KINGSTON, ny
Originally the first capital of New York state, Kingston is a historic city which has experienced a cultural renaissance in recent years, giving way to an ever expanding list of independent shops, restaurants, and art spaces. Kingston has three unique neighborhoods–the historic Uptown (Stockade) district, the Midtown arts district and the Downtown (Roundout) waterfront area, each with its own identity, history, and points of interest. We wouldn’t recommend trying to explore all of Kingston in one day, but rather getting to know each neighborhood individually so as not to miss any gems.
getting there
Bus to Kingston
Amtrak train to Rhinecliff, 12 mile cab ride to Kingston
101 miles from NYC
Stay
HOTEL KINSLEY
Luxurious boutique hotel spaced out between four architecturally distinct 17th to 19th century buildings
Church des Artistes
Transport yourself to Northern France in this church turned inn, white linens, cozy corners, secret garden courtyard, and the best hosts you could ask for
uptown kingston
A stroll in Uptown Kingston, also referred to as the Stockade, will take you past some of the oldest architecture in NY state, special shops like Rough Draft Bar & Books and Lovefield Vintage, and a wonderful assortment of restaurants like Restaurant Kinsley, Boitsons, or Duo Bistro. Take in the historic streets by foot and make sure to check out the Farmer’s Market if you happen to be visiting on a Saturday.
shops
Rough Draft Bar & Books +
Neighborhood favorite bar & bookstore, great selection of books, craft beer, and coffee
Lovefield Vintage +
One of our favorite vintage clothing shops in upstate, great selection and prices
Exit Nineteen +
Home goods and gifts
Hamilton & Adams +
Men’s clothing and accessories
Bluecashew Kitchen Homestead +
Kitchen and lifestyle boutique offering cooking classes
River Mint Finery +
Chic women’s clothing boutique
Rhino Records +
Great selection of vinyl, think High Fidelity
Blue-byrds haberdashery & music +
Purveyor of fine hats and the best blues music selection, Black owned*
Flora Beauty +
All natural beauty products and services
Conscious Co. Boutique +
Socially and environmentally conscious clothing for men and women
Kingston Consignments +
Large antique center, perfect for discovering treasures and getting lost
Stuff +
Mid Century Danish decor
Half Moon Books +
Treasure trove of pre-owned and rare books, sister store in Tivoli
Upstate Capital Market +
Curated vintage for your closet and home
Restaurants & Bars
Le Canard Enchaine +
Classic french bistro
Hotel Kinsley +
Bright and airy farm-to-table restaurant, sit by the fireplace if you can
Boitsons +
Classic comfort eats, raw bar & cocktails, sit on the back patio when the weather is warm
Stockade Tavern +
Pre-prohibition style bar, set in a restored 1888’s sewing machine factory
Lola +
Wood fired pizza, house-made pasta, natural wine & cocktails, killer playlist
Crown Lounge +
Cocktail bar located in the oldest house in uptown Kingston
Dietz Stadium Diner +
Family run 24 hour diner
Cafés & Provisions
Outdated Café +
Antique filled vegetarian café where everything down to the chairs are for sale
Sweet Maresa’s +
Exceptional vegan desserts made with ethically sourced ingredients
Kingston Bread & Bar +
Naturally leavened bread, pastries, sandwiches, booze
Sissy’s Café +
Raw juices, smoothies, salads & sandwiches
Deising's Bakery & Restaurant +
Bakery, coffee shop, est. 1965
Art, Music, Theaters
BSP Kingston +
Renowned music venue featuring well known musicians set in an 1870’s Vaudeville Theater, spanning an entire city block
Pink Water Gallery +
Abstract regional art
O+ Positive Festival +
Nonprofit that hosts a yearly arts and music festival in October, commissions city wide murals, supports uninsured artists
Explore
Kingston Farmers Market +
Saturdays from 9am-2pm (check website for indoor and outdoor dates)
Senate House +
Where the first capital of New York was established in 1777
Old Dutch Church +
“The Cathedral of Kingston”, built on the present site in 1660, storied history
Catskill Mountain Railroad +
Historic train rides and charters
midtown kingston
Midtown Kingston is a sprawling industrial area that was once the city’s thriving business district center. Today, many hidden gems can be found there if you know where to look. Visit Top Taste for delicious Jamaican fare, stop in for a perfect cup of coffee or lunch at Village Coffee and Goods, or wander around the stunning furniture showroom of Black Creek Mercantile. Make sure to pass by the Black Lives Matter mural in front of Radio Kingston, commissioned by the annual O Positive Festival whose murals can be seen all over Kingston.
