Sleepy Hollow Things to Do Tips by moiraistyx Top 5 Page for this destination

Patriots Park

Patrick and I stumbled across Patriot's Park during our first visit to Sleepy Hollow back in 2006. It wasn't until this last visit that we became aware of the historical significance of the park. It turns out that the park marks the spot where Major Andre, a spy, was captured and strip searched. Lo and behold the American Revolutionists uncovered in Major Andre's sock, Benedict Arnolds stolen information about West Point. Major Andre was later hung for his activities in this park. This park is also rumored to be the first place where Ichabod Crane saw The Headless Horseman.

The park itself is relatively small, with a few walkway, a small play ground structure for the kids and a fountain. At least I think it was a fountain. Patrick had a great time running around with some of the other children. There is no bathroom here, so make sure no one has to go before you settle in for some play time. I don't remember there being any picnic tables either.

Address: route 9

Directions: From the NYS thruway head north on 9. The park will be on your left.

Phone: 914-631-8389.

THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH CEMETERY

The Old Dutch Church Cemetery connects to the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery making it a little difficult to know where one ends and one begins. When we were here last Saturday, there was little old man there who knew absolutely everything about the church and the cemetery. He took Patrick and us around showing us the graves of the real people from the Washington Irving story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Included in his tour were the graves of Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, Bram Bones and the Headless Horseman (a Hessian soldier). He quizzed Patrick about the details of the story and told us the various truths from the story itself. The man also took the time to provide us with some history about the Battle of White Plains along with some of the other locals and their significance to the locals. If you want a map of the famous and not so famous graves of the cemetery you can purchase the tour book from the website or a tour guide. The burial ground is free to visit, so is the church.

Grave rubbings and etching are not allowed even though some people seem hell bent on doing so. The problem with doing this even though there are several signs saying not to and event though the website says not to, is that it ruins the gravestones.

Address: 540 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Directions: Take the NYS Thuway to exit 9, take route 9 North to address.

Phone: 914-631-0081

Website: http://www.sleepyhollowcemetery.org/odc.html

SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY

This is a great place to bring the family for a history lesson. There are many famous people buried here including Washington Irving, Walter Chrysler and Andrew Carnegie. You can purchase a guide book to the cemetery at Phillipsburgh Manor (www.hudsonvalley.org/web/phil-main). Even if you don't like history, the interesting and intricate graves are worth the walk. The grounds are beautiful with many places to sit and contemplate whatever your heart so choses. Unfortunately grave rubbings are not allowed, but ictures are so snap away my friends.

The cemetery gates are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM,
Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Grave rubbings and etching are not allowed even though some people seem hell bent on doing so. The problem with doing this even though there are several signs saying not to and event though the website says not to, is that it ruins the gravestones.

Address: 540 North Broadway (rt 9) Sleepy Hollow

Directions: NYS Thruway to exit 9, follow signs to Sleepy Hollow. Enter the cemetery at The Old Dutch Church and grab a map.

Phone: 914-631-0081

Website: http://www.sleepyhollowcemetery.org

THE OLD DUTCH CHURCH

I did a little bit of reading about this church and became fascinated with its history. The first day I went it was not open to the public, so I had to peek through the windows to see all the wonderful woodwork inside. I tried to take a picture of it but it didn't turn out well at all. When Richie and I came by this past weekend, we had perfect timing. The church was open and there was a guide there. We were able to ask all sorts of questions. The old man, I forgot his name, was very knowledgeable about the church and it's history along with some of the local legends. Patrick and I took the opportunity to walk around the church and even went up the stairs to get an up close look at the pipe organ. The view of the pulpit is better from the balcony. The church grounds are open from about 8/8:30 in the morning till 4:30 in the afternoon.

The Old Dutch Church is open on Saturdays & Sundays from 2-4 pm, Memorial Day through October, and on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 1-4 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day; other times by appointment.

Sunday services during summer are at 10 am.

There are free walking tours of the Old Dutch Burial Ground are conducted on Sundays at 2 pm, Memorial Day-October.

You can purchase a history book about the church and the burial ground from the tour guide.

Address: Route 9, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Directions: NYS thurway exit 9, follow signs to Sleepy Hollow, church will be on right hand side of road.

Phone: 914-631-1123

THE UNION CHURCH OF POCANTICO HILLS

The only thing to say about this church is breath taking. The stained glass window were designed by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. My 4 year old had absolutely no appreciation for the beauty of these windows, but I sure did. This is a definate must see for everyone who visits Sleepy Hollow.

April to December
Weekdays (Closed Tuesday): 11am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm; Sunday: 2pm - 5pm

Admission is $5.00 for adults and children and free for members.

Please visit the website for directions and exact address.

Address: Highland Ave

Directions: See website

Phone: 914-631-8200

Website: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/17/47/

PHILLIPSBURGH MANOR

Located right on route 9, is Phillipsburgh Manor. This is a living musuem of a farm and grist mill. The great thing about this place is that it is hands on. The actors encourage visitors to help feed the animals, lay down the bedding, round the animals up for the day, make food, tend the fields etc. The day we went they were making butter and sea biscuts. Patrick was able to feed the lambs and lay down the bedding for the baby oxen. He didn't want to leave. The main house was closed for rennovations, but we'll see that next time. The cost is a bit steep, $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children 5 and older. Luckily Patrick was free still.

Address: 381 N. Broadway (Route 9)

Directions: NYS thruway to exit 9, follow signs to Sleepy Hollow. Look for entrance on left side of road near a stop light.

Other Contact: Fax: 914-631-7740

Phone: 914-631-3992

Website: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/14/44/

LIGHT HOUSE

I have had a love of lighthouses since I was a young girl. So whenever I have a chance to visit one I grab it. The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse can be seen as you cross the Tappan Zee Bridge, but it's best seen from Kingsland Park. The light house began construction in 1882, and was finished in 1883. It was once known as the Tarrytown Lighthouse or the Kingsland Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse is the only Caisson-style lighthouse on the river. Like most lighthouses, this one was used as a navigational aid to ships on the Hudson River. It warned captains away from the dangerous shoals on the river's eastern shore. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When touring it you can see exhibits of logbooks, chronicles, photographs and furnishings. The lighthouse is furnished to depict the way life was over 100 years ago. Guided tours for groups are available by reservation only. Admission to the lighthouse is $5 ($4 for seniors and children)

Address: Palmer Avenue off Route 9.

Phone: (914) 631-1440

KINGSLAND POINT PARK

This is a wonderful park located along the Hudson River in Sleepy Hollow. When we visited back in April there were several soccer games going on. There is a playground area for the children, a walkway to stroll along the river, picnic tables, bar-b-que pits and many other recreational opportunities for individuals, families and groups. While here make sure to visit the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse.

Address: Palmer Avenue off Route 9.