Forget Salem. We should all be hopping on our broomsticks to check out Sleepy Hollow.

Sleepy Hollow, a village around 30 miles outside New York City, is a popular destination for Halloween enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The area, which was first settled by Dutch immigrants in the 1600s, has been immortalized in literature and film, most notably Washington Irving's 1820 short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," which features the infamous Headless Horseman.

Last fall, I visited Sleepy Hollow to experience its eerie atmosphere and explore its historical sites. The village, which is a 40-minute train ride from New York City, is home to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of many notable figures, including author Washington Irving, who is buried there alongside his family and other prominent Americans such as Andrew Carnegie and members of the Rockefeller family.

The cemetery, spanning 90 acres, contains around 47,000 interments and offers various tours, including ghost tours at night and daytime tours. While the cemetery is not a tourist trap, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area and its ties to famous literary and cultural figures.

Outside the cemetery, visitors can also tour Sunnyside, the former home of Washington Irving, and Kykuit, the retirement home of John D. Rockefeller. With its rich history, spooky ambiance, and proximity to New York City, Sleepy Hollow is a unique destination that stands out from the more famous Halloween capital of the United States, Salem.