The New York Times once wrote, "Irvington is the kind of village, that when you sneeze, 50 people will say 'bless you.'" This caring and welcoming attitude has drawn residents, including many well-known stars of stage, screen, television and radio, and tourists alike.

From its quaint shops to its beautiful homes and spectacular Hudson River views, Irvington is a classic example of the best of the Historic Hudson River Towns. Odell's Tavern, built in the 1690s, was where the newly created State of New York's Committee of Safety met to discuss General George Washington's defeat in the Battle of Long Island. And the Irvington Town Hall Theatre is an exact replica of the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C., made famous for the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Shop along Main Street walking west toward the Hudson River, take a hike along the Irvington section of the Old Croton Aqueduct Historic Trail or discover the newly developed Bridge Street commercial area, right on the Hudson. For more information, visit www.irvingtonny.gov or www.irvingtonnychamber.com

Recreation

Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway. The trailway runs through Irvington, passing the architecturally significant Stiner-Ross House, commonly called the Octagon House, as well as Columbia University Press, Nevis Labs and Mercy College.

Owned and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the trailway offers a scenic walk from northern Westchester County into New York City, or vice versa, following the path of the aqueduct that was once used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City. The trail traverses most of the Historic Hudson River Towns, and while mostly a walking path, it does have some sections suitable for horseback riding.

No motorized vehicles are permitted anywhere along the trailway. Many points of access make it easy to walk sections of the trail. Train stations and bus stops are within walking distance, or a quick taxi ride, from almost any place along the path. And although much of the path is easy to find, with trails identified by Taconic Region markers, walkers interested in traversing longer sections of the trailway are encouraged to call or write for a map which details the route, offering specific directions for some of the more difficult areas of the trail.

The trail begins on the south side of the Croton Dam, farthest away from the spillway. Along the way walkers will see old ventilator shafts as well as a weir chamber, used to spill off waste water during floods. Various parts of the trail offer spectacular Hudson River views. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way available, for $5.75 by calling 914-693-4117. For general trailway information, call 914-693-0529, or go to www.aqueduct.org

Restaurants

• Red Hat Bistro, 63 Main Street, (914) 591-5888.
• Geordane's, 61 Main Street, (914) 591-6911.
• River City Grille, 6 South Broadway, (914) 591-2033.
• Il Sorriso, 5 North Buckout, (914) 591-2525.
• Pasta Station, 50 South Buckout, (914) 591-2011
• Irvington Pizzeria, 106 Main Street, (914) 591-7050.
• Le Moulin, 75 Main Street, (914) 591-4680.
• Solera, 1 Bridge Street, (914) 591-2233.
• renato's on the hudson, 12 North Astor Street (914) 591-0099.

Shopping

• All That Glitters, 59 Main Street, (914) 591-2235
• Irvington Hardware, 81 Main Street, 591-7710
• Lippmann Fine Arts, North Dutcher Street, (914) 591-9240
• Buttermilk Blue, 51 Main Street, (914) 591-6277.
• Terry's Grand Slam, 100 Main Street (914) 591-3268.
• The River Gallery, 39 Main Street, (914) 591-6208.
• Tra La La, 68 Main Street, (914) 591-5312.
• Sunnyside Florist, 45 Main Street, (914) 591-7377
• Video Visions, 86 Main Street, (914) 591-6604.
• Fine Wine & Spirits, 50 Main Street, (914) 591-8181.
• Flying Fingers Yarn Shop, 19 Main Street, (914) 591-4113