UPTOWN:
A: BEST WESTERN PLUS KINGSTON
B: BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
C: TRAILWAYS BUS
D: HOFFMAN HOUSE RESTAURANT
E: HALTER ASSOCIATES REALTY
F: KINGSTON CONSIGNMENTS
G: BIRCH BODY CARE
H: BRICKMEN KITCHEN + BAR
I: MAGIC HILL MERCANTILE
J: FIRST CAPITAL POKE BAR
K: ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS
L: HAMILTON & ADAMS
M: YUM YUM NOODLE BAR
N: HERZOG’S
O: KINGSTON PLAZA
P: KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET
Q: FRIENDS OF HISTORIC KINGSTON
MIDTOWN:
R: MASA MIDTOWN
S: TILDA’S KITCHEN
T: ULSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
U: RED OWL COLLECTIVE
V: CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION
W: D.R.A.W. KINGSTON
X: ZEPHYR FLOAT
Y: KINGSTON STANDARD BREWING
WATERFRONT:
1: FOLK HOUSE COLLECTIVE
2: ROSIE GENERAL
3: CHICORY NATURALIST
4: FACETS OF EARTH
5: HOPS PETUNIA FLORAL
6: NEXT BOUTIQUE
7: HUDSON RIVER CRUISES
8: HUDSON RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM
9: OLE SAVANNAH SOUTHERN TABLE
10: TROLLEY MUSEUM
11: ARTPORT KINGSTON
12: KINGSTON POINT BEACH
13: HUTTON BRICKYARDS
Kingston is a well-run, well-loved place where you’ll find a warm, intelligent welcome among loads of good food, good fun, and cool, quirky places to explore.
Kingston is home to about 24,000 people from everywhere, beloved for its blend of 21st-century hip and classic old New York, its repurposed industrial spaces and Colonial history, its many and varied murals, its warmth, convenience, and bottomless wellsprings of creative energy in an infinity of flavors.
Back in the day, Uptown was where the colonists built their fortress and The Waterfront was a brawling, bustling port where the Rondout Creek meets the Hudson. You can still catch a subtle vibe of those centuries-old histories in and around those neighborhoods today, and they’re now connected by the emergent energetic center of the Midtown Arts District.
Each of the neighborhoods is compact and walkable. Look for the free Blue Route buses operated by Ulster County Area Transit, or use the Kingston Greenline Trail to navigate the city from end to end without a car.
.
This is a well-run, well-loved place where you’ll find a warm, intelligent welcome among loads of good food, good fun, and cool, quirky places to explore.
One of Kingston’s many beautiful murals from the O+ Festival.
Kingston Waterfront
favorite eateries :
HUTTON BRICKYARDS invites you to dine in your choice of two exquisite settings, atop the hill in the elegant 19th-century Edgewood Mansion or at their openair River Pavilion down by the riverbank. Whichever you choose, you’ll find creative flair applied to the best fresh local ingredients on the menu and memorable craft cocktails at the bar. huttonbrickyards.com
OLE SAVANNAH SOUTHERN TABLE AND BAR is beloved by locals and visitors alike for their waterfront views, tasty, creative menu and fun, laid-back atmosphere. If you’re planning a picnic, indoors or out, check out the Family To Go specials of comfort food for four. Sunday Buffet Brunch is another fave, with a sumptuous selection to which you can add unlimited build-your-own Bloody Marys or mimosas. olesavannah.com
ROSIE GENERAL is a delicious cafe, bakery, butchery, and general store housed in a charming historic building on the Rondout. Try melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches from their butcher shop piled high on house-baked bread, followed by pastries from their bakery. rosiegeneral.com
stay on the waterfront
HUTTON BRICKYARDS offers cozy, luxurious, elegantly updated guest rooms and suites in a Second Empire mansion or riverfront, Shaker-style King and Queen cabins designed and furnished for maximum comfort and tranquility, with private decks and lots of glass maximizing the splendor of your personal river view. There’s a seasonal spa, an Airstream trailer selling sundries, and a lovely property to explore. huttonbrickyards.com
