On the Map: A Triple Treat with Tarrytown, Mystic, and P-town
Narration provided by Wondervox
By Mark McNease
Who doesn’t need a vacation in these challenging times? We made our annual pilgrimage to Provincetown, Massachusetts, where we have a timeshare at a lovely development called Eastwood at Provincetown. Opened in 1983, it has the feel of a sprawling motel complex that’s very popular with gay men and lesbians. My husband Frank bought our unit not too long afterward, though he and his late partner Michael rented it out most years. We began coming here about seven years ago and now it’s a regular event as August and summer come to an end.
Eastwood is about a thirty minute walk from the center of town, providing us with a twice-daily hike to accumulate at least 15,000 clicks on the step meter. We head over to Commercial Street in the morning and then again at night for dinner and shows. That’s a good two hours of walking each day, helping to mitigate the damage of all the food we eat here.
The only unpleasant part of this vacation is getting here. P-town, as it’s commonly known, requires a minimum of six hours for just the drive, covering over 300 miles. With stops and meals, it’s easily a eight hour ordeal. A few years ago we started breaking it up, with an overnight stop in Mystic, CT, or thereabouts, and again on the way home. It adds two days to the trip, but it makes it less harrowing.
This year we expanded the adventure by adding a day and night in Tarrytown, NY. Several members of the hiking club we belong to arranged for a tour of Lyndhurst Mansion, “Where the Hudson Valley begins,” complete with a stay at the SpringHill Suites Marriott and an early morning hike along the river. Most of the others topped it off with a cemetery stroll while we drove on to our destination. Keep reading for more information about each of our stops.
About Tarrytown, New York
MORE PHOTOS OF TARRYTOWN AT MY TUMBLR BLOG HERE
Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, Tarrytown offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town allure. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Tarrytown has something to offer.
The town’s roots date back to the colonial era, with its first settlements established in the late 17th century. The area played a significant role during the American Revolution, with historic sites and homes still standing as testaments to its past. The town flourished in the 19th century as a transportation hub due to its proximity to the Hudson River and the New York and Erie Railroad.
Lyndhurst Mansion, where we started our trip after a lunch downtown, is a grand Gothic Revival estate that dates back to 1838. Once owned by railroad magnate Jay Gould, the vast estate displays stunning architecture, man-made hills and landscaped gardens.
Places to See / Things to Do
– Sleepy Hollow: Just a short drive from Tarrytown, this legendary village is synonymous with Washington Irving’s famous story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where most of the hikers ended their two-day adventure, features the resting place of Irving himself, and the iconic Headless Horseman Bridge is perfect for a spooky photo opportunity. Be sure to check the images for the Horseman riding up behind you!
– Washington Irving’s Sunnyside: Indulge the literary history of the area at this estate, where Irving lived and wrote some of his most famous works.
– Old Dutch Church & Cemetery: Established in 1697, this historic church and its adjacent cemetery are among the oldest in New York State.
– Tarrytown Music Hall: For anyone looking to enjoy live entertainment, this historic venue hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and community events throughout the year.
Natural Beauty and Trails
For outdoor enthusiasts—think hiking club!—the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers miles of scenic walking and horseback riding trails. The Hudson River Walkway, where we put in a couple hours walking along the river’s edge, provides vistas of the river and gorgeous sunsets.
Day 2 – Mystic, CT
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF MYSTIC HERE
After our morning river walk, we checked out and headed to Mystic. We’ve been there a few times, and we pulled into the Inn at Mystic mid-afternoon. Mystic is a lovely seaport, and very small. There’s a bridge that’s regularly raised, stopping traffic while you wait for it to be lowered back down, and a train that brings cars to a standstill throughout the day and night.
But Mystic is a lot of fun, and of course I got a picture of the Mystic Pizza place that’s been famous since Julia Roberts started her career with a movie called Mystic Pizza in 1988.
More About Mystic
Mystic, Connecticut, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its maritime heritage, Mystic has captivated visitors for generations with its vibrant harbor and historic attractions, and today it’s a thriving tourist destination.
History:
Mystic’s history dates back to the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited the area. In the 17th century, European settlers established Mystic as a maritime and trading hub. The town’s strategic location along the Mystic River made it a center for shipbuilding, commerce, and fishing. The Mystic Seaport Museum, founded in 1929, preserves this legacy with an extensive collection of historic ships and maritime artifacts.
Points of Interest:
– Mystic Seaport Museum: A must-visit attraction, this recreated 19th-century seafaring village offers immersive exhibits, historic ships like the Charles W. Morgan, and live demonstrations of traditional crafts.
– Old Mystic Village: An idyllic shopping and dining area featuring quaint boutiques, cozy cafes, and unique artisan shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
– Mystic Aquarium: Renowned for its engaging marine exhibits and interactive animal encounters, including penguins, sharks, and harbor seals.
– Mystic River B dock: Take a scenic boat tour or enjoy waterfront dining with beautiful views of the harbor.
– Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park: A historical site dedicated to the Revolutionary War, featuring a park, museum, and panoramic views of the Thames River.
We did lots of walking, saw more sites, had great food, and drove on to Provincetown on Saturday.
Day 3 – Provinctown, MA
SEE MORE P-TOWN PIX HERE AND HERE
So here we are in P-Town. One of the things I was happy to see, along with everything else that I enjoy here, was the rainbow crosswalk at the pier. They’re erasing us wherever they can, from book banning to painting over crosswalks and renaming naval ships. It’s alarming to be living in times where it feels as if we’re going backwards from the very minimal equality that we had achieved. We can get married, which is good, though I expect the Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality soon.
Despite all that, we’re having a wonderful time in P-Town. The shows are great. We saw Miss Conception last night, a wonderful show called Make America Gay Again. Wednesday we’re going to see Varla Jean Merman, who has been around for a long time, and I’ve never seen her. The pianist for the show is Todd Alsup, who seems to have quite a career going in Provincetown. He does all kinds of different shows, including tributes to Madonna, Elton John, and George Michael. And on Thursday we go see Dina Martina.
Dina Martina has what my manicurist Shari at West End Salon and Spa referred to as a cult following, which is true. Dina is more performance art than drag. She’s very funny, in a meticulously bizarre way, and she has a rabid following. We go every year.
On Saturday we head back to the real world. It’s been a long trip this year. I’m having a wonderful time, and I’m looking forward to coming back next year and to seeing Shari for the best mani-pedi in town.