Peekskill

Located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, Peekskill is a city well-known for its recent cultural renaissance, with various art galleries, eateries, and shops poviding a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.

HISTORY

New Amsterdam resident Jan Peeck made the first recorded contact with the native tribal people of this area, identified at that time as the "Sachoes". The date is not certain (possibly early 1640s), but agreements and merchant transactions took place, which were formalized into the Ryck's Patent Deed of 1684. Peeck's Kil (meaning "stream" in Dutch) thus became the recognized name for this locale.

European-style settlement took place slowly in the early 1700s. By the time of the American Revolution, the tiny community was an important manufacturing center from its various mills along the several creeks and streams. These industrial activities were attractive to the Continental Army in establishing its headquarters here in 1776.

Peekskill's first legal incorporation of 1816 was reactivated in 1826 when Village elections took place. The Village was further incorporated within the Town of Cortlandt in 1849 and remained so until separating as a city in 1940.

COFFEE & COMMERCE

The Peekskill Coffee House has been serving the best coffee in the Hudson Valley since 2003. Their location in the heart of downtown blends small town charm with hipster chic, creating a vibrant yet cozy ambiance that would make anyone feel right at home.

Much loved by locals, relax and enjoy their selection of sweet and savory crepes or pick up one of many signature lattes from their friendly baristas. On the weekends, listen to the soothing acoustics of talented local artists.

In addition to the Peekskill Coffee House, Peekskill is also home to the Peekskill Brewery, serving the community a place to gather and connect with a thoughtful food menu that features items classically paired and inspired by their award winning beer.

A few other favorites include, Rubens Mexican Cafe, Ramenesque and the Hudson Creamery.

Peekskill Coffee House

Peekskill Brewery

Rubens Mexican Cafe

Ramenesque

The Hudson Creamery

Since 1993 the Bruised Apple has been buying selling and trading all sorts of used, out of print and sometimes truly rare books, records and now also CDs and movies. They also carry an interesting selection of new books and maps about history and the outdoors in the Hudson Valley. The Bruised Apple has about 50,000 titles organized into about 200 subject headings that are comfortably nestled along aisles wide enough to avoid the dreaded claustrophobia...

Bruised Apple Books

RECREATION

The mission of the City of Peekskill Parks and Recreation Department is to provide for the health, inspiration and recreation opportunities for the residents of Peekskill through the creation and maintenance of high quality programs, facilities and community special events. Dedication and preservation of natural resources will insure the opportunity for high quality leisure experiences for generations to come.

The City of Peekskill has many beautiful, family-friendly parks. Please see below for details on each park.

Charles Point
Depew Park
Franklin Park
Lepore Park
Peekskill Dog Park
Peekskill Stadium
Riverfront Green Park
Tompkins Park

The city of Peekskill is also well known for its support of the arts.

The Hat Factory hosts many artists, galleries, and art exhibitions.

AIM (Art Industry Media) is a newly formed division of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce to promote Peekskill and the surrounding Chamber territory as a media hub for the lower Hudson Valley.

Hudson Valley MOCA, formerly known as Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and education organization founded in Peekskill, NY, by Livia and Marc Straus. Their mission is to present challenging exhibitions and programs that spark dialogue, enrich lives, and deepen the understanding of contemporary art.

The Peekskill Arts Alliance presents arts events; fosters collaboration among artists, businesses, regional partners, and the public; engages new audiences; identifies sources of funding; and raises public awareness, appreciation, and recognition of the value of arts in the community. The PAA is a 501(c)(3) arts and education organization.

Peekskill Hat Factory

AIM

Hudson Valley MOCA

Peekskill Arts Alliance

 

EDUCATION

Peekskill is serviced by the Peekskill City School District, which consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Visit the Peekskill City School District website here.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Additional information for the city of Peekskill, including public safety, government, and resources, can be found on their website.

City of Peekskill

 

WHAT'S NEW

The Return of Peekskill

The Factoria at Charles Point

Peekskill Receives $10 Million Dollar Grant to Transform Downtown

Peekskill Walks to Create Public Space on Esther Street

Condos, apartments secure city approval near Peekskill's downtown and riverfront