Located on the Great South Bay, the Village of Patchogue offers a diversity of culture and commerce: restaurants, retail stores, houses of worship, professional offices, recreation, schools and colleges, and an active chamber of commerce.

The area also features a river and four lakes, three of which are stocked with trout by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The harbor bustles with private and commercial vessels. Ferry service is also provided to various parts of Fire Island.

Neighborhoods feature some of the area's 19th century bungalows and Victorians, as well as ranches, Colonials, capes and newer spot-built traditionals. Waterfront homes are priced higher.

In earlier times, the area was a thriving seaport with oyster, fishing and boat building industries. Now the village is run by a mayor and six trustees.

Main Street, trimmed with new quaint street signs and plants in season, stretches along Montauk Highway. One of its landmarks is the renovated 1,200-seat Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Students attend the Patchogue-Medford school district. Two private colleges, St. Joseph's College and Briarcliffe College, are located here as well.

- Lisa Doll Bruno (10/4/2002)