shop the waterfront
FACETS OF EARTH offers fine jewelry, including bridal selections, from a long list of wildly creative designers with an emphasis on fine custom and handcrafted pieces from around the globe. You’ll also find luxurious perfumes, oils, and beauty products, and cool home decor. If you’re looking to pamper someone special, or yourself, come marvel at their ever-changing array. facetsofearth.com
HOPS PETUNIA FLORAL is the creation of a multi-talented designer who found her bliss doing floral arrangements and hand-picks her blooms from the best local farms and wholesalers, displaying the results in a shop full of warm, fragrant ambiance where you’ll also find an inspiring selection of the perfect gifts to go with. Hops also offers delivery all over the Hudson Valley. hopspetunia.com
NEXT BOUTIQUE is a women’s clothing destination curated by owner-buyer Beth Petramale, who journeys frequently to NYC and to the West Coast to choose just the right mix of trendy and classic to amaze and delight her customers. There are high-quality designer pieces here for women of every age and body type, along with the jewelry and accessories to complete your perfect look. nextboutique.com
FOLK HOUSE COLLECTIVE combines vintage with unique handmade pieces by an eclectic range of established and emerging creatives. The warm, collaborative vibes of the collective business model will renew your heart, and the array of beautiful pieces, frequently refreshed, will stir your own creative juices while offering one-of-a-kind treats that bring joyful energy to your own space. folkhousecollective.com
CHICORY NATURALIST is on a mission to help us rebuild our connections to the wild beauty all around us, and offers books, gear, games, puzzles, and gifts for all ages to inform and enhance those connections as well as a calendar full of crafting workshops and educational evenings. Whether you like to garden, forage, hike, or just look out the window, Chicory has something that you’ll relish. chicorynaturalist.com
play on the waterfront
HUDSON RIVER CRUISES: Board the Rip Van Winkle for a leisurely afternoon or sunset cruise past mansions, lighthouses, and all the glory of the majestic mid-Hudson shoreline complete with expert narration, or come aboard for a party evening with live music or DJ. Either way, you’ll find comfy places to sit (there’s shade and a climate-controlled lower deck) and snacks, light fare, and beverages to enjoy. hudsonrivercruises.com
HUDSON RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM: The glorious river that ties our valley together and its history, ecology, and beauty are a deep subject, and the HRMM is the place to dive in. Exhibits range from environmental and industrial history to the travels of Henry Hudson and one of the world’s few remaining intact steam tugboats; you can take a cruise on a solar-powered riverboat, tour the Rondout Lighthouse, and take boat-building, sailing, or rowing classes. hrmm.org
ARTPORT KINGSTON is a contemporary art gallery that “transform(s) unorthodox art spaces into imaginative, user-friendly platforms that defy genre and often lend to playful, engaging relationships with the artworks,” welcoming the community to exhibitions and events in a historic steamboat building. artportkingston.org
TROLLEY MUSEUM of New York offers a gift shop and exhibits, including trolleys from Germany, Belgium, Sweden, and Norway. On weekends and holidays, their trolleys leave every half hour from the foot of Broadway and will take you on a scenic shoreline ride to Kingston Point Beach. tmny.org
KINGSTON POINT BEACH was an amusement park in the steamboat era. Today it’s a mellow spot where Kingstonians and visitors can picnic, play, watch the Hudson roll by, launch a kayak, or cool off on a hot day. There’s a fenced dog park and a nine-hole disc golf course across the street from the parking lot.
