Sunnyside

Sunnyside, set just off the Hudson River at a section known as the Tappan Zee, is the restored home of Washington Irving, author of the quintessential Halloween tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. When he bought a 17th Century cottage in 1835, the author enlarged and remodeled it with a stepped gable entrance and Spanish-style tower. He was America’s first successful internationally known author and he also held diplomatic posts in Great Britain and Spain. Sunnyside is a property of Historic Hudson Valley, which restored it to operate as a museum of living history with many original furnishings. Tours are led by interpreters wearing the costume of the mid-Victorian period. Picnicking is encouraged on the grounds, which were laid out by Irving himself. The Visitor’s Center has a gallery, a small theater and a gift and book shop.

The site is open daily 11 to 5 except Tuesday, April through October (10-4, November and December and Friday, Nov. 25); admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children. These fees include house tours plus use of special totes with child-friendly games and activities. Grounds passes are $5 or $3. “Legend” celebrations take place in October.

Details

Sunnyside is reached from Route 9 in Tarrytown, N.Y. For more information, call 914-631-8200 or visit the Historic Hudson Valley Web site, www.hudsonvalley.org.