I’m fascinated with bridges. Here in NYC, I’ve crossed Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Queensboro Bridge (walking or riding a bike). I lost count on how many times I’ve crossed the first one. Also, I went all the way to Staten Island just to see Verrazano Bridge (too far, right? lol). I love to find special spots in the city to capture bridges. I remember when I saw the Golden Gate in San Francisco for the first time. So, you got the idea, right? And you can probably imagine how excited I was when Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the new bike and pedestrian path at Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge, in Tarrytown. I know, I know, it is not NYC, but I told you: I love bridges, no matter where they are. So, I really wanted to go there and cross the bridge. Last Friday, we rented a car and drove to Tarrytown – not only to cross the bridge but also to do other fun activities! I will tell you everything about crossing the bridge + suggestions of things to do in Tarrytown and the area.
Mario Cuomo Bridge bike path
Fully opened to traffic in 2018, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge connects Rockland and Westchester counties. Located less than 20 miles north of New York City, the cable-stayed span crosses one of the widest parts of the Hudson River and is the longest bridge in New York State. At 3.6 miles, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge path is one of the longest shared use paths in the country.
The path has a designated side for pedestrians and another one for cyclists. But you don’t need to worry – it is not a crowded path like the Brooklyn Bridge, for example. Also, the path features six overlooks and amenities at each landing and each overlook was designed in partnership with the community and celebrates the rich history of the Hudson Valley. They are great spots for amazing views – and beautiful pictures, of course! Here is some info about the path:
- Open 7 days a week – 6 am to 10 pm
- Approximate walk time – 80 minutes
- Approximate bike time – 20 minutes
- Path width – 12 feet
- Free Wi-fi – but no bathrooms
To cross the bridge, as I love riding a bike – and 80 minutes is a lot of time to walk, lol – we rented a bike with Sleek E-bikes. Besides the store in Tarrytown, they also have a kiosk at Bridge Thruway. I highly recommend you reserve online – it is $15 per hour. If you are really fast, one hour is enough for the round-trip, but I prefer to be safe than sorry, so I rented for two hours – and, you know, I love to stop for pictures. Plus, I have two things to say about Skeek E-bikes: first, the bikes. OMG, the BEST bikes I ever ride in my life. Seriously, they are so comfortable and modern. Second, the staff is really friendly! Thruway rentals open 7 days a week: 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Last, but not least: put the address 333, South Broadway, if you are gonna cross from Tarrytown. From South Nyack, use the intersection of Clinton Avenue and South Franklin Street.
I hope you guys like it! Also, if you are planning to cross the bridge, there are a lot of things to do in Tarrytown and the area. Let’s check – see the map for the locations!
Transportation
As the idea was exploring a little bit of the area, we rented a car through Getaround. After Thiago and I discovered this app, we’ve been using it a lot! Think of Getaround as an Airbnb for cars. You register through the app and then you can search for cars near you. Everything is through the app – including unlocking the car. No stress, no bureaucracy, no lines and no paperwork. We love! You can also go to Tarrytown using Metro-North, but once you get there you will need an Uber or a taxi.
Things to do in Tarrytown and the area
Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse
So here is another thing that I love: lighthouses. I don’t know why, but I just love them. This one is also known as Tarrytown Lighthouse or Kingsland Point Lighthouse and it is dated from 1883! The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is unique among Hudson River lighthouses – it is the only “sparkplug” style lighthouse to contain family quarters. The walls held five floors of living space. The first and largest floor contained the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The second and third floors contained one large bedroom apiece. The fourth floor contained a smaller bedroom and a workroom. The fifth floor, which had no windows, just small portholes, was the watch room, where the keeper could keep an eye on the river during storms and other weather, safely out of the wind and wet and out of the way of the light. (Hudson River Lighthouses)
If you wanna visit the Lighthouse, make sure to go to Devries Park – it is a beautiful park with amazing views to the Hudson River, playgrounds, benches, and a lot of space. Remember that parking is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents – but we found a spot near the Metro-North station, not far from the park. My advice? Go there at the end of the day – and you can thank me later for the beautiful sunset. Plus, from the Lighthouse you can still see the bridge!
Kykuit
It is the Rockefeller family residence, located in Sleepy Hollow. The hilltop paradise was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, beginning with the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil. His business acumen made him, in his day, the richest man in America. The residence – as well as its gardens – are part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and has been maintained for over 100 years. You can visit Kykuit through one of the offered tours. But remember that Kykuit doesn’t open all year. The season begins in early May through mid-November. From May to September and in November, Kykuit opens from Thursday to Sunday. In October, it opens every day. Unfortunately, is closed now due to the COVID-19.
I have a complete guide about Kykuit and you can read it here.
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Lyndhurst
It is a majestic estate on the banks of the magnificent Hudson River where every visitor can experience firsthand an American icon of architecture and landscape. Lyndhurst can be experienced through multiple guided-tour options or you may choose to stroll through the beautiful grounds on your own. The Classic Mansion Tour explores Lyndhurst’s sumptuously decorated first and second floors and includes entry to special exhibitions. A specialty Backstairs Tour includes unique spaces such as the observation tower, kitchens, and laundry building. Multiple Landscape Tour options highlight our recently restored lower landscape, fountains, specialty gardens and include entry to the c.1894 Bowling Alley and Swimming Pool Building. A Daily Grounds Pass allows you to explore the estate on your own. Check the website.
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Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
Hudson Valley features a lot of wineries. This is not exactly in Tarrytown – but if you are driving, why not? This Winery is so beautiful! The manicured grounds, gardens, and orchards span over 120 acres. This winery created the award-winning and New York’s original cider, Doc’s Cider, it is also home to the first distillery in NYS since prohibition, American Fruits and created the SFWSC Double Gold winning Black Dirt Bourbon. Besides tastings, you can also enjoy the food, which includes pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, plus cheeses and other snacks that are perfect with wines! Plus, the place typically have talented musicians that play here every weekend, and usually offers 4 music festivals during the summer months.
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Harper’s
We had dinner at this place and it was a recommendation from Sleek E-bikes staff! And we couldn’t be happier with this choice. This restaurant serves locally sourced New American fare, creative cocktails, wines & craft beers in a shabby-chic setting. The food is farm to table, so fresh and delicious! Instead of ordering two main dishes, we got three appetizers – mussels, zucchini, and calamari. Everything was delicious but hold on, save some space for the dessert. You have to order the Olive Oil cake. Trust me!
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Sunset Cove Al Ponte
Sunset Cove is a beautiful waterfront restaurant located just north of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. They feature a continental cuisine with an Asian/Mediterranean flare. The place is open year-round and it features a beautiful patio for the Spring-Summer season. I couldn’t go there, but two followers recommended this place and they said it is a great spot to see the bridge!
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Half Moon
This was another suggestion from a follower. It is a riverside restaurant & bar with small & large American plates, a raw bar & patio seating with views.
What did you think about these tips? Do you have more recommendations about Tarrytown and the area? Don’t forget to check it my Hudson Valley post!
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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