MIDTOWN KINGSTON
shop midtown:
RED OWL COLLECTIVE is 10,000 square feet of browsing jam-packed with the constantly updated, wildly varied wares of over 50 vendors, curated by a mistress of all things vintage and design who has a gift for making a spacious, cozy, customer-friendly environment and attracting her fellow experts. Sssshhh—hear that melodious hoot? It’s a treasure at the Red Owl calling your name. redowlcollective.com
eat midtown
MASA MIDTOWN is the go-to for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy some Turkish-style tapas in the dining room and bar; at the market and cafe, you can rev up with a Turkish coffee and a freshly made pastry, then shop a selection of specialty teas, candy, fruit preserves, oils, and spices. Chef Oz grew up cooking traditional foods at her mother’s side in Brooklyn, and she’d love to cook some up for you. masamidtown.com
TILDA’S KITCHEN AND MARKET serves up community-inspired global cuisine while serving as a vibrant energy center for Midtown and home base for our local currency, the Hudson Valley Current. Friday nights throb with great dinners and live music: You can shop some local goodies and have a bowl of soup on the house, which may well whet your appetite for the bangin’ chicken sandwich. tildaskitchenandmarket.com
KINGSTON STANDARD BREWING CO. is a creative nano-brewery and test kitchen offering fresh small-batch beers with local flair. They’d love to get your feedback on their work! Come on in, order up a lobster roll and a pint of the latest, and head out to the shaded patio to relax amid the picnic-table public house ambiance and deliciousness. kingstonstandard.com
midtown wellness
ZEPHYR FLOAT invites you to escape from stress and tension and float into an idyll of tranquility. If you’ve never tried floating, you’re in for a treat—it’s good for a long list of aches and pains, both physical and mental, and helps you connect to your most creative self. This is a comfy, pristine float spa that welcomes one and all to its sanctuary of weightless healing; you can even opt to tack on a post-float massage. Zephyrfloat.com
play in midtown
ULSTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER brings a tasty variety of music, film, and theater to Broadway, everything from Met Live On HD opera to hard rock and comedy. Bardavon.org
CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION has a vast menu of dance, music, and play opportunities for kids and teens and evening drop-in sessions for adults in DXF (Dance/CrossFitness) and Xtreme HipHop Step Aerobics. cce4me.org
D.R.A.W., the Department of Regional Art Workers, is a dream made real — affordable art instruction and studio space for everyone, guided by superb teaching artists and celebrating the Midtown Arts District. Come check out their wildly creative, big-hearted doings and exhibitions. drawkingston.org
UPTOWN
shop uptown
ESTER WINE AND SPIRITS is a cozy shop with the finest selection of biodynamic and naturally made beverages, hand-chosen by an expert staff from boutique wineries and distilleries all over the world. Stop in at their new location, 34 John Street, and let the friendly, welcoming staff help you find a brand-new favorite flavor. esterwine.com
HAMILTON & ADAMS offers a distinctive selection of ruggedly elegant gear and accessories; they began with menswear, but have expanded to offer more goodies for the ladies and kids by popular demand. Their themed “Hudson Valley - Upstate & Chill” line is an extensive array of perfect local souvenirs, from hoodies, hats, and t-shirts to blankets and flags. hamiltonandadams.com
HERZOG’S is iconic Old Kingston, and a fabulous source for any project you have in mind, whether it’s an interior remodel, a major renovation project, or simply a refreshing new coat of paint. Their outdoor department is packed with grills, firepits, gardening supplies, power equipment, pavers, and everything else you need to craft a gorgeous hangout space; their gift department is stocked with locally-made gourmet edibles, nifty jewelry, and decor. herzogs.com
KINGSTON PLAZA, the only mall within city limits, defines convenience and practicality. There’s a friendly, well-stocked supermarket; there are art supplies, auto parts, CBD products, bagels, smoothies, hot yoga, haircuts, pizza, liquor, and more. With ample free parking and free bus service that will take you all over the city and beyond, Kingston Plaza is a down-to-earth, useful place to find just about anything you need. kingstonplaza.com
