Bygone Living: October in Sleepy Hollow

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

October in Sleepy Hollow

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

So, where have I been again? Sorry I kind of cut the postings of my Martha's Vineyard trip short- I've decided to save the last two parts for an especially snowy and chilly day this winter. Why? Looking at some summery pictures of my trip on Martha's Vineyard might cheer us all up when our noses are red and chapped, and we're sick of scraping ice off our windshields! It'll be my little ray of sunshine for you...

In other news, there's been a lot going on in my life at the moment. Dealing with the loss of my Lola has been a struggle daily, as expected. She was truly a beacon in my life. Without her here, things are undoubtedly emptier, bleaker, less bright. Which is why I've decided to start looking for my own apartment. I feel with Lola's passing, a new chapter is waiting to be opened in my life, so I've been on the hunt for a new place to call home where perhaps I can welcome another kitty in the near future. Jake and I have one particular place in mind which we viewed yesterday. It's very small, but cozy and clean, and is right by Jake's favorite beach! I'm truly praying it works out, but if it's not meant to be, I know there will be others...

On Sunday, Jake and I took our annual day trip to Sleepy Hollow. I know I swore the last year I was there that I wouldn't go back since everything had become so circusy and depressing in comparison to how it used to be, but let's face it: the beauty of this region is still there. And we really just made our own tours again, consciously veering away from all the tourist traps. So, all in all, we had yet another nice trip.

This is Sunnyside, Washington Irving's (the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) country home. It was expanded from a small cottage in 1835 and remained in the family till the 1940s! It has breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and has been meticulously restored. A must see if you're ever in the area!

I could get used to this view!

After visiting Sunnyside, we drove over to the Old Dutch Church, the scene of the climatic altercation between the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane in the legend, and strolled around the property.

"Here Lyes the Body of James Barnerd Who Departed

This Life the 4 of March 1768 In the 48 Year of His Age

The Boisterous Winds and Neptuns

Waves have Tost me too and Fro

By Gods decree you Plainly See

I am Harbour'd here Below --"

Jake and I loved that one.

First Gabriel's first wife, then the baby he had with his second. Hard lives...

"The Headless Horseman Bridge" -- Don't confuse it with the real location, though! If you ever come visit the Old Dutch Church, there is a historic plaque right near the gates of the entrance which marks the real location of the bridge. It's part of a main road, you barely even notice you're on a bridge, but it's there!

♥

After the day was done, Jake and I had dinner at my favorite restaurant in town: Horsefeathers! Good burgers, good atmosphere, an extensive beer list... what more could you ask for?!