Hudson Valley, NY: Jack O'Lantern Blaze

Duration: 2 Days | Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Sunnyside, Home of Washington Irving

Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, Washington Irving's enchanting Sunnyside has captivated visitors for generations. Here, you’ll delve into Irving's fascinating life and discover how he became America's first internationally acclaimed author. From the Headless Horseman to Rip Van Winkle, his iconic characters continue to delight and inspire, with Irving's whimsical estate serving as a living testament to his enduring legacy.

 

Old Dutch Church Graveyard

Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow, New York, is a historic 17th-century stone church featured prominently in Washington Irving's iconic 1820 short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. As the second oldest church and the 15th oldest building in New York State, it has a rich history, having been renovated after an 1837 fire and later restored in 1960. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and listed on the Register in 1966, this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into America's past.

 

Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

Experience the Hudson Valley's most electrifying fall happening! Stroll through an 18th-century landscape and marvel at an enchanting display of over 7,000 illuminated jack o' lanterns, all designed and hand-carved on-site by skilled artisans.

 

Kykuit

Kykuit, also known as the John D. Rockefeller Estate, is a 40-room historic house museum located in Pocantico Hills, New York. Originally built for oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, this National Historic Landmark reflects the vision of his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and is enriched by the art collection of Nelson Rockefeller, a Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States. Kykuit, meaning "Lookout," is perched on the highest point in Pocantico Hills, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, 25 miles to the south. The estate, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family and remains a testament to their legacy.

 

Stained Glass Windows by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall at Union Church of Pocantico Hills

Union Church of Pocantico Hills, nestled in the hills above Sleepy Hollow, is a charming country church founded in 1915. Its current building, completed in 1922 on land donated by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., features a stunning rose window by Henri Matisse—the artist's final work. The church also boasts nine stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, each dedicated to a Rockefeller family member. The themes of the Chagall windows are The Good Samaritan, The Crucifixion, Joel, Elijah, Daniel, Cherubim, Ezekial, Jeremiah, and Isaiah.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at Casaletto Italian Restaurant. Choices are:

• Pan-Seared Salmon

• Hanger Steak

• Pasta of the Day

Dinner is served with a baby greens salad (heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel, fresh herbs, citrus vinaigrette), a vegetable, a starch, and a Chef's Selection of Dessert, along with coffee, tea, & soda.

 

Lunch on day two is included at the Historic Hudson Valley Visitors Center. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Vegetarian sandwich: portobello, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, and provolone

• Paris Tartine sandwich: turkey, brie cheese, and fig on whole wheat bread

• American Combo sandwich: roast beef, turkey, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and dressing

• Chicken Salad sandwich: served on cranberry walnut bread

• Tuna sandwich: served on wheat bread

• Cosmo sandwich: grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, arugula, roasted red peppers, and pesto

Lunch includes bottle of water, pasta salad, and a cookie.

 

Need to Know:

• This tour requires a lot of walking, inclines, and outdoor time. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

• There is no baggage handling offered on this tour; please plan to handle your own luggage while staying at this hotel.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

 

Accessibility:

• Sunnyside, Home of Washington Irving: features a narrow staircase inside, limiting access to the first floor for those unable to use it. The path from the parking lot to the visitor center has a significant incline, and the walk to the house is on an uneven surface.

• Old Dutch Church Graveyard: the tour involves walking on uneven ground with varying inclines, and there are no restroom facilities available at the church.

• Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: this attraction is wheelchair accessible, with no stairs, though there are narrow, slightly sloped brick paths and uneven, unpaved terrain with gravel or wood chips.

• Kykuit: home is wheelchair accessible, but the tour involves a lot of walking and standing, with limited seating available.

• Union Church of Pocantico Hills: the church has a level interior, but the center aisle is too narrow for wheelchairs, and the restrooms are not accessible.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Sheraton Tarrytown (Tarrytown, NY)

Situated in the heart of historic Hudson Valley, the Sheraton Tarrytown features a restaurant/lounge, indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffeemaker, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and iron/board.

 

*NOTE: Baggage handling is not provided; guests should plan to handle their own luggage.*