50 PLACES YOU CAN WALK TO IN NEW YORK’S FIRST CAPITAL
IF THIS LITTLE MAZE OF STREETS COULD TALK, WHAT TALES IT COULD TELL!
U PTOWN KINGSTON has loads of history. It’s got the Senate House, where the New York State Constitution was ratified in 1777, and it has the Old Dutch Church, founded in 1659. It has the original Ulster County Courthouse, where Sojourner Truth fought to recover her son in 1827, and it even has the only corner in the US with its four original Colonial Dutch stone houses. Kingston is an important part of our state’s history—and the nation’s too.
Today, the Kingston Stockade District has been rejuvenated. Its streets are as alive on a sunny weekday afternoon as they are on weekend evenings. Folks can relax on benches, visit shops, dine at a plethora of restaurants and bars, enjoy the waterfront, browse art galleries, and visit the farmers market on Saturday mornings. It’s also a hotspot for block parties and festivals like the 0+ Festival, the Festival of the Arts, or Kingston’s famous New Year’s Eve blowout.
We’ve devised this guide to help you cherish Uptown Kingston’s quirky past as it reinvents itself for our present. Come join in the making of history!
EAT/DRINK
BOITSON’S RESTAURANT
47 North Front Street
845-339-2333 boitsons.com
Boitson’s is romantic and upscale yet laidback and fun, and its menu is done right. The story behind this restaurant is one of friendship and love; you’ll feel it in the air and taste it in the fare.
DIEGO’S TAQUERIA
38 John Street
845-338-2816 diegoskingston.com
Locally sourced, fresh, street-style tacos—need we say more? This restaurant has a hip decor with a Southwestern flair. The vibe is laidback, and the food is healthy and truly delicious. Wash it down with a fresh margarita or local craft beer.
DOMINICK’S CAFÉ 34 North Front Street
845-338-4552 dominickscafe.com
Dominick’s is a corner eatery with plenty of natural light, and it features home-style cooking made with the freshest ingredients. A coffee and biscotti from this café makes the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. At mealtime, enjoy Italian specialties and superb pasta.
DUO BISTRO 50 John Street
845-383-1198 duobistro.com
Now expanded to the corner of Wall and John, DUO is an absolutely stunning bistro with tons of natural light and a delicious revolving menu of locally sourced fare. This restaurant aims to create all items in-house, providing artisan breads, smoked meats, and house-made pastries. This is an eatery where you can depend on impeccable meals, wonderful service, and the best brunch around.
DUO PANTRY
297 Wall Street
A new addition to DUO Bistro, this pantry is a perfect one-stop-shop for all things local. The baked treats are all homemade, the produce comes straight from local farms, and they even make their own butter for retail sale. They also carry an array of handmade local craft items like jewelry and pottery.
DMZ KINGSTON
Restaurant and Bar
243 Fair Street
845-331-2043 facebook.com/eastfoodcart
DMZ offers an eclectic, well-executed menu in an equally tasty atmosphere. Their cappuccino and daily brunch are highlights. Folks also rave about the fusion tacos and pad Thai, not to mention perfectly crafted cocktails.
ECCE TERRA
288 Fair Street
845-338-8734 ecce-terra.com
Ecce Terra serves up an eclectic mix of handmade delicacies crafted from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. It offers a diverse menu featuring items from simple Mediterranean salads and grilled portobello sandwiches to grilled octopus, and spicy homemade sausages.
HOFFMAN HOUSE
94 North Front Street
845-338-2626 hoffmanhousetavern.com
Dine in this historic stone house dating back to 1711, with its elegantly landscaped garden patio. Or, on a colder night, get cozy next to one of its three stone fireplaces. Enjoy generous lunch and dinner portions of perfectly cooked steak, fresh seafood, and pasta specialties, and wrap it up with an artisanal dessert.
KINGSTON CANDY BAR
319 Wall Street
845-901-3927 facebook.com/kingstoncandybar
This shop offers classic candies and creative small-batch originals set against a fun, colorful backdrop. Fill a bag with loose treats or savor your favorite Jane’s Ice Cream flavor. It also offers late-night fare for when you’re craving the perfect after-party snack.
OUTDATED
314 Wall Street
845-331-0030 outdatedcafe.com
Celebrate good food and design in a café offering an eclectic mix of vintage goods, antiques, farm-fresh meals, and baked goods.
STOCKADE TAVERN
313 Fair Street
845-514-2649 stockadetavern.com
The ambiance is lively, sexy, and stylish in this tavern, with candle-lit tables, deep burgundy and chestnut hues, and drinks both shaken and stirred. Order from a long list of craft cocktails. The menu is sure to please.
UPTOWN COFFEE
288 Wall Street
845-338-1300 facebook.com/uptowncoffeekingston
Grab a coffee to-go or sit down and enjoy a yummy breakfast or lunch. This coffee shop offers creative daily specials that are always a surprising delight. It’s the perfect place to get some work done or to catch up with friends.