KINGSTON CONSIGNMENTS is a browser’s paradise, offering two floors packed with furniture, silverware, books, memorabilia, antiques, gadgets, and more. The constantly changing array offers everything from folk art and mid-century modern furniture to comics and posters, in moods ranging from classic elegance to the wildest of whimsy. facebook.com/KingstonConsignments
MAGIC HILL MERCANTILE: Besides mid-century modern furniture and home decor, Magic Hill has soaps, lotions, perfumes, fashions, and jewelry. Much of the merch is splashed with the gorgeous jewel-toned abstract art of co-owner Bruce Mishell; he and his business partner Moar Shefer curate still other things from all over the world to fill 8,000 square feet of browsing bliss. magichillmercantile.com
uptown wellness
BIRCH BODY CARE is an inclusive and homey wellness sanctuary where you can access solid, expert massage and skincare; you can get a side-by-side couple’s massage and enhance it with aromatherapy, hot and cold stones, or CBD cream, or specify a chakra to tune up. They’ve also got personalized facials and oil treatments to pamper your hair and scalp. birchkingston.com
eat uptown
BRICKMEN KITCHEN + BAR is the place to fulfill your longing for some lobster dumplings, short rib pasta, or other elevated comfort foods and wash them down with a creative cocktail, like maybe a Smoked Maple Old Fashioned. The theme is pure Kingston history—bricks helped make this town in more ways than one—the vibe is intelligent and laid-back, and the patio is gorgeous. brickmenkingston.com
FIRST CAPITAL POKE BAR specializes in fast, fresh and clean; healthy poke bowls and ramen can be customized to your taste with a long list of delicious options, or try one of their yummy Signature Bowls. It’s all put together by a Culinary Institute of America grad who fell in love with Asian flavor, studied under a Michelin-starred master in Ginza, and serves it all up at a Japanese-style pub. firstcapitalpokebar.com
HOFFMAN HOUSE RESTAURANT offers fine dining in a classic 1679 stone house in the heart of the historic Stockade, complete with wide plank floors, massive stone fireplaces, and period decor. There’s a lovely outdoor garden patio and a menu full of Continental classics like half roast duckling and sliced London broil, not to mention fresh seafood and handcrafted pasta. Hoffmanhousetavern.com
YUM YUM NOODLE BAR serves up Japanese noodle bowls, Southeast Asian street-food, and other Asian specialties, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Chef Erika Mahlkuch has a long and fascinating resume that includes a triumphant turn on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” and keeps the vibes fresh, fun, and quirky. yumyumnoodlebar.com
stay uptown
BEST WESTERN PLUS KINGSTON is pet-friendly and multilingual with full services including a business center, free WiFi, fitness center, and heated indoor saltwater pool. There’s room service from 5 till 10 pm, a breakfast buffet each morning and a 24-hour front desk, all within easy walking distance of the Stockade district. bestwestern.com
play uptown
KINGSTON FARMERS MARKET happens on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm in the County Courthouse parking lot and welcomes vendors of produce, flowers, meat, fish, dairy, baked goods, specialty foods, and ready-to-eat. This is the place to get some of our famed local ingredients to take home—or just grab a yummy lunch while browsing the Stockade. kingstonfarmersmarket.org
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC KINGSTON offers guided walking tours of both the Stockade and Rondout National Historic Districts, as well as brochures and audio that will let you guide yourself, and tours of the Fred J. Johnston House, a nifty Federal structure full of fascinating artifacts assembled by a connoisseur of the decorative arts. There’s also a gallery with themed exhibits. fohk.org
settle in
If you’re thinking of your own place in the Hudson Valley, connect with BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties' local experts, backed by a national network. They’ll handle everything from selling your current home to finding the perfect new one, plus movers, temporary housing, and insurance at bhhshudsonvalley.com. Or for a more independent approach? Opt for HALTER ASSOCIATES REALTY, a woman-owned firm combining hyper-local knowledge with cutting-edge tools for a personalized, tech-savvy experience. halterassociatesrealty.com