Welcome to an extra special edition of our HUTS Town Guide Series. Today we’ll be exploring Kingston with MJ Collum, real estate agent and Kingston area local! MJ got to tell us all about some of her favorite spots in this great town. Kingston is more like a small city compared to a lot of the other small towns and hamlets we’ve profiled, but even so Kingston is in no way lacking charm or places of solitude and offers the best of both worlds. 

Where to Eat:

MJ’s Picks: There are so many great options in the walkable Uptown Stockade District—from breakfast at Kingston Bread, to tacos at Diego’s, oysters at Boitsons, and delicious vegan/vegetarian fare at Outdated Cafe (where you can also shop their curated selection of vintage and antiques). Midtown’s food scene is located primarily along the Broadway corridor, and includes old standby PAKT, as well as newcomers and fast-favorites, Masa and Lunch Nightly. The waterfront Rondout section of Kingston has its own burgeoning food and retail scene, including small bites at Brunette Wine Bar, Italian classics from Savona’s Trattoria, and fresh seafood at Ship to Shore bistro.

What to do Outside:

MJ’s Picks: For outdoor activities take a stroll through the Kingston Farmers Market that’s uptown, or head over to the waterfront for another great farmers market! If you’re up to get a little more active try exploring one of Kingston’s Rail Trails. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a 22-mi path connecting Kingston to Rosendale, New Paltz, and Gardiner to the south. Or try the historic O&W Rail Trail, a 27 mile trail that runs west from Kingston to Ellenville. Some other great outdoor activities are strolling through the Uptown Stockade and popping in any of the various unique shops with beautiful historic storefronts under covered sidewalks! And a HUTS favorite and classic outdoor activity is renting kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards with Take A Day Away. Or for something a bit of a step up from that try sailing or boating lessons or a private sailboat charter on the Hudson with Osprey Marine.

What to do Inside:

MJ’s Picks: In need of some time indoors? Try brewery hopping from Kingston Standard, to Keegan Ales, then Great Life Brewing! If that’s not quite your thing MJ recommends the Hudson Valley Circus Arts for classes like Arco-Yoga and Aerial Hammock workshops! For something a bit slower paced check out one of Kingstons great book stores! Half Moon Books a classic used and rare book store with rows of fully stocked book shelves just waiting for you to dig through and find your next favorite book to bury your nose in. Or head over to this Rough Draft Bar & Books, this perfect mash up of a shop is just the place to sit and take it all in, check out their curated selection of new books while savoring a freshly baked pastry or cocktail! 

Where to Stay: 

MJ’s Picks: If you’re looking for a full-service experience, Hotel Kinsley is a top choice, located right in the middle of the Stockade and accompanied by the Kinsley restaurant. There are also some popular airbnb options, like the Forsyth B&B and the Church des Artistes, right in town—and larger compounds just outside the village,  like “7 Miles to Kingston” a historic stone home on 6 acres that sleeps 8 and is available for group stays or events, through my brokerage’s vacation rental arm, redcottageinc.com.

Featured Land Listing: 

MJ’s Pick: 4 acres with views of the Rondout Valley offers several choices of building sites. Located just 5 minutes from Uptown Kingston, this secluded lot is on a dead end road which is maintained by a deeded Road Maintenance Agreement with the neighbor down the hill! We love that neighborly love! Electric is also available right at the property line. Click here for more details on this listing.