THE TAPPEN
10 Crown Street
845-750-8070 thetappenrestaurant.com
The Tappen’s 1670 building is one of the oldest in the Kingston Stockade area. Dine beside a cozy fire on Chef Daniel Sherman’s outstanding cuisine, featuring handmade gnocchi with beef ragu, creamy mushroom soup, and fresh takes on classic entrees.
PLAY
BSP
323 Wall Street
845-554-3809 bspkingston.com
BSP anchors and enlivens the uptown scene with live music, performance art, screenings, classes, and parties in a historic setting. How many clubs have a full theatre in the back and a dance studio upstairs? Things have happened here that have never happened anywhere else on Earth.
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
Kingston Plaza: 149 Aaron Court
845-688-7400 catskillmtrailroad.com
This popular family-friendly railroad offers rides year-round. Check the website for a schedule, offering riders a round trip from Kingston Plaza over the beautiful Hurley Flats and back.s laidback, and the food is healthy and truly delicious. Wash it down with a fresh margarita or local craft beer.
KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET
Wall Street, Saturdays
Every Saturday, Wall Street closes its main block so vendors from around the fertile Hudson Valley can bring their best. Browse the freshest fruits and veggies, nibble on yummy treats, discover handmade goods, or just enjoy the good cheer and camaraderie, complete with live music.
SENATE GARAGE
North Front Street
914-388-7357 senategarage.com
This is a dramatic, industrial open canvas for your event, located in the heart of the Stockade District on the venerable and beautiful grounds of the famed Senate House. The vintage 1921 garage is a unique indoor space with room outside to sip and dance under the open sky.
SHOP
BLUE-BYRD’S HABERDASHERY AND MUSIC
320 Wall Street
845-339-3174
Blue-Byrd’s has been the local home of the blues since 1992, from the music to the style. They’ve added harps, prints, posters, and gifts to what was already an impressive selection of CDs, DVDs, and vinyl plus hats, t-shirts, ties, and suspenders. They’ll even block and clean your hat for you.
COLUMBIA COSTUME AND BEAUTY SUPPLY
66 North Front Street 845-339-4996
Transform with this most impressive selection of wigs, makeup, costumes, accessories, and everything related, from theatrical to just-for-fun. If they don’t have it, they’ll special order it.
EXIT NINETEEN
309 Wall Street
845-514-2485
If you are a fan of unique home décor, this sister store to Spruce Design in Rhinebeck will make you happy. exit nineteen is packed with Asian modern, country cabin, and mid-century modern pieces in addition to dinner and party ware. Browse and be amazed by John and Jamie’s taste and how easily it can transform your home.
KINGSTON PLAZA
Plaza Road
845-338-6300 kingstonplaza.com
The plaza is just a short walk from the Stockade, offering a supermarket, laundry flat, salon, electronic store, auto store, fitness center, dentist, physical therapist, financial advisor, pharmacy, and more. When your business is done, stop for fine cigars and liquor or dine at one of the restaurants
ROCKET NUMBER NINE
50 North Front Street
845-331-8217 facebook.com/rocketnumberninerecords
Browse to your music-lovin’ soul’s content through used and new vinyl, CDs, fine equipment, t-shirts, and other related goodies. If you’re around on the right night, you could even catch some live music
TERESA & CO.
303 Wall Street
845-339-4202 facebook.com/theresaandco
Teresa’s keen eye for superb quality and cutting-edge trends helps her fill this store with excellent pieces. The shop offers unbelievable deals on high-end, unique women’s and children’s clothing and fabulous skin care products. Ask for help when you go—Teresa has a priceless knack for inspiring just the right choice.
CATSKILL ART AND OFFICE SUPPLY
328 Wall Street
845-331-7780 catskillart.com
Area artists and business folk rely on this 35-year-old haven that is jam-packed with art and office supplies plus a wide selection of novelties and maps. They also offer custom picture framing, graphic design, and a full-service copy shop. It’s downright inspirational, not to mention useful.
ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS
57 North Front Street
845-331-1921 esterwine.com
This elegantly curated shop is stocked with hand-selected inventory from natural, organic, and biodynamic wineries and craft distilleries around the world. The staff is full of friendly connoisseurs who will enjoy helping you select the perfect beverage for any occasion.
HERZOG’S HOME AND PAINT CENTER
151 Plaza Road
845-338-6300 herzogs.com
Only the luckiest communities have places like Herzog’s. They’re a family-run business that’s over 100 years old, committed to the essence of true value. Herzog’s offers a full-service paint center in addition to building materials, tools, hardware, housewares, gifts, and everything for your garden, all sold by helpful experts.
PETALOS FLORAL DESIGN
290 Fair Street
845-514-2800 petalosfloral.com
Petalos specializes in the freshest, most rare, and longest-lasting flowers and plants in the region, with an inventory collected by working intimately with growers. Choose a few stems, an arrangement, or the perfect succulent, and pair it with some local honey or a locally made gift. You’ll find the perfect treat for anyone you love, including yourself.
