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From the late 1600s, when Jan Peeck established a trading post on Annsville Creek, Peekskill relied on the Hudson River for its business needs. During the 19th century it became a manufacturing center for stoves, hats, and - even - underwear. Boats of all descriptions stopped for passengers and cargo as they plied the river from New York to Albany. There are several locations thought to have been associated with the Underground Railroad. Now in the midst of revitalization, with emphasis shifting to the arts and state of the art technology, Peekskill is fortunate to have reclaimed and retain much of the architecture and open space that defined its elegant past. An artists' district in the downtown, a Business Improvement District, and renovation and innovative reuse of several sizable buildings are breathing new life into the central business district. Pleasant restaurants, galleries, boutique shopping, and a weekly farmers' market entice residents and visitors. The Paramount Center for the Arts provides headline live entertainment and art movies for the entire region.
Attractions Birdsall House Plaque - Although a group of activists wanted to preserve the Birsdsall House because of its use as a headquarters by General Washington during the War of Independence, it was razed in 1853, because it was an obstruction on Main (or North) Street. The tablet was installed in 1931 by the Friendly Town Association. South side of Main Street, near the corner of Division Street. Lincoln Exedra - A small plaque commemorates the short visit of President-elect Abraham Lincoln during his trip to his inauguration in Washington, his only stop in Westchester. The Peekskill Lincoln Society, one of the oldest in the country, holds a ceremony at the Exedra on or near the President's birthday every year. It overlooks the Old Lincoln Railroad Station, which the city is planning to renovate. West side of South Street. M/V Commander - The historic excursion boat sails from Peekskill's Riverfront Green at 12:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of every month from May - October, for a three-hour narrated cruise north into the Hudson Highlands. Reservations required. (914) 534-7245. http://www.hudsonhighlandscruises.com National Maritime Historical Society - Although not currently open to the public, the National Maritime Historical Society holds seminars throughout the year on related topics that are well-worth attending. 5 John Walsh Boulevard. (914) 737-7878. http://www.seahistory.org/ Paramount Center of the Arts - Built in 1930 as a movie palace, the Paramount is a performing arts center that hosts top quality live entertainment, movies, gallery showings and educational programs. The marquee and doors have recently been restored thanks to the fund-raising efforts of committed volunteers. 1008 Brown Street. (914) 739-2333. http://www.paramountcenter.org/ Peekskill Celebration - A three-day festival during the first weekend in August, the city lets out all stops to celebrate its heritage, diversity, culture and location. Music, food, carnivals, tall ships, arts and crafts, special exhibits - and the most spectacular fireworks of the year. http://www.peekskillcelebration.com/ Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce - Conveniently located in the heart of the business district, the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce provides up-to-date tourism information with brochures, newspapers and on an electronic "kiosk." The staff cheerfully answer questions. 1 South Division St. (914) 737-3600. http://www.hvgatewaychamber.com Peekskill Museum - Housed in the Herrick House, designed by William R. Mead of the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, it displays tools and products from the local foundries; items from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; furnishings; clothing and more. On the lawn outside is the cannon used to fire on the British ship "Vulture" and thwart the British spy, Major John André, and his return to New York City with plans of West Point. Open Saturdays, 2 - 4 p.m. from June - October, and by appointment. 124 Union Avenue. (914) ) 736-0473. http://www.peekskillmuseum.com. Tours of the Artists' District - Every third Saturday tours of art studios, galleries and artists' lofts begin outside the Paramount Center for the Arts, 1008 Brown Street, at 10 a.m. Tour guide is Wendie Garber, Director of the Flat Iron Gallery. Fee: $5 per person. (914) 734-1894. Underground Railroad Tours of various sites in Peekskill, are scheduled monthly during the warmer seasons. They depart from The Fern Tree, South Division Street, Peekskill. 736-7908. Hudson Valley Center For Contemporary Art (HVCCA) - The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art is a non-for-profit 501(c)(3) arts and educational organization dedicated to the development and presentation of new works, exhibits and interdisciplinary programs that enrich understanding of contemporary art, its contexts and relationships to societal issues. Open Saturday & Sunday from 1am to 6pm or by appointment. The HVCCA is located at 1701 Main Street. (914) 788-7166. http://www.hvcca.com Recreation Charles Point - China Pier - China Pier at Charles Point provides an expansive view of Peekskill Bay on up to Bear Mountain, and the Bear Mountain Bridge. It was used by the Fleischmann Company to import the raw materials at its vast yeast and gin factory. Now, it hosts the tall ships during Peekskill Celebration and provides a great spot for a picnic and river watching. http://www.ci.peekskill.ny.us Blue Mountain Reservation - The Westchester County-owned 1,600-acre park has 15 miles of marked hiking paths and bridle trails, with seven suitable for mountain biking. It is heavily wooded by mature trees, and home to deer, squirrels and wild turkeys. There are plenty of picnic areas, playground facilities and a small lake for fishing (with a valid license) and swimming. Blue Mountain Lodge has dormitory accommodations, a dining room, living room and kitchen and is available for group rental by organizations, except during the summer months. Parking is $7 without a county pass, and there is an extra fee for swimming. Welcher Avenue, off Route 9A. (914) 737-2194. http://co.westchester.ny.us/parks/ Restaurants * Antonio's Pizza, Crossroads Plaza, (914) 739-9090 * Central #1
Pizza, 630 Washington St., (914) 788-4644 *
Chola-Cuencana, 1103 Main St., (914) 737-9041 * Di Nardo's Trattoria, 418 Washington St., (914) 737-4445 * The Division Street Grill, 26-28 N. Division St., (914) 739-6380 * El Trigal,
11 Bank St., (914) 739-5864 * Henry's on Hudson, Peekskill Motor Inn, 634 Main St. (914) 737-0515 * Mana International Foods, Inc., 55 Hudson Ave. (914) 788-6430 * Modern
Bakery, 933 South St., (914) 737-0822 * Peekskill
Coffee House, 101 South Division St., (914) 739-1287 * Ravenna
Osteria, 1099 North Division St., (914) 736-0292 * Santa Lucia
Pizzeria & Restaurant, 418 Washington St., (914) 737-4445 * Sunset House, 137 N. Water St., (914) 734-4192 * Sycamore
Gallery & Café, 929 South St., (914) 739-0566 * Westchester Diner, 300 Old Albany Post Rd., (914) 734-4949 * Zeph's Restaurant, 638 Central Ave., (914) 736-2159 Shopping * Casola Gallery, 927 South St., (914) 734-2154 * The Coop, 103 South
Division St., (914) 737-2194 * DJV Jewelry, 1005
Park St., (914) 737-6550 * Field Library Book
Store, 934 South St., (914) 736-7030 * Ford Piano
Rebuilding, 15 South Division St., (914) 739-1224 * Green Acres Gourmet,
1027 Park St., (914) 736-3737 * Maria Tallerico Interiors & Designs, 107 South Division St., (914) 736-3408 * Maxwell Fine Arts,
1204 Main St., (914) 737-8622 * Nature's Window, 1018 Park St., (914) 737-0960 * The Nelson House Antiques, 32 North Division St., (914) 734-0344 * Paramount Center for the Arts & The Upper Gallery, 1008 Brown St., (914) 739-2333 * Past & Present Antiques, 106 South Divison St., (914) 739-5070 * Retrovato Consignments & Collectibles, 36 North Division St., (914) 734-2750 * Shades of Green, 23 North Division St., (914) 737-8470 *
Total Knockout Boutique, 1011 Brown St., (914) 739-4949 Lodging
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