Situated along the Hudson River, Tarrytown is one of the hot and trendy river towns. A scenic train ride on the Hudson line brings residents to New York City in approximately 40 minutes, while the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo bridge is the gateway to Rockland County and beyond.
Tarrytown is a great place for families to call home and certainly does not lack in amazing eateries, one-of-a-kind shops and engaging venues - some with breathtaking river views. Here are some of the best spots Tarrytown has to offer.
If you’re in the mood for bagels or pizza, you can find both in the same shopping center. Capri Pizza is a traditional pizza place serving a variety of pies as well as pasta, entrees and sandwiches.
The Bagel Emporium is part of a local Westchester chain, but is always crowded with lines out the door, so they must be doing something right. Of course they have fantastic bagels, but the shop also features muffins, wraps, sandwiches, salads and panini.
Main Street is the place to be if you’re looking for quirky cafes, unique shops and almost any type of cuisine you can imagine.
For a sweet treat, take the kids to Main Street Sweets. This ice cream shop has been serving their homemade creations for almost 20 years. In addition to ice cream in flavors such as Peppermint Stick, Vanilla Caramel and Nutella, the menu features espresso beverages, baked goods and candies. They even do birthday parties which include a make-your-own sundae bar.
If you’re looking for a delicious cup of coffee without any pretense, check out Coffee Lab Roasters. Opened in 2001, the shop takes great pride in their specialty brews from sustainable sources. Grab a cup, take a seat and relax.
Kid-friendly restaurants include The Taco Project, which features an array of authentic tacos such as pork belly, steak and shrimp as well as quesadillas and fresh guacamole and chips. Don’t forget an order of warm churros to complete your meal.
Lubins-n-Links might occupy a small space, but their food is big on flavor. The shop has a variety of hot dogs (links) as well as their own creation, the lubin - slow-roasted angus beef. Patrons can choose from a vast array of toppings, everything from ketchup and relish to fig jam, hot pepper spread and even mashed potatoes. In the warmer weather, sit in the patio out back.
On the corner of Main St. and Broadway, Lefteris Gyro has been a mainstay in Tarrytown for over 30 years. This family-friendly Greek spot is no-frills yet boasts some of the best souvlaki, gyros and baklava around.
For a great meal without the kids, Tarrytown has a number of hot spots to try. For a delicious dinner right near the water, Rivermarket Bar and Kitchen is the place to be. The menu features items from farmers and producers all over the Hudson Valley. Open for dinner, lunch and brunch, Rivermarket also has a private room that can accommodate up to 50 guests, as well as a retail shop offering natural and sustainable products made in the Hudson Valley.
Tarry Tavern is a classic American tavern that feels upscale yet casual. Tarry Tavern also believes in using fresh, local ingredients, so expect to see many dishes featuring products made in the Hudson Valley. Dinner options include Hudson Valley duck breast, Maine sea scallops and New York strip steak.
On your ways to a kids party but forget to buy the gift? A Nu Toy Store has you covered. The charming shop offers both new and vintage toys for kids of all ages. There’s even a train table, Lego table and doll house to keep the kids entertained while you shop. A Nu Toy Store also features special events like Pokemon Day and Lego Contest Building Day.
The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow (TaSH) Farmers Market in Patriots Park is a Saturday tradition. Running from late-May through November, the market offers the best in produce, artisanal breads, meats, cheese and more. Musicians play as patrons stroll through the stalls and there are special events each week such as kids activities, chef demos and art projects.
Patriots Park is also a great spot for the kids to play on the playground and run around. Another fantastic playground is Pierson Park right on the Hudson River. The park is an expanse of green fields for running, paths to bike or ride scooters and of course two large play structures. There’s also a splash pad, perfect in the warmer weather. Take a stroll along the River Walk to grab spectacular views of the Hudson, the bridge, lighthouse and even NYC.
After letting out all that energy at the park, take a short stroll to Lighthouse Ice Cream for some of the best ice cream, gelato and sorbet in the area. The shop also sells baked goods from Balthazar Bakery and features an old-fashioned soda fountain. Take a seat outside near the water fountain to relax and enjoy.
A fantastic spot to see a concert, variety show or special event is the Tarrytown Music Hall. Built in 1885, it is the oldest theater in Westchester. The theater hosts a variety of acts from classic rock, classical groups, and jazz, as well as comedians, films and family-friendly events such as plays and family fun days.
Need a physician? Pediatrics of Sleepy Hollow features a team of compassionate doctors dedicated to providing exceptional care. The practice even offers walk-in hours each weekday for current patients who are ill.
For more than 60 years, the Tarrytown Nursery School has been providing excellent programs to help get children ready for kindergarten. They offer both full and half-days programs for the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s as well as mini camps during school breaks in the winter and spring.
In the fall, Tarrytown comes alive with all things Halloween. Check out Historic Hudson Valley for a variety of kid-friendly (and not so kid-friendly) seasonal events. The Tarrytown Halloween Parade is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Watch along the sidelines, or come in costume and walk in the parade. You may even get a visit from the Headless Horseman.