Take a daytrip cruise from Pier 78 in Manhattan to legendary Sleepy Hollow, New York. Enjoy highlights on the Hudson River such as the George Washington Bridge and the imposing Ice-Age Palisades. Then, disembark and tour two historic estates--The magnificent Rockefeller Estate and the historic Dutch-owned farm and milling complex, Philipsburg Manor. Finally, float down the river, back to Pier 78 in Manhattan.
Most tourists visiting New York City
tend to overlook its suburban treasures when planning their itineraries in The
Big Apple. One of the more notable jewels of suburban New
York is Sleepy Hollow, a charming village located in
the Hudson River Valley
just 25 miles north of Manhattan.
Among its many attractions are its historic mansions, such as the renowned
Rockefeller Estate, Kykuit (pronounced KY-cut), and the Hudson River
daytrip cruise that sails to this famous site from Manhattan.
Too often, Sleepy Hollow evokes eerie images of the infamous Headless
Horseman from Washington Irving’s chilling tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
This is particularly true for those unaware of the town’s existence outside of
folklore. Yet, Sleepy Hollow is not a mythical setting, but a real place with
firm historical roots.
Interesting Historical Facts
Once inhabited by the Weckquaesgeck Indians, Sleepy Hollow became part of the
colony of New Netherlands after the Dutch settled in the area in the 1620’s.
When the British seized the Dutch colony in 1664, Sleepy Hollow then became a
part of the Colony of New York.
In ensuing centuries, prominent folks such as writer Washington Irving and
railroad mogul Jay Gould built homes in the region, but the Rockefeller’s
mansion remains one the most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike.
Built by the famous patriarch, John D. Rockefeller, in the early twentieth
century, Kykuit, which housed four generations of Rockefellers, is now a
historic site of The National Trust. It offers something for everyone,
including gardeners, historians, art aficionados, antique car buffs, nature
lovers, or those who are downright curious about the lives of the super-rich.
The Walking Tour: Rockefeller Mansion
and Philipsburg Manor
In Kykuit, visitors enjoy a two-hour guided walking tour of an architectural
masterpiece that offers palatial views of the Hudson River
from its proliferation of stone terraces. This excursion, which includes a
stroll around landscaped gardens and ornate fountains, should appeal to the
aesthete in everyone.
Also on display is a breathtaking collection of artwork, including over
seventy pieces of 20th century sculpture from famous artists such as Pablo
Picasso and Aristide Maillol. For those who love art that moves, the family’s
collection of classic cars (such as a Crane Simplex, circa 1918) can be viewed
in the coach barn, along with horse-drawn vehicles.
Included in the tour is a trip to nearby Philipsburg Manor, named after
Frederick Philipse, a Dutch carpenter who later became the richest man in the
colony of York. This site is an
interesting accompaniment to the rich opulence of Kyuit, as it is a historic
late 18th century Anglo-Dutch farming and milling complex that utilized slave
labor to keep itself in operation.
Costumed guides offer a glimpse into American Colonial farm life, the
interesting people who lived and worked there, and the rich history of the
region. Philipsburg Manor possesses many notable attractions, including period
furniture pieces, a slave garden, and a mill. The site offers tourists more
facilities than Kykuit, as it features a café, a picnic area overlooking a
pond, a visitor’s center (for both Philipsburg Manor and Kykuit), and a museum
shop.
The Hudson River Cruise
Just as exciting is the 1 ½ hour cruise up the Hudson River,
a landmark named after the famed Dutch explorer, Henry Hudson. The ship,
operated by the New York Waterway, is a modern, air-conditioned vessel that
offers landlubbers many amenities such as a snack bar and the choice of viewing
the sights in an open-air, top deck or in an enclosed, lower deck.
Don’t forget to bring your camera or camcorder, as the sights on the shores
of New York (eastern) and New
Jersey (western) are not to be missed. It is truly an
unforgettable experience to climb aboard this ship on the bustling pier at 38th
Street, then watch the chaos of Manhattan
and its skyscrapers float by as if in a dream.
Highlights of the cruise include the George
Washington Bridge
in upper Manhattan, as well as the
Cloisters--a reproduction of a medieval monastery operated by the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. Further north are the graffiti-riddled tenements of the South
Bronx, which provide a fascinating contrast to these elegant
landmarks. Next, passengers view the Palisades--towering,
Ice-Age old cliffs on the western shores of New Jersey.
At last, passengers observe the fertile landscape of the Hudson
Valley and, of course, the Sleepy
Hollow of legend. After disembarking around noon,
visitors are whisked by shuttle vans to Kykuit to start the land portion of
their trip.
Practical Information
Preparation and knowledge is the key to enjoying this daytrip. Here are some
suggestions:
Get plenty of rest—this is a
71/2 hour excursion.
Wear comfortable walking
shoes
In warmer months, bring a
hat, suntan lotion and sunglasses
Pack extra water and snacks,
as prices can be steep
In cooler months, wear an
extra layer to combat the river breeze
Reserve ahead—this particular
cruise is quite popular
Not all parts of Kykuit and
Philipsburg manor are wheelchair accessible—call ahead for details
Getting To Pier 78
The New York Waterway terminal is located at Pier
78 on 38th Street and the Hudson River, a location that is readily
accessible from anywhere in the city. You can hail a taxi if you wish, but
everyone knows that the best means of travel in the Big Apple is by public
transportation. Hotel lobbies and local candy stores overflow with schedules
and maps of city buses and the subway system, but you can check out this
information at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website at http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/.
The New York Waterway provides free bus service to the pier
from many midtown locations, including several major hotels. The buses stop at
many regular New York City bus
stops and they go straight to the cruise ship. The red, white and blue colors
of these buses make them hard to miss (even in midtown traffic), but to check
their locations and schedules, call 800-533-3779.
Contact Information
The NY Waterway offers the Kykuit Cruise
from Pier 78 at 38th St.
and 12th Ave.
in midtown Manhattan. The boat
departs from Manhattan at 10:30 a.m. and departs from Sleepy Hollow for
the return trip at 4:30 p.m. Trips
are 71/2 hours total. Shuttle buses to the estates are provided. Prices are $64
for adults and children; $59 for senior citizens (includes admissions, boat
rides, and shuttles). For further information or reservations, call
800-533-3779 or visit http://www.nywaterway.com/.
The rich history of the Hudson Valley
region, including detailed information about Kykuit and Philipsburg Manor, can
be viewed at http://www.hudsonvalley.org/. For additional information about the
village of Sleepy Hollow visit http://www.sleepyhollowny.org/.
The contact the Philipsburg Manor for further information, call the Historic
Hudson Valley
at 914-631-8200. Note that this estate has year round events and catering on
site. It is also available for corporate events and weddings. In addition, it
offers many seasonal activities for children, so call to see what they offering
at the time of your visit.
To contact Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate, for additional information, call 914-631-9491.