In Croton-on-Hudson, the 18th-century Van Cortlandt Manor (S. Riverside Ave., off Rte. 9, 914/271-8981 or 800/448-4007, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Mon. Apr.–Dec., adults $10, seniors $9, students 5–17 $6) is another splendid estate owned by Historic Hudson Valley. Oloff Van Cortlandt arrived in this county in 1638, and his son, Stephanus Van Cortlandt, became the first native-born mayor of New York City.

The Van Cortlandt family once owned 87,000 acres of land stretching from Croton all the way east to Connecticut. They were staunch supporters of the Revolution, and among their many famous guests were Generals Washington and Lafayette.

The deed to the Van Cortlandts’ property still hangs in the house, along with original family portraits. Also on display are period furnishings and a working kitchen where guides concoct Colonial recipes. Outside, a long, brick-paved walk flanked with flower beds leads to a restored 18th-century inn.