With the approach of Halloween and the popularity of the new television show "Sleepy Hollow," the small town along the Hudson River that became the star of one of Washington Irving's most famous short stories has become a popular hotspot for tourists looking for Halloween adventures, according to USA Today.
Richard Hatter, a New York City resident, spent approximately $600 one weekend recently when he decided to tour the historic properties in the area, allowing him to admire the Hudson River views.
"It's easily accessible from Manhattan and we do the [New Jersey] shore most of the time, so this is a change for us," Hatter, 60, a foundation administrator, told USA Today. His stops included Washington Irving's Sunnyside and Kykuit.
Nearby Croton-on-Hudson holds a Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. Visitors can also tour Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Colleen Venturi, another tourist visiting the area, estimates she spent close to $600 as well, with tickets for herself and her family for those activities, as well as a night at a nearby hotel and meals.
"We had a great time walking around seeing the ghosts and, of course, the dreaded Headless Horseman," Venturi, a Staten Island resident, said.
During October, the Lower Hudson Valley, which sees tourists all year round, sees an increase. Halloween spectacles deliver groups of visitors, helping benefit local hotels, restaurants and retail businesses.
"Last year alone, Rockland brought $31 million more in tourism dollars, so some of that has to be attributed to [the Nyack Halloween Parade]," C.J. Miller, the tourism director of Rockland County, said.
The area also hosts an event called the Blaze, which was originally an eight-night event but has grown to 25 nights due to its massive popularity. So far this year, it's likely to reach 100,000 visitors. The Blaze visitors spent an average of $92 off-site on dining, shopping and hotels, according to Rob Schweitzer, the marketing director of the Historic Hudson Valley.
"We typically are almost at full capacity in September and October due to the beauty of the Hudson Valley at that time of the year," Brittney Baeriswil, a public relations assistant for the Castle Hotel in Tarrytown, said. "We've been seeing a large increase [due to] the new show 'Sleepy Hollow' on Fox."
News coverage of the Blaze.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
