shirt and hat souvenirs to beautiful Headless Horseman-inspired prints and hard-to-find Sleepy Hollow-themed gifts. Be sure to allot at least an hour; you’ll need that much time to discover everything Bella’s has to offer.
Happy haunting!