downtown kingston guide
A trip to Downtown Kingston (the Rondout Waterfront District) 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 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.
stay
church des artistes
Transport yourself to Northern France in this church turned inn with a secret garden courtyard and the best hosts you could ask for
shops
Clove & Creek +
One of our favorites! Gifts and objects for the home and great outdoors (pictured) | Visit
Kingston Wine Co. +
Cult favorite wine shop, great selection at every price, wonderful natural selection (pictured) | Visit
Sassafras Mercantile +
Sassafras is a metaphysical mercantile for personal liberation. Specializing in farm to cup herbal teas and bulk botanicals, they work with herb farms in the region. | Visit
Facets of Earth +
Incredible jewelry shop specializing in custom and vintage jewelry as well as repairs (pictured) | Visit
Hops Petunia +
One of our Favorite florista offering custom arrangements and speciality gifts | Visit
At Home Antiques +
Large antique store offering design services (pictured) | Visit
Jay Teske Leather +
Handcrafted leather goods from the few remaining American tanneries | Visit
Spruce +
Handsome shop featuring a blend of 20th Century furnishings, art, lighting, and decorative objects | Visit
Restaurants, Bars, & Cafés
Rosie General +
Warm atmosphere offering a bakery, butchery, pickles, pastry & grocery | Visit
Brunette Wine Bar +
Prettiest natural wine bar in the land, go for the orange wine, stay for the delicious bites and playlists (pictured) | Visit
Tortilla Taco Bar +
Farm-to-table taqueria, inspired by the owner’s upbringing in Oaxaca | Visit
Savonas +
Classic Italian fare housed in a former opera house | Visit
Armadillo +
Colorful cantina serving southwestern eats, dog friendly patio | Visit
Half Moon Rondout Café +
Made to order fresh hot donuts and coffee. Order more than one, trust us | Visit
Explore
Historic Trolley Ride +
Ride along the river in a historic trolley, late April to late October | Visit
Kingston Point Rotary Park +
Very special waterfront trail, picnic grove, amazing views (pictured) | Visit
Hutton Brickyards +
Riverfront industrial complex, event venue, home of Field & Supply | Visit
Tivoli Sailing +
Private sailboat charters on the Hudson | Visit
Kingston Lighthouse Boat Tours +
Boat tours offered through the Hudson River Maritime Museum | Visit
Rip Van Winkle +
Hudson River boat tours and private charters | Visit
Kingston Greenline +
System of biking and walking trails that connect Kingston’s natural, historic, and commercial areas | Visit
Sinterklaas Maritime Parade +
Non Denominational and intercultural holiday parade celebrating fable and fantasy with creative puppets, artwork, and characters, every November in The Rondout | Visit
Museums & Galleries
Hudson River Maritime Museum +
Maritime museum offering exhibits, boat tours, and a wooden boat school (pictured) | Visit
Trolley Museum of New York +
Trolley rides, exhibits, charters | Visit
One Mile Gallery +
Art gallery featuring local and international artists housed in an original 18th century building | Visit
ArtPort Kingston +
Giant alternative art space in a former ship building warehouse | Visit
Nearby Towns
Stone Ridge
High Falls
Rosendale
New Paltz
Kerhonkson
Accord
Woodstock
Phoenicia
Photo Credit: Max Flatow & Nico Schinco