Here’s an easy destination Woman Around Town readers will like to know about. Irvington, New York is only a 50-minute train trip from New York City on the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line from Grand Central Station. By car, it is about 50 minutes from the city. This charming town offers a pleasant retreat where you can enjoy scenic views, wonderful culture, history, and a lovely downtown with opportunities for shopping and dining. And here’s a fun fact: Irvington has been aptly named after the American author Washington Irving, who had a residence there that still exists today, now as a museum.
Irvington is one of Westchester County’s “Rivertowns” that run along the eastern bank of the Hudson that includes other locales such as Buchanan, Croton-On-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, and Sleepy Hollow. While these towns are well known as commuter friendly, they also are ideal for day trips or even a long weekend. We enjoyed a full day of touring Irvington and some nearby places.
If you are travelling by train there is lots to do in the Irvington downtown area as soon as you arrive at the station. You can start your visit on Irvington’s Main Street where you can stop for coffee, an al fresco lunch, or get a grab and go meal to take to one of the local parks. Check out some of the shopping too.
Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington Right along the waterway, the park offers extraordinary views of the river and the New York City skyline. It has a long walkway with lots of benches where you can relax.
Mario Cuomo Bridge at sunset (Bigstock photo)
Matthiessen Park Steps from the train station, Irvington’s family friendly park has children’s playground and picnic tables right along the Hudson River with a great view of the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge.
Irvington Theater A diverse line-up of shows is produced at the theater on Main Street with something for all entertainment tastes and styles including music, film, dance, theatre, and comedy.
Irvington Farmer’s Market – If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, stop by their popular farmer’s market where you can check out a wonderful array of fresh foods and more.
Hudson Prime Steakhouse – After a day of touring, we highly recommend this stylish restaurant, the only steakhouse in the Rivertowns. Have a traditional meal with the finest steaks and all the trimmings or delectable seafood dishes. Pair your meal with their fine beverage program and relax in their gorgeous dining room or patio overlooking the Hudson River.
If you are travelling by car, consider the short drives to places in the Irvington area that showcase impressive mansions and historic landmarks.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (Sleepy Hollow) Just north of Irvington is the burial place of Washington Irving, the father of the American short story. The vast, historic cemetery is non-denominational and even has walking tours.
Armour Stiner Octagon House (Irvington) This impressive octagon shaped structure and domed Victorian house has been designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. You can book tours of the home and its beautiful landscape.
Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown) Lyndhurst is also known as the Jay Gould estate. The mansion is a Gothic Revival country house on its own 67-acre park. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Visit the beautiful sprawling grounds or experience a mansion tour.
(Bigstock photo)
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside (Tarrytown) The picturesque estate is along the Hudson riverbank is charming. Learn all about Washington Irving’s past and how he came to be such a famous author. His characters that include the Headless Horseman and Rip Van Winkle live on at Sunnyside.
For more information on Irvington, visit the town’s web site.
Top photo: Hudson River Park
Photos by Marina Kennedy
