I was born a little too late to watch "The Facts of Life", the iconic boarding school sitcom that gave Mrs. Garrett a new calling and introduced us to the tight-knit group of Jo, Tootie, Blair, and Natalie. But even as a late-comer, the iconic theme song is still ringing in my head! This is a show that's stood the test of time, and it still has many fans today who might be interested in visiting where it all began - the town of Peekskill in Westchester, just a short day trip from the city. There are a lot of amazing things to do in Peekskill, New York, and this charming small city of around 25,000 has become a key spot in the area for dining and hiking. Come with us and discover "the facts" of why Peekskill! should be your next small-town getaway!
Peekskill is one of those cities I like to call "Goldilocks Cities" in that they're just right. They're large enough to have a great selection of shops, restaurants, and spots to visit, but they're small enough that they maintain that charming small-town feel and are surrounded by stunning nature. You can get to Peekskill from the city via Metro-North railroad, so it's an ideal day trip.
The town is flanked by mountains and has some amazing historic architecture scattered throughout. Formerly a center of industry, it's now a great place to live with a thriving main street. While the school in "The Facts of Life" was fictional, many of the educational institutions here might look a little familiar.
Peekskill is also an amazing spot for hikers to visit, thanks to the nearby Blue Mountain Reservation. This natural wonder has been part of the NY parks system since 1926 and is home to a large collection of hiking trails ranging from simple to challenging, as well as a target range, a lodge, and some amazing waterfalls.
When you're done exploring, it's the perfect time to get a bite to eat. Peekskill has an amazing dining scene no matter when you're hungry - you can start your day with a pastry or crepe and some of the area's best coffee at Peekskill Coffee House, which is often called "Peekskill's Living Room". For dinner, the town is known as a hub of craft breweries and delicious comfort food.
Have you visited Peekskill before? Let us know your favorite things to do in Peekskill, New York - and sure, tell us your favorite Facts of Life memories too! If you're thinking that one day might not be enough time to explore Peekskill - and we don't blame you - consider booking a stay at The Abbey Inn & Spa, a spectacular luxury hotel built in a truly one-of-a-kind locale.
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