SCHNEIDER’S JEWELERS
290 Wall Street
845-331-1888 schneidersjewelers.com
Get your sparkle on with perfect bling. Schneider’s has a vast array of designer pieces, engagement and wedding jewelry, and fine timepieces. They also offer a full-service repair facility.
TONNER DOLL COMPANY
301 Wall Street 845-339-2960 x123 tonnerdoll.com This doll showroom is absolutely worth the visit. Hand-painted details and designer costumes make up this incredible fine doll selection by artist Robert Tonner. Open by appointment only.
SERVICE
JEAN KALLINA PHOTOGRAPHY
133 Green Street
917-757-9692 hudsonvalleyphoto.com
Jean Kallina is an accomplished photographer whose work is in the permanent collection in the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Since moving to the Hudson Valley from New York City, she has specialized in photography for elegant country weddings and events. She also owns and operates hudsonvalleybarnweddings.com, an online resource for planning rustic weddings in upstate New York. Open by appointment only.
TRAILWAYS
400 Washington Avenue
800-858-8555 trailwaysny.com/index.php/bus-between-kingston-nyc
Ride in comfort from Kingston to New York or to your other choice of destination. Trailways busses are conveniently scheduled and well maintained, with amenities like Wi-Fi, outlets, and mandatory quiet commutes.
WESTWOOD METES & BOUNDS
16 Hurley Avenue
845-340-1920 westwoodrealty.com
Many people become locals after visiting Kingston, and you can too. Westwood is the perfect real estate company to help you along the way. They have been in the business for over four decades and for longer than any other large agency in Ulster County.
PUGSLY’S TRADITIONAL BARBERSHOP
3 Main Street 845-331-2229 pugslysbarbershop.com
Shaves and cuts—old school style. Pugsly’s is a time machine bringing you back to the 1940s and into the heart of the neighborhood. Relax and enjoy, and step out looking and feeling like a million bucks. Walk-ins only.
RAGE HAIR SALON
40 North Front Street 845-331-2211
Mike and Joe are ultra sweet, fashion-forward artists at their trade, and they’re ready to provide you with everything from a maintenance session to a whole new look.
ULSTER SAVINGS
280 Wall Street
845-338-6060 ulstersavings.com
Centrally located and service-oriented, locals are as proud of their indie bank as they are of being local. Whether looking to establish banking services or just to break a large bill, you’ll find wonderful, helpful people in both the Wall Street branch and the main headquarters on nearby Schwenk Drive.
PUGSLY’S SIDESHOW BARBERSHOP
42 North Front Street
845-481-5843 pugslysbarbershop.com
This is the appointment-only sister shop to Pugsly’s Traditional. Reserve yourself the attentions of a pro in a late-fifties atomic-era setting.
STAY
BEST WESTERN PLUS
503 Washington Avenue
845-338-0400 bwpkingston.com
This modern, full-service hotel and conference center has 208 guest rooms and over 8,000 square feet of banquet space, offering premiere, quality amenities: an indoor, heated saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a restaurant/bar and catering, and a complimentary hot American breakfast. It’s easily accessible from the thruway and is walking distance from the Kingston Trailways bus station.
SUITE DREAMS
34 North Front Street
914-388-1002 suitedreamskingstonny.com
You’ll find an inviting atmosphere at this great location, with impeccable service, outstanding amenities, and a café downstairs. It’s just steps from dining, shopping, history, and nightlife.
WELLNESS
ALEXIS SARANDON ACUPUNCTURE
12 John Street, 2nd Floor
617-833-3231 alexissarandonacu.com
Alexis has a master’s degree in acupuncture and specializes in chronic pain, athletic injuries, fertility and pregnancy care, and stress management. She’s an expert in both classical Chinese and sports based care to balance and support body and spirit.
ANAHATA YOGA AND MORE
35 North Front Street, 2nd Floor
845-481-0519 anahatakingston.com
Exposed brick, white-painted tin ceilings, and the calming scent of essential oils combine to create a yoga oasis served by passionate and compassionate teachers. A thoughtful selection of classes lets you pick your own pathway to the peace within your highest self.
BIRCH BODY CARE
73 Crown Street 845-331-7139 birchkingston.com
Serenity, thy name is Birch. The aromas and calming vibe will have you feeling better the moment you walk in, and walk-ins are welcome. Choose from a comprehensive list of spa services and say sayonara to stress.
MUDITA YOGA CENTER
243 Fair Street, 3rd Floor
845-750-6605 muditayogacenter.com
At Mudita we honor yoga’s ancient roots and draw on the best of modern yoga. Our yoga classes include movement, stretching and strengthening with mindfulness, breath-work, and philosophy woven into the mix. This balanced combination gives the physical practice meaning, context and value beyond exercise, offering you an invigorating, complete, and rich mind body experience.
Photo Credits- 1) Main Image by Jessica Brush 2) Senate House, Kingston by Jean Kallina
