Wanderlust in the Hudson Valley: A Mother-Daughter Adventure
The following morning, we visited Lyndhurst Mansion in nearby Tarrytown. This magnificent Gothic Revival estate set my historic home-loving heart aflutter. Stunning interiors, priceless artwork, and Tiffany-stained glass filled every room. Jay Gould, the mansion’s second owner and a railroad tycoon, commuted daily to Wall Street by steam-powered yacht, bringing his full-sized wooden desk aboard and back again each day. I suppose this was the gilded age version of a laptop.
From there, we moved on to a home that was much humbler, yet equally historic: Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving. The whimsical cottage felt as though it came straight out of a fairy tale, nestled along the river with gardens and cozy charm. Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, lived there with family after tragically losing the love of his life at a very young age. The home radiated warmth and simplicity, a definite contrast to Lyndhurst’s opulence. Interestingly, the property was later purchased and preserved by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., due to its literary importance.
As night fell, we prepared for the highlight of the trip: the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Lantern Tour. With only five people in our group and kerosene lanterns in hand, we wandered the historic grounds from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. A storm was brewing and the wind howled through the trees. Branches creaked, and shadows danced across the weathered headstones. It was delightfully frightening, like something straight out of an old gothic novel or perhaps an episode of the Addams Family.
Our guide shared stories of many famous people buried there, including Washington Irving, Elizabeth Arden, Andrew Carnegie, and multiple Rockefellers. We even entered a crypt, its musty air and rows of numbered, shelf-like compartments adding to the eerie feel. I’ll admit, I kept one eye on the door, just in case I needed a quick exit. Many of the tombs were hauntingly beautiful, embellished with intricate mosaics and personal tributes. One mausoleum held a preserved wedding dress, left decades ago by a grieving husband.
After a rather restless night (how could we sleep after that?), we concluded our trip with a visit to Kykuit, the sprawling Rockefeller estate. Meaning “lookout” in Dutch, Kykuit sits high above the Hudson with sweeping views as breathtaking as its architecture. From the moment we stepped off the shuttle, we were surrounded by grandeur, meticulously landscaped gardens, fountains modeled after Italian masterpieces, and sculptures scattered across the grounds. A bronze statue of a girl and geese drew my attention, perhaps a nod to Goose Day? The rhododendron was in full bloom, providing bursts of brilliant color against the green backdrop of the grounds.
Inside the mansion, there was a veritable treasure trove of art and artifacts. From ancient Asian porcelains, some over 2,000 years old, to an entire room devoted to the display and storage of fine china. Nelson Rockefeller, J.D.’s son, was an avid art collector with a special passion for Picasso and Warhol. One standout architectural feature was the oculus, a circular ceiling opening that gave a glimpse into the second floor and added drama to the main living area. Even the stables were impressive, filled with antique carriages, vintage automobiles, and glowing green uranium glass chandeliers which were beautiful as well as slightly radioactive.
Our Hudson Valley adventure was much more than a quick getaway. It became a family heirloom woven with history, mystery, beauty, and most importantly, uninterrupted time with my daughter. From lantern-lit cemeteries to grand estates, each stop gave us space to pause and connect, away from the noise of daily life.
While the sights were unforgettable, the real treasure of the weekend was the laughter, late-night conversations, and shared experiences between mother and daughter. Here’s to many more journeys, both new and remembered, that remind us of what truly matters.
Rhonda S. Kelley, Executive Director
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce