Lower than 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan lies the quaint village of Sleepy Hole in Westchester County, New York. Every fall, the in any other case unassuming vacation spot, which has a inhabitants of just below 11,000, lures in throngs of thrill-seeking vacationers. 

What’s extra, explains Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Movie, the dynamic village is famend for its wealthy historical past and deep-rooted connection to Washington Irving’s 1820 story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hole.” Though a go to to Sleepy Hole is a should through the spooky season, it’s positive to be crowded, which is why vacationers will need to plan forward as a lot as potential. With this in thoughts, we’ve compiled the final word information to Sleepy Hole through the Halloween season, together with ideas, suggestions, and knowledgeable insights to assist plan your go to any time of yr (as a result of it’s not all about Halloween). 

The place to Keep in Sleepy Hole

Sleepy Hole Lodge

The Sleepy Hole Lodge is among the village’s only a few motels. The property spans 11 acres of grassy, tree-lined grounds. When friends aren’t out and about exploring, they are often discovered swimming within the lap pool, stress-free within the sauna, or digging into breakfast staples like omelets and fresh-baked pastries on the charming Bistro Z Restaurant. 

Tarrytown Home Property on the Hudson

A couple of minutes down the highway in close by Tarrytown, vacationers can select from historic motels with castle-like exteriors. Tarrytown Home Property on The Hudson is good for households with its year-round indoor pool (there may be additionally an outside pool for adults that’s open seasonally) and on-site sports activities like tennis, racquetball, bocce ball, and volleyball. The sprawling 26-acre grounds and the trendy Goosefeather restaurant (which serves conventional Cantonese-style fare with a contemporary twist) are added bonuses. Fortunate guests might even spot the resident ghost lingering on the second flooring of the King Home. 

The Citadel Lodge & Spa 

The Citadel Lodge & Spa is the proper place for a romantic escape. Surrounded by 10 acres of tranquil woodland, the renovated fortress options 31 rooms and suites, a few of which boast en-suite fireplaces, marble baths, and four-poster beds. Extra resort highlights embrace an upscale American eatery, a spa, a comfy library, and manicured gardens.

Issues to Do in Sleepy Hole

Kykuit, the Rockefeller Property

This former residence of the Rockefeller household — together with a 40-room mansion and surrounding gardens — is now a historic landmark that is open seasonally between Might and November. What’s extra, says Caputo, “Its gardens and artwork collections are really fascinating, making it a must-visit, whatever the season.” Guests can select from a handful of tour choices, which will be discovered on-line.

Philipsburg Manor

Vacationers can go to Philipsburg Manor, a former mill and buying and selling advanced owned and operated by the distinguished Philipse household, to be taught extra in regards to the enslaved people who lived and labored right here within the 18th century. Remember that the positioning is simply open on choose dates between Might and December.

Outdated Dutch Church

The Outdated Dutch Church dates again to 1685 and is most well-known for showing in “The Legend of Sleepy Hole.” Its 2.5-acre burying floor serves because the supposed house of the Headless Horseman within the spooky story.

Sleepy Hole Cemetery  

The historic Sleepy Hole Cemetery serves as the ultimate resting place for over 45,000 people, together with Irving. The 90-acre, 1849-era cemetery is open each day from Monday to Friday and provides a number of forms of strolling excursions.  Simply exterior the cemetery, you’ll discover the enduring Headless Horseman Bridge and the Headless Horseman Statue.

The place to Eat and Drink in Sleepy Hole

Hudson Farmer & The Fish

Located on the Sleepy Hole Riverwalk, Hudson Farmer & The Fish options “seasonal specialties from their farm, together with a full uncooked bar, pizza, and fashionable takes on favourite seafood classics,” says Sarah Marshall, senior advertising supervisor of Westchester County Tourism & Movie. Whereas vacationers can’t go incorrect with something on the menu, take into account making an attempt one of many autumnal-inspired dishes like pumpkin bisque and fall harvest hash. In the meantime, the gorgeous Hudson River views are an unbelievable added bonus. 

J.P. Doyle’s

“J.P. Doyle’s stands out as an enthralling Irish pub and restaurant, celebrated for its heat and welcoming environment,” says Marshall. Each locals and guests alike will be discovered inside this pleasant neighborhood hang-out. It’s additionally right here the place vacationers will discover among the finest burgers on the town (aptly named the Horseman Burger). 

Bridge View Tavern

In accordance with Marshall, beer fans will particularly love Bridge View Tavern for its spectacular craft beer choice. Guests can pair their brews with scrumptious pub fare like pulled pork sandwiches, disco fries, and rooster wings, that are smoked in-house. 

Hudson Anchor Restaurant

From pasta to steak to seafood, Hudson Anchor Restaurant has all of it — to not point out an unbelievable comfortable hour particular (20 p.c off all cocktails, beer, wine, and meals on the bar Mondays-Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to six:00 p.m.). If the climate’s good, nab a seat on the out of doors rooftop deck. It’s additionally value noting that the restaurant’s beloved weekend brunch is unavailable in October.

