A Guide to Visiting and Living in Downtown Kingston, NY

Brunette Wine Bar / Photo: AndNorth

The City of Kingston’s Downtown neighborhood sits at the edge of the Rondout Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. Like most riverfront towns, Kingston has a history rich with stories of early-1900s industries that came and went, leaving empty buildings in their wake. But after decades of revitalization, the Rondout neighborhood today is thriving with locally owned businesses, world-class cuisine, hip wine bars, community celebrations, and plenty of slips to dock your boat. Here’s what to see and do in Downtown Kingston.

REAL ESTATE

Waterfront views, historic brick buildings, and tons of character can be found in the homes that make up Kingston’s Downtown neighborhood. Click HERE for a look at current Downtown Kingston homes on the market. And be sure to stop by our Kingston office! We'd love to meet: 89 North Front St., Kingston, NY. 

DINE

Located in a former steel house, Ole Savannah is a southern-inspired restaurant offering a menu of hearty dishes like pulled pork, barbecue ribs, and fried oyster po’boys, usually in portions large enough to share. Plus, they have outdoor seating, where you can watch the sun set behind boats sailing by in warmer weather. Seafood lovers enjoy Ship to Shore, an American bistro that specializes in steak and seafood, and Mariner’s Harbor with its lively bar scene. Savona’s Trattoria offers Italian fine dining, whereas Armadillo and Mole Mole dish out Mexican favorites and flavorful margaritas.

Brunette Wine Bar Ph: AndNorth / Tacos by Armadillo / Ship to Shore Yellowfin Tuna Stack

A curated selection of wines by the glass or bottle is available at Brunette wine bar, whose amiable owners are always happy to share tasting notes. Hetta Glogg is a red wine infused with fruits and spices produced just a few doors down; stop by Hetta’s tasting room to enjoy wine and beer in a laid-back setting.

SHOP

Clove and Creek Photo by AndNorth

Bring your reusable tote bags for Downtown shopping. Browse antique furniture, tools, art, and more at Milne Home Antiques and Antiques on the Hill. Or, peruse the latest in home décor and gifts at Clove and Creek.

Facets of Earth

For trendy womenswear, try Zephyr or Next Boutique. Find handmade jewelry with sustainably sourced gems and metals at Facets of Earth — a company that also repurposes heirloom pieces into beautiful wearable art — or shop quality leather goods at Jay Teske Leather Co.

STAY

Church des artistes / Forsyth B&B

From modern B&Bs like the Forsyth Inn, to the charming Bel’s Inn, to the eclectic Church des Artistes (yes, it’s a former church), Downtown has no shortage of interesting places to spend the night that are just a stone’s throw from the action.

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Hudson River Maritime Museum

The Trolley Museum of NY displays trolley and subway cars from the US and Europe and offers rides on a working trolley. The Hudson River Maritime Museum features exhibits on the history of the Hudson River, from the Native American tribes that called the region home, to the great measures taken to protect the river, and even artifacts from steamboats that once sailed these waters. The museum offers excursions by boat to view the Kingston Lighthouse up close.

We hope you enjoyed this Guide to Downtown Kingston NY
Check out our other guides:

 A Guide to Visiting and Living in Uptown Kingston NY
 A Guide to Visiting and Living in MIdtown Kingston NY
 A Guide to Visiting and Living in Stone Ridge NY

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