Patchogue is a community on the move. Even if you have yet to visit, you’ve probably heard this expression from someone or from somewhere, recently.
To many, Patchogue is a new phenomena, a community that came out of nowhere to become Long Island’s most talked about “hot spot.” New businesses, surrounded by new living opportunities, seem to pop up daily; unique dining experiences enhance long-established retail landmarks; arts in all media thrive to the beat of Long Island’s best local music and street festivals—all made vibrant by the influx of young adults comingling with long-time locals. Patchogue has become one of the most culturally diverse, prospering communities this side of the East River.
The present state of Patchogue does predict an exciting future. While recent memory recalls a time of relatively brief stagnation, most may not remember Patchogue’s rich past as a leader in business for the northeast.
A community with roots dating back to the 1750s, Patchogue led Long Island into the industrial age, dotted with mills powered by the many local streams that collectively gave Patchogue it’s Native American name. A true maritime community, Patchogue was an integral part of our region’s shellfishing and boat building industries.
Nestled near a world renowned metropolis, as the 19th turned into the 20th century, Patchogue became a vanguard resort town with more than a dozen hotels introducing newcomers to Long Island’s unique southern shoreline at a time when the Hamptons and Fire Island were an unknown wilderness. By the 1950s, and before the advent of the strip mall, Patchogue as a Village was known as the region’s largest business district, servicing the many surrounding and growing communities of Brookhaven Town.
And now, we have entered a new era as a sought after modern residential and recreation center at a time when the walkable downtown experience is desirable once again.
As the 20th century has moved well into the 21st, it is not at all ironic that local community officials are contemplating establishing downtown tourist lodging as the next logical step to sustain our current prosperity for decades to come. Patchogue in the present is looking to the future with an eye on the past.
Whether it’s work, live or play, we invite you to be part of our new era. One thing that never changes is that Patchogue welcomes all.
David Kennedy
Executive Director
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