If you want to explore the New York area, consider taking a trip to the Hudson Valley to visit the city of Kingston. This city is just a 2-hour drive from New York City and can be reached via a highway or the scenic route along the Hudson River. Kingston is an excellent location for visitors and an ideal spot to live in. Whether you want to live in Kingston or purchase an investment property, the city can provide a prosperous opportunity for real estate.
Kingston has something to offer everyone, full of historical sites, museums, outdoor activities, and eye-catching scenery. This is a family-friendly town, so bring your kids along to experience the beaches and explore the outdoors. Trendy restaurants offer a range of dining options, from upscale French bistros to contemporary Mexican spots.
A Brief History of Kingston
Kingston is the County Seat in Ulster County and became New York’s first capital in September of 1777, only to be burned to the ground in retaliation by British forces on October 13, 1777, after the Battle of Saratoga in the American Revolutionary War. New York officials and residents knew the British fleet was coming, and they temporarily evacuated to Hurley, New York. When the British troops arrived and could not find any remaining civilians, they turned the settlement into ashes and rubble. Kingston became a village on April 6th, 1805. Today, Kingston celebrates the 1777 burning every other year with a theatrical reenactment and production that begins at Rondout
Kingston saw substantial growth to the city in the late 1820s upon the completion of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The canal helped to provide a link between the cornfields in Pennsylvania. When railroads developed in Kingston in the 1860s, the population grew, helping the town develop a functioning economy. Popular jobs like boatbuilding, manufacturing cement products, and limestone quarrying helped strengthen the community. Eventually, companies that manufactured machine tools started to employ the city’s residents and helped to bring new people into the city.
The city also attracted, and continues to now attract, visitors and tourists. The Catskill Mountain Railroad is a hit amongst people traveling to the city. Beginning in 1982, this railroad runs almost five miles through surrounding towns and is a great option for sightseeing.
What to See in Kingston, NY
There are plenty of sights and activities to experience in Kingston. Between outdoor attractions, museums, and historic areas, entire families can take a day trip to the town and find various ways to entertain themselves.
Kingston’s Historic Districts
The Uptown Historic District is where many of the best attractions in Kingston reside. Instead of Main Street, you’ll travel down Wall Street, lined with quaint, vintage storefronts of unique shops and boutiques specializing in everything from homemade candy and delectable treats to collectible and/or antique specialty items. Peruse the local shops and art galleries daily, and check out the food and entertainment by night. Have a nightcap with the locals at an awesome pub, and don’t forget to take pictures! Kingston is a quaint, picturesque city with a friendly, family-oriented, artsy community.
Kingston’s historic districts consist of four different areas to explore. Tourists can roam through the streets and observe the architecturally notable houses and buildings between the Stockade, Fair Street, Rondout- West Strand, and Chestnut Street Districts. Visit the Rondout Lighthouse, or experience a culmination of architectural styles like Queen Anne and Colonial Revival in the Fair Street District. No matter where the day takes you, you’re bound to find something historic and visually inspiring.
Hudson River Maritime Museum
If you enjoy visiting and learning about historical sites, you should consider going to the Hudson River Maritime Museum (HRMM). Located right along the Hudson River, this museum is ideal for people of all ages looking to learn a little more about the city’s history. The museum features the history of shipping, boating, and other activities along the river. Interested visitors can even participate in solar boat tours, woodworking classes, sailing and rowing classes, and more.
Forsyth Nature Center
The Forsyth Nature Center is a free activity and the perfect surprise destination for kids. The handicapped outdoor facility provides an educational and interactive setting to help kids learn about their natural habitat, featuring plants and flowers, as well as native wildlife. This oversized facility consists of over 18 acres, complete with more than a dozen different gardens with the natural flora of Hudson Valley and 24 different animal exhibits. Whether you’re deciding to take in the beautiful scenery or watch a peacock shake its feathers, there is much to explore and enjoy at the nature center.
See the “Four Corners”
The intersection of Crown and John Streets, also called the “four corners”, is the only place in America where a house built before the Revolutionary War resides on each corner. The community has preserved each home, maintaining architecture reminiscent of early Dutch stonework. Visitors can walk through the intersection to look closely at the masonry and literally step back in time.
Kingston Point Beach
If you’re visiting Kingston during the warmer months, take a trip downtown to experience Kingston Point Beach. An appealing option for tourists and locals, this beach is ideal for swimming, beach volleyball, or walking on the sand along the water. The water is even calm enough to canoe or kayak. This beach provides activities for the entire family and is a place you should add to your to-do list when you are in Kingston.
Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is a popular place for tourists and locals to visit. While not technically in Kingston, it’s just a 30-minute drive away, and well worth the trip. This amazing and majestic site is nestled along the eastern Catskill Mountains on Spruce Creek and features a 231-foot, 2-stage waterfall with a 180-foot drop. The scenery is gorgeous, no matter what time of year you go. You don’t want to miss this when visiting Hudson Valley.
