3. Things to do
Kingston has three main districts, each with its own distinct character.
HistorySitting at the confluence of two waterways, the city has always been a contested site of trade and territorial expansion. Dutch settlers founded a post on Esopus land in 1614 at the meeting of Rondout Creek and the Hudson, trading with the Lenape, Mohican, and Mohawk. In 1658, settlers fortified a stockade on higher ground, encroaching further on Indigenous territory. The British took control soon after, and Kingston became New York’s first capital in 1777. In the 19th century, the waterfront grew into a thriving multicultural commercial center, with generations working for a cement industry that supplied the nation with its building material. For many years the land between the former stockade district and the Rondout was mostly home to families who worked for the local railroad companies. Kingston merged its separate districts in 1872, becoming the city as we know it today.
UPTOWNWhere to grab a bite:
- Potato rosti and mushroom pâté at Chleo
- Cacio e pepe and stracciatella at Lola
- Burger and beer happy hour at Hotel Kinsley Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 PM
What to drink:
- A cocktail at Stockade Tavern or a beer at Salt Box
Things to see:
- Visit Headstone Gallery for its current exhibition
- Take a walking tour of uptown with Friends of Historic Kingston
Stuff to do:
- Check out all the vendors at the Kingston Farmer’s Market—but don’t miss the best Oaxacan-style tamales in the city
- Grab a coffee at Rough Draft Bar & Books and browse the bookshelves
- Browse the storefronts on Front Street, including Everywhere Shop, Rocket Number 9 Records, Capital Vintage, Utopia Gallery, and Kingston Consignment
MIDTOWNWhere to grab a bite:
- Pan fried rice cakes and malt salt fries with Kewpie mayo at Eliza
- Curry goat and red snapper with boiled yam at Top Taste
- Pupusa de loroco y queso with platano con crema at Pupusería Mi Ranchito
- Beers and pizza at Kingston Standard (kid-friendly)
What to drink:
- Sit at the bar at Mirador and have a glass of the house Vermouth
- The Zombie (to share!) at Eng’s
Things to see:
- Walk through the 40,000 square feet of architectural salvage at Zaborski Emporium
- Visit the newly reopened Kingston Library after two years of renovations!
Stuff to do:
- Grab a pastry at Kingston Bread & Bar and walk the rail trail
- Check out the antique and vintage booths at the Red Owl Collective
- See a movie at Upstate Films new Midtown location on Broadway
RONDOUTWhere to grab a bite:- The White Flame and potato beignets at Sorry, Charlie
- The chef’s daily fresh pasta at Graziano’s Downtown Cafe
- A sandwich on housemade bread at Rosie General
What to drink:
- Marinated olives and a glass of Lambrusco at Brunette
- House margarita at Tortilla taco bar
Things to see:
- Check out the latest exhibtion at Monument gallery
Stuff to do:
- Walk along the waterfront of Rondout Creek and visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum
- Visit the new Sojourner Truth State Park, with more than 500 acres conserved in 2019
Spending more time in the area?
Kingston is just one of many small cities and towns along the river and into the nearby Catskill Mountains. The region has plenty to do and see, including farm-to-table restaurants, bakeries, and cafes; historic sites; art galleries and museums; and some of the best hiking trails and fly-fishing in the country. Here are some of our favorites in the Hudson Valley and beyond.- Visit Dia Art Foundation in Beacon and then cross the river for Mexico City-style pastries and coffee at Downstate in Newburgh
- Stop in all the antique stores on Warren Street in Hudson and get dinner and see a drag show at Lil’ Deb’s Oasis
- Grab a matcha at OK Pantry, see what’s on at September Gallery, and visit the Shaker Museum pop-up at the Knitting Mill in Kinderhook
- Tour the Thomas Cole House in Catskill, catch a movie at the Community Theatre (a former vaudeville venue), and end the night with karaoke at Avalon Lounge
- Walk to the Saugerties Lighthouse and shop for vintage clothing at Enoki, then listen to music at the Local
- Get brunch at Phoencia Diner and hike one of the trails in Big Indian Wilderness
- Book a private group sweat at Big Towel, a mobile wood-fired sauna with pop-ups around the Hudson Valley