A Visit to Kingston, NY: what to see and do
Once the original capital of New York state, today’s Kingston is both a hip and historic destination. Quaint yet vibrant, the town encapsulates everything we like about the Hudson Valley area - a thriving arts scene, great dining, beautiful surrounding nature and an affection for its own maritime past.
With the picturesque Catskill mountains to the west and the Hudson River to the east, Kingston is surrounded by the prettiest parts of New York state.
The colorful buildings in the Stockade area on Kingston, NY.
What we like about Kingston
Kingston is easy to get to - it’s directly off the New York State Thruway, just an hour and a half drive from NYC.
It is easily combined with other stops in the area, such as New Paltz or Rhinebeck, its neighbor across the river that is connected via the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. It’s also not far from the unique Walkway Across the Hudson.
Kingston comprises three distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality:
Uptown Kingston, also known as “The Stockade” is known for its architecturally distinctive buildings, their colorfully painted and well preserved historic facades can be seen along Main and North Front Streets and the blocks surrounding. The streets are full of art galleries, restaurants and eclectic shops.
We enjoyed having lunch at Opa! Gyros Greek Restaurant in this pretty neighborhood last time we were there.
The Old Dutch Church and cemetery are located here on Wall Street where it has been standing since the 1850s. (The congregation was actually established in the 1600s, but the British burned down the entire town in 1777!)
Midtown Kingston was once an industrial neighborhood and today it is where many artists have come to set up their studios in affordable old factory spaces, making Midtown a creative center of Kingston.
In October, the streets of bohemian Midtown come alive with its annual O+ Festival, a three day street festival featuring over 55 live music performances, visual and performance art, vendors and a variety of health and wellness workshops that are open to the public.
Downtown Kingston, also called the Rondout or waterfront, is perhaps the most charming part of town, featuring lots of nice eateries and shops along Broadway, its main street. A quick walk down to the Rondout Creek offers great waterfront views, boat rides, a maritime museum and lots of historic charm. Barges once unloaded coal here, connecting Kingston to its industrial past.
The waterfront area of the Rondout district.
Exploring the Rondout district of Kingston, NY
Right along the dock of the Rondout Creek, at the foot of Broadway, is a waterfront park with a pedestrian promenade, kayak launch, picnic areas and other amenities.
Further up the waterfront, you will find ferry landings and several unusual museums. This area also connects to the Empire State bike trail.
The Rondout Creek empties into the Hudson River, so there are plenty of river-related attractions to enjoy. The coastline of the Hudson is lush and scenic and particularly beautiful in fall.
Sightseeing cruises along the creek and river are a major attraction, including tours of nearby Rondout Lighthouse. Sunset cruises are popular, as are private event charters with music and dancing. Check out Hudson River Cruises website for detailed information.
I was enchanted by this area; it had a salty maritime charm but not too overdone. It felt real - not “Disney-esque”. Loved the 1898 steam tugboat Mathilda on display near the maritime museum!
Boat building at the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
Located on historic Rondout Landing along old railroad tracks is the Hudson River Maritime Museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries and the communities around it.
My new friend Mathilda is part of the museum exhibit. ;)
The tugboat Mathilda on display.
Trolley Museum of New York
The Trolley Museum of New York, located at 89 East Strand Street was originally founded in 1955 in Brooklyn in an effort to save some of the last trolley cars in New York City. It struggled to find a permanent home in its early years, but in 1983 the museum finally landed in Kingston.
An interactive experience, the museum lets you climb through buses, trains and subway cars and also offers a short ride on a diesel powered trolley along the waterfront. A little gem for sure if you are visiting with children.
Eating in Kingston’s Rondout District
Dining at Savona’s in Kingston.
There is no shortage of places to eat along Broadway in Kingston, so it’s best just to go have a look for yourself and see what appeals to you, but we have to give a shout out to Savona’s, an Italian spot in town where we really enjoyed our dinner.
We chose to sit at the bar rather than wait (we did not make a reservation) - and I have to say, we have to remember to do this more often!
It was so much fun conversing with the bartender and other locals, chatting about the Olympics which were playing on TV, and enjoying a very congenial summer cocktail, which was super fresh and delicious. It was obvious the bartender took a lot of pride in making it. Food was absolutely yummy - Nonna’s Famous Sunday Sauce tasted just like something with such a loving name should taste.
An interesting little detail - when I was waiting to use the restroom in the back, I noticed a framed article hanging up about how Billy Joel had visited the restaurant a while back, and personally filled out the survey card, giving his waitress a glowing review!
It doesn’t get much more “New York State of Mind” than a framed “Scene from an Italian Restaurant” featuring Billy Joel. ;)
We liked Kingston. It has a way of sticking with you, even if you are just passing through.
Where to stay in the Kingston, NY area
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we are recommending a product, activity, or hotel, we might be receiving a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
Hutton Brickyards Riverfront Hotel
Unique rooms on the Hudson River
Firepit and bicycles
Free breakfast
More information here
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Upscale hotel and spa
Two swimming pools
Hot tub
More information here
This post was researched and written by Debbie of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here
Other New York area travel posts you might like:
