Anjanette

Lake Peekskill is a completely residential lakeside hamlet within the parent town of Putnam Valley in Putnam County, NY. It is very tranquil and quite secluded and one should really desire to live a quiet, somewhat private and unhurried existence. That being said, it isn’t exactly isolated, either. You do have some amenities in Putnam Valley and plenty more to choose from in nearby Mohegan Lake, Jefferson Valley, Garrison and Cortlandt Manor.

Lake Peekskill only has one eatery to speak of, the Lakeside Market & Deli on Lake Drive which has a great view of the lake and equally great pizza. Putnam Valley has Forno III Brick Oven Pizzeria, Spruce Hill Inn, Panda Garden and Richy’s Pub Grub. For yet more dining options, you only have to go an additional two miles into Mohegan Lake where you will discover Augies Prime Cut Restaurant & Bar, Café Pizazz and Pizza Pizzaz, Hanada Hibachi, Brodie’s Pub, Piazza Roma, Baskin Robbins, Napoli’s Pizza and Restaurant, Panera Bread and Mohegan Diner.

Lake Peekskill has no stores or businesses, but you are only 3.9 miles from the popular Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights which has all the favorite staples plus a huge food court. Also within reasonable respective driving distances are Walmart and The Home Depot in Mohegan Lake (about 2.2 miles away), Kohl’s and Marshalls in Cortlandt Manor (about 2.3 miles away) and a few dollar stores and a Walgreens in Peekskill (about 3 miles away).

Cortlandt Town Center Stadium 11 in Mohegan Lake (about 1.9 miles away) is the closest movie theatre.

Every September, Putnam Valley throws the festive Putnam Valley Town Day with exhibits, vendors, a concert and even a nice fireworks display.

For outdoors enthusiasts, Putnam Valley Town Park has three lighted tennis courts, several multi-purpose courts, two playgrounds, a rentable pavilion that boasts a full kitchen, two volleyball courts, several playing fields, a roller hockey rink, horseshoe pits and some nice hiking trails. Putnam Valley also has access to Clarence Fahnestock State Park which is a beautiful 14,086- acre park that has a great beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty decent campground, and allows boating, hunting, fishing and makes for some quality birding. Lake Peekskill itself has three private beaches.

Lake Peekskill is pretty safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

Lake Peekskill students are a part of the Putnam Valley Central School District which is fairly good.

The median household income is about $72,938.

The population of the greater Putnam Valley area is approximately 11,000 with the population of Lake Peekskill being considerably less.

Putnam Valley is both a town and hamlet in Putnam County, NY and is affectionately referred to as the “Town of Lakes,” as it does indeed have many pretty ones. It doesn’t have many amenities, however, so it is good for those who prefer a quiet lifestyle and do own a reliable car.

Putnam Valley is a little scant on decent eateries but does have Forno III Brick Oven Pizzeria, Spruce Hill Inn, Panda Garden and Richy’s Pub Grub. For more options one need not go far to nearby Mohegan Lake where there is Augie’s Prime Cut, Café Pizzazz, Piazza Roma, Panera Bread, Baskin Robbins, Applebees, Cold Stone Creamery, Wild Fusion and Mohegan Diner.

As far as retail shopping, there isn’t a whole lot in Putnam Valley itself, but there are some major stores in nearby towns. Cortland Manor has a Marshalls and a Kohl’s. Mohegan Lake has a Walmart, a Bed Bath & Beyond, a Barnes & Noble, an Old Navy and an UA Cortland Stadium 11 multiplex showing the latest biggies. The Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights is within reasonable driving distance at 4.3 miles and there you will find Macy’s and Sears as well as over 90 specialty stores including such favorites as H & M, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret, Express, Foot Locker, Gap, etc. They also have a 400-seat food court and a lot of other great restaurants, chain and independent, in the immediate area.

There is a Super Stop & Shop in Peekskill which is about 2.9 miles away and a DeCicco Marketplace in Jefferson Valley which is about 3.3 miles away.

Every September, the town holds the wonderful Putnam Valley Town Day with fun exhibits, vendors, a concert and a fireworks display.

There is also Putnam Valley Town Park which has three lighted tennis courts, several multi-purpose courts, two playgrounds, a rentable pavilion with a full kitchen, two sanded volleyball courts, several playing fields, a roller hockey rink, horseshoe pits and some nice hiking trails. Putnam Valley has access to Clarence Fahnestock State Park, a stunning 14,086 acre park that boasts a beautiful beach, picnic areas, wonderful hiking trails, a pretty campground, boating, hunting, fishing and birding.

Putnam Valley is also not far from the fantastic Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights which has an enormous and very popular outdoor pool, disc golf, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, boat rentals, boat launches, playgrounds, playing fields, hiking, fishing, pavilions, picnic tables, concession areas and restrooms and showers. The town park has a wonderful concert series that kicks off in May and hosts some pretty great acts including the likes of Steve Forbert. The concerts are always free and they sell reasonably priced food. The park also holds a fun car show. Putnam Valley also has the Lucky Dog Park. Just make sure you register your furry friends at the park and rec office first!

Putnam Valley students are a part of the Putnam Valley Central School District which is quite good.

The median household income is $72,938.

The population is approximately 11,000.

Stanford is a small and very quiet town in Dutchess County comprised of the hamlets of Stanfordville and Bangall. The area is pretty enough but as for amenities and entertainment, it is pretty slim pickings and you really have to drive to neighboring towns. That being said, if you want a peaceful, relatively undisturbed rural lifestyle with no hustle and bustle, then this place might be for you.

As far as what Stanford does have to offer, you will find Elvin’s Market in Stanfordville. Your best bet for shopping is to head West to Kingston to the Target or down South to Poughkeepsie where you will find just about everything you could want or need, goods and service-wise.

Luckily, there are some fairly decent restaurants in Stanford to satisfy your need for good food and social interaction. The lovely Red Devon Restaurant & Market in Bangall which serves environmentally friendly locally grown sustainable fare which is super fresh and delicious. They have organic beer and wine at the bar. They sell goods in their market during the week and serve breakfast and lunch there. The actual restaurant is open for dinner on Fridays thru Sundays. There is also Stanford Pizza, Picolo 82, Home Plate, Uncle Sonny’s Café & Pizzeria, The Bangall Whaling Company and Doreen Brown in Stanfordville,

The Stanford Free Library does hold some nice programs including a defensive driving class, a writer’s group, a watercolor class, a meditation workshop, a mountain lion presentation and the wonderfully wholesome “Songs Around the Campfire,” a festive night of singing, s’mores and hot chocolate.

For outdoor activity in Stanford itself, there is Stanford Recreation Park, Whitlock Preserve and the beautiful Buttercup Preserve where you can picnic. Stissing Mountain is within driving range in nearby Pine Plains, NY and has an elevation of 1,400 feet as well as 595 beautiful acres. One can hike here on several trails and mountain bike and there are absolutely splendid views.

Stanford students are a part of the Millbrook Central School District.

Stanford is quite safe and the crime rate is relatively low.

The median household income is about $54,118.

The population of Stanford is approximately 3,825.