Discover Hauppauge
Hauppauge is a hamlet that lies within both the towns of Smithtown and Islip in Suffolk County, New York. Located on Long Island in central Suffolk County, it has a population of approximately 20,800 residents. This hamlet covers an area of about 10.5 square miles. It has an impressive school system, upper-middle-class suburban neighborhoods, picturesque parks and recreation areas, and a bustling industrial park that is home to many successful companies and businesses in the community. Hauppauge shares its American history with the establishment of the towns of Smithtown and Islip in the 1600s and 1700s, however, this lush land full of green forests, ponds, and streams, was initially inhabited by Native American Indians.
History
Historian, Simeon Wood was born and raised in Hauppauge in the early 19th century. According to his book, A History of Hauppauge, the land was originally inhabited by the Nissequogue Indians, and they called the land “Hauppauge” - which translated into “the land of sweet waters.” It was rumored to have this name because of the sparkling streams and fresh water that was available in the area. The area of Hauppauge was acquired as part of the land purchase from the Native American Indians by Richard “Bull” Smith in the 1600’s. Hauppauge was formally settled as a town by prominent businessman, Thomas Wheeler in 1753 and for a while, the settlement took his name. However, in the 1860s the name of the town was restored to Hauppauge.
The Smiths, Wheelers, and Blydenburgs are all prominent families that lived within the Hauppauge area in the town of Smithtown in both the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As a result, in addition to the town itself, there are several landmarks, roads, and parks that are named after these historical families and figures.
School District
The Hauppauge School district offers outstanding academic, athletic and artistic programs to students throughout the Hauppauge community. It serves approximately 3,900 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. It provides three elementary schools (Bretton Woods, Forest Brook, and the Pines), one middle school and one high school, Hauppauge High School.
Hauppauge Business and Commerce
Hauppauge Industrial Park
Hauppauge is home to one of the most extensive industrial parks on the east coast. Located just north of the Long Island Expressway between Motor Parkway, Veterans/Nesconset Highway and the Northern State Parkway, the industrial park spans 1,000 acres and is the location for over 1,300 business and 55,000 employees. This business hub houses large and small businesses alike including the Long Island offices of HBO, as well as numerous technical, industrial and professional businesses. In 1978, the Hauppauge Industrial Association was formed to advocate for the interests of the industrial park as well as for the Long Island business community.
H.L. Dennison Building
Located on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge, the H.L. Dennison Building is the home of many local, county and government offices including Consumer Affairs, Civil Service, Public Works, Economic Development and more. It is also home to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.
Hauppauge Parks and Recreation
Blydenburgh County Park
This picturesque park located on Veteran’s Highway was the original property of the Blydenburgh family, a prominent family from Hauppauge and Smithtown. It has hiking trails, a large pond, row boating, and certain areas are even designated as a campground for overnight visits.
Hidden Pond Park
Located on Terry Road in Hauppauge, Hidden Pond Park has several nature trails, numerous sports fields including tennis courts, handball courts, and softball fields. It also has a playground, picnic area, and an Olympic-size swimming pool and indoor ice skating rink.
The Rinx
The Rinx is located on the grounds of Hidden Pond Park. This exciting recreational spot houses two indoor ice rinks that are available for open skating, skating lessons as well as adult and children’s’ hockey leagues.
The Wind Watch Golf and Country Club
Offers a beautiful 18-hole golf course with a clubhouse and catering venue on site. Other amenities include a restaurant, tennis courts, large pool, and frequent social events. The golf course is also available for private tournaments and golf outings.
Hauppauge Restaurants and Night Life
There are many great places to enjoy an excellent dinner, grab a refreshing drink or cocktail or have breakfast or lunch in Hauppauge. Some of the notable establishments are listed below.
Paces Steak House
This steakhouse is a legend in Hauppauge! With prime aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list – it doesn’t get much than this! Paces have been a staple in the Long Island community for over 30 years!
Ciro’s
Located on Wheeler Road in Hauppauge, Ciro’s offers creative and traditional Italian dishes that will excite any palette. With delicious food and a warm atmosphere, Ciro’s is a great spot for a romantic meal for two or a family dinner.
Butterfields
Butterfields offers a continental and inviting cuisine. Popular with the after-work crowd, it also has a large spacious bar to enjoy a cocktail or an appetizer with friends or coworkers. This large establishment also offers onsite catering options with a private area to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
The Grille
Located on Adams Avenue in the heart of the Hauppauge Industrial Park, the Grille is a great place to meet for a drink after work and stay for an appetizer or a fine meal. It has industrial chic décor and offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights. An ideal place for a business lunch, to meet a friend for dinner, bring a date or enjoy yourself.
Duck Donuts
A welcome newcomer to the Hauppauge (and Long Island) area – Duck Donuts made its debut in the spring of 2018! These delicious donuts offer customers the option to pick their choice of exciting toppings for each donut! A great place for a family to visit and they also serve delicious coffee!
Shopping and More
Grocery stores in Hauppauge include Shop Rite and Uncle Giuseppe’s as well as other types of general stores including craft store, AC Moore, Dress Barn, Dollar Tree, CVS, Walgreens, and numerous privately owned smaller boutique shops.
Hauppauge has a lot to offer! The Industrial Park offers many options for employment, the suburbs are a great place to buy a home or even rent an apartment in the several apartment complexes within the community, and there are many restaurants, stores, and businesses offering all the things that you need to live comfortably in the area.
Sources:
Long Island Genealogy Organization
A History of Hauppauge, by Simeon Wood – Published 1920
Hauppauge School District
Suffolk County Government Offices
United States Census Bureau