Escape to Serenity: Relaxing Activities to Enjoy in Tarrytown
The enchanting Tarrytown is an escape in and of itself. Surrounded by the pastoral nature of the Hudson Valley and filled with small-town charm, this historic town is the perfect place for a getaway. Though it is a merely brief train ride or drive away from the vibrant heart of New York City, be prepared to be captivated by the mesmerizing transformation that unfolds. Home to everything from beautiful estates to farm-to-table restaurants, Tarrytown is the ultimate destination for finding serenity.
If you’re looking to relax, and you’ve already seen the other magical attractions Tarrytown has to offer, not to worry: there are countless relaxing activities to enjoy in the area as well. Continue reading to discover some of the most relaxing and rejuvenating things to do in Tarrytown. Also, for guests of Sleepy Hollow Hotel, we’ve included the driving time to each destination.
Tarrytown Music Hall (3 min. drive)
As they say: sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! That’s exactly what you’ll be able to do at Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the institutions of the Tarrytown Main Street. Built in the 1800s in the Queen Anne style, it is the oldest theater remaining in Westchester County; it is also renowned for its outstanding acoustics. It holds shows and other events throughout the year — coming up are a Morgan Wade performance and a Led Zeppelin retrospective.
Music fans and anyone who just wants a chill night out on the town will love seeing a show at the Tarrytown Music Hall. The schedule for the space and tickets can be found here.
Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers’ Market (4 min. drive)
Known affectionately as TaSH, this joint farmers’ market has been voted one of the best in New York State — which is no small feat, given the sheer number of farms in the state. It even runs through the winter, though indoors; in the warmer seasons, farmers gather outdoors to sell fresh fruits and veggies, artisanal treats and baked goods, cheeses, meats, and much more. What’s more relaxing than strolling through, tasting, and purchasing from an array of the most delicious produce on hand?
Held every Saturday starting in May, the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers’ Market is a bucolic retreat, with the power to give you a taste — literally — of the farm life. If you’re in Tarrytown for the weekend, TaSH is the place to go.
Old Croton Aqueduct State Park (15 min. drive)
The benefit of a relaxing weekend upstate, in the Hudson Valley, is your proximity to some of the prettiest and most historic natural retreats in the country. Old Croton Aqueduct State Park is one of these destinations; home to a trail that runs from Tarrytown up to Croton-on-Hudson. The trail covers 26 miles of countryside, running through such Tarrytown attractions as Lyndhurst — a historic estate — and Sunnyside, former home of prominent American author Washington Irving. The park’s name comes from the aqueduct that is still visible in places, which used to transport water down to New York City; it is the backbone to this gorgeous stretch of nature.
This linear park is both the perfect place for a stroll and a potential destination for a relaxing picnic. It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and it is free for everyone.
Greenburgh Nature Center (12 min. drive)
Tucked into a 33-acre nature preserve, the Greenburgh Nature Center is a beloved local retreat. Its surrounding area is full of flora and fauna, in addition to rambling trails and lush meadows; it has focused habitats for certain animals as well. These include a Birds of Prey exhibit, a barnyard, and a beautiful Butterfly Arbor, which is open from June through August and is a stop for migrating butterflies. The main nature center is housed in an old manor, and it offers two floors of exhibits, including live animals and greenhouses; they highlight the best and sometimes most endangered wildlife the Hudson Valley has to offer.
Remind yourself that humans are not alone with a stop by the Greenburgh Nature Center. Their flora and fauna will help ground you, and top off the perfect trip to the Hudson Valley. The Nature Center is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesdays through Sundays; the grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. The grounds are free, but tickets to the main building are $7 for adults.
Continue your day of relaxation with a luxurious stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel. Book now!