n enchanted region whose history
fades back into the mists of time. It's a history of settlement
stretching back to the Tappan tribe standing on the shores peering
at Hudson as he sailed north, of Dutch settlements along the zee,
(sea), the Tappan Zee, of mighty barons of commerce and noted characters
making it their home. It's a place of mystery and legend, a place
where you can hear astonishing tales of ghosts and goblins, of haunted
fields and brooks and bridges...
Starting in the south at Yonkers and
including all of the historic rivertowns along the east bank of
the Tappan Zee up to Peekskill, the Sleepy Hollow District is rich
in history, culture and lore. Historic sites, museums and galleries
abound throughout the region.
The Hudson River, one of America's first
major thoroughfares, drew early settlers and commerce to its shores.
Today, the villages and towns nestled on the banks of the river
bespeak an age gone by, when communities were small and Main Street
meant America's home. You can discover the charms of Main Street
life when you visit the sleepy Hollow District.
Strolling the Main Streets is always
an adventure with a river view. You'll find wonderful restaurants,
charming boutiques and stores, antique shops and art galleries.
Linger awhile in fine hotels, visit historic sites, museums and
performing arts centers. Listen for the echoes of steamboat whistles
or the hooves of the Headless Horseman racing by.
The majestic Hudson River links these
13 communities, giving a common heritage and appreciation for the
river. The region is also linked by the Hudson Line, the railroad
built in the 1830s with a station stop in each town, and by the
Old Croton Aqueduct, designed to bring water to the residents of
New York City. Built in the same era as the railroad, the aqueduct
was the engineering marvel of its day. Now a superb walking trail,
the aqueduct will lead you from village to village, or all the way
from Yonkers to the mighty Croton Dam.
The past is present here, blessed as
it is with one of the greatest concentrations of history museums
and historic sites in the Northeast. The Dutch came to the area
first, clearing fields for farms, building mills, barns, churches
and pathways through the woods. Then came the English, followed
closely by George Washington's troops and the establishment of a
new nation.
Writers, such as Washington Irving,
artists such as Jasper Cropsey, and industrialists such as Jay Gould
and John D. Rockefeller, were drawn to the bucolic life in these
towns, creating great estates that remain for visitors to explore
today. Country pleasures are yours to enjoy in every season. Visit
the many scenic parks for riverside walks, mountaintop vistas, quiet
streams or festive outdoor events. Horseback riding, sailing, hiking,
biking, tennis, golf and picnicking can all be part of your visit.
For those who crave the arts, three
performing arts centers offer changing shows to delight the eye
and stimulate the mind. A special treat awaits you in downtown Peekskill,
where the public is invited to tour the loft studios of working
artists.
Of course, the wonders of the mighty
Hudson River never come into sharper focus than when you cruise
its length and enjoy its timeless beauty. While you are here, take
one of the many river cruises. Only then will you truly understand
why residents of this region agree with Washington Irving, who once
wrote, "Thank God I was born on the banks of the Hudson!"
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