Located on the shores of the Hudson River with fabulous views of the Tappan Zee bridge, Tarrytown is a thriving modern town that boasts a rich heritage. The town is best known for famous historical figure Washington Irving, who in the late 19th century established a home in Sunnyside, Tarrytown near Sleepy Hollow, the town his fictional tale "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is based on.

During the Revolutionary War, Tarrytown was considered neutral ground because it was between British lines and American lines. Without military protection, the people of this rivertown were left susceptible to fierce raids by both sides. This was the situation when Major John Andre was captured while carrying stolen plans of West Point to the British for traitor Benedict Arnold. Many historians consider this capture to be a major turning point of the Revolution.

In the post-war period, Tarrytown's river port saw a rise in activity. But when the Hudson River Railroad opened in 1849, river traffic slowed and manufacturing enterprises began to appear. This growth marked the incorporation of the village in 1870.

Soon after, mansions filled the village, but after WWII, single-family homes replaced large estates. The New York State Thruway and Tappan Zee Bridge were later constructed attracting new residents. This is the Tarrytown that we know today.

From the views of the Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge, to the 19th and 20th century architectural masterpieces, Tarrytown is a wonderful place to appreciate art in its many forms. Funky restaurants and boutique shopping entice residents and visitors. Tarrytown has maintained many of its gardens, mansions, and other architectural masterpieces and is an inspiration to the arts in the Hudson Valley. So, what’s an arts lover to do during a trip to Tarrytown?

No trip to Tarrytown would be complete without a stop at the Tarrytown Music Hall. One of the country's oldest operating theaters, Tarrytown Music Hall is an impressive outlet for the arts. It was built in 1885 for concerts, town meetings and cotillions. This distinctive building is a fabulous example of Queen Anne style architecture. With excellent acoustics, it hosts a wide range of musical and performing arts events. For more information call (914) 631-3390 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org/.

But what makes Tarrytown a truly unique place to visit is its magnificent mansions. The Lyndhurst estate is a must-see. This Gothic Revival mansion designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, was constructed in 1838. The mansion features a collection of 19th and 20th century decorative arts, furnishings and toys. Through famous owners William Paulding, George Merritt, and finally Jay Gould, the property was passed to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1961, after the railroad magnate's death. Tours, educational programs and many special events are offered throughout the year. Lyndhurst is open daily from mid-April through October (except Mondays) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on weekends only from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for the remainder of the year.
635 South Broadway; (914) 631-4481; www.lyndhurst.org

One great artistic retreat in Tarrytown is the Warner Library. Built in 1928 and funded by Mr. and Mrs. Worcester Warner, this literary escape has served the community's hunger for arts and culture for nearly 80 years. Monthly art exhibitions are on display, workshops are held for both adults and children, ranging from jewelry making, watercolor, fabric painting, to hat making, nature painting, and movement painting. Even a concert series is hosted behind the Warner Library's alluring bronze door, imported from Venice. Outside of this door is Patriot's Park, which features a statue of John Paulding, commemorating the capture by Paulding and his fellow patriots, Isaac Van Wart and David Williams, of the British spy John André. Have a picnic and let the children enjoy the playground in this historic location.
Patriot's Park: 914-631-8389
Warner Library: 121 N. Broadway; (914) 631-2189; www.warnerlibrary.org/

Site seeing on foot? Old Croton Aqueduct State Park is a trailway that runs through Tarrytown from the Old Dutch Church Burial Ground in Sleepy Hollow to Sleepy Hollow High School. The trail crosses the grounds of Lyndhurst and Sunnyside before reaching Irvington. You can walk all the way to New York City down this scenic path. This is an excellent way to get some exercise, take in the air, and truly experience the riches of Tarrytown. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way. It is available for $4.50, from Hudson Office Supply in Tarrytown, or by calling (914) 693-4117.

If you plan on being in the area between the months of April and November, take a tour of author Washington Irving's Sunnyside estate. Author Washington Irving once occupied this 1835 Romantic/Dutch Colonial Revival style estate, featuring a fully furnished and restored house, icehouse, beautiful gardens and wooded footpaths. Special events are often held here, as well as holiday events in December. Open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; West Sunnyside Lane; (914) 591-8763.

Friday night is party night in Tarrytown! Every third Friday downtown Tarrytown hosts a night of art openings, live music, dance performances, wine tasting, poetry readings, late night shopping and dining, and many fun and free activities for children. The festivities begin at 5pm and go on until 9pm, with restaurants, cafes and bars staying open at least until 11 pm or later. Weather is not a factor in this Tarrytown tradition that goes on all year round. (914) 862-1828.

Rich with art, history, and fun family activities, there’s no question that Tarrytown is a perfect place to
explore for a day or vacation for a week. Tarrytown is, without a doubt, a premiere arts destination.