Santorini Greek Restaurant

Craving Greek delicacies? Look no additional than  Santorini Greek Restaurant. Menu highlights embrace any of the dips (served with recent pita) and gyros. 

Halloween in Sleepy Hole 

Given the village’s historical past, it ought to come as no shock that Sleepy Hole really involves life through the spooky season. Anticipate an array of Halloween-centric occasions, drawing in a whole bunch, if not hundreds, of vacationers. Hold scrolling for just a few of the highlights.

The Legend Cirque

This immersive efficiency, an adaptation of “The Legend of Sleepy Hole,” is ready within the early nineteenth century and is narrated by Irving himself (in hologram type, that’s). It options exhilarating live-action circus performances that’ll have friends on the fringe of their seats. The Legend Cirque runs by means of Oct. 29 and is greatest suited to these ages eight and up.

The Horsemen: Terror Lies in Chaos

Thrill-seekers needn’t miss this spectacular haunted home expertise, which runs from Oct. 6 by means of Nov. 5. Positioned on the Kathryn Davis RiverWalk Middle in Kingsland Level Park, this interactive haunted home focuses on discovering and destroying a headless horseman (aptly named Chaos). Simply understand that this attraction just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart: Nobody beneath 16 is allowed with no chaperone; nevertheless, per the web site, it’s extremely beneficial that these beneath 12 sit this one out.  

Sleepy Hole Cemetery 

To ring within the spooky season, Sleepy Hole Cemetery hosts an array of particular occasions, together with a homicide thriller bash and evenings with Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe (who’re portrayed by native storytellers). For one thing much less scary — albeit simply as enjoyable — guests can partake in an artwork class to create their very own haunted cemetery canvas portray. 

Moreover, as beforehand talked about, the cemetery provides a handful of excursions to select from, together with a number of nighttime choices, which, per Caputo, are “an absolute should” for  “these with an urge for food for the mysterious.” What’s extra, she says, “These excursions supply a novel alternative to delve into the lives of its well-known residents and be taught in regards to the legend of Sleepy Hole, all beneath the eerie, moonlit skies.” 

SUP Witches Pageant

Happening on Oct. 15, the fourth annual SUP Witches Pageant is a sight to be seen. You’ll be able to watch in awe as a bunch of “witches” collect to paddle at Horan’s Touchdown – or take part on the enjoyable. (Be aware that advance registration, in addition to costumes, are required.) Even those that do not get within the water can benefit from the occasion with stay music, meals, and brews. 

Haunted Hayride and Block Occasion

Plan your go to for Oct. 20 or 21 to hop aboard the Haunted Hayride, which carries passengers through hay wagon by means of downtown earlier than detouring previous the Outdated Dutch Church. Ultimately, you’ll get by means of a set of iron gates — earlier than slipping into the darkness with the sound of hoofbeats and shrieks within the distance. Submit-hayride, guests can benefit from the free block celebration on Beekman Avenue, that includes stay music, leisure, family-friendly actions, and far more.

Sleepy Hole “Run for Your Life” Halloween 10K 

On Oct. 28, Sleepy Hole will host its annual “Run for Your Life” Halloween 10K. The family-friendly occasion attracts child and grownup runners, and for a enjoyable Halloween twist, contributors are inspired to decorate up. 

Irving’s Legend at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside 

On choose dates, guests can head to close by Tarrytown to tour Irving’s house, which is adorned in festive fall decor. Caputo tells T+L, “Right here, the legend of the Headless Horseman involves life, enveloping guests in a chilling narrative that is not for the faint of coronary heart.” Whereas the occasion is simply open by means of Halloween, the property itself doesn’t shut till Dec. 17. 

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst, a historic mansion in neighboring Tarrytown, can also be nicely value a go to, says Caputo. “The ‘Traditional Fall Mansion Tour at Lyndhurst’ permits guests to journey by means of a historic mansion adorned within the splendor of autumn.” Alternatively, plan your go to through the night hours to take a look at Lyndhurst After Darkish, when the mansion is draped in candlelight. 

Finest Time to Go to 

The most effective time to go to Sleepy Hole in the end is determined by your pursuits. For instance, these with an affinity for all issues spooky will need to journey right here through the fall season, “particularly in October when the Halloween occasions and foliage are at their peak,” says Caputo. Nevertheless, Sleepy Hole additionally makes an incredible weekend getaway any time of yr, particularly contemplating its proximity to New York Metropolis. 

The best way to Get There

Guests arriving by automobile will discover the village conveniently positioned close to main thoroughfares akin to I-287 and the Noticed Mill River Parkway. “Alternatively,” says Caputo, “for a stress-free journey, you’ll be able to go for public transportation by taking a Metro-North practice to both Philipse Manor Station in Sleepy Hole or the Tarrytown station.” Each stations are a brief stroll or drive from Sleepy Hole’s most charming sights. 

It’s additionally value noting that Westchester County Airport is simply 20 miles away, whereas different NYC airports like LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark (EWR) are all inside a 45-mile radius.