Kingston New York Restaurants
While spending time in Kingston, you’ll likely want to find delicious spots to eat rave-worthy meals. Kingston hosts plenty of spots worth trying, featuring different foods that appeal to many different tastes. Below are some of the top-rated restaurants in the area:
Ship to Shore
Though you can probably guess what kind of food this popular Kingston restaurant serves by the name, Ship to Shore is known for its fresh seafood options and simple design. You can sit outside and view the Hudson River from your table as you eat. Order delicious cocktails from the restaurant’s bar and enjoy your favorite seafood dishes. If you are not a shellfish fan, don’t worry, Ship to Shore serves pasta and meat dishes to cater to all customers.
Ship to Shore offers a Thanksgiving Feast for $50 per person if you happen to be visiting Kingston during the holidays. This all-you-can-eat buffet features all kinds of food options for everyone to enjoy. Make your reservation beforehand to experience this Ship to Shore feast.
Le Canard Enchaine
If you want a more refined dining experience, give Le Canard Enchaine a try. This refined French bistro offers traditional French dining, where Chef Jean-Jacques and his team craft dishes like duck confit, onion soup, and pork belly. Tourists and locals can dine at this establishment for lunch and dinner, and reservations are encouraged. The bistro is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly if you’re itching to dine at this must-try spot.
Diego’s Taqueria
Looking for a more casual and trendy meal? Give Diego’s Taqueria a try. Elena and Isaac Cruz opened this Mexican restaurant to provide a casual spot to enjoy all the different tacos and Mexican classics. The bar serves classic Mexican cocktails like margaritas and locally made craft beers. This restaurant is only open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Diego’s Taqueria also received the 2017 award for “Winner best of Hudson Valley: Taco Selection.”
Hoffman House
Dine in nature and history at the Hoffman House, a tavern restored from the 1600s that now serves American-style dishes. The restaurant serves generously sized dinner portions and also offers a lunch menu, among which are crowd favorites like burgers, oversized salads, and sandwiches. If you’re looking to grab a quick bite while exploring the Stockade District or hoping to sit in the backyard next to Revolutionary War re-enactors, this dining spot offers tourists the opportunity to travel back in time for a meal.
Hotel Kinsley
If you are just visiting the area and are looking for a hotel to stay in, try Hotel Kinsley. Conveniently located near the Catskill Mountains, this small 42-room hotel features classy furnishings and beautiful architecture that all travelers will appreciate. This hotel has a delicious restaurant with a bar right inside, so you don’t even have to leave for dinner. This is an ideal place to stay when visiting Kingston if you want easy access to the main attractions and a beautiful room. Call (845) 768-3620 for more information.
Kingston Real Estate
The city of Kingston is a great location for all kinds of real estate opportunities. Below are some of the best properties available in Kingston right now.
Photo contribution: RealtyHop
194 West Chestnut Street
This beautiful five-bedroom, three-bathroom home is located just a walk away from the Hudson River. Recently restored, this mansion is one of Kingston’s last two remaining buildings attributed to the British-American architect Calvert Vaux. This mansion sits on 2.6 acres of land and has an in-ground pool and a huge three-car garage. Featuring five bedrooms and three bedrooms, this home makes the ideal spot for a large family or potential investor. New to the market, this property came onto the market at the end of September 2022 with an asking price of $1,500,000.
Photo contribution: RealtyHop
7 Staples Street
This three-bedroom, 1 bathroom home at 7 Staples Street recently underwent renovations, providing sleek and modern finishes and plenty of natural light. Located within minutes of the town’s high school, families with children may find this location favorable. With new appliances, an open-concept floor plan, and glass sliding doors, there are plenty of features to appreciate in this home. The home currently sits on the market at $315,000.
Photo contribution: RealtyHop
129 Maiden Lane
Located in Historic Uptown Kingston, this stone house property is designed for the owner who appreciates a home with character. Step inside to appreciate the features like the wood-burning fireplace, personal home library, and a custom sauna. Down to the details like wooden beams and a green backyard, this $625,000 home offers six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Whether you’re looking for a second home that provides a relaxing getaway or a picturesque upstate investment, you will want to check out this listing.
Photo contribution: RealtyHop
141 Main Street
This recently redesigned home located one block from the historic Stockade District blends the original 1895 features with modern touches. Step into the kitchen to appreciate the oversized island with stainless steel appliances coupled with wooden beams across the ceiling. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home boasts over 2,300 square feet of space and receives plenty of sunlight. Complete with a full walk-up attic and basement, there are plenty of customizable areas for homeowners to make their own.
Conclusion
Kingston, New York offers plenty of exciting activities, restaurants, and real estate opportunities for visitors and locals. The historical town has plenty of attractions that appeal to various ages. Kids can enjoy the beaches and nature center while adults venture to the upscale restaurants and local museums. There are also many affordable and character-filled homes in the area for those looking to relocate or invest in the area.
