Peekskill Small Business Spotlight: Trinity Cruise Company, LLC

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Trinity Cruise Company, LLC (aka Trinity Cruises)
• Owners: Captain Mary Pat Driscoll
• Website: www.trinitycruises.com
• Location Address: Riverfront Green Park, 30 Hudson Ave. Peekskill, NY 10566. Mailing address: P.O. Box 129 Peekskill, NY 10566

How did you come up with the name? I have an Irish background and the Trinity name has ethnic and spiritual meaning for me. The name of my tour boat is Evening Star and it was the name of the former newspaper in Peekskill and had a romantic ring to it, so I renamed the boat when I bought it.

Why start a business in this town? I could see how Peekskill was on an upswing of revitalization and I wanted to become a part of that excitement. Also, this portion of the Hudson River was underserved, as there is not another tour boat operating in the 53 miles between NYC and West Point. It’s one of the most beautiful sections of the Hudson River, through the Hudson Highlands, and it’s a great opportunity to share this with my passengers.

What business are you in? Tourism! I offer public Hudson River cruises aboard the tour boat Evening Star between Peekskill and West Point, and we are also available for private events.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? As a new business it’s always a challenge to get the word out that you are here. Even after several years in the business I still find people who are just discovering us. I’d like for everyone in the area to know that we are here offering this great opportunity to enjoy the Hudson River.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening? I’m very proud that I’ve been an integral part of the revitalization of the Peekskill Waterfront area and I look forward to continued growth in this historic part of the City.

How does your business give back to the community? Through our contract with the City of Peekskill we offer free cruises to the Peekskill Youth Bureau programs and to the Peekskill Senior Center participants. We also offer discounted cruises for schools, summer camps, senior programs and several developmentally disabled adults who have included us in thier programming. The boat is also a great venue for local non-profits to host fundraising events for which we offer special pricing.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.