At Washington Irving's Sunnyside, Thanksgiving Weekend Is Story Telling Time

The three-day weekend following Thanksgiving Day will be a busy one at Washington Irving's in Tarrytown this year.

Special activities planned for children by Historic Hudson Valley will include viewing of holiday decorations, story telling and tours of the author's home. Young visitors will also be encouraged to participate in games and activities such as the building of a large gingerbread replica of the Sunnyside cottage and the creation of colorful holiday greeting cards.

Evergreens and fruit strategically placed throughout the cottage will replicate decorations appropriate to the 1850s.

Each day from November 26 through 28, stories reflecting mid-19th-century life, times and traditions will be spun by different costumed tellers. The story telling starts approximately on the half-hour; beginning at 10:30 a.m and concluding at 5 p.m.

The museum gift shop will be open during Thanksgiving Weekend. Merchandise available includes Matisse and Chagall Christmas boxed notecards, 2011 Hudson River calendars, caroler and skater figurines, Cardinal bird salt and pepper shakers, water-scene globes, miniature windmills, tree ornaments, toy soldiers, coloring books and sticker books.

Visitors are welcome to stroll the estate's paths or picnic on the grounds. However food service will not be available during Thanksgiving Weekend.

The admission cost includes a guided tour of the house which retains many items of furniture and  former possessions of Washington Irving or his family and participation in the various Thanksgiving Weekend activities. A house tour takes about 45 minutes. The last tour starts at 3 p.m.

The site is closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The entry rates are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 or older and $6 for children 5 to 17. There is no charge for children under 5 or visitors who have purchased annual Historic Hudson Valley memberships. Group rates apply of $10 per adult and $6 per child apply for 10 or more people.

Evening Candlelight Tours are scheduled for Saturday, December 11 and 18, and Sunday, December 26, at Sunnyside. The tours will be offered from 4 to 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets costing $14 for adults and $6 for children 5 to 17 can be purchased online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-631-8200. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend at half price.

Washington Irving's Sunnyside is located at the intersection of West Sunnyside Lane and Route 9, Tarrytown, NY 10591. 914-631-8200. www.hudsonvalley.org.