Shops
Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co. +
Beautiful heirloom wooden furniture and objects, by appointment
Restaurants & Bars
Top Taste +
Local favorite Jamaican restaurant, known for their jerk chicken and goat curry, Black owned*
Kingston Standard Brewing Co. +
Nano brewery focusing on small batch beers, great hang-out spot
Lunch Nightly +
Farm-to-table sandwiches and whole animal butchery
The Beverley Lounge +
Cocktails and eclectic pub fare, event space, set in a tavern dating back to 1938
Lis Bar +
Polish-stlye small plates, craft cocktails, natural wine, outdoor patio
Tubby’s +
Cocktail bar, farm to bar fare, vegan options, live music
Cafés & Provisions
Village Coffee and Goods +
One of our favorite spots, amazing coffee, organic fare, and provisions
The Upstate Table +
Custom cakes, cooking classes, stunning space, the best people
Joe Beez Deli +
Classic deli sandwiches, what more could you want?
Monkey Joe Roasting Co. +
Coffee roastery, European style coffee bar
Art, Music, & Theaters
Ulster Center for the Performing Arts +
1500 seat historic theater featuring renowned theater, dance, music, and opera
R&F Handmade Paints +
Encaustic paint studio, workshop space, gallery
downtown kingston
A trip to Downtown Kingston or the Rondout as it’s called by locals, will leave a lasting impression. We first fell in love with Kingston by visiting this district whose main street is set on a steep hill leading down to a vibrant waterfront. Start at the top and make your way down, stopping into favorite stores like Clove & Creek, Kingston Wine Co., and Hops Petunia on the way. Hidden alleyways, historic architecture, and a renaissance of shops and restaurants that shows no sign of stopping, will have you revisiting this neighborhood every time you’re in the area. Once you make your way down to the waterfront where the Rondout creek and the Hudson River meet, make sure you explore such treasures as the Hudson River Maritime Museum, One Mile Gallery, or take a majestic trolley ride along the river from late April to October.
shops
Clove & Creek +
One of our favorites! Gifts and objects for the home and great outdoors
Kingston Wine Co. +
Cult favorite wine shop, great selection at every price, wonderful natural selection
Facets of Earth +
Incredible Jewelry shop specializing in custom and vintage jewelry as well as repairs
Hops Petunia +
One of our Favorite florist offering custom arrangements and speciality gifts
At Home Antiques +
Large antique store offering design services
Jay Teske Leather +
Handcrafted leather goods from the few remaining American tanneries
Sassafras Mercantile +
A metaphysical mercantile for personal liberation, yup it’s that cool
Spruce +
Handsome shop featuring a blend of 20th Century furnishings, art, lighting, and decorative objects
Restaurants & Bars
Brunette Wine Bar +
Prettiest natural wine bar in the land, go for the orange wine, stay for the delicious bites and playlists
Tortilla Taco Bar +
Farm-to-table taqueria, inspired by the owner’s upbringing in Oaxaca
Savonas +
Classic Italian fare housed in a former opera house
Ruby Mae’s Soul Food +
Lovingly prepared soul food made in honor of the owner’s grandmothers, Black owned*
Armadillo +
Colorful cantina serving southwestern eats, dog friendly patio
Explore
Historic Trolley Ride +
Ride along the river in a historic trolley, late April to late October
Kingston Point Rotary Park +
Very special waterfront trail, picnic grove, amazing views
Hutton Brickyards +
Riverfront industrial complex, event venue, home of Field & Supply
Tivoli Sailing +
Private sailboat charters on the Hudson
Kingston Lighthouse Boat Tours +
Boat tours offered through the Hudson River Maritime Museum
Rip Van Winkle +
Hudson River boat tours and private charters
Kingston Greenline +
System of biking and walking trails that connect Kingston’s natural, historic, and commercial areas
Sinterklaas Maritime Parade +
Non Denominational and intercultural holiday parade celebrating fable and fantasy with creative puppets, artwork, and characters, every November in The Rondout
Museums & Galleries
Hudson River Maritime Museum +
Maritime museum offering exhibits, boat tours, and a wooden boat school
Trolley Museum of New York +
Trolley rides, exhibits, charters
One Mile Gallery +
Art gallery featuring local and international artists housed in an original 18th century building
ArtPort Kingston +
Giant alternative art space in a former ship building warehouse