A Weekend in…Kingston
Our favorite businesses in our favorite towns.
At first it might be hard to figure out Kingston – it’s not straightforward in its geography or history. In 1777, briefly, it was New York’s capital before being burned to the ground. The topography can be tricky to navigate. The population is diverse racially and socioeconomically. Sometimes it feels like a city, which it is, but more often it feels like a small town. And this is what makes it cool – there’s a bit of something for everyone, different vibes for different moods and you can cover a lot of ground in a short time. The eclectic housing stock provides insight into the city’s past: you’ll find midcentury ranchs on large lots built for IBM executives (IBM was once the largest employer in the area) and also much smaller, older simply-built homes fashioned on bedrock made by and for shipyard workers in the 1880s when the town was a booming port. There are three districts: Uptown, Midtown, and The Rondout, also referred to as the waterfront. Kingston Point Park, where the Rondout Creek spills into the Hudson River, is worth a visit in any season and if you’re lucky you may spot a bald eagle.
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If you and your honey prefer to snuggle up and stay in (and don’t want to drive anywhere) . . . stay Uptown at the Hotel Kinsley. There are four buildings to accommodate guests–all charming and strategically located. In the morning, roll out of bed and around the corner to Rough Draft. What could be cozier than sipping a latte in a very old stone building turned book shop? Next take a walk up to Forsyth Park or get a massage at Birch Body Care. Buy gifts for her at Lovefield Vintage, River Mint Finery, and Flora. Buy stuff for him at Hamilton and Adams. In the evening, dine at LOLA Pizza. (We generally choose pizza whenever possible, but sometimes it’s nice to try new things!) Regardless, your meal should be followed by an apperitif at Stockade Tavern. The Senate House is across the street and perfect for a short, romantic stroll.
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If you and your significant other love food as much as you love each other . . stay at The Forsyth where Chef Tamara will cook you a phenomenal breakfast. For round two you can walk to Broadway to Half Moon, which is known for its doughnuts, made in house. The coffee is good too. TopTaste Restaurant must be on your list of to-dos, unless you’re more interested in a sandwich competition: Kingston Bread Bar vs. Rosie General. They’re tied in our book. (If you happen to be visiting on a weekday you can add Stone Soup Cafe to the sandwich competition.) Blue Cashew is a really cool place to get stuff for your kitchen. Exit 19 has lovely glassware. While you’re accumulating important food-related items, you might want to pick up a bag of coffee from Monkey Joe’s and a few bottles of wine from Ester Wine. For a romantic dinner, reserve a booth at Ship to Shore. You might have to share an entree! Finish the night off right with a drink at Brunette. And stumble/waddle home.
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Get a group together and stay at Church Des Artistes. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will not disappoint. If you’re flying solo stay at Union House, hosted by our very own UD agents, Lindsay & Solomon. Mention this newsletter when you book & they’ll treat you to a bottle from the carefully curated selection at nearby Kingston Wine Co. Be sure to stop by Clove and Creek at some point during your stay. If you’re lucky you’ll get to meet Scott, the owner, who has impeccable taste and greets everyone with a smile. For a healthy lunch check out Village Coffee & Goods. For something new to try with friends or a fun way to make new friends, the Kingston Ceramics Studio has a lot to offer. We’d also recommend hunting for vinyl at Rhino Records, stopping by Sweet Maresa’s for macarons, and timing your trip around a performance at Upac.
