Reading and travel have always gone hand-in-hand. Turn your next RV roadtrip into a literary adventure as well with these destinations in New York, perfect for a 3-day reader’s escape.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Sleepy Hollow, New York serves as the setting for Washington Irving’s 1820 short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The village has also been used as a set for the TV show, Sleepy Hollow. The legendary Headless Horseman has helped bring Sleepy Hollow fame, and give it the distinction of being considered one of the most haunted places in the world. Irving is buried in the village cemetery, along with several other famous people. Ghost walks and cemetery tours can be taken at varying times throughout the year. This historic and spooky village is a classic tale come to life.
Mid-town Manhattan
We couldn’t talk about New York without mentioning the city. There are actually some great RV parks right near New York city, so if you are up for an urban adventure, you can make it happen.
With so much to read, it would be so easy to spend an entire day at Argosy Bookstore in New York City. This six-floor bookshop in midtown Manhattan stocks antiquarian and out-of-print books. They also specialize in signed books, art, maps, modern first editions, and Americana. This family-owned bookstore has been in operation since 1925. If you’re looking for a specific edition or rare book, they are your resource to find it! There is nothing quite like the smell of new books in an new building!
If you haven’t spent the entire day in Argosy Bookstore, be sure to check out a few of Manhattan’s other notable sites like the homes of e. e. Cummings or John Steinbeck, or the birthplace of Herman Melville. Wander past the apartment where Jack Kerouac lived, or visit one of the many places mentioned in your favorite books, like the Central Park Zoo, or Times Square.
Long Island Literary Haunts
Head on over to Long Island and visit the Bryant Library in Roslyn, which houses William Cullen Bryant and Christopher Morley collections including, books, photos, and letters. Nearby, in Christopher Morley Park, you can visit The Knothole, his writing studio, which has been moved to the park for preservation, and where they occasionally host special events. William Cullen Bryant’s home, Cedermere, is open for tours on Thursdays. The grounds are quite beautiful and can be visited year-round.
Finish off your day with a visit to the Roslyn Cemetery, the final resting place of Bryant and Morley, as well as Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett and Parke Godwin. Whether you’re interested in spending time in unique bookstores, visiting famous sites from literature, browsing a library, or seeing where many writers were inspired, and practiced their craft, New York has something for you.
