Celebrate New York State’s First Capital–WEEKEND IN KINGSTON Highlights: • An engaging historic district with more to do than look at history • A bustling waterfront • Vibrant art scene • Fresh local food, outstanding restaurants and fun nightlife Take Adirondack – Pine Hill – New York Trailways on Friday night up to Kingston or Amtrak from Penn Station, New York City to Rhinecliff
Day One, Saturday
Hop aboard a boat for a cruise on the Hudson River. Two-hour, narrated, sightseeing cruises on the Rip Van Winkle depart at 2:30 PM from the foot of Broadway every weekend from May-Oct. In July and August, “The Rip” leaves twice daily, at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. No reservations are needed; the ticket booth opens one hour prior to departure.
For a shorter excursion take ride on "The Lark" to the historic Kingston Lighthouse. Once there you’ll tour this historic safe-keeper of the Hudson River and Rondout Creek channel with a volunteer docent. Reservations accepted at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, adjacent to Hudson River Cruises.
Back on dry land, you can shop, browse antique shops and art galleries and find food to please any palate.
Fashionistas will want to amble into Next Boutique which is known for incorporating updated classics with the most outrageous trends, amazing customer service and a fantastic jewelry collection. Brands include 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Rebecca Taylor, Hanky Panky, LaRok, Michael Stars, Nicole Miller and more.
For antiques, there are four wonderful shops in the Rondout. For a great selection of vintage clothes, jewelry, art and mid-century home décor try Mezzanine Antique Center, three blocks up from the waterfront.
Looking for something beautiful to hang on your wall? Just a few steps up from Mezzanine you’ll find Donskoj & Company, a magnificent gallery and home to the popular Artists’ Soapbox Derby taking place every August.
The perfect place for dinner is easy to find here. Mariner’s Harbor, The Steel House, Rosita’s, Savona’s Trattoria, Golden Ginza, Armadillo and Ship to Shore are all within walking distance.
Before heading off for the night at Rondout Inn, make one last stop into Madden’s Fine Wine & Spirits – you’ll be glad you did!
Looking for nightlife? Check out the line-up at Ulster Performing Arts Center. Performers like Ben Folds, Lewis Black and the Black Crowes play there along with vintage old movies and classic holiday performances of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. You can grab a locally brewed beer and listen to some great music at Keegan Ales or Sky Top Brewing. Or kick back, sip some wine & enjoy tapas at Elephant, 310 Wall St., the place Chowhound.com called “… unlike any other place up in the hudson valley. go, bring your palate and sense of adventure. can't wait to go back again.”
Day Two, Sunday:
We suggest sleeping late and grabbing brunch or breakfast at Ship to Shore or Dolce.
But for those who like to start the day with a little exercise, let the staff from the City of Kingston's Forsyth Nature Center take you kayaking in the Rondout Creek or the Hudson River where you can explore the wildlife and history of Kingston's great waterways. These trips can be designed for beginner or intermediate paddlers, but pre-arrangements are a must. The cost is $75 per person for a 2 1/2 hour trip. Fee includes kayak rental, paddle, lifejacket and guide service. To make arrangements call: (845)-331-1682, ext 132.
Or a less strenuous option would be a visit to the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The museum tells the river’s story through displays and collection featuring boats, models, photographs, paintings and artifacts. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics including Hudson River history, the river’s industries, ecology and the environment. Children can make brick rubbings and explore the museum while on a scavenger hunt. Waterfront festivals, educational programs, and lectures are available. Open May – Oct 31. Call: (845-338-0071) or visit: www.hrmm.org
While back down on the Rondout waterfront, visit the New York Trolley Museum where you can get a trolley ride on original tracks along the historic Kingston waterfront to Kingston Point Park on the Hudson River. Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day weekends and holidays, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Why not wander the grounds of the Old Dutch Church? With a congregation dating back to 1659, the churchyard contains numerous beautifully carved early Dutch gravestones as well as the gravesite of George Clinton, New York’s first governor.
When its time to leave take Adirondack—Pine Hill—New York Trailways, Amtrak from Rhinecliff or Metro-North from Poughkeepsie back to New York City and other destinations. And please come back again soon!
For contact information on places mentioned including operating days and times, and suggestions on places to stay, please see the following list.