Explore Kingston, NY
Kingston is rich in history and dates back to the pre-revolutionary war. It was the first capital of NY and there’s now a park and museum where the Old Stockade and Senate house were. Many of the old stone homes in uptown are from the 1700s and are still occupied — a few have been turned into the most charming restaurants. The streets in uptown are lined with historic homes, churches, and museums.
Uptown has gone through a major revival in the past five years. Buyers have moved in from Brooklyn and Manhattan, opening up coffee shops, boutiques, and cafes. Kingston, although small, has a bit of an urban feel, and my clients have told me it reminds them of a smaller version of Brooklyn.
Midtown Kingston was an industrial area in its day and the old factory buildings still stand. In recent years many of them have been purchased, renovated, and turned into recording studios, artist studios, and galleries. Midtown is also home to UPAC (Ulster Performing Art Center), offering concerts and ballet.
The Strand is located on Rondout Creek and leads into the Hudson. It was once a thriving port, trading in Rosendale cement (which was used to build the Brooklyn Bridge), bricks from the Hutton brickyards and bluestone, which were used for many of the sidewalks in Manhattan.
You’ll find restaurants with outdoor seating on the water, museums, and a park with a pavilion that has music on the weekends. Boaters come off the Hudson and dock for dinner on the water (it’s a lively spot).
Kingston has it all — three very distinct areas, excellent food, charm, history, and music!
A few of my favorite places to eat…
Located on Fair Street in uptown Kingston, NY this is one of my favorites. Classic French atmosphere, excellent service, and food. Anything you order will melt in your mouth.
Lively local pub serving sandwiches, burgers, and comfort food made with the Hudson Valley’s freshest ingredients. The rooftop deck and bar are open in the nice weather where you can hang out, have a bite, and watch the sunset.
Love this menu! Small bites, cocktails, beer, and tacos — Mexican classics. Good music and lively bar scene in a totally casual setting.
Salads, individual pizzas, and classic Italian food served under an atrium in uptown Kingston. All good!
Located on the Strand, this gem is a must. Graziano, the chef is from Venice, Italy, and cooks fresh food and specials daily. A taste of Italy, for sure.
A casual spot where you'll find customers lingering and working on their laptops while enjoying a local brew or cappuccino. A bookstore, café, bar — brilliant.