It's a Place Called Sleepy Hollow

Have you heard of it?

The tale of the Headless Horseman, and the much beloved movie adaptations of Sleepy Hollow, were enough to draw us to this town for the Fall. But to then visit the home and town that impressed upon Washington Irving so much was a way for us step back in time and witness the change and shift in America’s history that shaped so much of his musings. Up the Hudson river from New York, it became a quiet escape for the wealthy elite, and the tales of Dutch settlers, British Soldiers, witches, and banshees adhered to the landscape as if the wind whispered of woebegone days. It was a dream of mine to see, and the beauty of the land did not disappoint.

It is a bustling town, easily walked within a day. The Old Dutch Church is still standing since 1685, and we spent two different days walking its vast grounds, resting beneath bright yellow trees, and running across the famed bridge as if the Hessian were chasing us. During the Halloween Parade, we saw Katrina, The Headless Horseman, and Icabod Crane tear through the streets on their mares. Bronte loved the costumes and the music, and many of the characters came up to her with candy and toys.

One of our favorite events was the Twilight Village at Phillipsburg Manor. We saw a performance of The Headless Horseman in the open fields as he came from the woods, with fog machines and dramatic music. There were fire dancers and musicians within the historic barns and slave quarters. As we stood inline at the food trucks, Bronte learned how to do a summersault with other kids.

At Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home, we got to see a performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, where a horse rode into the audience and smashed a pumpkin near Bronte’s feet. Though Bronte played with rocks during the performance, it was that moment that made her pay attention. She truly loved all the horses, and did not seem surprised that a headless man was riding them. At Lyndhurst Mansion, we went to a Gothic market and took tintype photos with Bronte.

Walking along the Hudson to the Sleepy Hollow lighthouse for one of Bronte’s naps was so beautiful for us to enjoy the falling leaves and color changes of the season. We walked into a grocery story to get picnic food, and stumbled upon the costume worn by Christopher Walken in Sleepy Hollow. Our other favorite place was the bookstore in Sleepy Hollow. They had the best selection of Halloween books for Bronte (as well as potty training books, appropriately enough).