From Books to Blockbusters, Visit the Real Sleepy Hollow
Driving through Irvington I couldn’t help but notice that the clear blue sky had somehow turned grey. I always admired the brightness of the fluorescent yellow leaves against a grey sky but nestled at the bottom of Washington Irving’s tombstone they look even prettier.
I was in Sleepy Hollow, home to the legend of the Headless Horseman and neighboring village to Washington Irving’s home of Irvington, NY.
Regarding Tarry Town, NY
“Not far from this village, perhaps about two miles, there is a little valley among high hills which is one of the quietest places in the whole world. A small brook murmurs through it and, with the occasional whistle of a quail or tapping of a woodpecker, is almost the only sound that ever breaks the uniform tranquility. From the listless repose of the place, this sequestered glen has long been known by the name of Sleepy Hollow.”
— Washington Irving, American author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
This is a region along the Hudson River where steep hills collide with stones. As different as it may be from the Sleepy Hollow of 1820, the legend is very much still alive and thriving. Where there were once just hills, pastures, and forest, there now lies homes and local businesses.
Layered above Phillipsburg Manor (site of the annual Horseman’s Hollow Halloween attraction and mentioned in Irving’s story as a place where Ichabod Crane would frequent), lies the Old Dutch Church, a well-preserved snapshot of the past.
The Old Dutch Church is mentioned in Irving’s story as the purported haunt of the Headless Horseman, and where the people that inspired the characters in the story are buried. Adjacent to its graveyard is a burial ground, not to be confused with where Washington Irving is buried.
The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow and its burying ground are the setting for Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Irving himself is buried in the south end of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, overlooking the grounds of the Old Dutch Church. the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of Washington Irving. Just a 10-minute drive from here you can find Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s Estate alongside the Hudson River.
The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions.
— Washington Irving, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Everywhere you turn in Sleepy Hollow you are reminded of the legend that lives there. From street signs decorated with the Headless Horseman, to tour guides dressed in period clothing and even a sculpture in the city’s center. The Headless Horseman lives everywhere, hiding, creeping, much like he did in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Sleepy Hollow is a place that will enrich you with the culture of American literature and folklore. It is a must-see Fairytale Destination for all ages. If you are heading to Sleepy Hollow, a great time of year to go is the early fall (the first week in October).
This is a lovely time of year in this part of the U.S. and there are loads of Halloween events that won’t be too crazy this early in the month. I highly recommend staying at the Castle Hotel & Spa just 10 minutes away with stunning fairytale accommodations in an actual castle.
Planning to Visit Sleepy Hollow?
Hudson Valley (for events and attractions)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Places
Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow and Old Dutch Burying Ground
Sunnyside
Halloween in Sleepy Hollow
The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze
As always your thoughts are well received. Happy Fairytale Travels!
7 Comments
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Great blog! I didn’t even realize that there was a town dedicated to the headless horseman. Would definitely need to check out it if I’m ever in the area.
Thank you Steve. Sleepy Hollow is where the story of the Headless Horseman comes from. The story was written by Washington Irving. The very first accounts of a Headless Horseman however, comes from Celtic mythology, known as the Dullahan https://thefairytaletraveler.com//2013/10/22/a-monster-a-day-an-dullahan-the-real-headless-horseman-ireland/
x
Steve thank you! The town is the actual town in the story. It’s the real deal xx
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new
updates.
Yes of course and thank you @FairytaleTVLR
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